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Wine Type Vintage Name Variety Locale Date Posted Score Helpful Comments Comment Date Community Score More...
Red

2018 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

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4/13/2024 - John McCabe wrote: 94 points

I was a bit shocked at how good this was - it's come on significantly since the last bottle I had last year. This was very well balanced, with delicious blue and black fruit, just the right amount of structure, a hint of acidity - very pure fruit, very complete and satisfying. This was great value at $42 from GrandVin. I've been to the winery a few times and found it to be a nice experience too, though it's gotten a bit too formal and expensive.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/15/2024 6:53:00 PM - Actually, I didn't decant it, and had it over the course of about two hours. Am guessing it would benefit from a bit of decanting. If I were flush, I'd probably join this winery and get some of their single vineyard stuff too, which I generally find really excellent, though too pricey for mere mortals like me.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/22/2024 9:25:00 AM - That's a great tip; I should check out auctions. Fruit bombs remind me of Caymus - I used to really enjoy their style up to and including the 2011 vintage, then loaded up on the Anniversary '12, and found it to be a complete fruit bomb and so sold them all off, never risking any subsequent vintage.
Red

2017 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Ferguson Vineyard Walla Walla Valley

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11/28/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 92 points

A bit underwhelming for the price of about $55. I think I had better success with previous vintages. Not one of my more favorite producers in Washington State

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    11/28/2023 8:51:00 PM - Thanks - I think I've seen that Bordeaux blend but haven't tried it. Yes, Andrew Will is possibly my favorite producer from the ones I've tried up there - The '15 Ciel du Cheval is a particular gem I've bought again and again as it's so delicious and enticing. I also enjoyed the more pricey Sorella and Champoux but not quite as good a price/performance as the Ciel du Cheval for me.
Red

2018 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon

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10/14/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 93 points

I've been to the winery many times and am fond of the tines. They are solid, balanced and attractive cabs at a nice price, and this is no exception.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    10/22/2023 6:58:00 PM - I didn't decant - likely would have helped though.

    This is one of the few wineries where their merlot is even better (I think it's only available at the winery or via their club though, and is even more pricey than their cab, surprisingly).
Red

2018 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

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3/9/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 92 points

This was quite charming right out of the bottle. Comes across as well-balanced with some enticing fruit and good structure. Showing pretty well already. I tend to like this producer and have been to the winery many times.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    3/9/2023 5:30:00 PM - Nice. I've always enjoyed my tasting experiences there. My last one was a walk-in and they accommodated just fine. Like many Napa producers they seem to have come up with some single vineyard cabs. I loved everything I tasted there, though their single vineyard fare can get so pricey. I bought a few of the reserve as it was a good price/quality ratio. Their black label can be killer stuff; one vintage of that really did a number on me but I can't remember which one - was about 17 years ago.
Red

2011 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

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3/5/2017 - John McCabe wrote: 93 points

Luxurious and velvety. This vintage for Caymus is head and shoulders above their silly '12 and '13.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    3/6/2017 11:27:00 AM - Yes, I was pretty shocked at Parker's wild praise of both the '12 and '13 (I think he rated them 96 and 94pts, respectively). To me, they taste like fresh grape juice that was left out on the counter for a few days ;-) . Since those ratings, I take Parker's opinion with more grains of salt than I did previously. This '11 really defies the reputation of '11 being an 'off' vintage though. I just managed to secure another 11 bottles of this on auction.
Red

2013 Yao Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Yao Ming St. Helena

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9/28/2019 - John McCabe wrote: 92 points

Cooler and more composed than many '13 Napa cabs I've had. A bit understated and middle of the road, maybe a bit over-priced.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    9/28/2019 9:53:00 PM - Yes, while quite approachable now it definitely should benefit from at least a couple more years of age.
Red

2001 Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

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4/24/2020 - John McCabe wrote: 91 points

Pretty nice cab, with still plenty of life left. Reminds me more of a Sonoma cab - has a slightly savory profile, with some earth. Drink now.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    5/10/2020 5:09:00 PM - Hi There, I didn’t decant myself and it showed pretty well right out of the bottle.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    5/10/2020 5:09:00 PM - Enjoy!
Red

2016 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard

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10/8/2022 - John McCabe wrote: 90 points

One of a six pack I got from Spectrum auctions, and again this batch is a bit awry. Had this standing upright in my cabinet for a few days. It showed reasonably well in many respects upon opening - the first glass was inky black, masses of dark black and blue fruit, and a bit more open than the first one of these I had a couple of years ago. But, there is just something awkward and awry going on - might have been stored poorly. I've enjoyed others from this producer, though the price is too high.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/18/2023 2:33:00 PM - Nice. Glad to hear my bad experience is hopefully not common.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    10/12/2022 10:08:00 PM - Yes, always a risk with auction buys, but sometimes you can land some gems on auction, so a bit of fun to try sometimes.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    10/9/2022 9:09:00 AM - Could be, but I've tasted earlier vintages of the two single vineyards and they were very appealing- definitely stacked and packed and to benefit from more time, but nothing awry. This batch was definitely affected on some way - there's a kind of rubber aspect that is very unexpected and unwelcome.
Red

2011 Fattoria Petrolo Galatrona

 Toscana IGT Merlot more
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11/11/2014 - John McCabe wrote: 97 points

Rating is more for potential than how it's showing now but it's still showing just fine. This is a big brooding monster, but refined and elegant at the same time. It's actually quite open and read to drink now, but will likely take on more complexity over time. This is supple, full-bodied, no edge anywhere, a bit one-dimensional right now but what a dimension. Very satisfying. I can see why Suckling rated it so high - my tastes tend to align with his vs. other reviewers'. 97+pts.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    12/5/2014 11:08:00 AM - Hi Dave, I'm not sure if I remember sweetness per-se, but it was certainly very tasty and drinking well. I think this will benefit from many years of ageing - at least five. From experience with other Italian merlots (Avignonesi Disiderio is a case in point, of which I've had many), they really shine with a few extra years of bottle age - more darker fruit is probably a good addition to expect with ageing here. I would try to hold onto these '11 Galatrona till about 2019 or so. Lovely wine

    Regarding the 2011 Fattoria Petrolo Galatrona Toscana IGT-does this wine
    exhibit sweetness across the entire palate or is there just a touch of that aspect? Also will the wines fruit take on darker aspects with time in the cellar? -Dave
Red - Fortified

1994 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage

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12/1/2013 - John McCabe wrote: 99 points

Probably the best port I've had from the two or three dozen good vintage ports I've tried. Really rich and decadent but at the same time somehow weightless. Almost transfixing and mesmerizing. So much power but also subtlety, ease and poise. Worth the price of admission.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    12/2/2013 10:13:00 AM - Hi Atkinsoj, yes, this port definitely still has a long life ahead of it. Honestly, I was tempted to rate this 100pts, but felt a bit to self-conscious doing it. This really is what seems to be a faultless gem of a wine.
Red - Fortified

2011 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage

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6/19/2020 - John McCabe wrote: 98 points

I can't believe how good this was. From a half bottle, and I've had a few before. But, this was really something. Lithe, effortless, so well integrated. You can barely sense the high alcohol, it's hidden so well. The sweetness was so delicate and unobtrusive too - it just sings. It feels older too, as everything is so in its place. Shockingly good! 98+pts.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    6/21/2020 11:57:00 AM - Hi dawgdaze, yes, the half bottles definitely age much faster. Twice as fast sounds like a lot, though maybe vintage port has a different ageing rate vs. other wines. Magnums age more slowly too.
Red

2014 Domaine de Chevalier

 Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend more
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5/7/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 94 points

This seems to have come a long way. The fruit is there, but a bit withdrawn, there is quite a bit of power and it's very resonant and extended. This is definitely within its drinking window now, though will continue to develop. Comes across as quite serious and deep. Glad I've one more.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    5/20/2023 12:12:00 PM - I actually didn't decant - just right from the bottle. I generally find this Chateaux needs more time than most but this was surprisingly open. I've a magnum of the '09 to look forward to some time soon :-).
Red

2014 Château Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse)

 St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/25/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 93 points

Was hoping for more from this. Had some richness, showed a bit of chalk and limestone that I sometimes find from right bank, which was welcome, but this missing any x-factor. Has some charm but feels expensive for the ~80 or so plus tax I paid upon release. I've two of the '18 - I trust they will be stronger showings, when the time comes. I once had a half bottle of the '89 and it was dreamy.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/27/2023 8:27:00 AM - Yes, I've always struggled with the '14 vintage, and this was better than most. The only Bordeaux I've had from this vintage that really sang was the Ducru Beaucaillou, though more pricey of course; I got five of them for a deal though - less than $100 from b-21 back in the day. I've only one left; hard to keep my hands off them.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/29/2023 12:07:00 PM - I have a couple of the '14 Domaine de Chevalier and I should try one. A friend even had their 2nd wine form the '14 vintage recently and loved it. The quality and approachability of Domain de Chevalier rouge seems to be improving a lot over the last few years - it used to be particularly closed - I've a magnum of their '09 and am still weary of opening it :-)
Red

2014 Château La Pointe

 Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend more
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9/13/2022 - John McCabe wrote: 92 points

Hard to rate this as it still feels quite closed which seems to be typical for this producer which really needs more time than most. Also, I've always struggled a bit with the '14 vintage. Held up ok on day 3, but the fruit was a bit more muted. One to forget about for another ten years.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    9/13/2022 5:18:00 PM - Yes, that's been my experience.
Red

2014 Château Malartic-Lagravière

 Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/15/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 92 points

My last of these from this vintage. Like so many Bordeaux from this '14 vintage the wine feels a bit awkward, hard and needing more time, while the '15 vintage is so much more accessible, with more charm. There are a few standouts from this vintage, like Ducru Beaucaillou, but not this.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/15/2023 6:59:00 PM - Thanks for the tip. I've a '14 Beausejour Duffau on hand and might just pop that one tonight. The alternative could be '14 Troplong Mondot, to compare it to the half bottle of '19 Troplong I still have left from last night. Will see.
Red

2015 Château Pontet-Canet

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
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8/12/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 93 points

My 2nd of these - last one I had was over five years ago, and this is still so hard to rate. Bottle from Costco, this again felt quite muted, light to medium bodied, not so concentrated, a bit awkward. I'll assume it's just not ready, but that might be a generous impression. I tend to struggle with this producer - the only notable exceptions were '09 and '07 which were fantastic. Just had half the bottle on night #1, so might be better on 2nd showing..
Better on the 2nd day - more alive and electric, still very light-bodied and a bit muted though. The absence of weight here is so different to the style of some other Pauillacs like GPL and Lynch Bages.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    8/13/2023 9:17:00 AM - This showed better on the 2nd night. There was more of an aliveness about it, though still somewhat muted and thin. Will try and forget about my remaining bottles for another five years at least. Even the '10 I had about a year ago felt unformed.
Red

2015 Château Tour Saint-Christophe

 St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend more
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10/1/2022 - John McCabe wrote: 93 points

Showing better than I remember from the one I had two years ago, this is starting to come together. The terroir is apparent with some sandy aspect, that I mentioned in previous notes, but the fruit is inviting and things are so balanced now. This is a great bargain and glad I've more. Even recent vintages remain undervalued for the quality here.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    10/1/2022 3:54:00 PM - Yes, Laroque is a standout too.
Red

2015 Château Fleur Cardinale

 St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend more
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8/29/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 93 points

This was quite satisfying - dark fruit, a bit of minerality, stacked and packed, but open enough at this stage. I tend to buy a few bottles of Fleur Cardinale in most vintages, and this was a good reminder why. 93+pts.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    9/9/2023 11:22:00 AM - I confess I didn't decant - just popped and poured. This is one of the '15s I found quite accessible now, at least relative to most from the vintage.
Red

2015 Château d'Issan

 Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/22/2022 - John McCabe wrote: 94 points

What a delicious gem. I always love d'Issan and this is no exception. Has the classy house style of a sweet core of blue and black fruit with a really cloaked, shrouded tobacco character with a hint of dryness and earthiness. Already singing, one wouldn't feel that it 'needs' more time though am sure more secondary and tertiary notes will evolve further. Wish I bought another case though am thankful I've two magnums hidden away.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    1/31/2023 2:53:00 PM - Nice! I've already had one or two of the '19 d'Issan by now and it's excellent - has all of the hallmarks of the chateau, and showing surprisingly well considering it's so young.

  • Comment posted by John McCabe:

    4/22/2022 10:21:00 AM - Yes, they seemed like a good deal - was $120 after tax for the magnums from K&L, though almost four years ago. I've a case of the '19 coming too; that was such a well-priced vintage, I guess because there was the overhanging threat of tariffs, which I'm glad didn't materialize.

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