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

2019 Château Gruaud Larose

 St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2/2/2023 - Purple Tooth wrote: 95 points

This is either an ace for the Gruaud lover of old school Bordeaux or a head scratch for why and what the rest of us keep sniffing our glass for....This is probably the best Gruaud since 2000. Really impressive. I need more, someone please help me....BUY_HOLD_

* I think this will hit 98+ with time for the funky Gruaud bunch. A Bordeaux drinker's masculine style Bordeaux.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/15/2024 7:20:00 AM - You sold me!

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/21/2024 3:02:00 PM - I saw your latest review of this too, and thanks for your comments on the '23 vintage.
Red

2014 Blankiet Estate Prince of Hearts

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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3/30/2024 - Sanlucar wrote: 89 points

Cherry juice, dark-roasted black coffee, cedar, spices, and oak. Acid seems a bit high; not as good as I had hoped. If you have this wine, drink it now.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/15/2024 2:18:00 PM - I had a similar experience with this wine in another vintage. Underwhelmed.
Spirits

NV Doc Swinson's Exploratory Cask Series Batch #22 French Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 55.3%

 Grain more
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5/8/2024 - Redteeth wrote: NR

Delicious Bourbon with a nice finish. Too bad it's so hard to find.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/14/2024 1:55:00 PM - It sure is hard to find.
Red

2018 The Mascot

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2/19/2024 - BellevuePhil Does not like this wine: 90 points

Amidst the cacophony of accolades and praises that often accompany the unveiling of a new vintage, there occasionally emerges a dissenting voice, a contrarian perspective that dares to swim against the tide of popular opinion. Such is the case with my experience of The Mascot Wine, particularly its 2018 vintage. While many wine enthusiasts and critics alike have lauded it with fervent praise, I found myself distinctly unimpressed by its offerings.

Maybe too young? Has the 70's Left Bank Spoiled thee?

The Mascot Wine, established as a sister label to the highly esteemed Harlan Estate, carries with it a weighty legacy and a lofty reputation. With its roots firmly planted in the revered Napa Valley, expectations for its wines are understandably high. However, as I delved into a tasting of the 2018 vintage, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment lingering on my palate.

Did I breath it long enough? 2 hours?

One of the most notable aspects of The Mascot Wine is its pedigree. Coming from the same stable as the legendary Harlan Estate, it's easy to assume that greatness is a given. Yet, while the familial ties may be strong, the wine itself failed to captivate me in the same way as its illustrious counterpart. Perhaps it's unfair to draw direct comparisons, but when one considers the lineage and the price point of The Mascot, such comparisons are inevitable.

From the moment the wine met my lips, I was greeted with a bouquet that hinted at promise however.......—a deep symphony of dark fruits, subtle oak, and a hint of spice. Yet, as I allowed it to linger on my palate, I couldn't shake the feeling of unfulfilled potential. The flavors, while certainly present, lacked the depth and complexity that I had anticipated. Instead of a crescendo of flavors dancing across my taste buds, I found myself confronted with a rather one-dimensional profile that failed to evolve or entice with each sip.

One of the hallmarks of a truly exceptional wine is its ability to transport the drinker to another time and place, to evoke emotions and memories with each sip. In this regard, The Mascot Wine fell short of the mark for me. While it possessed a certain level of finesse and polish, it lacked that intangible quality that sets truly remarkable wines apart from the rest. Instead of whisking me away on a journey of sensory delight, it left me feeling oddly detached, as though I were merely going through the motions rather than experiencing something truly extraordinary.

Furthermore, while I understand that wine appreciation is inherently subjective and personal, I couldn't help but feel that The Mascot Wine failed to justify its lofty price tag. In an industry where prestige often comes with a hefty price, one expects nothing short of perfection for such a significant investment. Yet, with The Mascot, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was paying more for the name on the label rather than the liquid in the bottle.

Of course, it's worth noting that my experience with The Mascot Wine is just that—an experience. Palates vary wildly from person to person, and what may be lackluster to one individual may be a revelation to another. Indeed, there are countless oenophiles who swear by the virtues of The Mascot Wine and extol its virtues with fervent enthusiasm. However, as someone who approaches wine with a discerning eye and a critical palate, I cannot help but offer a dissenting opinion amidst the chorus of praise.

In conclusion, while The Mascot Wine undoubtedly has its merits, particularly in its association with the esteemed Harlan Estate, I found myself underwhelmed by its 2018 vintage. Despite its pedigree and reputation, it failed to deliver the depth, complexity, and emotional resonance that I have come to expect from wines of a similar caliber. While others may rave about its virtues, I cannot help but feel that The Mascot Wine fell short of the mark for me. As with all matters of taste, however, I encourage others to sample it for themselves and draw their own conclusions. After all, wine appreciation is as much an art as it is a science, and beauty truly lies in the eye—or in this case, the palate—of the beholder.

It’s to self: not ready give as gifts

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/11/2024 6:05:00 PM - Yes, I too was underwhelmed.
White

2019 Kareen Wine

 Lodi Viognier more
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4/23/2024 - Dan & Krista Stockman Likes this wine: 90 points

This may be the fruitiest wine we've ever tasted - an absolute parade of citrus, pineapple, banana, kiwi and on and on. Not sweet, but so fruity it almost fools you into thinking it is. Amazing. Drink now.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/8/2024 10:27:00 AM - Interesting review, where did you purchase this wine?
White - Sparkling

NV Le Brun de Neuville Champagne Le Chemin Empreinté Extra Brut

 Chardonnay more
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5/1/2024 - CharlesHK Likes this wine: 90 points

*Disclaimer: I've always enjoyed pinot noir or pinot meunier dominant champagne far more than blanc de blancs. Always. Anything over 35% chardonnay raises eyebrows with me. So I've been on a quest to see if I can find a rich, full, luxurious blanc de blancs. Can it be found? How did Le Brun de Neuville, a maker I really admire, fair?

Better than I imagined.

Base vintage, 2017 75%; reserve, 25%. Purchased two days ago! I would guess about 10 to 20% is aged in old oak. Sealed and aged at Le Brun de Neuville under cork, not star cap. Cork looks older than most champagne purchased and consumed without significant bottle aging. Unique. Disgorgement date: February 2023 (cork looks about 8 years old, no mushrooming). Dosage: 4g/l. 12.5%. Served initially at 8C, but markedly better at 12C; amazing difference in nose and taste.

Served in a champagne saucer glass, not a flute, and I think this is pretty important. Ditch the flutes!

Colour: straw. Nose, particularly when warmer, is rich buttery pastry. Wow. Just like you find on a Galette des Rois. Mouth-watering. Enchanting to be honest.

Taste: doesn't live up to the bouquet at this stage. And, to be honest, given my experience with ageing blanc to blanc which is virtually zero, I can't say if it will ever get richer. But, if it does, I will love this champagne.

Its got a full buttery, rich nose that is more complex than the taste. This was really noticeable as the champagne warmed up. The taste is horizontal across the tongue, not linear down the tongue. In this, it seems rather one dimensional. But, it is light years better than any Blanc de Blanc I have yet tasted.

How is this going to age and should I purchase six to find out? Hmmm. 2017 was not a great vintage and I believe 2016 is now being released. This might account for the 2017 base being on sale right now in HK. But, as blanc de blancs go, this is number 1 by at least 5km. I wouldn't hesitate to serve it to guests with a meal, not as an aperitif.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    5/1/2024 5:32:00 AM - Good review.
Red

1961 Château Latour Grand Vin

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/29/2024 - rnellans wrote: 98 points

Cru Crew Wine dinner hosted by Brad England (Mara restaurant at the Four Seasons hotel in Minneapolis, MN.): Served alongside '61 Mouton Rothschild, Lafite, LaMissioin HB and Petrus in a tasting/dininer preceeded by 19 vintages of Ramonet Montrachet. Needless to say, my palate may not be 100% up to par. Although not bought on release this bottle is the last bottle of a case and has been in my cellar for more than 50 years. Wow wine to me. Tobacco, dark fruits on the nose. It shines on the palate with layers of rich fruit, soft tannins. Very long lingering finish. Best of the flight for me without question.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/29/2024 10:07:00 AM - Wow, 50 yrs holding this, there must have been some scary times for cellar temperature control.
Red

2019 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

 Napa Valley more
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4/14/2024 - bsumoba wrote: NR

Not sure what happened here, but blind, this came off with a bit of a candied fruit nose. Not quite Caymus or Myriad, but it was not what I typically see from La Pelle. Bottle variation?

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/23/2024 3:27:00 PM - Well that must have been disappointing, but then the competition was fierce.
Red

2019 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

 Napa Valley more
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4/14/2024 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 95 points

Eyes Wide Shut - Day 2 (A quiet place): Nose: Sweet, ripe red fruits, and deep earth.

Palate: Also ripe on the palate, deep earth with a nice bitterness. There is a soul of dark minerals, giving the flavors a bit more depth.

It drank fine, but for some reason, this gave off the impression that it was a little lazy? As if, it could've given off a bit more. Could've benefited from more air for sure. With the initial ripeness that I detected, I am just truly thankful it did not have that manipulated feel/taste.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/23/2024 5:36:00 AM - Interesting that this was chosen as part of the event. Good reading on all event notes, thanks!
White - Sparkling

2012 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut

 Chardonnay more
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4/19/2024 - peternelson Likes this wine: 93 points

sappy, masonry; strong yeasty element, "waffles"; elegant, fine bubbles, tart apple but still rounded; long lingering finish (dry and minerally). At Wine Market Party in Ebisu Park Mall Blind Tasting Bar.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/22/2024 6:16:00 AM - Darn good review for a tasting, thanks.
White - Sparkling

2012 Dom Pérignon Champagne

 Champagne Blend more
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4/13/2024 - zpieces Likes this wine: 95 points

Enjoyed this tremendously. Terrific champagne. Light straw color. Toasty brioche and citrus on the nose. Lovely on the palate with a little lemon, apple, nuttiness. Could I have let it rest longer? Sure. But no complaints with enjoying today.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/21/2024 12:07:00 PM - Good notes, I'll open one this year.
Red

2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/19/2024 - ajm2573 Likes this wine: 97 points

Brick red is color. Lots of cocoa notes on the nose. On the palate chocolate and red fruit. Silky tannins well in integrated. Will be good for another 5 years. YUM

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/21/2024 12:06:00 PM - Sounds great, how much air time was given?
White - Sparkling

2012 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut

 Chardonnay more
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4/16/2024 - chablis28 wrote: 95 points

Heidi's Crew at St Geneive Minneapolis "quarterly". CV,KB,LI,SS,CS&DD. Tonight was outstanding & so much so, the group voted to meet monthly going fwd. StG's menu tonight screamed Burgundy so that didn't hurt. My btl flighted with Candace's placid ethereal & mesmerizing '02 Dom P2. Quite a challenging flight for a new release and yet the '12 Comte rose to occasion with its signature surreal blend of, tamed energy, complex & pristine fruit, mineral and intensity. The Dom won out with its overall undeniable sense of harmony and "how do they do it" supple classiness. Elixir for the Gods & when the stars align, mere mortals like me. Lucky to be drinking a glass of both wines tonight. Especially, the '02 P2!

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/21/2024 12:03:00 PM - Enjoyed your notes and profile. Cheers!
Red

2010 Clarendon Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Hickinbotham

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2/23/2024 - 716_cellar Likes this wine: 92 points

Solid bottle with more life to go; Deep ruby in glass with little/no translucency, Rich dark fruits on the nose and palate, noticeable minerality underneath; long finish and med+ tannin. Price point too high today to acquire more of this, but it was enjoyable.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/12/2024 5:34:00 AM - I grew up in the 716 area code and have been a fan of this wine label in the past.
Red

2014 Château Léoville Barton

 St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/11/2024 - Arcturus wrote: 92 points

92. Rustic. Subtle notes of graphite and cassis on the nose. Palate is balanced with sweet core of fruit and a layered finish.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/11/2024 8:33:00 PM - I love rustic.
Red

2005 Château Léoville Barton

 St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/9/2024 - platpeeps Likes this wine: 94 points

A modern day classic; there were savoury and seasoned dark fruits, and spice supported by melting tannins which yielded a mocha finish. It had lift, dimension and complexity, developing a super-rich mouthfeel without ever being too weighty. Each mouthful revealed a new dimension and pleasure. Impressive. CHP 94 pts

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/11/2024 8:50:00 AM - Your notes remind me of my first review, I hope to say the same and more very soon about my second review.
Red

2009 Château Montrose

 St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more
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4/10/2024 - garymouton Likes this wine: NR

Four hour double decant, but this wine was still very tight for me. I was struggling to get primary fruit here let alone some of the secondary characteristics some have described. It certainly has all the structure to be a great wine, but I am not touching another bottle until 2030 at the earliest. Did not have with food, which might have softened the tannins. Bought on release.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/11/2024 8:05:00 AM - Wow, you bought this on release. I don't know how you had the patience...
Red

2019 Château Valandraud

 St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend more
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7/1/2022 - Purple Tooth wrote: 92 points

At a 2019 event, one of the tasters in the room pointed me to the Valandraud table. I think the price had her hypnotized.

This picks up where Napa starts. Clearly a Saint Emilioak style with a river of Napa valley running through it. Nor here nor there...Not a fan of this style. If I bought this, I would hold it for 15 years...HOLD

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/3/2024 7:21:00 AM - Hi PT. Every time I see this wine I think of the documentary/movie "Mondovino", the proprietor is interviewed and he implies that he styles his wine in a RP pleasing kind of a way. Lots of new oak.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    4/3/2024 7:57:00 AM - Well said, agree.
Red

2002 Foppiano Petite Sirah

 Russian River Valley more
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2/25/2024 - WineGuyX Likes this wine: 92 points

Still quite dark and saturated! Aromas of baked, very ripe blackberries, wild blueberries, oak and spice box. The palate is still somewhat tannic and gritty with leather, oak and baked black cherries as well as some herbal notes. Past its prime but still drinking! 92

T says 94

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    3/18/2024 3:45:00 PM - Amazing!
Red

2021 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon Soil Specific

 Sonoma County more
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3/17/2024 - bsumoba Likes this wine: 97 points

But, you can buy 5 for the price of 1...: A bit muted on the nose, but with swirling, came to life. Glides on the palate with ease. There is a lightness but also a density that carries itself through on the palate. Amazing value and hold its own amongst big boy Napa names. Even after 4 hours, this stayed very consistent. The complexity for me lacks a bit and makes me wonder if this wine is meant to be drunk early. If you are looking for a great wine for a gift or have a special occasion but are not willing to break the bank for it, then this is your jam!

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    3/18/2024 1:24:00 PM - Wow that's a big score. I liked your taste test concept, I read the eviews.
Red

2015 Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon

 Napa Valley more
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3/8/2024 - WineGuyDelMar Likes this wine: 95 points

Decanted one hour. Perfect cork that looks brand new. Dark black color. Nice Cab nose. Earthy and opulent. Lots of flavor layers. Not too sweet. Many more years to go but drinking great now. Excellent. Last year for Kobalt.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    3/18/2024 8:42:00 AM - High praise from you!
    I should finally decide to get some from this producer.
Red

2005 Château Léoville Barton

 St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more
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3/14/2024 - ayalao3 wrote: 94 points

93-94. In its drinking window showing fruit and some tertiary elements seem to creep in. Read Englishman Claret’s note.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    3/15/2024 12:03:00 PM - I like your contact picture.
Red

2019 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

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2/15/2024 - Vinnut Likes this wine: 93 points

Deep, dark reddish-purple in color; almost opaque. Full, forward & fragrant nose of dark fruit aromas of cherries, blackberries & cassis with overtones of earthy/dusty, floral notes of violets & herb notes, minerals, spices, graphite, dark cocoa & a hint of vanilla/oak in the background. Full bodied with a very good concentration of still developing, well balanced & smooth textured, rich, ripe dark fruit flavors of cherries, blackberries & plums with spices, cocoa, herbs, minerals & vanilla/oak. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & extended airing but will develop further with additional aging. A classic & solid Howell Mtn. Cabernet well worth acquiring.

  • Comment posted by wineotim:

    2/15/2024 4:58:00 PM - Looking forward to the next 5 weeks or so for me to pop one.

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