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

2000 Chateau Musar

 Bekaa Valley Red Blend more
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5/15/2024 - aagrawal wrote: 90 points

Stood up for weeks and decanted off its sediment. Opened up over an hour in the decanter. Medium ruby with bricking consistent with a 24-year-old wine; aromatic, roasted red pepper, red cherry; medium-bodied, medium-plus acidity, balanced 13.5% alcohol, some red fruit but certainly on the mature spectrum, slight sweetness that comes with age for Musar; finish is medium length. Consistent with my previous bottle earlier this year: mature, ready to drink, enjoyable, balanced, but not the most complex Musar. 90
Over the next 6-8 hours, largely unchanged (similar to my last bottle). I think this is a vintage of Musar to drink now.
Day 2: Just like last time, this is still enjoyable and has not fallen apart, but it hasn't gained anything either.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    5/16/2024 6:38:00 AM - Agreed, I should have clarified that I tried it the first time after an hour, but then again over the next 6-8 hours. It was largely unchanged. I agree that Musar typically evolves well with significant air, but this vintage did not.
White

2017 Domaine Henri Boillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère

 Chardonnay more
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3/6/2024 - jhngo wrote: 88 points

A bit advanced already

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    3/7/2024 8:18:00 AM - I opened up one yesterday and didn't think it was advanced from half bottle, but there is likely a lot of variability. Certainly there are multiple notes like yours, unfortunately. I have more that I plan to drink through relatively soon. It's a great wine when it's on!
Red

2019 Trediberri Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata

 Nebbiolo more
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2/3/2024 - drwine2001 wrote: NR

2019 Barolo Masterclass at La Festa del Barolo (The Pool, New York): Translucent light ruby, clear edge. Powerful aromas of dark fruit and soil with warm spice joining later. Medium to light bodied. Soil runs through it from beginning to end. Tar, high acidity, and lean, dusty tannins. Surprisingly little fruit. I tried to coax it along, and it did sweeten slightly, but it remained stubbornly tart and dry. Not pleasing at all today and a disappointing first wine.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    2/3/2024 8:12:00 PM - Thanks for the notes! It sounds like a lot of the 2019s weren't drinking particularly well right now? I've heard from others that it's a particularly hard vintage to drink young, nothing like 2016 on release. But still everyone swears the vintage is excellent, so I've still been buying my favorite producers...
Red

2019 G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera

 Nebbiolo more
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1/11/2024 - Ben Christiansen wrote: NR

Gosh darn that smells good. And tastes amazing too.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    1/11/2024 5:03:00 PM - Not too young? I heard the 2019s were brutal on the tannin, and Ravera is not usually an approachable wine.
Red

1996 Château Mouton Rothschild

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
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1/10/2024 - aagrawal wrote: 92 points

Dinner with Herwig (Foliage, SF): Youthful ruby-purple; medium aromatics, blackberry, youthful fruit; palate is full bodied, balanced alcohol and acidity; medium-plus finish. This seems young and needs more age or time. Like 2 more decades… 92++

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    1/10/2024 8:32:00 PM - The ‘99 is perfect now. This ‘96 seemed very young by comparison. I think ‘96 Bordeaux in general is great now (Lagrange, Leoville Barton, etc), but this wine could use more time.
Red

2010 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole

 Nebbiolo more
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12/25/2023 - Oechsle wrote: 90 points

Based off recent posts by other tasters here, thought I’d give it a go.
My expectations may have been too high but, this is quite Unremarkable. Consumed over two days served both at room temperature and slightly chilled. Color starting to Brick, Nose is Dead even after 48+ hours. Some lift, Alcohol, tingling acidity with hints of dried plum. Palate shows firm tannins with some bitterness a’la amarone, Dry fruit palate, leaning black, lacks definition, monolithic, raw tobacco, acidity green edged. Cork’s in great shape, no bret, purchased upon release and stored at 55.
No Tar, No Roses, No Strawberry, Hope its just closed. Wont touch another for 5 years… Other 2010’s (Rocche Annunziata, Runcot, Brunate, Bricco Boschis) have showed better… Na zdrowie

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    12/25/2023 6:00:00 PM - I haven't tried any of my bottles, thanks for the note as the other notes were quite tempting. I'll wait a bit longer as well.
White - Sweet/Dessert

2011 Château Rieussec

 Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend more
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12/14/2023 - W75 Likes this wine: 92 points

Hmm, yes, of course, it’s rieussec, and it’s a great vintage for Sauternes and here we have a Sauternes that fulfills anything that can be expected from a great Château in a great vintage……but if things are that „perfect“ I miss a bit of the „special“ impression rieussec gave me so often. And I had glorious moments with the 88, 03 and of course the 99. to me this is a „modern style“ of rieussec everyone will surely love. But: rieussec can be so much more. And to experience this the 2011 is not developed enough; although and without any doubt it has the potential to be overwhelming in 10 to 20 years. But to me, for now, I would choose another vintage to really experience the magic of rieussec. In other words: buy, store….and wait;) (it’s a 92 plus)

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    12/14/2023 2:28:00 PM - Agreed, Rieussec more than most needs time from release to be truly great. Sometimes you can get close with a lot of air (like many days), but it's not a substitute for time.
White - Sweet/Dessert

1989 Château d'Yquem

 Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend more
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12/3/2023 - ohne_musik wrote: 97 points

All Sauternes, All Night (R & G Lounge, SF): A truly great wine. So much to unpack here. The complete package on the nose - white and yellow flowers, cold steel, botrytis spice, well integrated oak, some subtle white truffle. So complex on the palate, it sends shivers down the spine, with golden raisin, fine honeyed mead, creme brulee, saffron, more white truffle, and a gobsmacking finish that goes on for minutes. Others at the table thought this was perhaps a bit more advanced than it should be, but I found it to be a complete stunner.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    12/3/2023 11:28:00 PM - I think we were on the same page with this one. =)
Red

2019 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo

 Nebbiolo more
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11/26/2023 - aagrawal wrote: 92 points

Pale youthful translucent ruby; high intensity aromatics, red fruited, strawberries, floral/roses, some candied cherry; palate is light bodied, high youthful tannin, candied strawberry, red fruited, medium-plus acidity, balanced alcohol; finish is medium length. Nicely balanced, surprisingly tannic for even early Burlotto classico, seems like this will evolve well in 5-10 years. The robust tannins suggest that opening this now may have been a mistake, but I think with food it will integrate nicely and show well. Next bottle in 5+ years. 91+
Over 2 hours and with dinner, the tannins were well balanced and the wine retained its red fruitedness and elegance. Lovely even now, but much more ahead. 92+

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    11/26/2023 6:36:00 PM - It’s definitely better with a bit of air and a bit of food, but more than I’ve seen in past vintages of Burlotto. Still drinkable through the tannin, but I think it will be better in 5 years.
Red

2019 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo

 Nebbiolo more
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11/2/2023 - Klugi Wine Likes this wine: 97 points

Tasted at the cantina.

Another legendary Barolo in the making hitting all the right notes. Like most of the other 2019s I had so far there is a lot of structure here with a rather vertical bouquet. It convinces with red fruit, sour cherries and a touch of wild strawberries, violets as well as a whiff of blood orange I enjoy so much and often get in Maria Theresa's Barolos.
This delicate wine has so much inner strength and ultra refined tannins, it will be exciting to see how it will develop with appropriate bottle age (give it at least 5-10 years) but its always important to try those wines in there youth.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    11/2/2023 5:24:00 PM - Would love to try this in its youth, but I'm often only allocated one bottle! I try to save them for about 10 years and open them then.
Red

2011 Cappellano Barolo Piè Rupestris Otin Fiorin (Gabutti)

 Nebbiolo more
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10/14/2023 - aagrawal wrote: NR

Dinner with Tim and Elliott (Millbrae, CA): Decanted off 2oz fine sediment. Light ruby, lighter than the 2011 Rinaldi, bricking as expected for young Nebbiolo; aromatic, strawberry, tar, not quite tamari but headed there with more time, less floral but some underlying rose petal; palate is light bodied, well integrated medium-plus tannin, high acidity, fresh and red fruited, lovely depth and flavor with a bit of tamari here; finish is medium-plus length. Really lovely, arguably more ready to drink now than the Rinaldi 2011 Tre Tine, fabulous aromatics and I love the lightness and elegance for a warmer year. One of the best Cappellano for drinking now, and no warmth/heat at all with this bottle. Drink now and over the next 5-10 years.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    10/14/2023 11:02:00 PM - Yes. Past bottles have been anywhere from good to excellent, but this finally feels like it has hit its prime. Just wonderful balance from start to finish.
Red

1994 Dominus Estate Napanook Vineyard

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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10/7/2023 - levinml wrote: NR

I don't get it. I wait 30 years and this is what I get? I mean, it's good and everything, but why? So many better wines, so much younger and for so much less. Sorry I don't have any more. I'd sell the lot for $500 each (Benchmark price) any day. Someone please explain this to me.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    10/8/2023 11:10:00 PM - Nothing to explain, either it floats your boat or it doesn't. I have loved this wine whenever I have tried it, but plenty of wines I haven't liked that others loved. Saves me some money that I can spend elsewhere.
Red

2003 Château Branaire-Ducru

 St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more
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7/5/2023 - nkirsch wrote: 87 points

The cork was dried out as were a few other bottles. I think this wine is 5 years past its drink by date. Wine was alright, and drinkable, but nothing special

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    7/5/2023 10:47:00 PM - I liked this a good bit more than you did. I think it shows a lot of balance and enjoyment. Probably ready to drink, but I don't think it's declined much over the past few years.
White - Sweet/Dessert

2008 Château d'Yquem

 Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend more
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5/27/2023 - m8igemat wrote: 94 points

My first Yquem. Surprisingly developped; Caramel and nutty goodness taking prominence over ripe fruit flavours. Best Sauternes I’ve ever drank but missing the ‘wow’ effect I was hoping for considering the legendary status of this chateau.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    5/27/2023 9:29:00 PM - This wouldn't necessarily be my choice of vintage for the "wow" effect of Yquem, or if it was it might need another 10 years at least.
Red

2016 La Ca' Növa Barbaresco Vigna Bric Mentina Montefico

 Nebbiolo more
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4/27/2023 - jonahfactor wrote: NR

Still painfully young and not revealing much, even after a two-hour decant. Some wild strawberries and red currants on the palate. But the acidity and tannins crowd out much else right now. Not sure if this will ever come together. Regardless, hold until at least 2025.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    5/3/2023 8:41:00 PM - On release this was a tannic monster. I'm hoping these open up eventually, but it may take another decade.
Red

2018 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo

 Nebbiolo more
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3/14/2023 - aagrawal wrote: 91 points

Dinner with the wine group (Zazie's, San Francisco): Pale ruby; aromatic, red fruited; clean, elegant, floral and red fruited, high acidity but balanced, high alcohol but balanced; medium finish. Lovely wine, expensive compared to its competitors but has a unique style. 91

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    3/14/2023 9:07:00 PM - Yes, almost certainly true! This was a friend's bottle and it was fairly good, but the '13s and '16s are probably much better!
Red

2018 Oddero Barolo

 Nebbiolo more
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3/13/2023 - aagrawal wrote: 90 points

Coravin. Light ruby; aromatic, red cherry, some floral, high toned; light bodied, tons of red cherry, high alcohol (14.5%, seems that high or higher), high tannins though not harsh, high acidity; medium finish. Enjoyable now or with a few decades, though for drinking today the alcohol seems a bit high for the palate density. 90

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    3/13/2023 4:37:00 PM - Thanks for the context! I haven't tasted 2018 too broadly, so I've mostly stuck with a few producers that I know, and even then Oddero is the only one I've tried so far. I've enjoyed the bottle, but it's been pricey for the quality and I'm not saving any in the cellar to age...
White - Sweet/Dessert

2005 Château Rieussec

 Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend more
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3/4/2023 - DoubleD1969 wrote: NR

Drank along side a 2005 Baumard QdC. Rieussec was apricots in the glass. Color was a sunset orange, a shade or two darker than the Baumard. Nose was of dried apricots, honey, and canned peaches. Palate was full of apricot jam and candies orange peel, was more viscous than the Baumard and lacking acidity to counter the sweetness. I am always hoping that Rieussec will transform into d’Yquem, but sadly, it did not. On this night, I preferred the Baumard.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    3/7/2023 4:41:00 PM - I don't think Rieussec ever transforms into Yquem. Fargues does sometimes, especially in the first few decades. But I love aged Rieussec and it certainly is exceptional once it hits its prime (at least 2-3 decades...)

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    3/7/2023 5:43:00 PM - At about 30 years it becomes less rich and the acidity is definitely more prominent. Don't expect Yquem or Climens though. It's still a richer sauternes, but it's definitely much more in balance. Closer to 30 years than 20 though, especially for 2005 which is a richer vintage to begin with. '83, '86, and '88 Rieussec are in that stage now. The '90s ('95/'96/'97/'99) are all showing a bit richer with a really nice saffron note, but not yet at that more elegant phase. Anything 2001 or younger is not yet at maturity for me. Keep in mind I think Rieussec makes this transition the latest and is always relatively richer. If you're looking for more acidity and elegance, try Climens, Coutet, or Doisy Daene.
Red

2005 Moillard Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru La Richemone

 Pinot Noir more
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3/6/2023 - hectic wrote: flawed

Two flawed bottles. I sent them both to the drain graveyard.
Bought two. Trashed two.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    3/7/2023 2:55:00 PM - Ouch. What was the problem with them? Oxidized, corked, or another flaw? I have three of these and haven't opened up any yet...
Red

2019 Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie

 Syrah more
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11/17/2022 - forceberry wrote: 95 points

100% Syrah sourced from 20 parcels in 15 different vineyards. The fruit is vinified in whole bunches and macerated with the skins for three weeks. Aged for 22 months in oak barrels (about 15% new). 14,5% alcohol.

Very deep, almost fully opaque blackish-red color with a very youthful purplish hue. The fragrant, heady and very youthful nose is packed with sweet-toned aromas of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants, some inky tones, a little bit of crisp bacon, light chokeberry jam tones, a woody hint of savory oak spice, a touch of roasted game and a whiff of tapenade. The wine feels dry, dense and quite concentrated on the palate with a full body and quite bold yet complex flavors of juicy blackcurrants and tart chokeberries, some gamey tones, a little bit of balsamic richness, light spicy notes of crushed peppercorns, a hint of olive and a faint funky touch of merde. This is by no means a delicate, Burgundian Côte-Rôtie, but instead a muscular, sinewy powerhouse of a wine with its chewy texture and grainy, quite formidable yet not aggressive tannins. However, thanks to its high acidity, the wine shows great sense of freshness as well. The finish is dry, savory and quite tannic with a very long, savory aftertaste of game and peppery spice, some inky tones, a little bit of crunchy and slightly bitter chokeberry, light woody notes of savory oak, juicy hints of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries and a slightly smoky touch of bacon fat.

A big, bold and powerful Côte-Rôtie that never once feels monolithic, but instead wonderfully nuanced, complex and fresh for a wine this big and ripe. Sure, there's quite a bit of body and muscle here, but they don't really translate to any sense of weight. I usually prefer Syrah with some age and tertiary complexity, but this wine didn't come across as one bit too primary or reductive despite its young age - no, on the contrary, this was just singing right out of the gate. A fantastic wine that is drinking magnificently now and will continue to do so for the next couple of decades. Jamet really is among the top Côte-Rôtie producers for a good reason. This wasn't an affordable wine at 96€, but managed to deliver for the price with remarkable ease. Very highly recommended.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    2/28/2023 5:49:00 PM - I would buy a lot of this for 96 euros. We pay double that here.
White

2014 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Mont

 Chenin Blanc more
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7/6/2022 - aagrawal wrote: 93 points

Light golden; aromatic, wool, green apple, minerality; palate is medium bodied, precise minerality and medium-plus acidity throughout, stone fruit, apple but without much oxidation, medium alcohol (13%); medium-plus finish. Lovely Huet sec, enjoyable now but still quite youthful without much oxidation at all. I love the precision and complexity on this, especially for its price. 93

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    2/11/2023 2:30:00 PM - I think other vintages are drinking well/better right now. It's possible that this is in a closed phase and will open back up again, but that could take years, and it's also possible that they will continue to oxidize more with age. It's really a battle between Huet/Chenin believers vs. nonbelievers and I'm not sure which side I fall on yet. I try to keep my exposure relatively low and drink them on the younger side, though I do also love them with decades of age.
Red

2010 Domaine de Trévallon

 Alpilles Red Blend more
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1/14/2023 - viniferatu Likes this wine: NR

Drank a bottle the other night. Didn't take a note, but it's worth noting that this is starting to open up nicely, and will continue to develop positively for many years.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    1/14/2023 9:11:00 PM - Thanks! I've been watching these notes to figure out when to open my first of two bottles. Maybe this year...
Red

2013 Cappellano Barolo Piè Rupestris Otin Fiorin (Gabutti)

 Nebbiolo more
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1/9/2023 - SARED wrote: 94 points

Dark cherry, cherry, earthy VA
Espressive and drinkable, but should pick up more length with age

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    1/9/2023 5:01:00 PM - You keep getting tempted by these! I wasn't planning on opening one soon, but now I'm tempted too... these were so good on release.
White - Sweet/Dessert

2001 Château Rieussec

 Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend more
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12/14/2022 - dcwino wrote: 96 points

Expressive nose displaying opulent sweet yellow fruit, mango, yellow peach, apricot preserve, strong botrytis, candied ginger, caramel, clove and mineral. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated opulent yellow fruit, rich and think but also showing excellent balance, bright acidity, medium mineral, and a long ripe sweet yellow fruit driven finish. This is in the middle stage of development. Drinking really well with generous opulent fruit.

  • Comment posted by aagrawal:

    12/25/2022 11:26:00 AM - Based on my experience with Rieussec, I expect this will reach that Wow stage but will need at least 10 years to do so.

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