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

2012 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature

 Napa Valley more
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10/7/2023 - Night Train Likes this wine: 92 points

I paid $47 for this, and the 2021 is going for $100. Back in the day, part of this wine's appeal was its QPR. These days - not so much. Along with Sequoia Grove, Chappellet cabernets have been among the very few affordable Napa cabernets that really don't show their stuff until they've spent a few years in the bottle. This one was better than a bottle six months ago, which was better than a bottle last year. I wouldn't be shocked if it continues to improve with still more age.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    10/11/2023 10:39:00 AM - I have a Signature vertical back to 2004, but at $100 looks like I’m stopping at 2020. 😩
Red

2015 Herman Story Grenache Late Bloomer

 Central Coast more
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3/4/2022 - DrWal Likes this wine: 93 points

PNP at 63degF. Black cherry dominated the nose with some thyme and leather sneaking in. Soft palate fleshy dried fruit with the finish being prominently astringent. The third sip gets an explosion of cigar box on the nose, which faded away quickly to dark dried fruits. The palate was then gorgeous with sweeter elements and significantly less astringency. The finish seems to never stop and the mouth waters for another sip.

Love how Russell's wines have evolved in the cellar from a Jersey Shore bodybuilder, just muscular and full of vibrato and in your face to a top female CrossFit athlete, still muscular but in proportion and much more elegant and focused. (no disrespect to JS intended!)

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    3/5/2022 6:37:00 AM - Life long Jersey Shore guy and you’re spot on! About the wine too!
Red

2014 Desparada Nebbiolo Dione.4b5?!

 Paso Robles more
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4/12/2018 - Roger Patterson Likes this wine: 91 points

Medium garnet with elevated intensity aromas of dried plums and cherries, leather, smoke, and pungent pepper. Med body with typical Nebbiolo tannins and acidity. Full flavored layered with developed fruit and other tertiary notes.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    4/12/2018 7:11:00 PM - Thanks for the note. Ready to drink? Need decant?
Red

2013 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard

 Oakville more
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7/31/2017 - #1Winelover Likes this wine: 96 points

Paired with bone-in Veal Parm at Chef Vola's (that's a 1st for me!) and it went really well. PnP but then let it sit while we had appetizers and waited for the main coarse. Dark purple, pronounced flavors, blackberry, licorice and a little forest/notes. Had a little bite and a nice finish. It will get better with a couple of years of age but it was drinking well and was well worth opening. A really nice bottle.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    7/31/2017 8:32:00 AM - Two of my favorite things - RM wine and Chef Vola! I'm heading there next month with a few business associates.
Red

2012 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 555

 Rutherford more
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1/6/2017 - Ann&Wayne Likes this wine: 88 points

We found this wine to smooth and very drinkable. It wasn't overly complex but in full disclosure, I was eating peanut butter chocolate cookies. Every time My palette adjusted, I absentmindly bit into another cookie. I promise to avoid the cookies in the next bottle.... not much of bold commitment; the cookies are gone.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    1/7/2017 12:06:00 PM - What? No rating for the cookies?
Red

2013 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah Exposition Two Weill a Way Vineyard

 Sonoma Valley more
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10/29/2016 - Dave Mosko Likes this wine: NR

Opened last night, enjoyed most of it. A little less open tonight. This wine is a behemoth. A little lighter in color than I expected. A grand aroma of a dark fruits, meat and herbs. Very earthy and old world in nature. Young and bright. It's very viscous on the palate almost like there is fruit pulp in the bottle. I want to say that it reminds me of a very young Chapoutier single vineyard hermitage. The density is remarkable and the acids carry the awesome dark berry and wood smoked grilled rare meat flavors on a long finish that lasts almost a minute. Not your typical Bedrock Syrah. I realize it's an experiment in "vinology". But I wish Morgan would continue producing this unique bottling as I find it extremely pleasurable. Selfish as that may sound.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    10/30/2016 7:07:00 AM - Ready to drink with a decant?
Red

2009 Fattoria Galardi Terra di Lavoro

 Roccamonfina IGT Aglianico more
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9/30/2016 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 91 points

This wine was very very nice indeed. Big rounded tannins, dark fruits, earth, spice, all balanced and presented with a hint of leather and a call to sunshine.

I have another 5 bottles left in the cellar and it will be interesting to see how this wine develops over the next decade. Not sure where I got this particular batch - could this have been a KZ purchase? If so, well spotted!

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    10/2/2016 7:44:00 AM - My bottles were purchased from WTSO. Good stuff.
White

2000 Di Meo Fiano di Avellino Selezione Erminia

 Fiano di Avellino DOCG more
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8/7/2016 - Iceman611 wrote: 85 points

Interesting but a little apple cider vinegar for me. I get that it's aged. I Wouldn't buy again

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    8/7/2016 10:03:00 PM - I purchased as well as it seemed intriguing but have not opened one. Can the wine possibly improve with even more time or is this the best we are getting? Thx.
Red

2009 Pio Cesare Barolo

 Nebbiolo more
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7/31/2016 - Squilber Likes this wine: 92 points

Excellent Barolo. Full bodied and rich. Had with Italian food and steak. Red fruits, licorice, meat, spice and heat. Nice price point. Can last a few more years but very nice right now with a short decant.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    7/31/2016 7:27:00 PM - Low score compared to your TN?
Red

2013 Jean Edwards Cellars Petite Sirah

 Calistoga more
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7/13/2016 - ledocq Likes this wine: 93 points

So delightful - I think this is the best PS I've had (Biale, you're no slouch). Highly recommented but with one crucial asterisk that we'll get to. Lovely dark opacity, ruby (just barely) at the edges. Nose is intensely robust and dusty, and the opening is this rich, symphonic holy-moley of dark fruits that have a peppery note and then -- the finish. So I have a friend Wilton who took me to a Thai restaurant where they let him order things by heat. "1" was the mildest. "5" was the spiciest. He ordered a few "1"s but then asked to have a certain curry as a "5."
The waiter shook his head. "You've never had higher than a 3 before."
"That's why I want it."
"No, you're not ready."
My friend was from New Orleans. "Give me the 5."
So the curry shows up, my friend takes a bite, and it's like a Tex Avery cartoon. Smoke billows out of his mouth, his eyeballs roll back in his head, flames shoot out of his ears, and then, through parched, smoldering lips, he huskily apologies. He wasn't ready.
The waiter says, "Very good. That was the 4, by the way."
So the tannins on this thing? 4.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    7/14/2016 8:40:00 AM - Great TN! Sounds like these bottles need a lengthy decant presently.
Red

2012 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

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7/1/2016 - Yack Man Likes this wine: 93 points

I saw this wine on the rack and decided to give it a shot. A couple of days ago, I saw it on sale for $39.99 so why not see where it is at in its development. I'm glad that I did, this Cab is in a very nice spot now.
Lively, dark, reddish burgundy color. Nice nose and no longer tightly coiled as it was in the beginning. Nice dark fruit, anise, ripe dark cherry, blackberry, smooth tar notes, right up my alley. Needless to say, I went to the website to buy the last 3 bottles, what a nice Cab. A solid 93 Points.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    7/1/2016 8:59:00 AM - Great purchase for $39.99. Bravo!
Red

2006 Delectus Cabernet Sauvignon Mutti's Pride

 Napa Valley more
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6/14/2016 - jrhonda160 wrote: 79 points

One dimensional aroma, dirt road. Plain, little spicy at the beginning. Plums, may be past it's prime.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    6/15/2016 3:55:00 AM - Did you purchase recently from Last Bottle? I ordered 4 and awaiting shipping. Thanks.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    6/15/2016 9:35:00 AM - Once I receive my shipment I'll open one up and report back. Hopefully you only had an off bottle. Thanks - Anthony

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    6/26/2016 7:11:00 AM - I opened my first bottle and it was ok. Probably more in line with your wife's thoughts. No need to wait on these nonetheless. Decanted for an hour.
Red

2007 Constant Claret Diamond Mountain Vineyard

 Napa / Sonoma Red Bordeaux Blend more
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1/15/2016 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine: NR

Getting a lot of bottle variation in these. We drank one from the same set about a week ago and it was highly alcoholic and even a bit offputting. This was in a completely different place. Great fruit and spice. Interesting because there really wasn't a lot of evolution from a few years ago.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    4/9/2016 9:00:00 AM - MC2 do you happen to know the blend? Thanks.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    4/10/2016 5:01:00 PM - Yes I could not find the exact blend % anywhere and was just curious. Bottle I drank on Friday was excellent once again. Thanks.
Red

2006 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino

 Sangiovese more
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3/26/2016 - Arch57 Likes this wine: 96 points

I'm going to drop a whopping 96 on this wine as it was a fantastic expression of the way wine should be made in Montlacino. We followed to very good Kosta Browne Pinot's with this bottle of match an exquisite dinner prepared by my lovely wife as our kids were home for Easter weekend with their spouse and girlfriend.
I opened this at 4pm and we started drinking it at 7pm. Huge nose of earth, spice, dark fruit and Yankee candle. Nice attack on the palate on a long, long finish as I'm typing this sentence I still can taste the last sip. This is why I rate Brunello as my favorite wine because when it hits the right notes it can't be beat.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    3/27/2016 5:59:00 PM - Great TN!
Red

2012 Passopisciaro Passorosso

 Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese more
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2/25/2016 - Fugu Me Likes this wine: NR

PnP, neede 45-60 minutes to really open up. Well balanced, the ABV was kept in check. Remains a great QPR.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    2/27/2016 3:35:00 PM - I've even had this wine with Salmon and sushi and it never disappoints.
Red

2013 Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner

 Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel more
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2/26/2016 - Lukasw23 wrote: 94 points

Very good wine, fruity, smooth and dense. The only complaint could be the price - you can get comparable wines at half the price of The Prisoner...

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    2/27/2016 4:41:00 AM - Interested to hear what other lower priced Zins you would compare this to. Thanks.
Red

2012 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

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11/18/2015 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 93 points

First time drinking this wine. Made it on the list just in time for the 2012 vintage. I have to say, I purchased it based on reputation, and the wine completely lived up to expectations. Without a doubt, one of the best deals in all of Napa. This $45 bottle easily competes with $80-100 bottles. Unlike many '12's, this one needs some time to get going, and you're probably better off giving it a year or two. That said, all the good stuff is there, with great balance and concentration. It sits on your pallet for a long time, and gets more expressive the longer it's exposed to air. Incredible QPR.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    11/19/2015 2:37:00 AM - Been on the wait list myself for approx 2 years. How long did you wait before making it? The wine is awesome!

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    11/19/2015 9:09:00 AM - Thanks. Only 3 years to go :-(

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    2/6/2016 7:43:00 AM - How much of an allocation are you eligible for including the Wight? Just curious. Thanks.
Red

2012 Herman Story Syrah Nuts & Bolts

 California more
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11/14/2015 - TriggerFingers Likes this wine: 92 points

I haven't reviewed much with all of the great life changes going on. Now that the weather is getting colder out, I have been in the wine mood. With all of the recent reviews of this wine being across the board, I had to crack one open and see.

PNP: With initial splash decant very tight all over and a bit disjointed. I got the cola and heat was present. Everything else seemed muted. Pretty much what everyone has been saying. But HS wines really need air to show up. So I gave it an hour and revisited.

Wow! It came together after some time and is really nice!

Appearance: Dark Purple...not "Sebastiano" dark. Middle of the road for HS wines
Aroma: Dark fruit, sandalwood, spice.
Flavor: Very large and nuanced. Cola, light brown sugar, almost pinot-like earthiness, overripe dark berries, a hint of bright/sweetened cranberry. All of this compliments what is coming across in the aroma. Heat is still present but the flavors and sweetness keep it check.
Finish: Fresh and fleshy (Fresh grape skins mostly, subtle hints of fresh plum)

This is probably my 4th or 5th vintage of Nuts and Bolts and is my favorite to date (have yet to try 2013). It is so fresh and opens up beautifully. It displays a earthy terrior that I have only ever tasted from wines out of Northern Santa Barbara County (Melville, HP, etc.).

Russell's wines aren't for everyone and even I have tasted bottle variation from the same year. Maybe I got lucky with this bottle, but this is really good! However, I can see what many reviewers are saying. It does have heat, but is by no means the hottest bottle of HS I have ever had. In fact, the sweetness is what I noticed more. It masks much of the heat but for a dry red the sweetness here is borderline cloying.

My only quip is that Herman Story's QPR is starting to slip a little. These wines were a great deal at $28 a few years ago but now they are around $38-40 for club members and $45-50 in shops. Still quality wine, but if it keeps heading north, may be worth it to check out other offerings.

I think its drinking really nicely now, but should be more integrated in another year or so. Doesn't seem like its built for 7-10 years (maybe more like 4 ish).

UPDATE (DAY 2):
Saved a large glass for the second day. Much of the subtle central coast terroir notes are gone. Freshness, sugar, subtle heat, and very mild tannins make for a very linear experience. I will stick with 4-5 years tops on this wine. Probably in its prime sooner rather than later.

Last Words: Solid wine that could maybe use a tad more time (I will revisit in Spring 2016). 92-94. Not my favorite HS wine, but my favorite Nuts and Bolts to date.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    11/14/2015 6:22:00 PM - Great TN. Thanks.
Red

2012 Herman Story Bolt Cutter

 Central Coast Red Blend more
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10/15/2015 - Ben Christiansen wrote: NR

Very ripe black fruit, Lots of power on the front, more blue fruit, and then a fairly soft finish (for the house style).

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    10/15/2015 2:33:00 PM - Hi Ben. I've been anxiously holding off on opening the HS bolt cutter cab? Think it's ready to drink with a good decant? Thanks for the other HS tasting notes too. - Anthony
Red

2008 Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino Colle Grimaldesco

 more
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8/21/2015 - 321Nomad Likes this wine: 93 points

The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, black currant (cassis) and blackberry. It tastes like black currant (cassis), blackberry, raisin and strawberry jam. The body is medium/full. The wine has coarse texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.

  • Comment posted by Exit 105:

    8/21/2015 3:16:00 PM - Decant or pnp? Thanks!

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