| Wine Type | Vintage Name Variety Locale | Date Posted Score Helpful Comments More... |
|---|---|---|
| Red |
2010 Viña Requingua Pinot Noir Puerto ViejoCurico Valley more |
7/6/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsIn many ways, this is one of the top 3 value Pinot's I've tasted this year. Not that it is layered and complex, but it is relatively complete. One of the best things going for it is the absence of off flavors. This is real Pinot. There is no doubt on the nose with some earthy, barnyard, light black cherry and red raspberry. You can easily see your two fingers through the cranberry magenta color. There is nice, controlled acidity coming across the lips with the cherry and red raspberry fruit. There is some structure from surprising viscosity, prominent tannins, and some oak. Good clean wine making. Not real powerful, but still makes a statement in your mouth. Smooth soft finish of black cherry. |
| Red |
2010 TerraSur Bonarda FingerprintsMendoza more |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 82 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): As much as we want this varietal to succeed, we try every one we see, the way they present this varietal in the glass, always seems to disappoint. On the one hand, I get the concentration of big blue fruit that we usually only get from Petit Sirah. On the other hand, at least from this producer, the wine is ruined by VA. There is an awesome big bright blueberry and boysenberry flavor that has so much potential. This wine has a very light viscosity considering the deep purple color. Once you get past the color, and the big blue fruit, the wine is almost undrinkable because of thew VA. I wish I were wrong. |
| White |
2008 Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Mülheimer Sonnenlay Riesling Qualitätswein 'Zeppelin Label'Mosel Saar Ruwer more |
4/5/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsThursday Walk Around Tasting 4/5/2012 (WineStyles Columbia, SC): Very nice, drinkable, and easy on the palate. Has all the flavor and body we expect from German Riesling, and little of those diesel off flavors. Could be the vintage, or the wine making, or both, but this is exceptionally rich and creamy, while still having a very balancing hit of puckering lemon. Very golden color. There is a hint of molasses on the nose with honeyed tropical fruit and lemon. Really nice mouth feel, solid mid palate. Great balance. Can't wait for another sip. |
| White |
2010 Wente Vineyards Chardonnay Morning Fog Livermore Valleymore |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 88 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): I think there are some flavors and aromas on this wine distinctive to the Livermore Valley. There is a balance between some cool climate flavors, mostly orchard fruit like apples and pears, with some California sunshine dominated fruit forward intensity. The wine making also has a lot of influence on these flavors. I think there is some barrel fermentation. We have 13.5% alcohol that acts considerably lower. There is rich golden color. The nose has some ginger, brown spice, apricot and fresh cut apple. The texture is rich and oily, while still being soft and elegant. One of those wines that shows a hint of sweetness, even though it is totally dry, because of the balance. There is some oak aging, and malo lactic, that only contribute to the balance and mouth feel without over doing it. Apple and tropical fruit, with emphasis on a lemon/lime feeling as it crosses the lips. Decent finish with some ginger and apricot behind the citrus. |
| Red |
2008 Emiliana Cabernet Sauvignon NaturaCentral Valley more |
7/5/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsEmiliana is quickly becoming my favorite Chilean producer. These wine are all organic. No one is buying them, so our retailer has them at reduced prices. When I poured this 2008 Cabernet into the decanter, I knew it was going to be tight, and a couple of hours later, I'm still hoping for things to open up. I've been swirling, and hoping, but I think we have all we can get. Not that it is all bad. There is terrific dark purple color. There is cedar chips and graphite on the nose with powerful black fruit. There is plenty of that characteristic Chilean charcoal meets pencil shavings and wet tree bark flavor. Only moderately rich. Blackberry, boysenberry, and plum fruit is on the shy side. The considerable tannins are still young, and I would dare say this 4 year old under $10 wine could use 2 more years of bottle age. The finish is more tight than short, showing some grainy oak, licorice, tobacco leaf, blackberry, and cola. |
| White |
2010 Brooks AmycasWillamette Valley White Blend more |
5/5/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsSaturday Walk Around Tasting at The Gourmet Shop Columbia, SC 5/5/2012 (The Gourmet Shop, Columbia, SC): As time goes on, I am becoming more a fan of these kitchen sink blends. I especially have become appreciative of the complex nose these combinations of varietals are capable of creating. This was my first taste of the day, right after lunch, which also helped my palate search out the positive nuances available. The color is surprisingly clear. There is a really nice floral nose these individual varietals could never accomplish alone. The mouth feel is rich and unctuous, and not totally dry. Lots of expressive, sweet tropical fruit like mango, papaya, tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit, with plenty of help from orchard type fruits. This wine is not all fruit, there some hints of brown spice, and a slight amount of earthy minerality. Adequate acid to keep thing interesting. Lots going on with the finish, some honeydew melon, apricot, lingering around with the tropical fruit. Not exactly my favorite style of white wine, but this is more attractive to my palate than I initially thought, and I caught myself letting this wine slowly worm it's way down before I took another sip. |
| White |
2011 Simi Sauvignon BlancSonoma County more |
7/4/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 89 pointsI've always considered this wine as a step above your typical grocery store offerings. It does cost a couple of dollars more, but easily worth it. The grapes are much more site specific, mostly, or all from Alexander Valley, known for it's ability to really ripen Sauvignon Blanc to bring out those bright tropical fruit flavors. I drink a lot of Sauvignon Blanc, and this one has that slight "pop" on the entry that shows it is special. The color is golden. The nose tends more toward ripe tropical fruit and honey, than it does the grassy herbaceous thing. When it crosses the lips, there a slight amount of minerality, that enhances the feel on the palate. Along with the grapefruit, pear and honeydew melon, is a noticeable hit of Meyer lemon. More viscosity than typical for the varietal. Well controlled acidity. Orange peel, lemon and more minerals on the finish. |
| White |
2008 Peirano Estate Vineyards Chardonnay The Heritage CollectionLodi more |
4/5/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsThursday Walk Around Tasting 4/5/2012 (WineStyles Columbia, SC): Not bad at all. Has that warm region type of flavors and aromas. Nice golden color. The nose is very ripe with brown spice, ginger snaps, butter, honey, citrus and pear. The mouth feel is creamy and rich from full malo lactic, and some lees treatment. The fruit is tropical fruit, apple pie, lemon, honeydew, and pear. It starts off spicy, but fades a little toward the finish, which is soft and fruity without being sharp. Nice job with the oak integration. The alcohol is a little hot. Some orange zest lingers with the finish. |
| White - Sparkling |
NV Zardetto Prosecco Brut Private CuveeGlera more |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): This is not all Prosecco, there is some Chardonnay and Moscato. It is very light and easy drinking, without being simple. As clear as a wine can get. Lemon and citrus on the nose. Inviting little bubbles. Of course there is loads of light mannered acid. Puckering lemon on the fiish. |
| White |
2011 Zolo TorrontésMendoza more |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): I'm a big fan of Torrontes from Argentina and drink them every chance I get. The wine makers personal preference in regards to wine making is more prevelant with this varietal, than almost any other. This wine, and especially this vintage, has a basicallly closed nose. But then the palate, explodes with a fruity intensity. Probably more subdued, controlled, and ultimately complete, than other Torrontes. Is it ready yet? There is so much going on, it is hard to describe. I love the mineral feeling in the background. The fruit is not dominant. Yes we get that tangerine skin flavor, but it lets the other lurking tropical and orchard fruit do their own thing. Some nie brown spice supporting the fruit. Soft yet zesty. Very nice. |
| White |
2011 Hughes Beaulieu Picpoul de PinetPicpoul Blanc more |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 88 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): This is a popular little wine in our neck of the woods, and there are many reasons why. First, this wine is very refreshing. I get a slight amout of fritz, which only makes things more interesting. Second, is the lemon/lime zesty thing which also has it's place in a fresh drinking wine like this. Third, is the shale and mineral thing, that we just can't do in the New World. Fourth, is a taste of sea salt. I don't know, and would give anything to personally find out, but I equate some of the saltiness apparent on the lips while tasting this wine to wines from Corsica and Sardinia, where we know there is salt in the air. So this $11 wine is very enticing, and we have not even got to the fruit, balance, and finish yet. Just go buy some. |
| Rosé |
2011 Las Lilas Vinho Verde RoséRosé Blend more |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 88 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): You gotta love this stuff. So simple and inviting. Bright and expressive frsh strawberry fruit, with a littlle buzz to go along. So smooth and enticing. Lots of red raspberry. Enough acidity to keep things interesting. Lovely. Drink it chilled by itself. |
| Red |
2008 Wente Vineyards Pinot Noir Reliz Creek Arroyo Secomore |
4/21/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 89 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/21/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): I sense we have someting pretty special here. What I mean is the softness of the fruit on the nose, and all the way throuh to the finish, indicates gentle handling and careful vineyard practices. They extracted a lot of color, without any harshness or bitterness. Quite dark for a Pnot. I get a nice scent of fresh oranges on the nose, which may be unique, but quite welcome. This is more than medium bodied, with lanolin and vanilla flavors and aromas, which I suspect come from some lees treatment. Solid mid palate with some cola and vanilla keeping up the interest factor. That lanolin and vanilla also speak for the presence of oak, though probably not too much new, and American. Balanced and nicely integrated. This is good wine. |
| Red |
2008 Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carnerosmore |
4/5/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 90 pointsThursday Walk Around Tasting 4/5/2012 (WineStyles Columbia, SC): Although slightly out of my price range for every day drinking, this Pinot Noir is an old friend we have enjoyed for many vintages. We drink a few bottles at home, and visit the winery when we travel out west. This producer has craftily developed it's own style over the decades they have been in business. They give us a quick hit of New World California fruit on the nose, and on the entry to the palate. Then, they let the subtle, earthy, non fruit flavors act like this grape was developed though centuries in Europe. Ther is an overtly spiciness that California has an edge over the folks on the other side of the pond. I get a rosemary flavor which really compliments the French oak, and helps release some of the flavors in the glass. There is so much complexity developing as it opens up to some air. Deep, rich finish that balances so well the fruit verses nob fruit components. |
| Red |
2011 Lindeman's Pinot Noir Bin 99South Eastern more |
7/3/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsThis wine is way better than the price point. I learn a lot about the character and flavor of a red wine as I pour it into a decanter. I put the decanter in the sink, then pour with my nose directly above by about a foot. Usually I get a lot of oak. This wine smelled like cranberries, which is unusual for a Pinot. The color is almost textbook medium magenta. The nose is slightly candied, more toward strawberry and cherry than the initial pour into the decanted suggested. The fruit is delightful in both the approach, and the depth and character. Maybe a touch of sweetness. Very cherry and vanilla. I tried a nice bite of corned beef, and this wine accompanied like a champ. The corned beef brought out some civilized tannins that were not previously evident. A noticeable touch of malic acid on the roof of the mouth for balancing. Looses a little on the finish, but this is an awesome $6 bottle od wine. |
| White |
2011 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio Delle Veneziemore |
7/1/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsI've glanced past this wine in wine shops and grocery stores, probably sinced they started to produce it, and this is my first chance to taste. A freind bought a bottle, and I'm glad she did. My first impression was big, heavy, and creamy for a Pinot Grigio. I suspect there is a little residual sugar, and if there is, well it works. They made it in a style where the very focused, bright and vibrant, honey dew melon and pear fruit is showcased. A welcome touch of honey at the top of the palate. Does not have that trademark Italian hit of food requesting acid. Easy to drink alone, chilled, or at room temperature. Not alcoholic. Big finis with honey, straw, and white grape raisins. |
| Red |
2009 Blackstone Winery SyrahCalifornia more |
7/2/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsThis is pretty solid for a value priced Syrah. When I first poured into the dacanter, there was a kitchen filling aroma of big blackberry fruit. The color is very intense purple. The nose in the glass has that brambly, wild blackberry scrent. The fruit on the palate is a little disappointing compared to the color, and the nose. I suspect some filtration took out some of the good stuff. Still, this is a very good $9 wine. The blueberry, plum and blackberry fruit is flirting for a higher score. It is expressive and pure, if not particularly intense. The alcohol is easily integrated. The acid is a little rustic, possibly manipulated. I think it saw some American oak, maybe not all from barrels. There is kind of a grainy feeling on thepalate, that is not tannins, that distracts you from the really good parts of this wine. The finish is wild blackberry that really temps me to give this another point or 2. Beter try another bottle and report back. |
| Red |
2009 Michael-David Vineyards Zinfandel 7 Deadly ZinsLodi more |
4/7/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/7/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): They make 250,000 cases of this, and have found a way to entice all of us to taste and buy a few bottles. I get some, but not all of the flavors and aromas we expect from Zinfandel. This is typically ripe and fruity, but shows some nice supporting flavors like caramel, licorice, and vanilla along side the ripe plum and blackberry. Light purple color. Some spicy cinnamon and blackberry on the nose. Typical and reliable plums, blackberry, and ripe blueberry fruit. Nicely balanced. We can feel some oak, but not enough to overpower. I like the caramel and mineral taste on the finish. |
| White |
2010 Saintsbury Chardonnay Unfiltered Carnerosmore |
4/7/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 89 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/7/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): This is classic "real chardonnay". Barrel fermented, some of them new. Full malo lactic fermentation. Lots of contact with the lees. Ripe. Rich. Deep. Full flavored. Not for everyone, but I could put this on my corn flakes for breakfast. The color is Chardonnay golden. The nose has some shale minerality with citrus and brown spice. Across the palate enough complexity to approach the 90 point glass ceiling. The tropical flavors are complimented with orchard fruits that bring crisp acidity. Tasty, silky smooth, long finish, enough said. |
| White |
2010 Four Vines Chardonnay Naked ChardonnaySanta Barbara County more |
4/7/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsGiant Wine Sale & Tasting 4/7/2012 (Cellar on Greene, Columbia, SC): To my palate, this comes across as sharp. No malo lactic, and no oak, to me equals a raw grapefruit flavor that is by no means unwelcome, but somewhat incomplete. This wine has developed a following around here, that deserves some respect. It seems very dry, and steely. Nice color. Lemon and grapefruit on the nose. Apple and pear on the just short of ripe fruit flavor. Kind of balanced in a natural sort of way. To someone who prefers "real Chardonnay" this one doesn't quite "get it" but is very well conceived, and well made. Nice job. |
| Red |
2010 Blackstone Winery Pinot Noir Californiamore |
6/30/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsI kind of like this one. As I poured a big splashy glass, I got the kind of blackberry and purple flower aromas that I associate with Oregon Pinot, nice start. With a big mouth full to swish around, there is a nice brown spice element, and a noticeable, but balanced oak component. I've been tasting Blackstone wines from their beginning, even worked on a few batches as a cellar rat, and have to give this one an atta boy. This is a value wine, and with a few minutes of air, it starts to act like one, but this is still their best California series Pinot. You can't help but pick out the flavor of Davis clones in the majority, but I'm pretty sure there are some burgundy clones also. Cute little tannins. A little youthful on the finish, that after a 30 second interval leaves some lactic acid flavors that might dissipate with some bottle age. All in all not bad for 9 bucks |
| White - Sparkling |
NV Woodbridge Cuvée BrutCalifornia White Blend more |
6/17/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsWe bought this for Sunday AM Mimosa's and as usual decided to try a flute first. This is not your typical sparkler, and is quite a value for about 6 bucks. I'm pretty sure this Chardonnay still wine was vinified not to be a sparkler, then put through secondary fermentation. But, that is not all bad. The base wine is quite big and unctuous. With some bubbles, it is not typical, but very tasty. The color is very much like Chardonnay. The viscosity is very heavy for a sparkler. Not particularly acidic. Leaves a nice enough impression, to have a few bottles around. |
| White |
2010 Santa Cristina (Antinori) UmbriaGrechetto, Pignoletto more |
6/30/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 87 pointsIn our constant search for alternative whites, this one gets a thumbs up. It doesn't blow you away with layers of intensity, but it is very competent, and somewhat unique. Even the nose is a little different, there are some tangerine notes with other citrus, along with some brown spices. The palate has some of that earthy, oxidized flavor that might come from some big cask aging. Vibrant and together, while not big and overpowering. Has a touch of rusticity. Not as acid dominated as most Italian wines.Pleasantly heavy in the mouth. Have tried several bottle, and will try a few more. |
| Red |
2010 Cavit Collection Pinot NoirProvincia di Pavia IGT more |
6/29/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 84 pointsAnother value priced Pinot Noir, Italian style. By that I mean, here comes the tart red cherry taste, and bracing acidity, regardless of the varietal. Not all bad by, no means, just different. On the nose, and at first on the palate, I get maraschino cherry. The color is more like Chianti than Pinot. The nose is very cherry of all sorts. There is a grainy acidity as soon as it crosses the lips. There is almost none of the earthy barnyard flavors we associate with Pinot Noir. As it settles toward the finish, it gets more Pinot like. Gritty little tannins. Not much oak. Falls off on the finish, but though not typical for the varietal, would work really nicely with some cheese. I might even hazzard to guess this may taste better with a little chill. |
| Red |
2010 Mark West Pinot Noir Californiamore |
6/16/2012 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 86 pointsThis wine really pulls me in two opposite directions. Almost everyone I know drinks several bottles every year, and enjoys it. I see it in most wine drinker's houses. I have mucho respect for the company, and know many people who work there. I don't completely dislike it, but I don't like the broken twig, tree root, cardamon flavor on the mid palate. They do some things really right. It has solid deep red color. The nose is Pinot, flowers and barnyard at the same time. They brought some creamy richness to the palate. Nice cherry and blackberry fruit. Just enough oak to round things out. Pretty well balanced and integrated. Maybe it is just me, as most Pinots in this price range taste watered down and lifeless, and I'm complaining about too much flavor! I did decant for several hours, and used proper stemware. Hope they sell a lot. |
Search Results - Save This Search
- Tasting notes: 5,307 notes on 5,194 wines
