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

2018 Caduceus Cellars Garnacha Airavata Eliphante Block

Yavapai County more

5/10/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 points

Cranberries, redcurrant, hints of spice like nutmeg and a mild floral aroma. The prior note mentions a cotton candy element, and that tracks for me as well, although it's more on the nose, not the palate.
It took an hour for this to open up, and it continued to improve over the next few hours until the end of the bottle.
On the lighter side of medium bodied but a bit strong with alcohol, the decant helped a lot to balance the flavors. It finishes with a hint of white pepper, but overall is smooth with minimal tannins and moderate acidity.
This was paired with a dinner of fullblood wagyu bavette from two different purveyors(a preplanned taste comparison), roasted bell pepper stuffed with duxelle, and a sheet pan medley of roasted root vegetables. I think this bottle was not quite robust enough to stand up to such fare, but on its own it was admirable.
This is the second bottle of a Caduceus vintage we've tried, and it is a distinct improvement.

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White

2021 El Enemigo Chardonnay

Mendoza more

5/9/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 93 points

Lemon, apple, hint of cream, strong grassy herbs, and a punchy finish resplendent with acidic bite tempered by stone washed minerality. Powerful.

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White

2018 Heritance Sauvignon Blanc

Napa Valley more

5/7/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 94 points

I am absolutely astonished at the price I got these bottles for -truly an incredible value.
An age-worthy Sauv Blanc from Napa with robust notes of honeyed peach, grapefruit, lemon zest, and pineapple. Just fantastic.

Day 2
It's a little muted and chalky, but considering its age that's to be expected after 24+ hours.

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Red

2021 Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise

Paso Robles Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel more

5/6/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 90 points

My prior note applies.

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Red

2021 J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks

Paso Robles more

5/5/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 87 points

A simple & solid Paso Robles cab I have been enjoying for a couple decades now, this particular bottle of J Lohr Seven Oaks has mint, blackberry, and cassis with a fair bit of structure on a freshly uncorked pour. Fine on its own, but better with a meal. Tonight it will be paired with meatballs or stuffed bell peppers, corn, and sautéed artichokes. Over time I expect it to blossom and reveal the chocolate and vanilla tinged cherries I recall from prior bottles of this vintage.

Day 2
Diminished. Point lost. Overall, this bottle seemed a bit more tired and disorganized than others from this year.

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Red

2019 Cellier des Princes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Les Escondudes

Red Rhone Blend more

5/4/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 93 points

After a 30 minute decant it was cherries, cherries, more cherries, and... garrigue.
Not a robust CdP, but the terroir is there. Lush with the aforementioned stone fruit, there is also a hint mint and lavender. The ending is refined and lingers with garrigue.
Thus far CT reviewers have given this poor to middling reviews with mentions of off flavors and a rough character -which I got none of. Everyone at the table agreed it was a pleasant wine that worked very well with the porcini & radicchio risotto. I consider it just on the right side of excellent by CT's rating standards, and find this to be a great deal when it comes to CdP. You don't find it at these prices typically -at least not in The States.
This has about a ten year window from the vintage date given decent cellaring conditions.

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Red

2021 Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise

Paso Robles Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel more

5/3/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 points

Cedar, mild tar, light herbs, and blue and black berries. There is depth to this full bodied red blend. The end structure is a worn shagreen suggesting this has maybe 2-3 years or so left as far as my palate goes.
70% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, 3% Grenache
Of Chronic's blends/vintages I have had thus far, 3 out of 4 have been quite good, with one coming across as barely serviceable. Not too shabby, I guess.

Day 2
The bottle was left on the table uncorked, and it held up great. There was a bit of sediment at the end.

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Spirits

2003 Domaine du Cardinat Bas Armagnac

White Blend more

5/2/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 95 points

Add a drop or three of water to a tulip glass of this Bas Armagnac for it to fully blossom, and then it's just gorgeous.

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White

2021 Substance Sauvignon Blanc

Washington more

4/30/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 92 points

Lemon zest, grapefruit, chamomile, and a pleasant minerality. The finish has a moderately tangy crescendo which releases to a honeyed, grassy peach note. While not robust, this SB rings all the bells nonetheless.

Day 2
I let the wine warm up a bit more than on the previous day, and it made all the difference. 3 points added.

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White

2022 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie

more

4/27/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 89 points

This 1.5L bottle was used to make white sangria. I took a taste or two beforehand, and found it surprisingly nice for the price, thus the 89 score.
As part of the sangria, it was amazing and would give the beverage a 94.

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Red

2020 Richard Bruno Cabernet Sauvignon Giacone Vineyard Paso Robles Estrella District

more

4/27/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: NR

On its own this wine is an 84, as per the notes from a bottle I drank earlier. Fine to drink with an appropriate meal, but not a standalone or standout bottle by any means.
As sangria, however, this was fantastic. Many compliments were given. Let's call it a 94, but I won't give that as an official rating since it's not based on the wine alone.

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Rosé

2022 Brunnhilde Claux Notre Terre Rosé

Vin de France Rosé Blend more

4/25/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 92 points

My prior notes apply. Quite nice.

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Red

2020 Richard Bruno Cabernet Sauvignon Giacone Vineyard Paso Robles Estrella District

more

4/24/2024 - Dozhdbog wrote: 84 points

First impression.

Refined and processed to the point of completely lacking character -possibly to remove smoke taint from the 2020 fires.
It exhibits overripe cassis & cherry, a dusting of mocha, and a somewhat flabby structure until a wisp of leather arrives on the otherwise ephemeral finish. It is ok in service to a large gathering, but is probably best utilized in sangria which is how I will be employing 4 bottles this weekend.

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Red

2021 Vinos Del Viento Aventura

Spain Red Blend more

4/22/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 points

Strawberries, fresh raspberries, loam, and a touch of licorice to both nose and palate. On the lighter side of medium bodied with moderate structure and a slightly peppered finish. For the price this is a very good daily sipper on its own or with various pasta dishes, pork tenderloin, ham sandwiches, risotto, paella, and others. Should be in fine fettle for another 3-4 years.

Day 2
Held up well. I think it may last more like 4-5 years.

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Red

2017 Garabel Barolo

Nebbiolo more

4/21/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 points

My prior note applies. Paired very nicely with porcini risotto.

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Red

2019 Vinos Del Viento Garnacha Tinta Montecito

Campo de Borja more

4/19/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 93 points

Cherries, raspberries, a note of vanilla, and a touch of sandalwood are exhibited in high clarity on both the nose and palate. The mouthfeel is smooth, medium bodied, with a refined finish that meets the fruit notes and holds them in a prolonged fashion. Really delicious. I bought several, and I intend to buy several more.

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Red

2018 Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico DOCG Sangiovese Blend, Sangiovese more

4/17/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 points

A very good Chianti with resplendent cherries & raspberries cradled in herb rubbed fine grained leather. Elegant and went very nicely with wagyu tritip and stuffed portobellos.

Still good on day 2.

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Red

2019 Château La Roque de By

Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more

4/15/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 87 points

Anise, mocha, beach scrub, and dark berries. Smooth, with fine grained tannins and a touch of uplifting acidity on the moderate lilt of a finish. It presents nicely enough, but is not as robust as I was hoping for.

Day 2
Definitely diminished. Two points lost.

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Red

2021 Horse & Plow Cabernet Franc Rancho Rocoso Vineyard

Bennett Valley more

4/15/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 92 points

Nicely structured notes of blackberry, herbs, and leather. The umami typical to Cab Franc was held in check at the finish. Pared very well with short ribs.

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Red

2021 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

more

4/13/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 92 points

This wine -so common at markets across California- is really quite good. Heavy notes of cassis and cherry with herbal overtones -oregano and a touch of fennel. The ending is pleasantly secco and works loam and a little tobacco into a long finish. You can taste the skillful use of new French Oak in the barrels.

80.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.5% Petit Verdot, 7.8% Merlot, 0.3% Cabernet Franc

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Red

2018 Château du Bernat Latrique

Bordeaux Supérieur Red Bordeaux Blend more

4/11/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 93 points

Clean and clear linearity of flavor. Blueberries, spiced & roasted stone fruit, a little brambleberry, some tobacco, and dusty minerals. Elegant & delicious.

Day 2
It has held up very well. A bit of chocolate on the finish now.

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White

2020 Orsolani Erbaluce di Caluso La Rustia

more

4/10/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 93 points

My prior notes apply.

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Red

2019 Viña San Pedro Sideral Cachapoal Valley

Red Bordeaux Blend more

4/9/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 91 points

Notes of blackberries, venison, meadow flowers, and red plum. Medium body with a lingering herbal finish and refined tannins.
My palate may still be recoiling from a horrendous bottle I just tossed down the drain, but this is delicious.

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Red

2020 Rutherford Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

more

4/9/2024 - Dozhdbog Does not like this wine: 69 points

A combo of port and effluent. Overly sugared and refined/processed to the point of insanity.

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White

2020 Substance Chardonnay

Washington more

4/8/2024 - Dozhdbog Likes this wine: 88 points

Solid Washington Chard. Buttered apples spritzed with lemon.

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  • Tasting notes: 612 notes on 395 wines

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