5/25/2024 - David Hauser Likes this wine:

This is a wonderful bottle of wine. Still with plenty of freshness and fruit. It has a wonderful funk on the nose with flowers and red fruit. The palate offers strawberries with ripe red raspberries, tobacco and slate. Tannins are completely integrated and soft. The wine complimented our lamb chops for dinner. Wine was open two hours prior to dinner. No decant. Glad I have two more in the cellar. Should be good for another five years.

5/25/2024 - Eurojon Likes this wine:

Ruby colour, somewhat shy on the nose. On the palate, fresh red berries and cherries. Light bodied with low acidity and very fine tannins. Very refreshing, but too light to pair with most foods. Ok at this price point.

5/25/2024 - Robwild wrote:

Crisp and dry. Citrus with lemon

5/25/2024 - Vas19 wrote:

Very, very premoxed. Weird.

5/25/2024 - Vas19 wrote:

Disgorged 01/21. A brut nature that really works. Nice mixed berry and apple, with a line of chalk on the midpalate. Enough fruit to keep it from getting too austere. 92-93

5/25/2024 - Quiller wrote:

Opened, poured and let sit about 1 hr. Then: Maybe some darkish fruit on the nose. On the initial sip, acidity seems most prominent; darkish-reddish fruit is noticeable, but not a strong presence. Tannins OK. With time in the glass, the acidity mellows and no longer noticeable; not over-ripe or over-extracted or a fruit bomb and that's good; fairly monotone flavor from sip to finish; no cabernet profile. Reasonably tasty red wine but step down from my 12/16/2023 bottle. I'd recommend drinking soon based on these 2 bottles. My last 2012 and that's OK.

5/25/2024 - markallenwatson12@gmail.com wrote:

Smooth finish. Good value

5/25/2024 - Chaslin Likes this wine:

Drank this wine over 2 nights. It’s a nice wine but not quite as good as I had hoped for. Lovely colour and depth and it was certainly better on the 2nd night.

5/25/2024 - neeter001 Likes this wine:

Dark cherry, plum, leather and tobacco. Very dry but delicious, like drinking velvet. 10/10 want it again

5/25/2024 - mattym19 wrote:

By the bottle at Parilla Garcia in Montevideo, Uruguay.

5/25/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:

Have to mention I am a little disappointed, as to my experience, the Aussie mechanized and industrial winemaking process often gets it correct. Most of what we expect from a Pinot Grigio is here, albeit diluted. The color is nicely extracted light gold. The nose is more lemon than I regard as typical. The body and viscosity are ok. There is a hit of strong acidity that might be welcome if there was more indication of fruit. Missing some of those light, oily, guava subtle supporting flavors.

5/25/2024 - jviz wrote:

Cool wine, lots of whole cluster showing. I think there is 10-20% new oak on this cuveé. Quite dark fruited for a 17, but nice depth, reminds me of a Dujac MSD village.

5/25/2024 - TashNYC wrote:

Red fruit, minerals, tobacco, tannins and some herbs. Delicious with the grilled hamburgers and eithnthe potatoes. Drink now or age some more.

5/25/2024 - mattscellar Likes this wine:

Same bottle as ColinsCellar below. Incredible purple colour whilst pouring for a 8hr decant. On nose and palate it showed as black fruit dominant, black cherry and blackcurrant mixed with a touch of pepper. Needs time.

5/25/2024 - t_moderne wrote:

Opened and poured. Gabriel Glas stem.
Ruby-garnet color.
Nose offers spicy strawberry rhubarb with hint of earth and herbs and wisp of smoke.
Lovely strawberry rhubarb compote intro with nice spice notes and tangerine peel.
Fresh and lively on the palate.
Delicious.

14.4% abv.

5/25/2024 - Palisades57 Likes this wine:

OK, better than a Berlucci Franciscoorta. Round strawberry with medium finish.

5/24/2024 - Wine Boy wrote:

Way too sweet for me. Very Meiomi like.

5/25/2024 - wchrisw Likes this wine:

I know I’m going to get in trouble for saying this but too much fruit. Metaculist is right- fruit, fruit and more fruit. Not jammy mind you but parallel to that in a way. I get big blue fruit, effusive and boisterous. Perhaps this needs BBQ or something smoked. I think this is exactly what zin haters hate. I wanted to try this and talked myself into thinking this would go with my ras el hanout inspired dish. Day2 showing *slightly*more balance. Zin, Paso, Pesenti— probably what it should be.

5/25/2024 - dbkitc wrote:

Not quite at the same level as the previous bottle. I called it class in a glass last time and still feel this accurate. Saline, bi-valve freshness. Actually light on its feet. Maybe a bit more than I would want from a Raveneau. Crystalline. Purity. Very good just not more. Some yellow fruit in the background. A great $50 Chablis….bit those days are long gone. (91)

5/25/2024 - Frank Murray III wrote:

First look at my 2018s. The domaine is located in Vandières, which is on the north side of the Marne, east of Epernay. This is the single plot 100% Pinot Noir, with a gram of dosage. Kinda hard to nail an aroma that I can convey here, but I keep coming back to citrus pith, mint and black raspberry. There is a cool creaminess to the wine, which is imparted through the way the texture works on my palate. The fruit centers around a lot of red notes. For sure, red apple, which is evident deeply into the wine. Plus, a tangy strawberry that has a juicy quality to it. And, something of a black raspberry, and I know this flavor well because I buy and use a black raspberry powder from Oregon that I blend with almond milk. Like the strawberry, it comes across as tangy, too. Finally, these is an orange citrus here that backs up the finish, along with some bitter almond. I really like what is here, and like a lot of Champagne that tends to speak to me, this one does it best when it's just a touch cool and mostly still. Should this bottle track as good as it is now, then a reload of this is in order, as to have access to 100% Pinot Noir, clean farmed and at $70, that is where I want to spend my budget.

5/25/2024 - Palisades57 Likes this wine:

Tasty sparkler, a little sweet and fruity. Not morish.

5/26/2024 - Arsene Wengert Likes this wine:

Gedeckte, getrocknete Frucht und Tabakige Noten in der Nase. Kühl, schlank und trinkig. Sehr viel tiefe, teer. Dichte, aber nicht Laute, Betörende rote kirschfrucht, ohne überbordend zu werden. Schönes, feines Tannin. Tabak. Gute Länge. Herrlicher Wein.

5/24/2024 - bugdoced Likes this wine:

one of the burgundies that lets your heart fly to the heavens
cherries on the nose
cherries and earth on the palate
integration and flitting in and out like a ballerina
first time to la petite vie and glad to have brought this to share with ethan and the staff

5/25/2024 - Ryan8008 Likes this wine:

How do all the other vintages of this have such bad reviews... this is a banger of a wine. Then again Minervois may be my ancestral homeland based on how much I love its wine style, so YMMV.

20 min decant and chill.

Nose is not actually all that expressive, but fills your senses with pure , dirty black olive. Maybe some pepper and balsamic in there too, but not a lot of fruit. Eventually strawberry lozenge and a bit of plum poke through, but this is a savoury boi.

Palate confirms this impression, but has more complexity. The olive is still prominent along with some meatiness, but the fruit shines through a bit more with medium-ripe black plum and blueberry. Structure is nice enough, with smooth tannins that nonetheless knit together to give the wine some buoyancy on the tongue. Acids are fresh enough, giving the wine a bit of a juicy quality.

As my wife described, this is a meal in and of itself. God I love Minervois - love this beefy style that I'd guess was more prominent before ripe fruit became the mass market choice. I'm glad they keep it going!

5/26/2024 - habermas wrote:

Très complexe au nez et en bouche, avec une belle acidité bien équilibrée.

5/25/2024 - davidandrose Likes this wine:

Not decanted. Although I tried to clean the neck of the court bottle with my finger, we're finding fine grained tannins in our early glasses. 40 minutes after pulling the cork the nose shows musty dark fruits as if you're in a cellar filled with vintage port.

While the wine's balance leans more towards tannins than fruit, this is still in a very nice place; I suspect this is on the farther side of its drinking window before the fruit fades further.

5/26/2024 - mrwineface wrote:

Ok, so a very early sampling of the 21 (thought it worth a quick visit in the context of recent 22 releases and reviews).

Opened around 11am to slow ox, no decant. Powerful, fruit, dense and alcohol on the nose. Had a small taste at around 230pm and then poured a glass at 630pm. The wine absolutely needs time. It’s dense, long, plenty of dark fruit, chalky tannins, mouth coating. All the elements are there and can see the craft. The elements will hang together a bit better in 10 years for my style of drinking but really enjoyed the early peak at a fantastic wine.

5/26/2024 - habermas wrote:

Un peu surboisé mais reflète bien le terroir et on sent le côté fumé typique des Côtes Roties

5/24/2024 - AD_jutant wrote:

WSET3 Study Session: A: Pale gold.
N: Medium- intensity. Green bell pepper, asparagus. White pepper. Light unripe pear. River rocks. Youthful.
P: Dry, medium acidity. Medium alcohol. Medium- body. Medium intensity. Lemon, jalapeño, white pepper. Medium- finish.
AQ: Good, but this was when I was convinced that this is a Grüner Veltliner. I mean, look at my notes. I am really confused how this seemed like such a textbook example of a completely different wine. Others in the group felt the same way. Maybe, this is because the wine was served too cold.
8-/18 at best.
Drink now, not suitable for ageing.

5/25/2024 - blue6314 wrote:

Too strong and overpowering. I had this with the 2019, and this was much stronger. Even when it mellowed a bit over a couple days, it did not taste like a Nebbiolo to me. Way too powerful.

5/25/2024 - bugdoced Likes this wine:

excellent old school yet has hit a drinking window

5/14/2024 - Mr. Magoo Likes this wine:

2018 vintage. Tasted at local wine shop. It's a decent French right bank Bordeaux due the price.

5/25/2024 - SDSutt Likes this wine:

Pouring a glass of the 2017 MS Behave reveals a strikingly deep, garnet color, setting the stage for a sensory journey. The bouquet is enchanting, with an intricate interplay of dark berries, plum, and black cherry, elegantly intertwined with floral notes of violet and hints of leather and spice. The aromatic complexity promises a delightful tasting experience.

On the palate, the 2017 MS Behave is a revelation. It opens with a rich medley of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, seamlessly blending with undertones of blueberry and a touch of mocha. The wine’s full-bodied nature is balanced by its smooth, velvety texture, showcasing fine, well-structured tannins. The layers of flavor continue to unfold, revealing hints of black pepper, vanilla, and a subtle earthiness that adds depth and character. The finish is long and luxurious, leaving a lingering impression of dark chocolate and espresso.

5/25/2024 - Mr Pinot Noir Likes this wine:

Beautifully balanced nose of pure dark red fruit and a wild garrigue reminiscent of a Bonneau Chateauneuf. nose also has mineral with strong herbal component. Really enticing. The nose is crystalline pure and speaks to the best attributes of Burgundy. Incredibly sweet flavors of dark fruit, with complexity driven by the beginnings of secondary flavors of spices. this is really nice today.

5/18/2024 - TashNYC wrote:

Red and black fruits, currants, lead pencil, tobacco and some tannins on the finish.

Needs 2 hours in decanter or a few years still.

5/25/2024 - mattscellar wrote:

Same bottle as ColinsCellar below. Took the final glass to begin showing its weight after a three hour decant. It’s little sibling the 2022 Nantua Les Deux seemed more approachable a week ago, so perhaps put the 2021 to sleep and enjoy the 2022 earlier. 93 score may increase in time as wine becomes more approachable?

5/25/2024 - Mbullmer Likes this wine:

Last night would have been an 85, after a night in the fridge opened up nicely. Nice ruby color, fresh vibrant fruit, cherry, blackberry, a little bit of oak and woodiness. Drinks nicely with fruit shining. Medium+ tannins, high- acidity, medium finish.

5/25/2024 - Otis Wine Lover Likes this wine:

Still delicious and fresh! Deep garnet color, no bricking or age apparent. Aromas of plum, mineral, and a hint of oak and herbs. Flavors of dark red fruit with a bit of spice. Smooth elegant mouthfeel, medium to full bodied, with a long finish echoing the fruit and oak. Wonderful balance of all elements.

5/24/2024 - AD_jutant wrote:

WSET3 Study Session: A: Medium garnet.
N: Medium+ intensity. There is some dominant note that reminds me of Italian Amaro, like medicinal herbs. Cherry and cooked plum on the border between red and black fruit. Very pronounced allspice. Some toast from the oak. Cigar box, mushroom. Developed nose.
P: Dry, medium+ acidity. Medium+ tannin. Medium alcohol and body. Medium+ flavour intensity. Red cherry and light blackcurrant. Cedar and moss.
Medium+ finish.
AQ: Good to very good.
8+/18.
Drink now, I wouldn't age much longer.

5/25/2024 - diggydan wrote:

Beautiful wine, an umami bomb! Paired amazingly with tomme and then bucatini with peas and summer truffle.

5/25/2024 - czar33 wrote:

Dense, fruits noirs, herbacé, profondeur... Très solide.

5/25/2024 - phandley66 wrote:

Drinking very well. Lots of fruit, cherry, blackberries. Licorice. Little earthiness on the finish. Would drink now. Don’t see this improving

5/24/2024 - BordeauxOne Likes this wine:

A favorite from Napa Valley, or the favorite?
Love this wine, this fruit bomb explodes to the nose, and the aftertaste lingers for more than 90 seconds. Would recommend seeking out this vintage.

5/25/2024 - Vinnut Likes this wine:

Deep, dark reddish-purple in color, essentially opaque. Full, forward & attractive nose of ripe fruit aromas of dark cherries, blackberries & cassis with overtones of earthy/dusty & some floral notes, spices, cocoa/mocha, mint, herbs, minerals, toasted oak & vanilla. Full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, plush, ripe dark fruit flavors of cherries, boysenberries & plums with spices, some dark cocoa, minerals, toasted oak &vanilla. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & extended airing but should develop further with additional aging.

5/25/2024 - tbrader wrote:

Similar to notes from a year ago. Mostly the concentrated syrup with not a lot of other life or structure. A decent summary might be it's like drinking a slightly fermented bottle of vanilla extract. I like vanilla flavors in cab, but there's not much else to round this one out. Gave it try, but I wouldn't spend extra for a bottle that I like less than standard Caymus.

5/25/2024 - Wine Kat Likes this wine:

I get that this wine is big and can sit down for a while, but what a treat to open now. Wonderful nose that is rich with cocoa and deep fruit. Tannins are solid but not overpowering. Oak is showing through with some deep fruit and meatiness. Slow ox for the next sip, so will see where it goes

5/25/2024 - roobs Likes this wine:

Bright fruit, very clean zin.

5/25/2024 - JoRayBob wrote:

No depth

5/25/2024 - Sasha the Bear wrote:

Past its prime. Showing all secondaries. You get the smallest whisper of flint and ash, but it’s mostly honey at this point.

5/25/2024 - The Guzz wrote:

This showed a bit tired. Dried fruit, flower petals, tea, and earth. Not outright flawed but seemed advanced and dusty on the palate.