2/13/2024 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Such a beautiful and balanced Rhone blend with youthful, saturated blue and red berry fruits. Drinks well on PnP but benefits from more air. Combines the sheer freshness of the 2017 TCV Cotes de Tablas with the extra focus and depth of the 2014 Cotes. The Grenache-driven character is fresh, not jammy, tasting more of Pinot Noir's Morello cherry and cinnamon spice than the variety's more typical strawberry and pepper expression. Syrah, Mourvedre, and Counoise moderate the alcohol and add savory and spice notes (and in my opinion elevate the 2021 Cotes over the equally beautiful 2021 TCV Grenache).

An example of how a humble southern Rhone blend, and this is one from California, can deliver at the level of the best of Burgundy or the North Rhone. 92-94

12/24/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Staining black-red purple, on the upward slope, full bodied, and the fruit is not overwhelmed by its savory side. An abundance of blackberry and dark plum, some black olive. Not velvety or suave but a wine with stuffing and deep flavor. Closer to a 91 after 48 hours. Another half decade should delineate its bounty.

12/24/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Very dark but a less saturated black than Syrah, possessing a degree of translucence. The palate is pleasantly refreshing, with cleansing tannins, and lightly savory, distinct from Syrah. It gained depth and flavor over 48 hours (good for cellaring?), shedding a trace of Irish tea bitters. In sum a good wine for meat and fat, and although not very fruity would add needed texture to overtly fruity Rhone varietals such as Grenache and Counoise.

12/18/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Cork in excellent shape. No detailed notes, consumed during a large social gathering. Pale yellow gold. Tasted 24 hours later: beguiling/fascinating/rarely encountered notes of nutmeg-accented crème brûlée, toffee and coconut and some wood (cedar? oak?), with a rather less unctuous body than expected from this Roussanne dominant (71%) blend. Agree with TWARD 06/24/2023 that this is not fully mature.

12/18/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

The 2012 L-M Mondeuse has consistently exceeded expectations. A fair bit of sediment, so double decant carefully and let rest a couple of hours to open up. We drank this together with the 2011 L-M Syrah, both excellent, with the Syrah more forceful and the Mondeuse laid back and lush. Drink any remaining bottles in the next 2-3 years?

12/18/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

In a fine drinking window, redolent and flavorful, between a Rhone's floral and charcuterie character and a Cali fruit bomb. Very clean and beautifully proportioned. Fun wine to drink slowly, with conversation and contemplation.

11/26/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Much improved on Day 2. Combines the rustic feel of the variety with a mouth-filling suave approach that tames the abundant tannins while emphasizing ample spice and fruit character. More old world than new.

11/23/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Rewarding and enjoyable. Dark crimson color. Notes of cedar, old roses, and dark cherry. The firm, fleshy palate has a deep and satisfying presence, is medium to full bodied, good length, abundant cherry fruit and oak spice. Drink now, but would be interesting to hold and test its aging-ability.

11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

This is very good Grenache, the best I've had from Tablas Creek or anyone else in California in years. The color is deep, translucent ruby, flavors of sweet strawberry, cherry, light kirsch. With ripe but not heavy flavors, this beautiful fruit outclasses the cracked peppercorn and thin edgy strawberry fruit of so much modern varietal Grenache, as well as those overripe, oaky, syrupy Spanish Garnachas.

My ideal Grenache still comes from the Rhone, from old vines, often exhibiting a touch of new French oak or maybe a dollop of Mourvèdre or Carignan or both to round it out. One winemaker in the Rhone (Travaillan) formerly cellared his Grenache for 12 months in used Pinot Noir cooperage from Beaune to wonderful effect.

That said, this is really good, but I will wait a year before opening another.

11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Did not take notes but family loved it. Round and juicy and mineral-flecked with bracing acidity and textures to steer clear of white wine anonymity.

11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Delightful acidity and vibrant fruit distinguish this rosé year after year. Counterintuitively this Patelin Rosé seems to me actually a bit lighter and breezier than its rounder Patelin Blanc counterpart.

11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Tasted as a vertical with the 2016 and 2017 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandels. All three were excellent and had similar aromatics and tasting profiles. The 2015 and 2016 were blood red in color, the 2017 more of a ruby red, with more translucence. All three were healthy, youthfully mature, loaded with fruit.

The 2016 is probably the most poised and harmonious of the three. The 2015 seems more powerful, dramatic, and savory; the 2017 more lithe, feminine, and supple.

For all three, liqueur-like (Chambord, Grand Marnier) aromatics mingle with aromas of blood orange and minty mulberry; palates are richly inviting, plush and juicy, structured, and with a modicum of grip. If in a Brunello mood, I would head to the 2015; if the cuisine were classic Provençal, the 2016; the 2017 would be great with Indian or California contemporary, either veg or nonveg.

11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Tasted as a vertical with the 2015 and 2016 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandels. All three were excellent and had similar aromatics and tasting profiles. The 2015 and 2016 were blood red in color, the 2017 more of a ruby red, with more translucence. All three were healthy, youthfully mature, loaded with fruit.

The 2016 is probably the most poised and harmonious of the three. The 2015 seems more powerful, dramatic, and savory; the 2017 more lithe, feminine, and supple.

For all three, liqueur-like (Chambord, Grand Marnier) aromatics mingle with aromas of blood orange and minty mulberry; palates are richly inviting, plush and juicy, structured, and with a modicum of grip. In a Brunello mood, I would head to the 2015; if the cuisine were classic Provençal, the 2016; the 2017 would be great with Indian or California contemporary, either veg or nonveg.

11/16/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Tasted as a vertical with the 2015 and 2017 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandels. All three were excellent and had similar aromatics and tasting profiles. The 2015 and 2016 were blood red in color, the 2017 more of a ruby red, with more translucence. All three were healthy, youthfully mature, loaded with fruit.

The 2016 is probably the most poised and harmonious of the three. The 2015 seems more powerful, dramatic, and savory; the 2017 more lithe, feminine, and supple.

For all three, liqueur-like (Chambord, Grand Marnier) aromatics mingle with aromas of blood orange and minty mulberry; palates are richly inviting, plush and juicy, structured, and with a modicum of grip. If in a Brunello mood, I would head to the 2015; if the cuisine were classic Provençal, the 2016; the 2017 would be great with Indian or California contemporary, either veg or nonveg.

11/15/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

70% Mourvèdre is the dominant component. It can age further. Faint bricking on the edges. Moderately spicy, chocolatey nose. I like the tannins just the way they feel now, with some resistance but getting resolved. Mid-weight, very smooth, complex but less-than-articulate palate mixes mint, cocoa and mild paprika/chorizo with blackberry-cherry compote, fig, and dry savory herb. Lingering tannins elevate the package considerably. Another two years to bring it all into focus?

10/28/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Savory, dark, and sturdy, black fruits, espresso, cardamom. Excellent food wine. The high alcohol is cloaked with depth of flavor, not heat. More weight lifter than ballerina. Other CT notes are remarkably uniform and accurate.

10/14/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Lovely and round with a sensuous texture I also found in the 2020 Esprit. Complex, suggestive bouquet of ethereal floral and meaty (but not grilled or smoky) notes. Translucent red garnet color, just a little darker than Grenache typically shows. Mouth was fleshy on day 1, more aromatic, structured, and tannic on day 2.

The 2020 Tablas Creek reds show deft winemaking. In the long run, they may not measure up to the reds from the spectacular vintages of 2019 and 2021. But they are really friendly and offer a great deal of early drinking pleasure.

One is reminded of composer Robert Schumann's remark about Beethoven's symphony no 4:"a slender Greek Maiden between two Norse giants." 89-91

9/12/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

This is very good, even on pop and pour. I cannot think of another Esprit this appealing and so fully expressive this young. Some raised eyebrows have referred to the lighter color of the vintage, and it is true -- but in itself not a cause for concern. The flavors and aromatics are terrific, with plenty of healthy dark fruit flavor (blackcurrants, dark cherry), followed by leather, spice and the dark chocolate -- all characteristics of Esprit. The tannins emerge with air and are firm but elegant. I was not expecting such a beauty from the difficult 2020 vintage. 90-94

9/11/2023 - wilypod wrote:

True varietal character, pale but vivid red, floral and pepper notes and the usual subtle overtones of red fruits like strawberry and red raspberry. Bright tannins a bit unyielding but finally took a turn for the better after 24 hours of air. The rare TCV wine with a hot whiff of vodka (14%abv), otherwise not jammy. Palate is austere, cleansing, nervy, potentially spicy, and best suited to accompany an entree. Phenolically not quite ripe. Could improve with more bottle age. I don't really care for very ripe 15% abv Grenache fruit bombs such as Spain has flooded the market with, but really good Grenache should have some aromatics of licorice, incense, kirsch (often quite sublime) and just be more "generous." I can see why very popular and moderately priced southern Rhones (say under $20) usually blend in some Mourvedre, Syrah, or Carignane with this most fickle varietal. As it is, at least this bottle tastes like something is missing.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot. Pretty, integrated, and harmonious. The components have merged into a single identity in comparison with the 2020 Claret. There is a seamlessness in this blend, and a fruit de bois harmony of aroma, mouthfeel and taste. It is more refined and elegant than the 2020 Claret it was paired with. Drinks perfectly now.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): This developed pleasantly in the glass with a perfume of cherry pie cherries emerging, other fresh red fruits like red currants, and a bit of sweet tobacco herbals. Reminiscent of a Petit Chateau from Bordeaux by its openly fruity style and moderate tannins. 50% Cab Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 16% Cab Franc, 4% Petit Verdot.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): Climate change Chardonnay comes to Linden. Most Linden Chardonnays strike me as Burgundian, typically with a lean, mineral, Chablis-like verve predominating over the ripe fruit one associates with Napa and Sonoma versions. The 2019 Hardscrabble has plenty of acidity, but its flavor profile approaches the generous appley, caramel custard end of the spectrum. Certainly has the stuffing to evolve further.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): This is a ripe, fruity style of Chardonnay for Linden but not over the top like California "butter" and "cream" labeling. Yellow Apple and some creme brulée character. Fine for current drinking.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): Trocken Riesling, dry with assertive varietal character, fennel, petrol, and subtle lemon-pear-peony aroma. On the palate it is cleansing and fresh, with an invigorating mouthfeel and texture. A food wine to accompany German, spicy Indian, or Thai fare, worth cellaring a few years to deepen the honeyed citrus notes.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): A friendly, delicious, and light quaffer, with a touch of residual sugar (just 7 grams per liter) which rounds off the edge of the high natural acidity of the Riesling grape. An unpretentious, every day, old world style Riesling, like a 1970s Mosel, wines that were a bit lighter and fresher than the ubiquitous 1970s Liebfraumilch.

9/3/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Linden's climate change (?) vintage 2023 (Linden, VA): Light pink, minimal skin and juice contact: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot. Notes of white cranberry and pink lady apples. Fresh and inviting, lovely minerality and a hint of Burgundian sparkle (petillance, a faint effervescence). With eyes closed I might have guessed a white wine.

8/25/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Clean, fresh, and vibrant blend of 88% SB and 12 % Semillon. Mown hay aroma with citrus notes. Would not be confused with a pungent NZ SB. Crisp but not overpowering varietal character and mineral notes dominate. My guess is best now and the next year or two for its freshness.

8/19/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Beautiful blend of Rhone varieties G/S/Md/Counoise with a dash of tannic Tannat. Perfumed, turning spicy and herbal, but there is a core of succulent dark cherry, somewhat chocolated, fruit that stands out and carries through with perfect precision from beginning to end. Old world more than new. Long and memorable. 91-95

8/7/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Dianthus drinks like a red wine. Scented with whiffs of strawberry and raspberry, a bold palate of pepper and cranberry, somewhat like a light pinot noir.

Made the mistake of serving this too cold and did not pair it well with the appetizer (pepper coated cashew nuts). Dianthus strikes me emphatically as a food wine, best served at about 50-60 F and more suited to fall-winter-spring fare than lighter summer fare. 88-90

8/7/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Tannat yields a sturdy and robust red wine that pairs beautifully with meat and fatty dishes. On opening this bottle was not very subtle with hidden facets or dimensions but it was flavorful, bright, and to be honest it overpowered even the lean BBQ ribs we had.

24 hours of air made a difference and moderated the wine in an appealing way. The tannins softened, the earthy, smokey suggestiveness of the day before diminished and gave way to black cherry fruit, dried roses, and subtler notes of bay/rosemary/juniper. Will give the next bottle another 18 months or so. 88-91

7/25/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Improved after 24 hours and even better (for my taste) after 48 hr: notes of kirsch, spice, and incense emerged and tannins went from hard to plush. Certainly can be cellared a few more years

7/24/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Bright, crunchy, peppery translucent (as opposed to dark) red fruit. A bit mono-dimensional with healthy tannins, so I will add another tasting note after 24 hours to see if further aeration makes difference!

7/24/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Excellent varietal character and winemaking but sadly just not a great vintage for this grape due to extreme heat at harvest. Possibly better to drink this Vermentino with a main course than sip it as we did with appetizers. Not exactly flatfooted, but lacking in the zest and spring and bounce of the better vintages. Its broader more textural style might be more enjoyable with an entree. Still it is interesting to observe the range and versatility of this variety. One bottle left, will see what a little more age brings.... 88-89

7/24/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Beautiful old style Riesling Kabinett, tilted to the sweet side, with pronounced Riesling character. Great sipper, good length, better with cheese than with a sugary dessert. 90-91

6/23/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

I have praised Linden's other 2017 single vineyard Chardonnay, the Avenius. This one is also beautiful, and both are more to my liking than most premium west coast Chardonnay. Neither the Avenius nor the Hardscrabble are voluptuous-styled Chards of bountiful volume. Instead they are closer to the intensely flavored, mineral laced, citrus-note wines of Chablis.

The Hardscrabble is the riper, creamier and more evolved and brooding of the two, the Avenius, the more mineral and dazzling with its zippy acidity and scintillating, twinkling palate. What a great pair! Both share a purity of fruit and just a light kiss of oak. At six years this Hardscrabble is opening up and shedding some of its early tightness.

6/20/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Classic Cab Sauvignon, and its abundant Cali fruit makes it preferable to Bordeaux in the same price range (under $40). Not profound, beyond the generous fruit it is immediately accessible, spicy, textured, and complete. The finish is nothing to write home about, if there is a compulsion to note a shortcoming, but the enjoyability quotient is undiminished. Wish I had ordered more. 89-91 territory.

6/15/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Blood red, solid, tasty Syrah. Definitely on the bold flavorful side with terrific savoriness and abundant fruit. Should hold a few years.

6/9/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Cherry red, 14.5% abv 70% Sangiovese 20% Merlot 10% Petit Verdot.

Not inky but a very youthful and joyful Chianti red at 6 years old. Fragrant fruit of cassis, sour cherry/amarena, backed by lovely notes of bay and ripening field tomato. Really delicious, light to medium body (the Merlot adds some fleshiness), not at all jammy or showing alcoholic heat, in fact quite Italian, the most Italian tasting California Sangiovese wine I've had. The freshness and intense fruitiness are backed by sufficient acidity and tannin, but there is still a suggestion of tree ripe cherry fruit sweetness. A good afternoon red, everything in balance without heaviness. Pure delight.

5/19/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Dark and deeply scented with Pegau's characteristic charcuterie-infused garrigue, bing cherry, sarsaparilla, Asian five spice, and full body. Glides across the palate with a sensation of immensity but without heaviness.

5/19/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Vibrant and full flavored, with immediate aromatics, depth of flavor, and the honey nuttiness of the variety that does not suggest oxidation or a sherry "cooked" character. Long finish, with flesh and backbone.

5/19/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Just outstanding. Plush, dark fruit, with raspberry and blackberry essences, orange zest, loamy earth, and a brambly Zin garrigue. This multi-vineyard blend of old vine fruit has more complexity than some other Carlisle single vineyard bottlings.

5/19/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Bright red fruit, cranberry spectrum, intense with plenty of structure and an unexpected mid palate volume. Drinking beautifully now. Priorat like focus and minerality.

5/15/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

The Grenache and Mourvedre are a beautiful combo. The 2018 Songs I opened a couple of years ago had a bit more verve and a suggestion of incense that really good Grenache can sometimes express. This bottle shows a richer palate, with cocoa, cardamom, and that savory leather scent. The tannins are not fierce or grippy, but convey a lot of texture. I prefer the more youthful profile but this 2017 is also lovely and was a good match for Qeema Aloo and chapatis, and was even better the next day. Perhaps Songs of its Own is best enjoyed in its youth?

After 48 hours: just hitting its stride. Raising my score from 89 to 91

5/13/2023 - wilypod wrote:

Beautiful color, less inky than most Syrah (67%) thanks to 21% Grenache and 12% Terret Noir. Other CT notes praise the Grenache component. It is not very noticeable in the nose, which is somewhat reductive and mainly herbal, a little floral with a touch of sweet cherry (Bing), but more of of cured black olives like Kalamata, with a "weedy" quality. It may need more exposure to air to show best. The palate is intriguing: peppery, lively, and bright with a clean, bracing texture.

I'd love to experience this style with a richer fruit profile. It is a pleasure to drink but the nose is not very appealing. The floral component in fact expresses a vegetative leafiness as well as flowers. I plan to taste again tomorrow to see if 24 hours makes a difference, esp with regard to the reductive character.

Day 2 The extra exposure to air improved the nose, less vegetative and more floral. The palate shows very good balance. Le Complice is a fine idea. I hope that successive vintages will better bring out an equal emphasis on fruit aromatics. (Comment: I prefer Syrah when it has a decidedly fruit-driven blueberry blackberry profile. Its herby and black olive tapenade tendencies are ok as a "tamed" minor note but do not appeal when they dominate. Other Syrah and Shiraz fans may differ from me in this respect. end Comment)

5/11/2023 - wilypod wrote:

Beautiful color, less inky than most Syrah (67%) thanks to 21% Grenache and 12% Terret Noir. The nose is somewhat reductive and mainly herbal, somewhat floral with a touch of sweet cherry (Bing), but more of of cured black olives (Kalamata). It may need more exposure to air to show best. The palate is intriguing: remarkable, lively, and bright with a clean, bracing texture.

I'd love to experience this style with a richer fruit profile. It is a pleasure to drink but the nose is not very appealing. The floral component in fact expresses a weediness as well as flowers. I plan to taste again tomorrow to see if 24 hours makes a difference, esp with regard to the reductive character.

5/11/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Better than my bottle of 11/11/2022. Continues on a very becoming trajectory. Nose has lost a whiff of opulence but on the palate the acidity, Roussanne richness, minerality, and a touch of French oak are firmly in control. The honey and roasted almond character of aged Roussanne is coming into play. This wine might be the star of the 2012 vintage for Tablas Creek.

Very few premium Cali Chardonnays have this level of personality, firmness, and intact fruit at 11 years. Next must check out the 2012 Esprit and Panoplie. Was perfect with smoked trout. 91-93

4/29/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Ripe and round and spicy. I thought this would retain its bright structure but it is evolving into a rather lush wine. I enjoyed it more in its youth.

4/21/2023 - wilypod wrote:

Much more like a Spanish Garnacha than a Cotes du Rhone Grenache. Full bodied, decent varietal character, dark cherry, tree bark, raspberry and pepper. Fully evolved at ten years, but probably was more exciting in its youth.

4/20/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Drank the decanted remainder from 4/17 with which I had filled a 375 ml on uncorking. Beautiful Zinfandel, fresh, quaffable, in a class with quality Beaujolais and Barbera.

Layered blue and red fruit, lifted bright acidity, and an underlying passacaglia of extract and tannin shape a structural frame for the evolving liqueur and port notes. The addition (13%) of Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Tempranillo, etc. makes a difference. A wine that illustrates Carlisle's often-inspired Zinfandel wine-making.

4/17/2023 - wilypod Likes this wine:

Not loud or brash but ageing nicely. Healthy dark color with scant bricking. This low pH 3.35 and 87% Zinfandel (13% some 34 other varieties) maintains a lively palate at 9 years. The mouthfeel is weighted with extract, including a fair amount of tannin. The dominant aromatic and flavor notes are blood orange (the low pH?) and a punch of eucalyptus, mulberry, cocoa-iron, raspberry, and "cherry pie" cherry (that is, not Bing eating cherries but the classic European and Middle Eastern sour cherry).

The 15% alcohol adds a port-like gravity to the proceedings. However, the overall impression is very California but not jammy thanks to the acidity. It went well with dinner. It continued to develop and reveal more nuance after dinner. I can see why Wine Spectator gave it 94 points.