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Tasting Notes for tomherer

(515 notes on 474 wines)

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Red
6/28/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
94 points
This wine is one of several Carlisle 2015s that seem to be a moving target. I.e., out of two bottles of the same wine, purchased from the same source, one will provide a much different experience than the other. I don't think it's bottle variation either -- maybe more like bottle...evolution?

Anyway, opened a bottle of this about six months ago, and it was pretty closed down. Very nice, and plenty of fruit, but not as generous as you'd expect. This bottle is freaking en fuego. Gobs of ripe raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and some orange peel trimming. Absolutely loaded with delicious fruit, but it's light and energetic, not jammy. One of the best zins I've had so far this year, and as always, a price that puts most other producers to shame.
9 people found this helpful Comments (3)
Red
6/26/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
96 points
Been following this bottle for the last eight hours or so. Off the pop my friend and I took first sips, followed by "WHOA", followed by some silence, followed by some mumbled descriptors, followed by more silence...

The wine is just profoundly good, although I'm not inclined to wander into "best Carlisle ever" territory, especially with the 2016s showing such a distinctiveness between each wine in the lineup. The past few vintages have given us wines of such increasing finesse and personality that picking the best ever is almost like picking your favorite kid. You just gotta love 'em all unconditionally.

This moved around a lot throughout the evening, but the balance between grace/power, rich/elegant, sweet/savory, etc. didn't waver for an instant. The score range was probably in the 94-97 zone, but I think that assigning it points as it stands today is less useful than the observation that this wine has the potential to fascinate for many years, and that its current accessibility and incredibly fair pricing make this one to buy by the case and follow now through ____ ....?
8 people found this helpful Comment
Red - Fortified
6/24/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
Second of three bottles. Drank the first in October 2017. In that TN, I wrote that the wine was still too young at 20 yrs old, and that this bottle next to me wouldn't get opened for another ~five years. No regrets re: jumping the gun, though -- tonight the tannins are slightly more resolved, and there's an almost tawny-like entry of caramel and nuts. Similar flavor profile otherwise -- chocolate, cherries, raisin, and the spiced apple that another reviewer mentioned.

Definitely still recommend putting another five or 10 years on this, but this time I'm way more optimistic about its potential. If everything goes right from here, this will turn into a classic VP and be a sleeper of the vintage.
White
6/22/2018 - tomherer Does not like this wine:
81 points
Recent LastBottle offering -- they billed it as the sort of wine that people will think you're cool for bringing to dinner, and also described it as, and I quote, "singularly fascinating". Well, it isn't. And I don't go to a lot of dinners where bringing white Pinot Noir buys you street cred, so this wine doesn't do a whole lot for me.

The palate is totally monolithic, with nothing but a salted lemon Warhead flavor to offer. There's actually some great intensity here, as the flavor pushes on and on, but if you're like me and don't actually enjoy how the wine tastes, this isn't much of a bonus. Overall this was a disappointment, as the wine isn't interesting, delicious, or even cheap. Would still like to try some other Lichen wines, but this one gets a hard pass.
2 people found this helpful Comments (1)
White
6/16/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
First time trying a Wrath wine. So far, so good. Fermata translates from Italian into stop or halt, which is to indicate that ML was stopped at about the halfway mark, presumably to create a "best of both worlds" profile that's rich and crisp at once. Mission accomplished imo, with the rich side being more tropical than buttery for me -- lots of coconut and pineapple, as well as banana, honey, and apple pie a la mode. Opulent finish with good length.

The style is probably too full-throttle for some, and even I wouldn't reach for it every day, but it's a great alternative to the ever-increasing number of "Flavor is a Flaw" chards out there. 91-92 pts -- very well-made wine that would be a fair purchase at SRP $35, but is a screaming deal at the NH monopoly's closeout price of $18.
Red
6/3/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
Pleasant surprise here -- was a check-in gift at the Harvest Inn in Napa for a one-night stay. Generous gift, but wasn't expecting much from a comped bottle. But this is really delicious stuff, and a super fun blend, which isn't what I expect from the folks at WH. Not that they don't make great wines, but the ones I've tried have been play-it-safe Bordeaux styles. This has the Cab and Merlot, but also some Syrah and Zin. WH's site says it's mostly Cab, with smaller (but equal) part Merlot/Syrah, with a little bit of Zin splashed in. To me it tastes less like a mostly-Cab blend and more like a version of The Prison, albeit one that trades in its tank top for a collared shirt.

The wine is round and approachable -- a little bit of fine tannin, but soft overall. Crisp blackberry, raspberry jam, tobacco, and licorice. Not crazy complex as others have noticed, but the balance and length are terrific. Crisp, juicy finish hangs out 30+ seconds, and made this go great with pasta and red sauce. Awesome value from an O.G. Napa producer, and a fun alternative to the traditional style of wine coming from that valley.
White - Sweet/Dessert
6/2/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
96 points
Bottle five of five. Intended to stretch them out about a decade and only got six months -- prob a better indicator of how good this wine is than anything I can write here. Orig. purchased at the tasting room, and was totally blown away but unsure as to whether or not it was one of those times where the day's excitement added a few points to the score.

Opening this bottle a half year later in my decidedly-unexciting living room, safe to say that this is truly one of the best sweet white wines I've ever had. Seriously -- I can picture a lineup of my favorites with this in it -- Baumard, Guiraud, Chapoutier VdP, etc -- and the Patterson being in the top tier. 160g of RS/L and 12.8% ABV -- can't imagine the brix at harvest required to produce that much RS and alcohol..

There's a wall of stonefruit -- nectarine, apricot, white peach -- and it's stunningly fresh, with none of that canned fruit in syrup crap going on. From there, white grape juice, cut grass, white flowers, eau de vie, fresh green apple -- and green apple jolly rancher, and the sugared white grapefruit you have for breakfast. It can be several minutes before your toes uncurl and the flavors really start to fade from your palate. In spite of the high RS and ABV, there's plenty of acid to keep the finish pulsing along..
Red
5/28/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
Bottle two of two. Notes similar to 4/15/18, except that this was absolutely singing off the pop. Integrated, ready, delicious.
Red
5/26/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
Am in spring wine cellar cleaning mode and looking for a glass of something that's collecting dust to drink with lunch. Sort of remember buying this, but def. had forgotten it existed. Really impressed with the quality and the condition -- def time to drink up, but can't imagine this has declined much if at all.

The wine is full-bodied and wrapped in a really smooth/creamy layer of chocolate/roasted coffee bean. If this used to have tannins, it sure doesn't anymore. Inside is a core of cherry, blackberry, and plum. For all its richness, the wine finishes clean and savory, with menthol, roasted thyme, menthol, and just enough acid to keep you coming back.

Looks like this used to go for around 14 bucks; whoa. Had I known this was so age-worthy and delicious, would have bought a ton more, but have probably said that about 100 wines at this point. Thanks, hindsight.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2008 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
5/21/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
94 points
Got a chance to take out one of my all-time favorite clients out to lunch today. He runs the sales organization for the largest wine distributor in New England, but is the last person that would ever let you know how successful he is. Thought it might be difficult to choose a wine for the occasion, but somehow, when I got down to the basement underneath our office...it pretty much picked itself. The wine today turned out to be just like the guest of honor, which if I had to describe both in just one word, it'd be...classy.

Beautifully mature and delicious (I'm talking about the wine now..), I'd recommend drinking now if you're down to your last bottle of two, but imagine this goes another decade at least. Classic MB profile of crisp red fruits, cinnamon, herbs, and dusty saddle, with a streak of creme anglaise. All beautifully integrated, with nicely-resolved tannins. Followed over the course of 10-12 hours, and it never stopped improving, so a slow-ox the day of should be worthwhile.

Of the MBs I've had over the years, not all have earned their reputation, but most have, this one included. Distinctive, elegant, and ready to enjoy today. Easy 94 for the wine; paired with today's company, 100.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
5/18/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
PnP last night, and it was good, but somewhat loud and unsettled. Saved half a bottle for tonight, and it's way more pullled together. Blackberry, black cherry, plum, mesquite smoke, BBQ sauce, red apple, and Jolly Rancher. The acidity is focused like a laser and pushes the detailed, lightly-tannic finish on and on. Certainly ready to drink now if you don't mind a little volatility, but I'm going to try to not check in on my next bottle until 2020-22. 92 now, 94 if/when it settles into itself. Either way, the QPR and the authenticity (site and producer) here are just silly.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
5/7/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
88 points
Needed a glass of chard tonight, and nothing cold in the fridge, so got the cheapest thing in the grocery store cold case. For $9, would have heen happy with just about anything, but this is really good! More tropical than buttery — pineapple, coconut, lemon. Balanced, with a nice toasty finish. Good for a weeknight in or to bring to a party. Will repurchase.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
5/6/2018 - tomherer wrote:
flawed
Trashed. Tempted to say over the hill, as it was all prunes and alcohol, although the recent reviews here are all glowing, so possibly flawed? Perhaps shouldn't have held onto something with such ABV for so long, but doesn't make this any less tragic.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Rosé - Sparkling
2013 Rotari Brut Rosé Vino da Tavola Pinot Nero, Pinot Noir (view label images)
4/28/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
89 points
Elegant and thought-provoking for 18 bucks. Great fizz, small bubbles, fresh red fruits. Some thyme and white balsamic give it a faint medicinal streak. Light-bodied, dry, and refreshing. Tastes young at five years old, and should go another five years before starting to fade. Terrific value.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
4/15/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
First bottle of WesMar for me. Been eager to try it, since every time I try a small producer that Air Guitar & Pinot Noir endorses -- e.g. Wren Hop, Drew, Kesner, etc. -- it ends up being a great discovery.

This time is no different -- terrific entry-level bottle of Pinot here, and so authentically RRV it's not even funny. Bright cranberry, fleshy plum, espresso, and barely-ripe strawberry balance out raspberry liqueur. Gets juicy as it unfolds, and introduces some midpalate bitter cola that goes on and on. Definitely does come off as "briary", as AG&PN mentions, but this blew off for me after ~30 mins of air. Balanced and delicious, and gotta love the WTSO price of around $30.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
4/11/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
96 points
Today was one of two occurrences of the most important day of the year -- Carlisle Shipment Day. Also, whatever I pulled out and tasted was going to be my 500th CT TN, so I asked Mike which one he'd recommend for the the occasion. Without a second's hesitation: "I’d do Sierra Mar. It’s smokin’ right now." Well, alright then, Sierra Mar it is.

Aromas are leaping out of the glass -- in addition to purple fruits and flowers, Tootsie Rolls, herbs dP, and homemade BBQ sauce. On the palate, have to agree 100% with Matt Scott that this is "without a doubt the most sublime young Sierra Mar yet." It's both smokin', and smokey -- more smoldering campfire BBQ, as well as some hoisin. Melted milk chocolate rounds out the savory side, but there's gobs of blue fruit on the other side, with an electrified spine of acid that keeps the wine ultra-fresh. The finish is tight and incredibly focused on saline, blueberry, and plum. The fine tannins and the delicious juiciness rattle around for at least a minute.

This is a Syrah that sets the standard for other domestic wines of this variety, and invites superlatives, as you can see. Better believe it'll be Carlisle in the glass again for TN 1000. 96 now, with possible upside in store, and 10-20 years of prime life ahead of it. Another fascinating triumph from this unstoppable team.
8 people found this helpful Comments (2)
White
4/5/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
87 points
I'm beyond impressed with this little guy. Currently on closeout within the New Hampshire state liquor system. Closeout price is...wait for it...$4.50 a bottle. At first I thought that it was being sold at a huge discount, but then checked WE's review -- they gave it 87 pts and a best buy designation -- and they list SRP as being only $6!.

Certainly nothing profound here, but it's really tasty, balanced enough, neither hot nor sweet, and nice acidic brightness that makes it super refreshing. Medium-plus finish, and actually enough youthful roughness to make me think this will smooth out and pick up another point or two by this time next year. 87 to 88+ plus in time, and easily one of the best values in wine I've ever seen.

https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/santa-rita-2016-120-reserva-especial-chardonnay-central-valley/
Rosé
3/31/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
Opened this pink Roget right after a pink (Pol) Roger, and the difference wasn't actually as stark as we anticipated. Got this for ~$7 on auction -- believe SRP is $18 -- and honestly would be happy with this at either price. Like any wine that Rock Wall makes, it's bold and makes a strong effort to showcase the main variety, in this case Grenache.

The color is identical to the PR we drank prior, which is basically the deep, bloody pink of a Kir Royale. The Grenache shines through with textbook flavors of cherry and strawberry, with some wild berry Nerds bringing up the rear. Acidic grapefruit rind gives the wine its drive, and very faint notes of white chocolate and sweetened Drew Estate cigar tip fill in the seams. Finishes super long and juicy, and while incredibly refreshing at fridge temp, it only shows its nuance as it warms over 30-60 minutes in the glass.

Never imagined my review for a $7 rose would be so positive and so lengthy, but here we are. Doesn't seem to have faded since release, and probably has two or three years left before it starts to.
Rosé - Sparkling
3/31/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Was saving this for a special occasion, but found myself tonight kind of tired, stressed, etc., and needed to turn that frown upside down. So pop went the cork. Color is much darker than expected -- gorgeous deep shade of pink that could easily pass for a Kir Royale.

A totally complete brut rose -- attack is fruity and refreshing, with just a hint of chalkiness, and a mouthful of the proverbial "tiny bubbles". Grapefruit, peach, lemon, strawberry, and buttered naan. Long, long juicy finish. Both delicious and memorable. Probably at or near peak.
4 people found this helpful Comments (1)
Red
3/30/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
This wine is usually either a good or a great QPR; based on this bottle, I'd say the '13 vintage is only on the "good" end of that spectrum. Classic RRV profile -- cherry, cranberry, spicy cola, cinnamon, vanilla. Still has a few tannins to shed. Finish is pretty and detailed but a bit clipped. Might actually be a few years yet before this peaks. Not the best HR they've put out in recent years, but still very nice.
Red
3/27/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
Used to be that a vintage of Carol Shelton would be hit-or-miss, with a few QPR standouts and the rest coming in at various levels of drinkable. She's killing it with the last few vintages though, and it's more than just the great raw material CA has given her to work with lately. The current lineup doesn't haven't a single weak spot (that I can find, anyway), and includes several wines that compete with far more expensive/respected ones. This wine is a good example of that (outdoes the Prisoner for half the price, and could even hold its own with entry-level Bedrocks or Carlisles), as is the 2016 Coquille Blanc, which is by far the best domestic white Rhone blend under $40 that I've had in the past few years.

Initial impressions are classic zin -- crackly red fruit, licorice, briar, cinnamon powder, mocha. But there's another, lighter, dimension with purple flowers, orange zest, and cranberry. Perhaps from the viognier? Regardless, a terrific blend that doesn't quit. 14.5% abv which is reasonable for the style. $30 SRP, but paid about $23. Should hold its form for another five to eight year. A gem.
1 person found this helpful Comments (1)
Red
3/25/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
Screw-'n'-pour, followed for about 10 hours. Beautiful from the first sip, and hadn't changed much if at all by the last sip. There's nothing "big" or Belle Glos-ified about this wine -- actually might be the classiest CA pinot I've had so far this year. Alcohol is just over 14% iirc, and well-integrated. Sour cherry, raspberry, sandlewood, and licorice on a chiseled frame. The red fruit lingers for quite a while. Not overly complex or layered, but it's complete, refreshing, and delicious. Drink now or for at least the next few years.
White - Sweet/Dessert
3/21/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
96 points
Not seeing a lot of rave reviews on this wine recently, but I'm finding it to be freakishly good. Maybe because I haven't had this style of wine in many years and because the price is so low that it's blowing away my expectations?

The wine pours thicker than any I've ever had. Literally almost a maple syrup consistency. It's also outrageously sweet. That's OK though, because just the tiniest sip provides waves of flavor for at least two minutes.

Sea salt, burnt caramel, milk chocolate, roasted nuts, cherry cordial, maple syrup, orange rind, lemon juice, wintergreen. Sticks to the tongue and floats above it at the same time. The complexity, balance, quality, and price here are all just insane. 96+ -- can't imagine if this had a little more acidic lift, would probably be scraping 100.
5 people found this helpful Comments (1)
Red
3/21/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
Opened this too soon, but it's still immensely pleasurable, especially after an hour or two of air. This wine is all about red fruit, with cranberry, apples, and barely-ripe raspberry that almost seem to hover in mid-air. Some orange marmalade too. It's crisp, airy, long, and delicious. Really, really delicious. The community avg of 96 is just goofy though -- for me, 96 denotes a world-class wine, nearing the best of the best. This wine isn't close -- for one, it's too simple, and much worse, it's hot. The 15.1% gives off a nice sear, which on its own disqualifies any Pinot from being top-tier. And, makes $70 a hell of a stretch. 91 as-is, maybe 93-94 without the heat.
Red
3/19/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
95 points
When I saw Matt Scott’s score, thought he might be getting carried away, but holy shit, not even. Profound. In the top few Carlisles I’ve had, and being my favorite winery, I’ve had a few. Blueberries in cream covered in milk chocolate. Plum, purple flowers, licorice, lead pencil, thyme, coriander, vanilla. Layered and long. Fine tannins, but polished overall. Amazing now with a decade or two to go. All hail team Officer and Maddox.
7 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2010 Donelan Cuvée Moriah Sonoma County Red Rhone Blend (view label images)
3/18/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
94 points
Have had this in the cellar for a few years now and given it the cold shoulder for reasons unbeknownst. Perhaps the wax capsule was a deterrent, or the $20 WineBid price tag demoted my perception of its status? Anyway, this is NOT a $20 wine, either by way of SRP, or most importantly, quality. Confidently pays homage to CDP without losing its sense of California. The blending skill here is extraordinary -- the Grenache gives just enough of its spicy, sappy red fruitiness while remaining completely elegant and classy, and the Syrah and Mourvedre supply their own personality without being overbearing. The separate-but-together-ness of the varieties make for complexity and incredible balance. Texture is gorgeous at year eight -- silky with the tannins completely resolved. One of the best domestic GSMs I've ever had -- it's like the love child of Epoch and Chateau Beaucastel. Incredible.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
3/18/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Purchased at winery. These SCMtns appellation chards are always age-worthy standouts in the Fogarty lineup, but this bottle really takes the cake. From a really difficult vintage, no less. Pours a shimmering, healthy gold and tastes fresh as a daisy -- no signs of decay anywhere. Per usual, really hits its stride as it comes up from fridge temp.

Signature searing, fresh lemon. Great tension/balance between the bright citrus and the rich caramel, pineapple, and lime curd. Long, chiseled finish. 93+, with another point or two of upside, even at this later stage of the game. No clue when this goes over the hill, but expect it to be very long-lived by CA chard standards. Outstanding QPR -- as will all vintages of this wine: buy lots, drink often, but save enough to be able to enjoy its entire lifespan.
Red
3/17/2018 - tomherer wrote:
flawed
Huge disappointment. Was downright scary off the pop, with a faint fizziness that took 20-30 minutes to blow off. Has been improving steadily over the past few hours, and as it sits in the glass right now is a barely-respectable Pinot. High-pitched red fruit, sour cherry, dirt, green bell pepper, iron, white pepper. Reading "pro" and CT reviews on this makes me 80% sure this is a flawed bottle, as it doesn't resemble anything that anyone else has written. At the same time, there's no obvious defect -- it's not corked, nor is there any obvious temperature/storage damage. I.e., if it is flawed, I couldn't tell you how.

So...all I know is that the surefire nirvana that is just about guaranteed from a bottle made from this hallowed ground...didn't happen, to say the least. But again, my guess is that it was a defective bottle, since my scores don't resemble anyone else's. Which would probably be in the 70-75 range off the pop, and working up to 80-85 as it stands.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Rosé - Sparkling
2012 Amorosa Bella Brut Rosé Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (view label images)
3/10/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Similar notes to 9/17 -- this misses a beat compared to last time, but it's still an extraordinary bubbly. The same components are there, they're just not quite as in focus this time around. Instead, the wine has a creamier taste and feel that comes across a bit more luxurious. Not a bad tradeoff. Iirc Scott is down to his last case or two in the tasting room, but is also nearly ready to release the 2013 vintage, which I can't wait to try.
White
3/5/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
This is one of my favorite Gruners on the planet. Probably has to something to do with my reverence towards the winemakers, but either way this is a special bottle of juice. This vintage in particular just seems timeless -- every bottle I open has the same freshness about it. It's bound to turn downhill someday, but so far hasn't given a hint of it.

Tonight, loads of citrus -- grapefruit, lime, orange -- with a frame of granny smith apple. The body/feel is tart and energetic, but the flavor and texture of honey is woven throughout. Has a grassy/chive-y background that comes across fresh and never vegetal. Incredibly food-friendly. One of the most interesting wines from CA that I know of and worth seeking out every vintage.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White - Sweet/Dessert
2/25/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
96 points
Brought to a friend's cabin, enjoyed a couple glasses, and left it in their fridge. Get invited back ~1.5 months later, open the fridge, and...lo and behold!!

This is actually in a better spot than when first opened, so I agree with the many others saying this has decades to go. Peach tarte tatin in a glass. Sweet and viscous, but has savory edges of sharp cheese rind and white pepper. Lime curd, butterscotch, pineapple. Utterly delicious. The smallest sip is able to showcase the wine's lift, persistence, and balance for at least a minute. Special, contemplative stuff. 93-94 when opened, 96 now, and still room to improve.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2/11/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
For me this was a stunner as far as appelation wines go. I'm usually right in line with csimm161 wrt to style and producer, and while i agree w/him re: this being lighter on its feet than preferred, it certainly doesn't strike me as "meh" in any way.

Tasted at the winery, purchased there and brought to pizzeria Picco to enjoy. Has a five-foot nose -- can smell the fruit wafting as it's poured. Has a zingy/tart personality but is by no means stingy on the fruit. Gobs of red fruit -- apple, cran, ras -- with some red twizzler and a little mushroom/sous bois. Incredible purity and 45-60 second finish are what put this in world-class territory for me. 93+, by all means worth seeking out. Drink now or w/in ~four years.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
So bizarre, since the last bottle six months ago was in great balance, but this bottle is all salt, meat, and metal. No discernible fruit whatsoever anymore. Tastes like it aged at least a decade in under a year. One bottle left to experiment with. If scoring, 83-86.
Red
This bottle is really disappointing. Tried it in the tasting room, and it was one of the best appellation-level zins I've ever had. Ultra-pure and smooth, with a lightness that reminded me of The Big Three's zins from Kirschenmann vineyard in Lodi. This bottle is from that tasting room visit, but doesn't resemble the wine we tried.

Hot, thin, and clunky -- no obvious flaws or signs of damage, just comes off like an average crappy zin. If scoring, first bottle was 93-94, this bottle is 86-87. I'd still seek out this wine, because as its best it's incredible, but caveat emptor due to bottle variation.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White - Sweet/Dessert
2009 Château Suduiraut Lions de Suduiraut Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend (view label images)
1/18/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
89 points
Way better than expected -- I opened the first (of three) of these bottles about a year ago, and it was total shit. Was dreading choking the rest of the bottles back, but this bottle is just fine. Great viscous texture that stops short of syrup-y. Nice and tangy from the botrytis. Simple palate, but it checks the basic Sauternes boxes; honey and apricot, mostly. Just a tinge of dishwater holds this back from being very good. Good, 88-89.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
1/5/2018 - tomherer wrote:
90 points
Pretty full-throttle stuff -- can definitely see why the reviews here are polarized. But on the other hand it's consistent with the Tensley house style, so there shouldn't be any surprises. Complex palate with just about everything in the red fruit spectrum, spicy cola, and soy sauce-glazed mushrooms. Nice toasty vanilla from the oak. There is the bitter/astringent harshness that others have mentioned though, which I'm guessing is alcohol burn. It's a real detractor -- this would rate at least a couple points higher otherwise. But if you don't mind some candied fruit and booziness in your pinot, you should enjoy this plenty.
Rosé - Sparkling
1/1/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Like all things NYE, notes/memories are limited. But no question this was the real deal — exuberant red fruit, classic structure, elegant and persistent bead. Great balance between richness and verve; comes across youthful. Fit for a celebration and priced fairly in the high USD $50s iirc.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2015 Nicora Grenache Euphoric Paso Robles Adelaida District (view label images)
12/22/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
95 points
Opened too young. Shit. The wine still soars tho -- strawberry preserves, mushroom, river stone, grit, brown sugar, carmelized shallot, sour cherry, baked apple -- good lord the finish is still going off the sip I took before starting this review. Needs another few years for the tannins to settle, but the wine is airy and expansive -- not closed down in the least. Such a special wine. Double whoa. Triple whoa???
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
12/18/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Coravin pour. Seems to be at or near peak -- plenty of secondaries surrounding the fruit, and everything in great balance. Fleshy wild berry, roasted plum, sour cherry, tilled soil and smooth rocks. Beautiful long, prickly finish. True to the Epoch formula of intense Paso fruit and elegant structure that keeps me coming back. 93+, outstanding.
White
12/16/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Really impressive chard -- best 116 I've had, and in my top five chards of the year next to a Tom Fogarty, Lynmar Serenite, and two Stonestreets. Totally in line w/ScottPreston re: overall impression and score. Expansive and oily lemon curd dominates, with focused peach and butterscotch in the middle. Also agree w/him on the Montrachet reference -- this balances rich flavors on an otherwise brisk and airy frame. Finishes quite long. Whoa.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
12/15/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
Popped open full of fruit and a little fat; turned high-toned and fairly lean after only 15-20 minutes of air. The Petite Sirah does all the talking here. Blackberry pie and vanilla ice cream, gravel, strawberries and balsamic. Zippy, very dry, and food-friendly. My guess is that its youthful phase is behind it.
White
11/28/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Scratching my head at CJM's note -- for me, this was an absolute star in the tasting room; drinking the last of the bottles I purchased there this spring, and enjoying it immensely. Dripping with full-malo butter, but not getting a ton of new/toasted oak influence. Gorgeous silky texture, waves of lime curd, a bag of buttered popcorn, and chewy dried fruit. Totally complete and classy. Heading back to their tasting room next week and fingers crossed they still have some out back..
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
11/26/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
Lucky enough to have found a few different Ashan chards over the past couple of months. Theirs is the only all-Chardonnay brand on my radar, and their focus appears to be paying off, as the QPRs here are terrific.

This bottling is all about balance -- lemon, apple, pear, hazelnut, piecrust, vanilla ice cream. Finish reverberates tirelessly, and on all ends of the spectrum. 92 with upside. Delicious, and good value here at $40.
White
2015 Nicora The Undisclosed Paso Robles White Rhone Blend (view label images)
11/23/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
93 points
Creamsicle, roasted almond, baby carrot, brown butter, lemon curd. Gets a nice acidic lift in the middle and rides it out in style. Great CA interpretation of a Rhone white and actually a pretty good QPR.
Red - Fortified
11/20/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
94 points
Beautiful showing. True to Pzinn's TN last year. The ginger in particular is pronounced, and the mango is joined by dried apricots. The nuttiness is pure roasted hazelnut -- doesn't come off as stale or oxidized for a second. Terrific acidity, really balances the wine. Best tawny I've ever had.
Red
11/20/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
94 points
Ditto my note from 5/20. Which is good, given how much fluctuation you can get from zins that are this high-octane. Nice to see this in such great/similar shape. Fresh coffee grounds are more pronounced/intoxicating than I remember. Has miles to go yet; should hold this form for another few years and hold this score for even longer.
4 people found this helpful Comment
Red
11/17/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
Every one of this brand's wines that I've tried has been a QPR win, but this one takes the cake. It ain't easy to deliver flavorful, classy, variety-correct Pinot for $20, but here we are.

The personality here is more Jones than Schalchlin. Light, crisp, crunchy. Red apple, cranberry, cinnamon, brown sugar, raspberry. Delicate, but persistent. Shows just as well on night two, which bodes well for longevity. A rare Burg-lover's bargain from the Central Coast.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
11/6/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
This is the first domestic Barbera I've had, not that there are many to choose from. It's such a cool, unlikely, wonderful wine. Just got it last week after being stored at JJ Buckley since 2012. Appears to be in perfect shape inside and out.

Cherry three ways; sour, fresh/ripe, and baked. Shoe polish, red apple, raisin, and an Asian earthiness. Not as salty as soy; let's call it umami at risk of being a total nerd. I bet this wine was an absolute beast in its youth, and probably begged the question as to whether making it in the first place was worth the effort and/or price. I can't answer that question, but can say that what's in the glass in front of me is a small triumph.
Red
11/4/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
92 points
This is my second bottle from this producer (other was a '12 39/Anderson Creek) and I'm seriously impressed. Both wines have lived up to the "expression"/latitude schtick and shown a real sense of place.

See-through red, almost clear at the edge. Medium-bodied with a delicate, silky texture - the tannins others have mentioned seem to have completely resolved. Sappy cherry, blueberry, cranberry, dill, oak. Ends pebbly and with a cola/dr. pepper-y spiciness. Flat-out delicious, will keep this winery on my radar.
White - Sparkling
2012 Iron Horse Vineyards Wedding Cuvée Green Valley of Russian River Valley Champagne Blend (view label images)
11/2/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine:
91 points
In very nice shape. Color is light gold and the flavors are crisp; no signs of oxidization. Honey, apple, pear, cinnamon. Almost bone-dry but not quite. Not super-complex, and more or less missing that wonderful yeasty/doughy character, but still super refreshing and delicious. Improves considerably with air. Should go strong for at least another five years.
2 people found this helpful Comment
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