2/10/2024 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Absolutely stunning. I opened about two hours before a meal of mushroom paella (made by good friend, Robert). Gorgeous nose and palate of medium red fruit, graphite, sweetish licorice, earthy. We drank this in Feb. 2024, but I forgot to write down notes. Here we are, two months later, and I'm trying to recreate the experience. Suffice it to say, this is loaded, beautiful, graceful. One the best wines I've enjoyed in the past decade. Safe to open now, but can sit quietly in the cellar for a few more years without losing a step. Next up, the 1989 vintage. :)

3/10/2024 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This is still young, but I couldn't resist opening one just to see where it is. Loaded with plum, cocoa, with some licorice and a stony/graphite hint. I drank this over 4 days and it was definitely much more open and appealing on days 2 and 3. This is not a "tannic monster," so is quite nice even at this youthful stage. Drink, with a long decant or, preferably, hold for at least 7+ yrs. This will definitely reward patience.

1/31/2024 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I agree 100% with my friend Allred's notes below. Spot on. I liked it even more and give it 93 pts. I agree, too, that this has the stuffing to cellar another 10+ years. I have one more bottle and will TRY, really try, to hold it. But, this is so lovely now...can I resist?

12/26/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Opened and decanted about 2hr before a meal. This is throwing quite a bit of sediment, so decanting was a good move. The nose is amazing: explosive aromas of dark fruit, leather, herbs. 93-94 pts for that alone. The palate did not quite live up to the nose, however. Despite exhibiting quality fruit, licorice, and some stemminess/greenness, there was some underlying harsh element that I could not name. But it was there and, to me, distracted a bit from what was otherwise an excellent wine. Others did not pick up on that component, so it was just my individual impression. Had that not been evident, a clear 95 pointer. Otherwise, a 92-93. I would recommend a longer decant or hold for another 5+ years, maybe 10.

12/2/2023 - Haggis wrote:

I generally really like Copain syrahs from the Wells Guthrie era. This one, however, was a disappointment. When I opened it and poured some into a glass, I was struck by how light it is. First taste had me wondering if they mistakenly bottled pinot noir and labelled it as syrah. Very light, thin, almost watery. I was hoping it might take on some weight by day 2, but no.

11/13/2023 - Haggis wrote:

My first bottle of this, about 5 years ago, impressed me. Since then, every Kutch I've opened has left me underwhelmed. My first reaction to this bottle (and to some others recently) was "this is thin." Not a lot of "there" there. I don't know if these (2014s and 2015s) are going through a "phase," or if my tastes/palate are going through one. Nevertheless, I get some tart cherry (watery), hints of licorice, and not much else.

10/8/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

A quick note to say that this is drinking wonderfully now. Cherry, forest floor/shiitake mushroom, refined and silky.

10/6/2023 - Haggis Does not like this wine:

I opened a bottle of this a few days ago and found it to be thin, light, and lifeless. The color, too, was rather light. I wondered if it might be flawed in some way, so I opened a second bottle. Again, not impressed at all. Either the 2016 is a weak wine/vintage or I just do not appreciate Kutch pinots (although I did have on a year or so ago that I thought was decent). Anyway, very disappointing.

To ease my pain, I opened a 2015 Copain 'Kiser' En Haute. Now, THAT was excellent.

10/9/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I don't have time for a detailed review, as I am in the midst of moving to a new home, with all its business and hassles. I opened this bottle to make the packing and moving more "enjoyable." Good choice! Lovely dark fruit (cherry), dark cocoa, and lush tannin. Drinking very nicely now (better on day 2), but a few more years will be rewarding.

8/2/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This is a big wine. Loads of plummy fruit, iodine, iron, and softish tannins. It is not ready for prime time, as it needs several more years to come together and settle down. On day 1, it was too much; however, on days 2 and 3, it was much more integrated and had shed some of its heat. 91pts now, with considerable upside in another 5+ years. HOLD.

6/24/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Not much to add to my previous note (12/2020). Really in a good place with long life ahead.

5/11/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Good expression of riesling: spice, honey, petrol, with good acidity. It is a bit "thin," but takes on a bit more weight with some air. I don't see much upside to continuing to hold.

1/14/2023 - Haggis wrote:

My notes of May 2021 pretty much sum up my impressions of this latest bottle. More oak and tannin than fruit. It's a shame that this wine is called "Maestro" to honor the role of André Tchelistcheff. I can't imagine he would be thrilled to have his legacy honored with a mediocre wine.

1/7/2023 - Haggis wrote:

I decided to try another one of these to see if time is being kind to it. I still find it uninspiring (see earlier notes). Good wine for the price, but not living up to the hype.

1/12/2023 - Haggis Likes this wine:

QTR produces, what I consider to be, the best domestic Chenin Blanc. It might have to do, in part, with Thomas Rivers-Brown "magic." Regardless, this is very expressive (a bit rich, with pear and apricot) and not at all the thin, somewhat "tart" CBs I usually encounter from US producers. I am so sad that QTR is folding (well, not bottling their wines anymore, but still growing grapes for other producers).

12/25/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Opened for Christmas dinner 2022 at our daughter's house. As much as this might benefit from more years in the bottle, it is drinking really nicely now. Loads of almond/marzipan, Seville orange, honeycomb, and a hint of peach pit. Very nice. 94pts

11/27/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This is drinking really nicely. Firm palate of dark cherry, cacao, licorice, spice. The tannins are surprisingly soft, making this very drinkable at this stage. Drink now or hold for 5+ yrs.

12/1/2022 - Haggis Does not like this wine:

This is one of the worst wines I've had all year. It was gifted to me by a good friend, so I am hesitant to openly "diss" it. But, it is not good. The underlying sparkling wine is barely adequate, with sour notes and a soapiness. The producers have added some ice wine, apparently thinking it will increase its appeal. But, the ice wine component, as far as I can discern, is also not that good. So, add two mediocre elements, and you get something that is worse than either of the two alone. This is a royal mess. I had a few sips, put the bottle in the fridge for a day, and tried it again. Poured it down the drain.

10/23/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Similar notes to my TN of 12/5/2020. The only things I would add are that (1) this had taken on a bit more complexity and (2) my "drink by" estimate of 2024 is too narrow. I have two more bottles which I hope to resist opening for another 5 years. Well done, as always, Paul and Stefania!

4/16/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This is one of the better Rivers-Marie pinots I have ever had. I drank it over two days (my plan was to stretch it out over 3 days, but it was so damn good that it didn't last that long!), with day 1 being light and lithe. Load of fresh strawberry, cherry, and just enough acid backbone to balance the fruit. By day 2, the depth and mid-palate had really filled out (or filled in?) and was a lot more "burgundian," for those of you who like to make such comparisons. Suffice it to say, that this gem of a wine will benefit from several more years of being kindly ignored.

For those who follow Thomas Rivers Brown, he now has two labels: this Rivers-Marie and Aston Estate. He was Fred Schrader's winemaker for Aston, but bought it from Schrader last year.

3/13/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This was my last bottle and it was wonderful. It is, as I love about Copain wines, elegant, refined, and lets the fruit "speak" for itself. Cherry, hints of allspice, and a slight tartness that one does not fine in other "ball buster" syrahs. Could easily go another 5 years. Well done. So well, in fact, that I no longer buy Copain and have followed Wells Guthrie to his new venture.

3/6/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

First, my "score" is based on the wine today. It has a lot of upside, however, and will likely be in the mid-90s in another 5+ years. (makes me wonder why I even provide a score). I drank this over two days. On day 1, the nose was beautiful, with plum and mocha. Palate confirmed that, with some mint (tiny bit), eucalyptus, and spice. However, it was a bit muddled and clunky. The tannins were surprisingly muted. I was expecting more, particularly being still a bit on the youthful side. Day 2 was quite revealing and a lot more balanced/integrated. Really smooth and almost "creamy" (can't think of a better word). Some tannin structure keeping it all together. This will be much more to my liking in another 5+ years. I suggest holding until 2027 or so. If you must drink now (and it is tempting), a long decant is warranted.

1/28/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

No formal notes. This is an easy drinker that pairs very nicely with light dishes, cheese, cured meats. I will save the other two for summer.

1/24/2022 - Haggis wrote:

These d'N wines seem to be all over the place. Some, like this No. 17, puzzle me. I have 2 more and will be curious to see if they come together, but I'm not optimistic. I am completely in agreement with Sleepyhaus' comment, below, and will leave it at that.

1/16/2022 - Haggis Likes this wine:

The 2014 Crimson Clover is really starting to come together now. It is NOT that over-extracted "Cali cab" that many people crave. Rather, it is "reserved" and elegant, with dark plum, prune, licorice (just a hint) or iodine, and some sandlewood. Tannins are soft, but just enough to make this a full, rounded delight. Plenty of upside. Having 3 more bottles, I'll open one every two years to see how they continue to progress.

12/19/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This was my last bottle of the 2012 Summa. I wish now that I had held onto to it (and one or two more) for another 5 years or so. The nose on this is gorgeous and explodes out of the bottle when uncorked. Earthy, truffles, and field mushrooms. The palate is distinctly different (on day 1) with crushed red tart fruit (red currant and rhubarb) and some hint of blueberry. This seems to be a Thomas Rivers Brown hallmark. On day 2, the tartness (which is not objectionable by any means) has toned down and the palate is deeper and richer. Drink now, with a long decant or hold for 5+ yrs.

10/18/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This is a very good riesling; even better considering the price. I regret not taking any formal notes, but the two bottles I have consumed in the past 6 months or so have been very impressive. A bit young at this stage, but should improve during the next 5-6 years. Great QPR.

10/18/2021 - Haggis Does not like this wine:

This was the worst bottle of the case. The bottle variation in this merlot is astounding. This one, like many of the others, was a hot oaky mess; except, this bottle was "messier" than any of the previous 11. I'm glad to be done with these.

10/1/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

This is always an "easy drinker," not demanding much aging (not that it won't benefit to an extent, but not like other bottlings like Rockpile, Old Vines, etc.). Plummy/jammy, a hint of spiciness (not enough for my tastes), and virtually no tannin. A bit on the hot side.

9/29/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

No formal notes on this. My wife and I were curious to see how Wells Guthrie's new wines are faring and were very impressed. This Chardonnay is not quite (yet?) on a par with some of his Copain whites (such as DuPrat), but a very solid effort and I will be buying more when the new releases come out. Drink or hold for 3-5yrs.

9/26/2021 - Haggis wrote:

I continue to be puzzled/baffled by the wide bottle variation. Some are quite drinkable, while others are a scrambled, oaky, hot mess. This one is somewhere in between. It was quite pleasant upon opening, with expressive dark fruit, cocoa, bramble, and a good dollop of tannin. On day 2, it was much smoother, with some of the heat blown off. Today (day 3), it is mostly alcohol and tannin with muted fruit. Messy. 90pts for day 1; 89 for day 2; 84 for day 3.

9/22/2021 - Haggis Does not like this wine:

This bottle was consistent with my previous notes. A very oaky wine. Too much so in my opinion. I can see oak and tannin settling down with time, particularly with cabs. But, for me, merlot is a bit softer and is not enhanced by too much oak.

6/1/2021 - Haggis Does not like this wine:

This, like other bottles of this zin, is a "meh" wine. I have not had the bad luck of flawed bottles like another member here says, but I find nothing impressive about this wine. It is austere (not a bad thing), but the iodine, greenness/steminess, and bitterness are too much for me. There is some good crushed dark fruit (cherry) with a hint of pepper, but nothing to hold one's interest.

5/9/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I agree with many of the previous notes expressing some disappointment with this wine and questioning its "QPR." It does not have much in the way of depth or complexity, which is at odds with many BV that I have enjoyed over the years. That said, I thought it a bit closed on day 1 and giving only some muted fruit and very little tannic structure. On day 2, a lot more enjoyable, but the fruit still a bit linear. Drink now - 2025

4/22/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Although the price I paid (from Last Bottle) was a steal, this is still a good, if not excellent, wine for the full price. Lovely fruit: guava, peach pit, and lemon curd complemented with a bracing stony minerality. I think could benefit significantly from another year or two in the cellar.

4/15/2021 - Haggis wrote:

This was my second bottle of this wine, which I consumed over three days. I admit that it is young; however, Cameron states it is (in his opinion) a "cellar defender." In other words, drink it young. Well, at this stage, this is an oak monster. I have for decades enjoyed New World and Old World (namely, right bank Bordeaux) merlot-based wines, but have never had one that is so oak-dominated even when young. As I stated in my earlier note, the nose is promising (plush, fruity, and clean). The palate, however, is (as another note here puts it) monolithic. That is oak. I don't know yet if this needs a few years to calm down (and therefore NOT a cellar defender) or if it is so oaky that it is just an average wine. 87pts (and am being generous).

4/15/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I love this wine for two major reasons. First, the great cause for which the profits are donated. Second, this is a really nice, serious wine and exactly how I like my syrah: full-bodied and exuding that Rhone-style "funk" that keeps me coming back for more. I would hold for another 5 years or so. But, if you are like me and want to check on how a wine is developing, you won't be disappointed despite its youth. Best 2025-2032 (in my opinion).

4/6/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Holy crap, what a beautiful wine. I don't know why I have been sitting on two bottles of this, but I just had to open one last weekend. The color is gorgeous: a deep orange color, almost like an Islay single malt, but with an evening sunset glow. The nose is wonderful: herbal, honey, and spice. It is the palate that is mind-blowing. Loads of dried apricot, toasting hazelnuts and almonds, peach pits, nectarine..you name it. This beauty is in no mood to slip away into old age. "She" is ready for you; seductive, beckoning, and with a unctuous viscosity that wraps around your tongue.

If you have some of this, enjoy. However, it has the "stuff" to go another 5-10 years. I'll TRY to hold for another 2-3 yrs, but not sure I can resist.

3/18/2021 - Haggis wrote:

Pretty much the same impression as I had back in Dec. 2020. Nothing notable about this wine, and nothing really objectionable. So-so wine that just seems "manufactured" in some way.

3/15/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I continue to enjoy this as an "everyday drinker." Fruit forward, some nice complexity showing now, and food friendly. Would buy more if I could find it.

3/13/2021 - Haggis wrote:

I opened a bottle a few days after it was delivered. The nose was classical merlot: plush, smooth, discrete. The palate, however, was a bit rough. The fruit is there, but hidden behind a thick veil of oak and tannin. I kept half the bottle for the next day, by which time it has opened up a bit, but still very oaky. Cameron Hughes refers to this a cellar defender. I am not so sure. It is going to take a good 6-12 months for this to sort itself out. It is so primary now that the pleasure, like the fruit, is muted.

3/11/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Very fruity (guava, meyer lemon, and hint of passion fruit), along with honeyed accents and bit of waxiness. On the sweet side, but not as sweet as many Spatlese. The secondary characteristics that I appreciate are not fully developed yet. This has the stuffing to go for years. As tasty as this is now, I will try to keep my hands off the rest of them for 10 years (easier said than done).

2/22/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I drank this over two days, but did not make any notes. I will say that this has hit its stride and has all the qualities I appreciate in a Rioja (good dark fruit, some earthiness and leather, some tannin and oak, and a bit of an acidic bite). Very nice. Drink or hold.

2/21/2021 - Haggis wrote:

I have had two bottles of this in the past week. The first was the best of the lot thus far. Good expression of apple, guava, and a bit of tart acidity. Yet, there is still an underlying greenness and bitterness (like biting into an apple or peach seed) that is unpleasant, but not as pronounced as in other bottles. This first bottle, if pressed, I would score as 88. The second bottle, which I finished last night, was about as bad as they get. The unpleasant attributes far outweighed the fruit. 75pts. This is indicative of the wild bottle variation that I find in most dN wines.

2/9/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Not a lot to say, other than it is a very lovely Rioja. It is a bit in the "modern" style (rich and bold), but with enough of the leather, bramble, and slight acidity of a more traditional style to make it all work together. Drink or hold for another 3-5 years.

2/7/2021 - Haggis Does not like this wine:

I have drank through 4 bottles of this wine since release expecting that it would develop a BIT of character. However, this is really disappointing. A jammy mess of blueberry and rhubarb, which reminds more of a Mendocino zinfandel than a Napa cabernet. There is also a lot of tartaric acid (that tooth-coating grittiness) that spoils whatever redeeming attributes this wine might have. Furthermore, there is no tannic structure at all here. All fruit. No balance. I will be holding six of these for the long haul to see if they improve. Having a lot of experience with barrel tastings and with young wines, I am not holding out a lot of hope. But, given that I paid good money for all my de Negoce purchases, I really want to be proved wrong!

2/2/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine:

I have long been an admirer of Wells Guthrie and am delighted to see this new venture take off. These DuPuis pinots do not have the depth and structure of his Copain, but if this Le Benedict is any indication, they will really shine in the near future. With respect to this particular bottling, GRAPESCOTT and ALANR nailed it. I would only add that this bottle was more layered after being open for 3 days. Although Le Benedict might be more "approachable" than the Wendling at this time, it is no slouch and merits another 5+ years in the cellar.

12/26/2020 - Haggis Likes this wine:

Quite lovely. We drank this on Christmas Day to accompany my roast duck. A great pairing. A lilting, lithe, but firm burgundy. All the elements of forest floor, mushroom, rose petals, and hint of spice and licorice. I would suggest holding for another 3-5 years.

12/13/2020 - Haggis wrote:

I am not getting some of these dN wines. I have experience with barrel tastings, with recently bottled wines, and young wines off the shelf. In each case, gauging a wine is an interesting exercise. With these cabs, I don't find anything to suggest some coherence or winemaker's signature. Instead, they are rumpled and messy. I understand that Cameron Hughes blends some and maybe makes other adjustments prior to bottling. That said, this No. 49 is a jammy mess. Very sweet black cherry and plum with a hint of tannin and oak (but not enough to suggest long shelf life). I wonder if some viognier was added? If you like sweet juice, this is for you. If you prefer some complexity, then you might be disappointed. Yes, this is young, but even a quality bottled 2018 Sonoma cab should be more interesting than this and giving a clear indication of where it is likely going. I'm not seeing it. I did buy a case, so am hoping to be proved wrong.

12/5/2020 - Haggis Likes this wine:

The 2014 SCV continues to impress. For the price, this is insanely good. Full, rich, dark plum with licorice, eucalyptus, and some green stemmy undercurrent. Other bottlings (Chaine d'Or, Crimson & Clover, Santa Cruz Mtns) might have more finesse, but this SCV is a winner. Drink or hold (through 2024).