5/12/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought two for 22.5/b from from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state; this is #1. Dark purple; black cherry nose, some oak; red and black fruits, big mouthfeel, not elegant but tasty. Serve with dinner for 8 so nothing left for the 24h test, but I'd expect it to hold well and perhaps improve. "PN for Cab lovers" has a point; a hard sell for red Burg lovers. Tempted to re-buy. Hefty bottle with serious wax capsule--signaling a big wine? Quality/age/price: Notable+.

5/16/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought one for 18 from from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state. Dark purple; alluring mature black and purple fruit nose; ripe black plum, some black cherry, some forest floor, very good mouthfeel. Held well for 24h. Five Rhone varietals, though not Rhone-like. Almost no sediment, though unfiltered. Delicious and maybe a re-buy in a crowded field. No storage. Quality/age/price: Notable+.

5/4/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought one for 6.30 from from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state. Light gold; simple nose and body that developed some nose and flavor with 24h. Modest impression, though refreshing. Re-buy unlikely. No storage. Quality/age/price: Notable-.

5/11/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Tried it in the store and bought 6b for 6.30/b from from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state. Medium gold; dried grass, some stone fruit on the nose; simple palate with dried grass, good mouthfeel. Next time, leave some to try with 24h. Bottle heft belies the wine's heft. Re-buy maybe; 24h test will tell. No storage. Quality/age/price: Notable.

5/3/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought one for 6.30 from from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state. Light gold/green; bit of grassy, citrus nose that follows on the palate, light bodied, overall simple. Picked up some flavor and weight with 24h. Worth a re-buy as a simple crowd-pleaser. No storage. Quality/age/price: Notable.

5/2/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought one for 6.30 from from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state. Light gold; simple, restrained nose and body on day 1 but improved by day 2 with some pineapple, hint of honey, though never more than simple, tasty. Age not an issue yet. Unlikely to re-buy. No storage. Quality/age/price: Notable.

5/4/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought one for 6.30 from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state. Light gold; light melon and honey on the nose; melon, some stone fruits on the palate, good mouthfeel. Overall tasty but simple, held well for 24h. Good enough to take to friend's casual spring luncheon. Re-buy for large gathering. No storage. Quality/age/price: notable.

5/1/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought 3b for 13.5/b from local eclectic independent shop, part of 4-shop group in the state; this is #1. Dark purple; fragrant blackcurrant nose, medium oak; same plus bit of cocoa on the palate, good mouthfeel. Held well for 24h, somewhat less bright but fine. Consistent notes for the other two bottles drunk over the next two weeks. Among the most reliable Chilean producers; would re-buy for everyday Cab Sauv. Short-term ageworthy. Quality/age/price: Notable+.

1/5/2024 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Jan 29 '23: this is #2. Took as BYO to a popular destination restaurant for dinner with a friend (corkage CAD 35). Consistent notes and at least as good as a year ago. Very good impression despite restaurant distractions and long, lively conversation. Glad to have more--solidly Notable+--and glad I gave a fellow CF fan a bottle after he shared a bottle of less tasty '20 Fort Berens CF (CAD 35 at the BCLDB). Good that the LDB still lists this but says that it's the '18 (vintage notes often unreliable); sadly, current list is CAD 19 (+ 15%). Favorite local discount "chain" has the Cab Sauv (vintage unknown) for CAD 19 (w/5% case discount), but the CS has not been as impressive.

11/30/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Nov 1, '23: Another delicious bottle--consistent notes.

11/27/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Sept 23 '21 note: I say bottle variation. This bottle was delicious--more like the Sept '19 experience: while medium gold, fruit was there along with more prominent honey note. Rich and tasty and interesting to see so much difference 2+ years later. Overall, seems Notable+ with a caveat about bottle variation.

11/13/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought several bottles for 18/b (incl commission and shipping) from Butterfield/Butterfield SF auction 28 years ago--still have three left. Shoulder fill. Well-stained cork, somewhat crumbly but removed almost intact. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Medium-dark purple, no amber; mature blackcurrant nose, muted oak that follow on the palate; lean mouthfeel. Not quite the '83 Forman CS reported earlier but still remarkably good and enjoyable--glad to have more for near-term drinking. Stored in a cool, dark basement since purchase: Quality, age, price: Notable+.

11/9/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought 6b from Davis and Co auction 26+ years ago for 30-/b after all commissions and taxes; this is #4. Top shoulder fill. Solid cork, fully stained, a bit damp. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark purple (no amber); rich mature blackcurrants, hint of olive, hint of oak; mature dark fruits that held well for an hour+ with a bit of fruit fade toward the end; very good mouthfeel. Delicious! I enjoyed this in the years shortly after purchase and then lost track of it but uncovered it recently. It is among the tastiest 40-yo red wines I've tasted; certainly glat to have two more. Stored horizontally in a dark basement with good humidity since purchase. Quality/age/price: Outstanding-.

11/1/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Records not handy. Purchased several bottles (12b case?) at auction 20+ years ago (either Davis, Chicago Wine, or Morrell)--probably <20/b. Solid cork. Decanted with minimal sediment. Dark purple with amber edge; fragrant Right Bank Bdx nose with hint of beef bouillon, consistent taste follows; very good mouthfeel. Recall not enjoying it when first tried years ago, but this is remarkably good: glad to have three more. Quality/price/age: Notable+.

9/22/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Aug 21, '23 note: Tried another (#3) with friends as BYO at a local French-style bistro along with two '95 everyday Bdx from other appellations . Consistent notes: Dark, delicious, very good mouthfeel, some persistence, and the favorite among most of the six of us. The somm handled decanting but did not return the cork (unlike the other two), suggesting that it might have crumbled (reminder: use a long worm or Durand). Solid outstanding.

8/21/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought a 12b case for 14/b 29 years go from Zachy's; this is #2 (basement organizing in '02 left this buried under a stack). Solid cork, but long worm is important. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark purple, no amber; rich mature blackcurrant nose; mature blackcurrant, other black fruits, hint of toasted oak, very good mouthfeel; some persistence. Though not complex, this was beautiful and delicious--and a pleasant surprise after reading recent CT posts. Do storage conditions explain the difference? Quality, age, price: outstanding.

6/18/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought 4b for 13+/b from Garagiste 11+ years ago; this is #1. Solid cork. Decanted with heavy sediment for its age. Dark purple; after 20 minutes, deep, rich nose of mature blackcurrant, black plum, subtle oak; abundant mature dark fruits, very good mouthfeel; some persistence. Delicious, glad to have more. Shared with five others, preferred to the '10 Justin CS served alongside. Quality/age/price: outstanding.

Addendum: That was #2. I found a note on bottle #1 from July 6, '14, and it sounds consistent for its age: No evidence of sediment but overall assessment was "Yum!!"

6/22/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Aug. 8, '21: Last bottle. Largely consistent notes, though the citrus has faded. Still tasty.

6/26/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Oct. 3, '21: Down to a handful left from the case; this is #8. Passed over but found recently. Developing somewhat richer gold color; fragrant white stone fruits, some subdued oak, good mouthfeel. Almost delicious, likely at prime or a bit past but still very good for everyday. Solid Notable+.

6/18/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Note: Label is "Pinot Bianco" (US market). Bought 3b for 7/b 3 months ago from the neighborhood shop of a local, eclectic group of shops; this is #2. Light gold; fresh cut wildflowers, bit grassy that follows on the palate, good mouthfeel. Shared with friends over appetizers with enough left for next night when it seemed a bit richer. Not sure about keeping but very tasty for everyday now. Quality/age/price: Notable+.

6/18/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Nov. 4, '22: Holding well. Enjoyed with friends over appetizers and finished the next night. Any fade is slight.

6/26/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Records not handy. Bought a 12b case, likely 8-10 years ago for less than 15/b from a local independent retail shop. Solid cork. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark purple; fragrant mature blackcurrant that follows on the palate, grapey, good mouthfeel. Very fragrant and tasty for its pedigree. Worthy of its Gold Medal from Concours des Vignerons Independents 2011. Likely at prime, glad to have more. Quality/price/age: Notable+.

Addendum: Found consistent notes from a bottle from Sept. 22, '16, along with comment on heavy sediment when young.

6/24/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Nov. 20, '22: Consistent notes. Light gold, fragrant, dried grass, some honey, good mouthfeel. Held well for 24h. Solid Notable+.

6/23/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to Nov. 1, '21: Medium gold, tasty. Likely fruit fading, though it held well for 24h. Solid for its pedigree and age.

6/24/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Records not handy. Bought 3-4 bottles 20 years ago from the winery for around 30/b; this is the penultimate bottle. Solid cork. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Slightly murky dark purple; mature red fruit, muted spice; rich red fruits, tame by premium Zin standards, good mouthfeel. Tasty but past its more briary prime. Quality, price, age: Notable.

Addendum: Found notes from a bottle from July 31, '13, indicating less than a highly favorable impression even 10 years ago.

3/3/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to my TN of Nov. 4 '22: Compari note still applies--receding fruit, lingering bitterness, still tasty. Held up for 24h with vacuvin but well faded after that.

4/2/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to my TN of Aug. 27, '21: From the original case purchase 3+ years ago. Shared another bottle last Sept and enjoyed this one: solid everyday bubbly with no sign of decline.

2/25/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Sept. 8, '22: Taken as BYO to a local Italian restaurant. Still delicious and holding well. Its longevity is noteworthy.

4/23/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN from May 16, '21: A bit leaner than I remember. Still enjoyable but not for long keeping, I think.

4/22/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Sept. 5, '21: Solid Burg, seemed simpler on the nose and palate than I remembered. Served during a very chatty dinner of six so it may not have had the attention it deserved.

4/3/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Nov. 29, 22: Two bottles recently. Remarkably good, given its pedigree. Rich and tasty Chard, good light gold color, holding well, even with 24h under vacuvin.

4/24/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of March 10, '20: Two recent bottles with notes overall consistent with earlier. Rich, dark fruit, muted flavors that emerge slowly, a bit tarry. Not easy, more interesting, requiring patience.

4/2/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to May 1, '21: This is holding well as an everyday rich, dark red--Amarone style from Malbec, CS, CF, and Bonarda. Glad to have a few more.

4/4/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Apr. 26, '20: Better than last time with tasty, mature fruit upon opening--so some evidence of bottle variation. At its best, this is almost delicious and holding well.

4/14/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Oct. 26, '22: Consistent notes--rich black fruits, dark, very good mouthfeel, overall simple but solid for everyday with hearty fare.

6/9/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Nov. 4, '19: This is #2 of 3. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark purple; black fruit grapey nose that follows on the palate, a bit steely, lean, good mouthfeel. Unusual but thoroughly enjoyable. Enjoyed with lightly grilled Ahi tuna. Glad to have one more. Solid Notable+.

4/18/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Sept. 11, '22: Holding well, still delicious if drunk within 2-3 hours of opening before it turns lean.

4/20/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to July 22, '20: Bought 8b for 20/b from an eclectic local chain shop about the same time that I bought at the restaurant; this is #3 (we've had three bottles over the last year or so). Still my best value Napa Chard, though my price is well below normal for this wine. Almost elegant, good complexity, restrained oak, holding well into its fourth year. Glad to have more.

6/7/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Aug. 21, '21: Two bottles this week. Only a hint of original rich fruit from two years ago--now mild with detectable fruit, simple, pleasant, stable over 24h with vacuvin.

4/14/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Aug. 2, '22: Consistent notes--that's noteworthy for a '19 rose' almost nine months later. Off its prime when fresh, but this continues to deliver a somewhat spicy nose and body with underlying red fruits like strawberry and good mouthfeel. Even held up for 24h with vacuvin. I've been impressed with this wine's durability in this vintage--better than the '20.

5/26/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of March 23, '22--noting again that the prominent name on the label is "Le Val": A bit off its best when young, but still delivering a tasty, everyday FR cab sauv--mellowed fruit, good mouthfeel, holds well with vacuvin for 24h.

4/20/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Sept. 18, '22: Latest of 3-4 bottles since last posting.
Consistent notes of good fragrance and fruit, a bit less piercing and fresh but fully enjoyable for everyday.

6/8/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Oct. 18, '21: Second of two recent bottles (the other was Apr. 12 '23). Much improved, more PN character--leaning Burgundian--with some complexity. Consistent recent notes, holding well (another 1-2 years?), glad to have a few more. Escalate this to Notable.

6/3/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Apr 18 '22: Last bottle, I think--lots to like over the course of this purchase 2+ years ago. No significant change since last year: while leaner, still enjoyable and stable with vacuvin over 24h.

6/6/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Nov 16 '21: Medium gold, remarkably good with fresh hay, some honey and nuttiness on the nose and palate. Holding well, but how much longer? Did not save any for a Day 2 taste.

6/10/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to TN of Oct 18 '22: Good color, nose (a bit grapier than I remember), body. Decanted and found a bit of sediment developing. Holding well and enjoyable for everyday.

12/25/2022 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought 3b for CAD 16/b (after 5% case discount, before 15% tax) from a local suburban chain; this is #1. Screwcap. Light green-gold; some gooseberry, bit of citrus and kiwi that follow on the palate, good mouthfeel. Good, reliable everyday NZ SB. Might develop some in a year. Quality, age, price in BC: Notable.

1/29/2023 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought 5b for CAD 14/b about three weeks ago; this is #1. Dark purple; rich red fruit nose, some cherry, somewhat reticent but better with 24h under vacuvin. Good mouthfeel. Glad to find this, glad to have more. Quality, age, price in BC: Notable+.

12/20/2022 - Oenecnist wrote:

Bought 6b for CAD 13+ (case discount, 15% tax) from a local suburban chain over the last two months; this is #2. Medium pink, simple but lively fruit, good effervescence. Pleasant, good for perking up a meal, esp Asian flavors. Quality, age, price in BC: Notable.

12/26/2022 - Oenecnist wrote:

Further to a note on a '15 version of this wine from Jan 2, '20. This is a Primitivo bottling of Neprica which we ordered at the same restaurant, though the price is now CAD 43. I don't know the composition of that wine from almost three years ago, but this version is one of my favorites and relatively affordable as a restaurant wine in this market: Dark purple, rich red fruit nose, good mouthfeel, some persistence. I've started to see it at private stores for CAD 23-25 so the restaurant price is notable, but the retail competition is stiff at that price. Quality, age, price in the BC restaurant market: Notable+.