5/10/2024 - timewithwine Does not like this wine:

A watermelon bomb.
7% Riesling blended with Syrah and Grenache. And that's all I have to say about that.

5/2/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Not much change from two years ago when I noted “nose of black cherry, sour cherry, herbs, and forest floor.” The very much captures the nose and palate of the wine. And what you detect on opening is what you’ll find in the last drop; just not much evolution over the course of the dinner even though the wine was decanted. Almost no sediment. 13.1% alc. With seared tuna under balsamic glaze with sautéed mushrooms which worked well with the wine. 05.02.24. Recommended.

4/20/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Another slow decant and left for about an hour before pouring. Nothing different from the last, recent bottle which showed a rich nose of “red currant, rose petals, dried cherries, dusty rose, saddle leather, and graphite with some mocha”. The palate tracks the bouquet with exactness and every flavor enjoys its own moment in the limelight. The bitter chocolate (in a good way) elevates the wine that much more, as if that were possible. The fully resolved tannins round the satisfying mouthfeel. The finish is long. Nothing is out of place. This wine delights. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. With (beef) bone-in ribeyes from Yellow Umbrella. 13.2% alc. 04.20.24. Highly Recommended.

4/20/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This wine remains a fruit forward wine in the best sense that term. Despite the age, the fruit remains front and center with dark fruit, plum, pomegranate licorice, pepper, tobo wrapper leaf, aromas of tobo box with smoke, leaf and cedar, brambles, and, a very distinct finish of coffee. The lengthy, complex finish lingers very long. Between this and the ’06 Hardscrabble, there is no clear winner. Both wines shine. But if pushed for a personal favorite, the nod goes ever so slightly to the Hardscrabble. But, but, the finish and complexity of this wine makes me hesitate to even go that far. A blend of 43% Petit Verdot, 29% Cabernet Franc and 28% Merlot. 13.2% alc. With (beef) bone-in ribeyes from Yellow Umbrella. 04.20.24. Highly Recommended.

4/27/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

My last bottle and it did not disappoint. First, these roses can go the distance. This bottle still had plenty of fruit and balanced acidity. Second, these roses are consistent. Nothing here that I haven't tasted before. Third, while there may not be "bottle sweetness" the wine does seem to develop a little heft; good weight. Last, these little roses are simply quaffable beauties. New World rose? Yes, but with a respectful nod to Tavel. Recommended.

4/21/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This is my first tasting of the 2018 version of this cuvée. It’s still rather young, almost primary. Crunchy cranberries, tart raspberry and pungent sandalwood from attack to finish. Something herbal appearing by the finish along with a touch of licorice. While I know this is an earlier drinking wine in the Baudry line up, I recommend holding for a bit more. A thick coating of sediment from the bottom of the cork spreading out along the neck and deep into the shoulder of the bottle. 14.3% alc. With leftover grilled bone-in (beef) ribeyes. 04.21.24. Recommended.

4/18/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Abundant fruit of apple and lymon greets the senses. Maybe some grapefruit as well. The fruit is lively with a bit of leesiness on the finish while the acidity holds the fruit in check delivering a freshness and bit of verve. A distinct finish of almond and saline that lingers across the palate. The round and satisfying mouthfeel makes for a terrific finishing feel. 13.5% alc. With Yellow Umbrella sourced crab meat for crab cakes over succotash and topped with crispy prosciutto (a wonderful pairing for the wine). 07.24.22. Recommended.

4/19/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

The color - almost candied lemon peel - invites. The bright nose delivers candied lemon peel, pear, nectarine, honey and white stone fruit. All the same on the palate with the honeyed minerality taking center stage. By the mid-palate an almond nuttiness appears through the finish. The round mouthfeel and surprising weight all add to the fun. Why I don’t buy more of this, I don’t know. Double decanted; yes, do this. Drink now or hold. 12.5% alc. With assorted cheeses, crusty bread and crab dip. 04.19.24. Recommended.

4/11/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

The color does not reflect its age. It’s an opaque ox blood at the core with just a rim of plum. The nose is immediate with sweet roses and cassis as the wine pours into the decanter. Once in the glass, those notes are joined in full force with mint, graphite, cigar wrapper, roasted tomato and licorice. Excellent balance from attack through the long finish. Finesse and power at the same time marking the deft hand and knowledge of the winemaker. The fruit, acid and alcohol perform harmoniously. Decanted in anticipation of the amount of sediment, and it has thrown off a lot. And decanted again to help it wake up. Percent of alc. not specified. With pan seared, bacon wrapped (beef) filets, . 04.11.24. Highly Recommended.

4/13/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

An incredibly roiling mousse and concentrated column of bubbles delivered in a deep golden intensity. Fruit, chalk and mineral spill over from the glass (Riedel sommelier Champagne) on the initial pour. As the wine settles down, the nose takes on a nuttier, toastier quality. In the mouth, baked apple pie, lemon compote, nutty, with a buttered toast, but only lightly. As the wine opens, it takes on more biscuit and chalk flavors. A wonderful wine. A blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, all premier and grand crus vineyards. 14% alc. With lobster mac ‘n cheese in celebration of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday (with peas in the salad). Highly Recommended.

4/12/2024 - timewithwine wrote:

The beauty of this wine is its color. It’s captivating in the glass. But the anticipated love affair cools to a platonic friendship beyond that. Lemon curd and candied lemon rind on the attack with some slight but distinct golden apple, all of which is followed by distinct popcorn and caramel on the finish. Nothing wrong with any of that if that is the style you want. It’s just not what I’m looking for in a Chard. Some definite hazelnut from the mid-palate on. 14.4% alc. With ham and brie on a baguette. Recommended with reservations.

4/13/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

If you know the enjoyment of a juicy watermelon slice with a shake or two of black pepper on it, then you know how good this rosé is! Add a couple drops of balsamic and that is what this rosé delivers. Crisp, balanced acidity. Simply a joy to drink. A blend of 27% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre and 47% Grenache. 12.7% alc. While enjoying a fire on the terrace before dinner. 04.13.24. Recommended.

4/13/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This wine always performs above its price point. Apple and lemon notes with a creamy mouthfeel. The majority of juice in this bottle is from 2016 and then disgorged in 2019 (and purchased on release) A few years of holding always add some weight. 12.5% alc. 04.13.24. With lobster mac 'n cheese. Recommended.

4/6/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

An inky not-quite-black pours into the glass. The rim is ox-blood red. The nose is luxurious with blackberry, plum, cassis, bacon fat, smoke, brined black olives, maybe a bit of lavender, and definite mineral. The velvety mouthfeel reflects a deft hand. The finish is long. If there is one thing about all of the L-M wines, it is structure, and this presents structure in spades. While a big, muscular wine, its balance of tannin, fruit and acid is nothing short of tremendous. New World Syrah, but with a nod to the Old. Double decanted with loads of sediment left in the bottle and almost as much left in the first decanter. 14.7% alc., but not a whiff of heat. With grilled, bacon-wrapped bison strip steak and porcini mushrooms. 04.06.24. Highly Recommended.

3/31/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

With the last bottle I opened 5 months ago, I found nothing but disappointment. Thinking that I may encounter the same thing again, I decided to just “get it over” and pull this cork. No disappointment here! Decanted for over an hour. Ripe blackberry and raspberry, distinct iodine, thyme followed by coffee segueing into mocha on the finish. Every note is clear and distinct. The coffee notes pick up with intensity as the wine evolves during the meal. The finish is long and pure. Clearly the last bottle was off. This bottle was delicious. Distinct shadow of sediment on the sides with some opaque spots clinging to the bottle. Decanter was spotless, however. 13% alc. With rack of lamb for Easter. 03.31.24. Recommended.

4/5/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

The Nu was pulled first and double decanted for a little bit before serving. While not inky, it nevertheless is deep purple at its core and less translucent than the Rho. Decidedly fruit forward with black cherry, cola, Asian 5 spice and a distinct note of vanilla on the finish. The mouthfeel of the Nu may be a bit heavier with fine length on the palate. As always, this cuvée is more New World than the Rho cuveé. A fine wine, but not particularly exciting. Between the two, the Rho appeals more. While I prefer to let it age, when we decided we wanted a spot more of wine, and knowing I have more of these, I decided to take my first data point on the 2016 vintage. While still a young wine, its color presents more maroon than cranberry, but the color is even without shading from core to rim. Sweet black cherry leads the attack followed by waves of cola, forest floor, and lavender. Cinnamon and vanilla (but less than the Nu) pick up on the mid-palate and carries through to the finish. On the second night, the Rho was even better with sweet cherry and more lavender. Both clock in with 14.2% alc. With pork chop and mushroom sauce and blue cheeses. 04.05.24. Both Recommended.

4/5/2024 - timewithwine wrote:

The Nu was pulled first and double decanted for a little bit before serving. While not inky, it nevertheless is deep purple at its core and less translucent than the Rho. Decidedly fruit forward with black cherry, cola, Asian 5 spice and a distinct note of vanilla on the finish. The mouthfeel of the Nu may be a bit heavier with fine length on the palate. As always, this cuvée is more New World than the Rho cuveé. A fine wine, but not particularly exciting. Between the two, the Rho appeals more. While I prefer to let it age, when we decided we wanted a spot more of wine, and knowing I have more of these, I decided to take my first data point on the 2016 vintage. While still a young wine, its color presents more maroon than cranberry, but the color is even without shading from core to rim. Sweet black cherry leads the attack followed by waves of cola, forest floor, and lavender. Cinnamon and vanilla (but less than the Nu) pick up on the mid-palate and carries through to the finish. On the second night, the Rho was even better with sweet cherry and more lavender. Both clock in with 14.2% alc. With pork chop and mushroom sauce and blue cheeses. 04.05.24. Both Recommended.

3/30/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This is the first bottle of this limited production cuvée from a 3.5 acres lieu dit that I have opened. When first released, I tasted it at the winery and loved it. The additional age has been kind to this wine and will be kinder still. Currently, it’s producing notes of raspberry, sandalwood and (abundant) cinnamon. On the palate, the fruit is almost crunchy, the sandalwood is smoky, and the cinnamon finish is joined with a dollop of mocha. Decent length on the finish. This wine mimics Loire Cab. Franc in many ways. Decanted, but not a grain of sediment. 13.5% alc. With (beef) London broil. 03.30.24. Recommended.

3/28/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Anything I say here pales against the actual beauty of this wine. It was gorgeous and so far the best wine of the year. The color falls somewhere between cranberry and plum. Intense raspberry, tobo smoke, leather, cigar leaf, thyme, balsamic and mushrooms on the nose. The transition from nose to palate is seamless. The transition from attack to the incredibly long finish is again, seamless. The tannins are fully resolved. Reaching the bottom of the bottle left me almost remorseful. A week later the empty bottle still offers up scents of balsamic and smoke. This is one of, if not the, best Chinon I’ve ever tasted. A shadow of sediment. 13% alc. With (beef) London broil. 03.28.24. Highly Recommended.

4/4/2024 - timewithwine wrote:

Once again this is translucent ruby in the glass. Oh, VA on the nose. Ugh. Nevertheless, the nose delivers sour and black cherry, herbs, forest floor and mushroom with the palate tracking the nose. The VA mostly blows off but never goes away. The medium weight gives the wine just enough heft with the meal. The finish is a bit sour. Absolutely no sediment. I should have decanted this. It would have benefited from that extra care. 13.7% alc. With roasted pork chop under mushroom sauce. 04.04.24. Recommended with reservations only due to the VA; probably an off bottle.

3/29/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Following the rose, the virtual Ridge tasting turned to this beauty. This is a deep yellow in the glass; almost golden. A bit tight but showing nice development of golden apple, lime, buttered toast, and vanilla. Does it speak of California Chardonnay? Yes, of course, but not overdone. This is a nicely balanced wine with a pleasing roundness but not fulsome. A well balanced wine to enjoy now or cellar for greater enjoyment a few years later. 14.3% alc., and it does not show one bit. With shrimp spread. 03.29.24. Recommended with a nod toward Highly Recommended.

3/29/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

The color is faint peach. The nose is both watermelon and strawberry with some mint, particularly on the finish. We enjoyed this as part of Ridge’s virtual tasting. Light, crisp and quaffable once the weather warms up. Well made and would select it again. No detailed notes. 36% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 26% Zinfandel, 9% Counoise, 14% Cinsaut, 9% 12.8% alc. With shrimp spread. 03.29.24. Recommended.

3/29/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

As part of Ridge’s virtual tasting, this newly released Cab was featured. It’s a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot. Given its youth, we decanted for about an hour and a half. It was almost blue black when first opened, but developed an inky deep purple opaque core with only the thinnest rim of plum. Primary flavors of plum, cassis, cigar and mint. The finish is all licorice and vanilla. Angular tannins but with a decent decant this is enjoyable now, but why deny it its eventual greatness? Hold for ten years. Not a grain of sediment in either of the bottles. 13.3% alc. With mushroom tart and London broil (beef) and assorted cheeses. 03.29.24. Recommended.

3/21/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cab. Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot is singing strong just now. Deep purple at its core with plum on the rim. Loads of plum, cassis, cedar, licorice, and mint. Definite finish of vanilla. The round tannins glide across the palate. Plenty of life left in this wine. A bit of grainy sediment in the bottle following decanting. 13.8% alc. With grilled (beef) sirloin steaks under sauteed mushrooms for late, quick weeknight meal. 03.21.24. Recommended.

3/22/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This is a deeply hued wine with dark cherry, almost violet, color. At first the wine is very tight. Fortunately, we had abundant time to wait and savor the first course (Caesar salad and yellowfin crudo) and allow the wine to wake up. By the time the main courses were served the wine presented well with sweet black cherry, licorice, violets and a touch of mocha. The tannins are well integrated but maybe not fully resolved. But there is no reason to hold this much, if any longer. It’s delicious now. Well balanced and excellent with food. Only some very slight sediment. Popped and poured in a casual restaurant without decanter and glasses much too small, but with time the wine opens nicely and presents very well. 13.5% alc. With The Shack is Back (beef) burger and picante (pepperoni and pepper) wood-fired pizza. 03.22.24. Recommended.

3/15/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This wine rests pretty in the glass with it burgundy translucence extending from rim to core. Distinct but somewhat muted notes of cranberry and raspberry lift from the glass along with some mushroom earthiness. Some sandalwood and cinnamon appear as the wine opens. All the same on the palate and continuing through the finish. The dominate note is the crunchy cranberry flavor. A solid wine but not delivering as much as I would have expected from this vintage. A shadowy streak of sediment runs along the side of the bottle. 13% alc. With assorted blue cheeses, Appalachian cheese and crusty bread. 03.15.24. Recommended.

3/16/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Never has this label let me down. It’s always a pleasure to pour. The color is perhaps a bit more golden than usual. The nose and palate deliver distinct etchings of apricot, boxwood, white grapefruit, elderflower, and chalky minerality. The found mouthfeel is full for a Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity is agile. “Deft” best describes this wine. 13% alc. With crabcakes. 03.16.24. Highly Recommended.

3/15/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Not much has changed with this wine since the prior data point in August of last year. The abundance of brambly zin fruit, molasses, smoked herbs, cherries, plum all come through in spades. But the dominant note is the coffee at this point, particularly on the finish. “Deftly balanced” and very claret like, as noted previously. This is simply a delight to drink and enjoy. A blend of 61% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Carlisle Vineyard, 29% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Papera Ranch, 10% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Montafi Ranch. The back label advises that 470 cases made while the website advises only 465 cases made. Not a grain of sediment. 15% alc. Without any food; just for sipping. 03.15.24. Recommended.

3/16/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This is an orange wine made from Rkatsiteli and held just to see what might become of it. The wait was worth it! Almost every aspect of this wine is captivating! The color is almost amber; deep golden, honeyed color. Absolutely stunning to look at. The nose – wow – is honey, peach, tangerine, mineral and a bit of chalk. Much the same on the palate. Unfortunately, the finish is disappointingly short. But for the finish, this wine has it all. 12.9% alc. With deviled eggs. 03.16.24. Recommended.

3/14/2024 - timewithwine wrote:

As you would expect from the Franscioni, this wine is very much in the Loring style of exuberant Pinot what with its abundant red fruit with cherry dominating. Plenty of cola and vanilla, if that is your thing. Unfortunately, the wine lacks balance and presents alcoholic heat on the finish. It does not go away. Drink now; no reason to hold this. No sediment. 14.9% alc.(!) With roasted salmon. 03.14.24. Recommended with reservations.

3/3/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

A blend of 70% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane and 3% Mourvedre. The well integrated flavors of plum, molasses, cinnamon, Zin funk, brambles, and a bit of rhubarb dance across the palate. Nicely balanced and very ready to drink. It may continue to develop some bottle sweetness, but it’s delivering plenty of pleasure now. A good dose of sediment. 14.4% alc. With Pierce’s pork BBQ. 03.03.24. Recommended.

2/29/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

To be so young, this is a stunningly good CNDP. The youthful deep purple in color might give the impression that it will be too tight to deliver but very soon after opening, the wine offers up mushrooms, plum, blackberry, herbs Provence, cigar smoke and minerality. Full bodied, but balanced in every respect. A real delight to drink and glimpse into what it will become. Not very much sediment at all. 14.5% alc. With pan seared (beef) sirloin. 02.29.24. Recommended with a nod to Highly Recommended.

3/8/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

While the core color has been and remains to be cranberry, age is creeping in with maroon being the color of the rim. The cranberry theme carries over to the bouquet and through the palate where the fruit is almost crunchy. Notes of cinnamon, saddle leather and a bit of sandalwood waft from the glass, and with every sip, glide across the palate. The tannins are fully resolved and the finish has sufficient length, but the fruit is fading and the wine is not as focused. But it still delivers pleasure. A few years back, I mused on the possibility of setting aside some bottles for 10 years. That was misguided and I’m glade not to have followed my own advice. Time to drink up. Some sediment, but not a lot. Decanted. 13% alc. With mushroom pot pie (or tart). 03.08.24. Recommended.

3/10/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Everything about this wine can be summed up with “intense” from its color to its length on the palate. The deep golden color captures the eye. The nose explodes with honeysuckle, honey, orange blossom, tangerine, lanolin, white grapefruit, ginger, anise …. It just goes on and on. The notes glide across the palate with an intensity as the acidity holds the RS in check. This is not a bottle to sit down and kill over dinner (or a single course unless you are pouring for guests). A glass or two will suffice. 12% alc. With ramen noodle, bok choy-ginger pork soup; Asian with a bit of spice. 03.10.24. Recommended.

3/7/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Less silver moon and more toward a harvest moon color in the glass. The nose is rich and inviting with elderflower, orange blossoms, wet slate, lanolin, white grapefruit and a touch of diesel. “Round mouthfeel” barely begins to describe the weight of this wine. This wine has heft and rolls like mercury across the palate. Everything is in place. This is a wine that always punches above it class. 13% alc. With shrimp and pasta in a cream sauce. 03.07.24. Recommended.

3/9/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Even though this wine was decanted in anticipation of heavy sediment (that did not materialize), the first sip upon opening (and prior to decanting) was delicious. Everything is in place. The wine only gained from there. A translucent maroon shimmers in the glass while cassis and cherry rise from it. Notes of graphite, licorice and grille pain join in. Each element comes across distinctly on the palate, but with cedar segueing in on the mid-palate and mocha on the finish. Fully resolved tannins simply emphasize the balance of the wine. A delight to drink. A blend of 66% Cab. Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 4% Cab. Franc. Some grainy sediment, but not as much as I would have expected for a wine of this age. Decanted. 13% alc. With seared beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon with mushroom pot pie. 03.09.24. Highly Recommended.

3/6/2024 - timewithwine Does not like this wine:

The back label uses descriptors of "toast [despite no second fermentation] ... peach preserves ... pineapple orange juice ..." And that's all I've got to say about that.

2/24/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

The fullness of the body of this Sauvignon Blanc is amazing. No wimpy, washed out SB here. The mouthfeel is round but not at all flabby with the acidity maintaining a near perfect balance between crisp and full bodied. Flavors of apricot, quince, and mineral with lymon quietly in the background. On the finish, smoke and anise linger for a pleasant moment. No boxwood to speak of. 15% alc. (!) but it shows no heat whatsoever. With mussels with pancetta with tomato and red pepper broth; a great pairing. 02.24.24. Recommended, but leaning hard toward Highly Recommended.

2/22/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This is my first bottle of this vintage of Pagani and it was well worth the wait. A nearly opaque deep plum red in the glass. The nose is classic Zin with brown sugar, a hint of rhubarb, Zin funk, coffee, thyme, black pepper, and maybe a bit of mocha. They all come through distinctly on the palate, but what was surprising was the strawberry note on both the nose and palate. Strawberry is not usually an element I detect in Zin, but it was clearly present here and delightfully so. Excellent mouthfeel; well balanced. A blend of 80% Zin, 17% Alicante Boushet, and 3% Petite Sirah but no Mouvedre. A line of sediment from the neck down the back to the base and a ring around the neck. 14.8% alc. With the first chili of the year. 02.22.24. Recommended.

2/17/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

As promised, this has become a classic wine from a “classic” Va. vintage - dry in the summer, the vines stressed; while late September rains re-invigorated the vines just before harvest, but the grapes ripened well. A slow decant allowed the wine a chance to wakeup gracefully. The nose is intense and rich with red currant, rose petals, dried cherries, dusty rose, saddle leather, and graphite with some mocha sneaking in. Each of those scents carry over to and are clearly etched across the palate. The wine finishes with chocolate. A round mouthfeel with fully resolved tannins makes for a truly complete experience. Everything about this wine satisfies the senses. Whatever pine resin was once present is (thankfully) completely gone. This is truly a “Wow!” wine. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. With (beef) London broil with mushrooms. 13.2% alc. 02.17.24. Highly Recommended.

2/16/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This bottle is ready to drink. Its inviting sweet cherry, cola, cinnamon, and touch of vanilla won’t be around all that much longer. Easy drinking and typical of Brian’s Pinots. If you like his wines, this one is in a sweet spot. Almost no sediment; just some slight, fine grains. 14.3% alc. With leftover, homemade pizza (pepperoni and veggie). 02.16.24. Recommended.

2/23/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

“Inky black” does not begin to describe the color of this wine with only the slightest dark plum on the thinnest rim. This wine is densely black. When held up to anything, nothing could be seen through the glass. And yes, you will have purple teeth. Pulling this for an early data point did not disappoint. The explosive nose delivers brown sugar, a bit of molasses, strawberries, the blackest of plums, a little bit of blackberry, licorice, and black pepper. The fruit is almost as explosive as the nose. Despite the youthfulness of the wine, it is very expressive and approachable. One bottle left and I should hold it for another seven years. Decanted. Some slight grains of sediment around the sides of the neck in the final pour. 14.5% alc. 340 cases made. With black olives, blue cheeses, Manchago, crusty bread. 02.23.24. Recommended.

2/2/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

The color here is all dark cranberry, but the nose! Wow; black cherry, sandalwood, cedar and truffles. The Palate perfectly matches the nose with every element coming through distinctly and clearly. The precision here is remarkable. The tannins are bright but certainly nicely integrating. The mouthfeel is a bit fuller than I expected adding to the delightfulness of the wine. The runway on this wine remains ample; nothing wrong with holding it. But if a data point is desired, pulling one now won’t disappoint. Some slight sediment. 12.5% alc. With assorted blue and truffled cheeses and crusty bread. 02.02.24. Recommended.

2/10/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

I had to pull another bottle. Fortunately, this bottle is terrific. While the color is muted maroon neither the nose nor palate are muted. Rich, black cherry, baking spices and forest floor on the nose and palate. Very little sediment. 13% alc. With grilled duck breast. 02.10.24. Recommended. (but I probably should reserve my remaining bottles for a couple of years.)

2/8/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

I should of decanted but after a 13 hour day and a late dinner, I just wanted to to crash. Ripe yellow apple, wood smoke, and baking spices with the brightness of lemon zest. The color is a light, but bright yellow. The neutral oak used gives the wine a creamy mouthfeel. A good comfort wine for any night of the week. 12.5% alc. Some slight sediment. With creamy Tuscan shrimp. 02.08.24. Recommended.

2/9/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Made in honor of the Work’s dog, this eponymous wine is an occasional cuvée of blended vintages. It’s a warm weather Syrah delivering flavors of blackberry, smoke, black pepper with a finish of coffee. Nice length. The tannins are integrating and evolving. Loads of life left in this wine. It should continue to age well. Some sediment. Five (5) barrels made. Purchased Jan. 2023. 14% alc. With assorted cheeses and country ham. 02.09.24. Recommended.

2/4/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Not a lot different from 5 months ago. The crunchy cranberries dominate the attack, but fresh raspberries make a shining appearance as well. Some soft sandalwood notes appear on the mid-palate. The finish is all that fruit with anise. Nothing wrong with drinking or holding. As with the last bottle a filmy cloud of sediment coats the neck, shoulder and side of the bottle. 12.5% alc. With homemade pizzas (Canadian bacon & mushroom, pepperoni with onion). 02.04.24. Recommended.

1/27/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

This is a wine that just doesn’t age. It simply improves with every turn of the calendar. Abundant fruit of lemon compote, lemon oil, some apple, and chamomile on the attack and mid-palate. The finish is nutty goodness of almond with a touch of saline. The acidity is bright and reins in the fruit to keep it from being too fleshy. The mouthfeel is excellent with a satisfying roundness. 13% alc. With seared scallops under bechamel sauce. 01.27.24. Recommended.

1/12/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Whoa! Where did this come from? Gifted to me no less! This is a seriously deep and big Sangiovese with plum, cherry, huge truffle and brined black olive on the attack and mid-palate. Leather, anise, truffle and coffee on the finish. The wine continues to deepen and evolve with every sip. I so wish I had held this for a more complex, complementary, and appropriate meal. This is a stupendously good wine just now, but it has years ahead of it. The mouthfeel is full with round tannins. The fruit isn’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon. Very little sediment. 15% alc. With assorted cheeses including Stilton, country ham, black olives and crusty bread. 01.12.24. Highly Recommended.

2/1/2024 - timewithwine Likes this wine:

Looking through the inventory, I was surprised to find that I have 6 of these stashed away AND that I have managed not to taste any of them. I needed to remedy that. A blend of 57% Cab. Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. This wine deserves to be decanted to allow it time to wake up. Unfortunately, a late work night did not allow for that luxury. The wine delivered nonetheless with a bouquet of plum, cherry, roasted tomato, truffle, leather and a finish of mineral and anise. Tose notes etch themselves with distinctiveness on the palate. This is a well structure wine with tannins still resolving but almost resolved. As the wine opens, some smokiness develops … and a bit of mocha. A wonderfully complex wine to enjoy now …. or five years from now. 13.7% alc. With pan seared (beef) sirloin steaks and sauteed mushrooms. 02.01.24. Highly Recommended.