Friday Night Uptown Brown Bagger (R&D's): Double blind. Garnet core with a lighter meniscus. Opens with a lovely herbal quality followed by red and black fruits, earth and perfumey floral elements. Full-bodied with softened tannin and flavors of mixed fruit. Absolutely lovely. (J&J)
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Dark fruits, dark chocolate, green peppers on the nose. Alcohol seems high, despite 13.5% printed on the bottle. Nice vanilla and dark fruits hit the palate, then come the bitter dark chocolate and sweet tannins with a medium-long finish. I think the alcohol, sweetness, tannins and finish masks the touch emptiness of the mid-palate. Lovely wine, and it’s not their Grand Vin.
Not sure why the drinking window ends on 2020, but I think no problem for it to go another 5 to 10 years, or even longer; the acidity, alcohol and tannins will keep it alive.
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My first and only bottle. Sadly. Cedar. Tobacco, tar, graphite, sage notes hit balanced and strong. A touch of bret at the end. Muscular beauty of weight. No fruit evident at this time. Could be a 1986 paulliac first or second growth. .
It was a great wine to pair with Mediterranean ground beef with cherry tomatoes and French green beans with cumin, cayenne, oregano sage, tarragon.... Got lucky.
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This last bottle was best. No need for decant, seemed deeper and flashier than last time. Elegant, rich, Bordeaux style; still has vibrant acid and soft tannins to spare so 5 years+ left. Berries, chocolate cake, tobacco, saddle leather, cassis and oak. Very strong wine for second (or third) wine from Lou. Cheers
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terrific. been in my cellar for many years and finally having it for the first time. a very enjoyable baby Kapscandy. blackberry, raspberry, some dark chocolate, tobacco. very grippy tannins but enjoyable. perfume is a bit more muted and contrasts with the mouthful which is bursting with great flavor. the acidity profile is strong and balanced and makes this more Bordeaux like to me. at 13.5% alcohol, no overt heat. this tasted borderline young bordeaux with a more fruit forward profile. yum!
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My last bottle, almost three years ago, was quite muted and austere. I don’t know if bottle variation or time accounts for tonight’s outstanding showing. Rich black currant and black cherry notes, in deep and intense layers, slightly exotic. I nabbed these for $80, still a good qpr despite the prior disappointment, given how lovely this is. Should hold for 5+ years.
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Lots of black fruits. Blackberries, black currants, and black cherries in the nose with leather, earthiness, tobacco, and hints of spice. The flavor was similar to the nose with hints of chocolate as well. Medium to full bodied with nice balance and a medium to long finish
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Very solid wine. Bought this at the winery during long tasting afternoon years ago. Berries, tobacco leaf, tea, licorice, med plus finish. Was softer, more lush texturally in mouth on day 2. Some astringency but that’s Lou’s goal - old world wines from Napa fruit. Quite enjoyable bottle.
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Pnp Nose was a little muted but showed some decent fruit Palate was ok, not a great wine but certainly a well made wine. Finish was medium length. An inoffensive wine that would disappear fast at a social gathering. The QPR doesn't inspire a buy again rating, though at a lower price I would buy it again.
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A savory and thick Old World Bordeaux blend that is competently made but fails to offer much in terms of charm or complexity. Cherry red in color, medium in body, nose of menthol, blackberry, and spice. Tastes of tart raspberry, pepper, and spice, with a brief though integrated finish. 13.5% alcohol. Blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.
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Deep red. Thin rim with slight bricking. Beautiful nose of eucalyptus and cedar, along with some interesting herbal notes. Raspberries, herbs, and mocha on the palate with slight sweetness. Smooth tannins; well balanced acidity. Maybe not a taste of rainbows, but a very nice wine.
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Deep red. The 2009 Endre opens up with a big bouquet of cedar, mocha and a late-arriving floral note. Medium-bodied, with licorice, red fruits and some minerals, all underpinned by fine tannins and racy acidity that cleanses the palate. Very similar to a Left Bank Bordeaux -- no trace of over-ripeness, milk shake vanilla or blue fruit here! Drinks well now, but is in no danger of fading. A very well-made second wine. 91.
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Medium red. Delightful front palate of red fruits and black pepper that dances. Strong tannins grip the tongue at the mid palate and don't let go until way into the mulled red fruit finish. Vanilla and raspberry are by far the dominant notes throughout. Very, very tasty, like what I imagine a rainbow would taste like. Best appreciated throughout the finish.
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deep purple hue with great clarity...expressive and layered nose of black fruits, wet earth with undertones of licorice, eucalyptus and charred cedar...explosive on entry with black cherries/blackberries giving way to mouth puckering tannins and a long finish...unique blend of new world fruit and old world style...hoping some of the tobacco/char and game funk subside with more time in glass/decanter...suprisingly complex and interesting...appears built to last but drinking very well at the moment
NOTE: became flat and lifeless after 2 days under vacuum seal - dropping to <85 pts - consume within 12-24 hours of opening
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Christmas eve, over few hours (After about 1 hour decanting), and with some of virage's appetizers. Second time I do not take formal notes, but I uphold it is in a very good position, and excellent QPR. I would say this one took abit longer to show the cassis and cigar on the earthy notes compared to the one opened few months ago. Nice dark berries on nose and palate. Very enjoyable, and happy there are four more to enjoy in the cellar.
Also, shared with the house. House enjoyed and took extra. Leftover tasted the following day- tasted even better (1/3 or so left for xmas day).
Summary: No rush to drink, but decanting is rewarding if you do (Last time was 91-92, this time ~92)
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Intensive red. Herbal yet fruity nose. Nice sweetness, with lots of power and good length. Tannins are a bit hard and the wine feels a bit one dimensional. Drink now - 2025.
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Wow, is this one ever singing. Opens up with a wonderfully expressive nose, with beautiful feminine florals and sweet candied cherries, and the suggestion of that 'ol napa magic. Give it a swirl for 10 seconds and then just inhale. You'll thank me later. Once it's in your mouth it really fills out beautifully, especially the dark chocolate and the tobacco. Makes me wonder if this might be the grail for merlot plantings on the valley flloor. Just so smooth and sweet, I was briefly reminded just why I started drinking napa clarets in the first place. And then the finale- a great finish, more cassis, some good earthy paddock and oh yeah, those tannins - they just rocked on and on, kind of like the long version of MM's Lampshades on Fire. Kudos to Lou and Co, they found themselves another winner.
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Beautiful wine. Nose that explodes from the glass with notes of vanilla, oak and dark fruits. Nice mid body; with mild finish. Blackberry pie. Nice wine. I'm surprised by lean reviews from others.
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Smooth, balanced, and surprisingly interesting wine. I don't think this will improve with more time, but it should hold up for another year or two without any problems. In its prime right now.
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Popped and poored. Very silky feel in the mouth. Not a ton going on but well integrated with enough to make it really enjoyable. Drank over several hours but didn't get a ton of difference towards the end of that so not sure it's worth a longer pre-drink opening. Will try it that way next time around.
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wow what a difference in this wine. The first bottle was corked or something. This one however was smooth, rich, almost chocolately with dark fruits and a long finish. Plenty of aging potential here, but also ready to drink now.
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Brought it to a Greek Easter dinner and wine. While no formal notes taken, I can note it is in a very good position, and excellent QPR. Cassis and cigar on the earthy notes, fruit and berries on the palate. Enjoyable. Formal note #2, though: in a line of about 15 bottles, this one first one to be emptied during the evening.
No rush to drink, give it an hour in the decanter
(91-92 pts)
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First wine with New Years dinner. As many have noted this is more Bordeaux styled than California. Nice dark chocolate middle with earth notes. Overall nice balance.
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very enjoyable...black cherry, fresh herbs and maduro wrapper waft from glass...vibrant black fruits coat palate with tight young but well integrated tannins...fleshy medium body...solid QPR and paired well with italian meal
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Strong menthol and camphor on the nose. On the palate, red currants, cherry, a bit of blackberry, mint, and a hint of tobacco, with a medium to long finish and good acidity. The only weakness is that it starts to go downhill after a couple of hours; I don't think it will age for as long as the drinking window here says. This is the second wine from Kapcsandy -- if the first is better than this it must be outstanding. Edit: From the notes, it looks like there is quite a bit of bottle variation on these. This bottle seemed to be at its peak, but others seem to have had the exact opposite impression. I may have to hold off on my second bottle for a while to see how it evolves.
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This took 1/2 hour to open up. This was smooth and viscous, with blackberry and mocha tones. The nose had a nice floral quality, mixed with dark fruit. This could use another year but very friendly.
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Pop n pour. Cool room temp. Rich dark berry aromas. Currant. Light oak spice. In the mouth is surprisingly juicy and then leads into fattiness. Very rounded, soft mouth feel. Fine, but coating tannins...which at times can appear a little raw. Middling complexity. Not hot/alcoholic, which is a big plus. An interesting bordeaux type blend, modern in approach but not over the top. Not usually my cup of tea, but a fun diversion on occasion such as this one.
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Pretty good for the price point ($80) though maybe I expected just a little better. Kinda Bordeaux-ish, nice dark color, a little dirt on the finish, good structure. It's definitely too early to drink. Decant for at least an hour if you decide to open one up.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Dark purple color with hints of herbs, cherries, and tobacco. Medium weight on the palate and reminds me more of Bordeaux than Napa. Has a little bretty character on the nose as well.
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3 - 2009 Napa Cabs: Dark purple in color, a bit flat. The nose is nice, more like Bordeaux. Cassis, dust, cigar, a bit of funk. Might be some Brett, but its very light if so. Complex. Nice texture. This took about an hour to open up. The palate matches the nose. Slightly drying tannins on the finish. An excellent wine though it drinks more "French" than Californian.
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Some great wine for the end of 2013 (Our home): Best showing yet that I can remember for this wine. Purple in color. The nose is explosive, something I don't remember from prior bottles. Cassis, leather, slight mint, dark cherries. Deep. On the palate, this is complex and shows some development. Full-bodied with a velvety texture. Nice finish. I think these will need more time than I thought.
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soooo disappointed with this one I cannot believe it,but as I was opening I saw a crack on the cork and wondered. Well the wine tasted like the diesel fuel flavor that I have tasted before in cheap French red wines. This is the first time I tasted it in an American wine .Drinkable but not good at all I still have the state lane 08 that was twice the price as this one and now I am wondering. I think I got a bad bottle (cracked cork) just cannot believe that a wine of this pedigree was so lousy at a reasonably young age.
Drinking wonderfully. I would of guessed this to be much older. I was thinking of a late 90's Heitz Martha's vineyard. Amazed at the improvement over the last year!!!
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Not as good as my last bottle(see previous notes), it seems somewhat clipped on the finish and not as exciting as previously, it's basically one dimensional with a mouthful of fruit. Maybe an awkward stage or off bottle, still enjoyable but not to the level of previous bottles.
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A little bit dissapointing. The wine had nice aromatics coupled with soft tannins, but the finish was short and there was a greeness from underripeness in the finish.
Some nice wines after a day of wine tasting (Heidelberg distributors): I am a big fan of Kapcsandy and there is some relative value in this bottling. That said, it is a huge wall of fruit right now and hard to get thru. It seems like all the stuffing is there and has a lot of nice qualities, cassis, green tobacco, pencil lead on the nose, but is very young and if not shut down, it is hiding its depth. I would hold these for now.
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Structure, structure, structure. Black cherry, blueberry with some light notes of cedar, lilac and earthy leather on the nose. A tobacco aroma kicks in after a few minutes in the glass. Very tightly wound and a bit angular. This wine contains some press juice from the Grand Vin if I'm not mistaken, which would explain some of the angular tannic structure. It's a beautiful wine that could easily be mistaken for a Left Banker. I wouldn't think about touching one for another couple of years though. Great potential!
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Removed the cork on Friday morning, re-corked, then aerated to decanter for 3 hours on Saturday, prior to dinner service.
I believe this to be my fourth time with this wine since release, and it seems to be withdrawing, becoming slightly more tannic, and less expressive on the nose and palate. Still, with coaxing/swirling, it's obvious that the underlying fruit is of very good quality; the wine on the whole is very tasty, but not necessarily very satisfying. I'm left with a sense that better things are in store here with just 2-3 more years of bottle rest. Drink thru 2020, recommended
If served blind, I would have pegged the nose as a RRV pinot. Thin, hollow mid palate, short austere finish. Disappointing even for a second label, stick with the good stuff.
We really liked this, decanted for 4+ hours. Big yet subdued fruit on the nose along with white pepper. Silky smooth with hints of boysenberries, blackberries, cherries. Very nice mouthcoating finish, very balanced with big tannins. Certainly Bordeaux like for California. As for QPR, there are a lot of Napa wines that cost 2x to 3x what this does and they aren't as good. It will be interesting to follow this wine.
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Pretty good blend. A big wine with some nice ripe fruit flavors and vanilla elements. Well balanced despite it's 'bigness'. Slightly tannic on the back end but still quite enjoyable as a young wine.
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No formal notes. Opened 12 hours before serving. A bit thin and inpersistent, went OK with food but didn't hold up to its company this night. It is hard to see this improving enough to justify the price tag.
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Riper than the 2008, with more tobacco and less of an herbal streak. Strong fruit profile and structure, with a surprisingly refined mouth feel. Solid wine, but it's probably not worth the price. B+
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Very non-descript. Not much of interest.Maybe it needed a long decant to open up but I'm not sure. Will wait awhile on my others and hope that time will be kind.
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12 hour in the bottle decant, followed by 2 hours in the decanter and it was somewhat ready. Lot's of cigar/pipe tobacco/licorice and a little mint. No heat on the nose at all, still a wall of tannins. Put half the bottle back in the cellar for another 24 hours. Now it's singing. Very bordeaux like and easily recognizable as a Kapcsandy. It may be 5 years before I go for my next one. And this will easily last 10-15. Great stuff and I will be buying more.
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Tasted at the winery. My second time with this wine since last October - it continues to improve. Whereas the 08 really impressed me when I tasted the 07, 08, 09 side-by-side six months ago, the 09 has already begun to evolve into a more complex, more interesting drink. Aged 16 months in 50% French oak (50% of it is new), with the balance aged in 1-yr old Hungarian oak. This blend of 51% Cab Sauv, 40% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc and 3% Petit Verdot shows above-average balance and well-above average purity of fruit offering up plenty of red currant, fresh plum, red floral and sweet oak. As with all the Kapcsándy wines, the alcohol (13,5%) is well integrated. Sweet, fine-grained tannins and a finish that strongly suggests this wine will only get better in the coming months and years. Be sure to aerate properly, 12 hours in decanter would be the minimum, at this time. Drink thru 2019, score: A-
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9/15/2023 - AllRed wrote: 94 Points
Friday Night Uptown Brown Bagger (R&D's): Double blind. Garnet core with a lighter meniscus. Opens with a lovely herbal quality followed by red and black fruits, earth and perfumey floral elements. Full-bodied with softened tannin and flavors of mixed fruit. Absolutely lovely. (J&J)
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5/10/2023 - kennethkong Likes this wine:
Dark fruits, dark chocolate, green peppers on the nose. Alcohol seems high, despite 13.5% printed on the bottle. Nice vanilla and dark fruits hit the palate, then come the bitter dark chocolate and sweet tannins with a medium-long finish. I think the alcohol, sweetness, tannins and finish masks the touch emptiness of the mid-palate. Lovely wine, and it’s not their Grand Vin.
51% CS, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. 1,700 cases produced.
Not sure why the drinking window ends on 2020, but I think no problem for it to go another 5 to 10 years, or even longer; the acidity, alcohol and tannins will keep it alive.
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1/12/2023 - MarkRichards Likes this wine: 94 Points
My first and only bottle. Sadly.
Cedar. Tobacco, tar, graphite, sage notes hit balanced and strong. A touch of bret at the end. Muscular beauty of weight. No fruit evident at this time. Could be a 1986 paulliac first or second growth. .
It was a great wine to pair with Mediterranean ground beef with cherry tomatoes and French green beans with cumin, cayenne, oregano sage, tarragon....
Got lucky.
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8/21/2020 - dclaggett wrote: 93 Points
This last bottle was best. No need for decant, seemed deeper and flashier than last time. Elegant, rich, Bordeaux style; still has vibrant acid and soft tannins to spare so 5 years+ left. Berries, chocolate cake, tobacco, saddle leather, cassis and oak. Very strong wine for second (or third) wine from Lou. Cheers
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7/29/2020 - winelover1808 Likes this wine: 93 Points
terrific. been in my cellar for many years and finally having it for the first time. a very enjoyable baby Kapscandy. blackberry, raspberry, some dark chocolate, tobacco. very grippy tannins but enjoyable. perfume is a bit more muted and contrasts with the mouthful which is bursting with great flavor. the acidity profile is strong and balanced and makes this more Bordeaux like to me. at 13.5% alcohol, no overt heat. this tasted borderline young bordeaux with a more fruit forward profile. yum!
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5/31/2020 - JonnyG Likes this wine: 93 Points
My last bottle, almost three years ago, was quite muted and austere. I don’t know if bottle variation or time accounts for tonight’s outstanding showing. Rich black currant and black cherry notes, in deep and intense layers, slightly exotic. I nabbed these for $80, still a good qpr despite the prior disappointment, given how lovely this is. Should hold for 5+ years.
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4/3/2020 - BillyRayValentine wrote: 88 Points
Good wine, not so good QPR. Light weight, soft, leather and more red fruit than black, which is nice, but just not that interesting for the price.
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1/31/2020 - buckeye76 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lots of black fruits. Blackberries, black currants, and black cherries in the nose with leather, earthiness, tobacco, and hints of spice. The flavor was similar to the nose with hints of chocolate as well. Medium to full bodied with nice balance and a medium to long finish
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9/6/2019 - dclaggett Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very solid wine. Bought this at the winery during long tasting afternoon years ago. Berries, tobacco leaf, tea, licorice, med plus finish. Was softer, more lush texturally in mouth on day 2. Some astringency but that’s Lou’s goal - old world wines from Napa fruit. Quite enjoyable bottle.
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4/21/2019 - hiker_guy wrote:
Pnp
Nose was a little muted but showed some decent fruit
Palate was ok, not a great wine but certainly a well made wine.
Finish was medium length.
An inoffensive wine that would disappear fast at a social gathering.
The QPR doesn't inspire a buy again rating, though at a lower price I would buy it again.
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12/28/2017 - JonnyG wrote: 88 Points
Tart, green, austere. Muted black fruit. Touch of VA and some leather. No fleshiness or round fruit to speak of.
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10/16/2017 - Griffeyfan04 wrote: flawed
Nail polish galore. Dang
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12/17/2016 - MLwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with prior notes. This was surprisingly good, with a great nose. In a terrific place right now. No reason to wait. Drink up!
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11/28/2016 - Bordeauxman wrote: 88 Points
Color of dark fruit. Mature nose of black current, blackberry and cherry. Finish is a bit tannic.
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11/14/2016 - msuwine wrote: 89 Points
A savory and thick Old World Bordeaux blend that is competently made but fails to offer much in terms of charm or complexity. Cherry red in color, medium in body, nose of menthol, blackberry, and spice. Tastes of tart raspberry, pepper, and spice, with a brief though integrated finish. 13.5% alcohol. Blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.
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9/25/2016 - ggj wrote: flawed
Corked
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9/12/2016 - Jonny d Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep red. Thin rim with slight bricking. Beautiful nose of eucalyptus and cedar, along with some interesting herbal notes. Raspberries, herbs, and mocha on the palate with slight sweetness. Smooth tannins; well balanced acidity. Maybe not a taste of rainbows, but a very nice wine.
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6/2/2016 - texaswinelover wrote:
Anise upon opening. Red and black fruits, licorice, thyme. Complex and concentrated.
Nice balance.
Very nice for price point.
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4/19/2016 - J o e wrote: 91 Points
Deep red. The 2009 Endre opens up with a big bouquet of cedar, mocha and a late-arriving floral note. Medium-bodied, with licorice, red fruits and some minerals, all underpinned by fine tannins and racy acidity that cleanses the palate. Very similar to a Left Bank Bordeaux -- no trace of over-ripeness, milk shake vanilla or blue fruit here! Drinks well now, but is in no danger of fading. A very well-made second wine. 91.
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4/17/2016 - oenophilemoose wrote: 90 Points
Decanted four hours. Nose of grandma's cedar chest, medium body, initially soft and round but finishes with juicy sweet cedar.
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4/16/2016 - TexasBob Likes this wine: 94 Points
Medium red. Delightful front palate of red fruits and black pepper that dances. Strong tannins grip the tongue at the mid palate and don't let go until way into the mulled red fruit finish. Vanilla and raspberry are by far the dominant notes throughout. Very, very tasty, like what I imagine a rainbow would taste like. Best appreciated throughout the finish.
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4/9/2016 - BUBBA DAWG Likes this wine: 93 Points
deep purple hue with great clarity...expressive and layered nose of black fruits, wet earth with undertones of licorice, eucalyptus and charred cedar...explosive on entry with black cherries/blackberries giving way to mouth puckering tannins and a long finish...unique blend of new world fruit and old world style...hoping some of the tobacco/char and game funk subside with more time in glass/decanter...suprisingly complex and interesting...appears built to last but drinking very well at the moment
NOTE: became flat and lifeless after 2 days under vacuum seal - dropping to <85 pts - consume within 12-24 hours of opening
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12/24/2015 - odds Likes this wine: 92 Points
Christmas eve, over few hours (After about 1 hour decanting), and with some of virage's appetizers. Second time I do not take formal notes, but I uphold it is in a very good position, and excellent QPR. I would say this one took abit longer to show the cassis and cigar on the earthy notes compared to the one opened few months ago. Nice dark berries on nose and palate. Very enjoyable, and happy there are four more to enjoy in the cellar.
Also, shared with the house. House enjoyed and took extra. Leftover tasted the following day- tasted even better (1/3 or so left for xmas day).
Summary: No rush to drink, but decanting is rewarding if you do
(Last time was 91-92, this time ~92)
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12/4/2015 - KatWat wrote:
Icky
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11/22/2015 - Wine_lvr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Intensive red. Herbal yet fruity nose. Nice sweetness, with lots of power and good length. Tannins are a bit hard and the wine feels a bit one dimensional. Drink now - 2025.
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11/21/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
consistent with notes of 8/7/2014
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11/8/2015 - tgkswine wrote: 92 Points
Beginning to come into its own. This is becoming a very good bottle of wine. Looking forward to my other bottles.
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11/4/2015 - Mr.Overhill Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow, is this one ever singing. Opens up with a wonderfully expressive nose, with beautiful feminine florals and sweet candied cherries, and the suggestion of that 'ol napa magic. Give it a swirl for 10 seconds and then just inhale. You'll thank me later. Once it's in your mouth it really fills out beautifully, especially the dark chocolate and the tobacco. Makes me wonder if this might be the grail for merlot plantings on the valley flloor. Just so smooth and sweet, I was briefly reminded just why I started drinking napa clarets in the first place. And then the finale- a great finish, more cassis, some good earthy paddock and oh yeah, those tannins - they just rocked on and on, kind of like the long version of MM's Lampshades on Fire. Kudos to Lou and Co, they found themselves another winner.
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6/20/2015 - dlcass Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful wine. Nose that explodes from the glass with notes of vanilla, oak and dark fruits. Nice mid body; with mild finish. Blackberry pie. Nice wine. I'm surprised by lean reviews from others.
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6/15/2015 - MLwine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Smooth, balanced, and surprisingly interesting wine. I don't think this will improve with more time, but it should hold up for another year or two without any problems. In its prime right now.
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5/2/2015 - uncle al Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bordeaux style California wine. Smooth and good balance with the right amount of fruit
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4/26/2015 - kinger0003 wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poored. Very silky feel in the mouth. Not a ton going on but well integrated with enough to make it really enjoyable. Drank over several hours but didn't get a ton of difference towards the end of that so not sure it's worth a longer pre-drink opening. Will try it that way next time around.
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4/18/2015 - rsed Likes this wine: 92 Points
wow what a difference in this wine. The first bottle was corked or something. This one however was smooth, rich, almost chocolately with dark fruits and a long finish. Plenty of aging potential here, but also ready to drink now.
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4/11/2015 - odds Likes this wine:
Brought it to a Greek Easter dinner and wine. While no formal notes taken, I can note it is in a very good position, and excellent QPR. Cassis and cigar on the earthy notes, fruit and berries on the palate. Enjoyable.
Formal note #2, though: in a line of about 15 bottles, this one first one to be emptied during the evening.
No rush to drink, give it an hour in the decanter
(91-92 pts)
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2/23/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
consistent with notes of 8/7/2014
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12/31/2014 - yeti575rider wrote: 91 Points
First wine with New Years dinner. As many have noted this is more Bordeaux styled than California. Nice dark chocolate middle with earth notes. Overall nice balance.
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11/6/2014 - BUBBA DAWG Likes this wine: 92 Points
very enjoyable...black cherry, fresh herbs and maduro wrapper waft from glass...vibrant black fruits coat palate with tight young but well integrated tannins...fleshy medium body...solid QPR and paired well with italian meal
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10/17/2014 - Coachron13 Likes this wine: 90 Points
As others have noted, this is more French Bordeaux than Napa blend. A little funk, a little earth, soft with muted fruits.
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8/27/2014 - RichardP wrote: 93 Points
Strong menthol and camphor on the nose. On the palate, red currants, cherry, a bit of blackberry, mint, and a hint of tobacco, with a medium to long finish and good acidity. The only weakness is that it starts to go downhill after a couple of hours; I don't think it will age for as long as the drinking window here says. This is the second wine from Kapcsandy -- if the first is better than this it must be outstanding. Edit: From the notes, it looks like there is quite a bit of bottle variation on these. This bottle seemed to be at its peak, but others seem to have had the exact opposite impression. I may have to hold off on my second bottle for a while to see how it evolves.
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8/7/2014 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
This took 1/2 hour to open up. This was smooth and viscous, with blackberry and mocha tones. The nose had a nice floral quality, mixed with dark fruit. This could use another year but very friendly.
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5/11/2014 - brianngibson wrote: 90 Points
Last glass on night 3 after opening. Dusty, a bit of funk, a little herbaceous, cassis, plum and oak.
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5/9/2014 - jakuda wrote:
Pop n pour. Cool room temp. Rich dark berry aromas. Currant. Light oak spice. In the mouth is surprisingly juicy and then leads into fattiness. Very rounded, soft mouth feel. Fine, but coating tannins...which at times can appear a little raw. Middling complexity. Not hot/alcoholic, which is a big plus. An interesting bordeaux type blend, modern in approach but not over the top. Not usually my cup of tea, but a fun diversion on occasion such as this one.
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3/25/2014 - bignbold Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pretty good for the price point ($80) though maybe I expected just a little better. Kinda Bordeaux-ish, nice dark color, a little dirt on the finish, good structure. It's definitely too early to drink. Decant for at least an hour if you decide to open one up.
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2/28/2014 - Barbaro wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Dark purple color with hints of herbs, cherries, and tobacco. Medium weight on the palate and reminds me more of Bordeaux than Napa. Has a little bretty character on the nose as well.
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2/10/2014 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
3 - 2009 Napa Cabs: Dark purple in color, a bit flat. The nose is nice, more like Bordeaux. Cassis, dust, cigar, a bit of funk. Might be some Brett, but its very light if so. Complex. Nice texture. This took about an hour to open up. The palate matches the nose. Slightly drying tannins on the finish. An excellent wine though it drinks more "French" than Californian.
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1/25/2014 - Tonythefish wrote: 92 Points
Really good. Deep purple color, nice fruit and lasting finish
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1/1/2014 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 93 Points
Some great wine for the end of 2013 (Our home): Best showing yet that I can remember for this wine. Purple in color. The nose is explosive, something I don't remember from prior bottles. Cassis, leather, slight mint, dark cherries. Deep. On the palate, this is complex and shows some development. Full-bodied with a velvety texture. Nice finish. I think these will need more time than I thought.
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12/8/2013 - rsed Does not like this wine:
soooo disappointed with this one I cannot believe it,but as I was opening I saw a crack on the cork and wondered. Well the wine tasted like the diesel fuel flavor that I have tasted before in cheap French red wines. This is the first time I tasted it in an American wine .Drinkable but not good at all I still have the state lane 08 that was twice the price as this one and now I am wondering. I think I got a bad bottle (cracked cork) just cannot believe that a wine of this pedigree was so lousy at a reasonably young age.
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12/2/2013 - jaxpaj wrote: 94 Points
Drinking wonderfully. I would of guessed this to be much older. I was thinking of a late 90's Heitz Martha's vineyard. Amazed at the improvement over the last year!!!
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10/18/2013 - Gabe Likes this wine: 88 Points
Not as good as my last bottle(see previous notes), it seems somewhat clipped on the finish and not as exciting as previously, it's basically one dimensional with a mouthful of fruit. Maybe an awkward stage or off bottle, still enjoyable but not to the level of previous bottles.
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10/9/2013 - Jeff Leve wrote: 89 Points
A little bit dissapointing. The wine had nice aromatics coupled with soft tannins, but the finish was short and there was a greeness from underripeness in the finish.
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9/26/2013 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
Some nice wines after a day of wine tasting (Heidelberg distributors): I am a big fan of Kapcsandy and there is some relative value in this bottling. That said, it is a huge wall of fruit right now and hard to get thru. It seems like all the stuffing is there and has a lot of nice qualities, cassis, green tobacco, pencil lead on the nose, but is very young and if not shut down, it is hiding its depth. I would hold these for now.
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9/10/2013 - shaftlet wrote: 91 Points
Structure, structure, structure. Black cherry, blueberry with some light notes of cedar, lilac and earthy leather on the nose. A tobacco aroma kicks in after a few minutes in the glass. Very tightly wound and a bit angular. This wine contains some press juice from the Grand Vin if I'm not mistaken, which would explain some of the angular tannic structure. It's a beautiful wine that could easily be mistaken for a Left Banker. I wouldn't think about touching one for another couple of years though. Great potential!
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8/14/2013 - peterk wrote:
Last bottle - just couldn't wait. Onto the 2010's...
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8/5/2013 - peterk wrote:
Infanticide. But will be outstanding one day.
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7/7/2013 - peterk wrote: 91 Points
Poured through new venturi (thanks jimn!) - what a difference. Lovely, youthful wine - big, peppery, fruity, silky wine. Quite Bordeaux-like.
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6/29/2013 - cellar.dweller wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Medium body, with good fruit and intensity. Somewhat one dimensional to me. Could use another year in bottle.
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5/29/2013 - fine137 wrote: 91 Points
Maybe a bit thin, but smooth and no noticeable oak.
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5/11/2013 - Tim Heaton wrote:
Removed the cork on Friday morning, re-corked, then aerated to decanter for 3 hours on Saturday, prior to dinner service.
I believe this to be my fourth time with this wine since release, and it seems to be withdrawing, becoming slightly more tannic, and less expressive on the nose and palate. Still, with coaxing/swirling, it's obvious that the underlying fruit is of very good quality; the wine on the whole is very tasty, but not necessarily very satisfying. I'm left with a sense that better things are in store here with just 2-3 more years of bottle rest. Drink thru 2020, recommended
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4/12/2013 - cupoverflowing1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
better than average bottle in all areas, but not good qpr
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4/5/2013 - j@$0n p€++y Does not like this wine: 86 Points
If served blind, I would have pegged the nose as a RRV pinot. Thin, hollow mid palate, short austere finish. Disappointing even for a second label, stick with the good stuff.
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3/15/2013 - soyhead wrote: 88 Points
round mouthfeel, ready to drink. not particularly big or long but nice for what it was. only question mark is the QPR.
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1/31/2013 - brianngibson Likes this wine: 92 Points
Oak, tobacco, cassis. A pretty nice QPR for Napa. I may have to go pick up another few bottles.
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1/4/2013 - Gabe Likes this wine: 92 Points
We really liked this, decanted for 4+ hours. Big yet subdued fruit on the nose along with white pepper. Silky smooth with hints of boysenberries, blackberries, cherries. Very nice mouthcoating finish, very balanced with big tannins. Certainly Bordeaux like for California. As for QPR, there are a lot of Napa wines that cost 2x to 3x what this does and they aren't as good. It will be interesting to follow this wine.
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12/8/2012 - Rob MacKay wrote: 89 Points
Pretty good blend. A big wine with some nice ripe fruit flavors and vanilla elements. Well balanced despite it's 'bigness'. Slightly tannic on the back end but still quite enjoyable as a young wine.
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10/20/2012 - CK6865 wrote: 88 Points
Decanted for 4 hours, nice pour, so so nose, lot's of tobacco , just not my type of wine for the price.
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8/4/2012 - alr6767 wrote:
No formal notes. Opened 12 hours before serving. A bit thin and inpersistent, went OK with food but didn't hold up to its company this night. It is hard to see this improving enough to justify the price tag.
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6/28/2012 - peterk wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured - a bit austere. After 24 hours, though, the tannin had calmed, the fruit had emerged - very nice!
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6/1/2012 - mnh wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful open ripe tasty
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5/9/2012 - gutt22 wrote:
Riper than the 2008, with more tobacco and less of an herbal streak. Strong fruit profile and structure, with a surprisingly refined mouth feel. Solid wine, but it's probably not worth the price. B+
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4/14/2012 - cubswinws wrote: 88 Points
Very non-descript. Not much of interest.Maybe it needed a long decant to open up but I'm not sure. Will wait awhile on my others and hope that time will be kind.
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3/11/2012 - fine137 wrote: 93 Points
12 hour in the bottle decant, followed by 2 hours in the decanter and it was somewhat ready. Lot's of cigar/pipe tobacco/licorice and a little mint. No heat on the nose at all, still a wall of tannins. Put half the bottle back in the cellar for another 24 hours. Now it's singing. Very bordeaux like and easily recognizable as a Kapcsandy. It may be 5 years before I go for my next one. And this will easily last 10-15. Great stuff and I will be buying more.
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3/6/2012 - Tim Heaton wrote:
Tasted at the winery. My second time with this wine since last October - it continues to improve. Whereas the 08 really impressed me when I tasted the 07, 08, 09 side-by-side six months ago, the 09 has already begun to evolve into a more complex, more interesting drink. Aged 16 months in 50% French oak (50% of it is new), with the balance aged in 1-yr old Hungarian oak. This blend of 51% Cab Sauv, 40% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc and 3% Petit Verdot shows above-average balance and well-above average purity of fruit offering up plenty of red currant, fresh plum, red floral and sweet oak. As with all the Kapcsándy wines, the alcohol (13,5%) is well integrated. Sweet, fine-grained tannins and a finish that strongly suggests this wine will only get better in the coming months and years. Be sure to aerate properly, 12 hours in decanter would be the minimum, at this time. Drink thru 2019, score: A-
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