Fantastic. Riper than Bordeaux but not candied like Napa. Seems like a ripe vintage of Bordeaux, like a 2000, precise yet ripe, complexity of age. Great savory, green pepper, red and black plum. Such a great discovery and a killer competition for older warm vintage bdx
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4.3 for1999 St Elena sos do Roi medium to dark color with browning edges with a medium lovely complex nose and a lovely moderately dark complex body with a fairly short but complex aftertaste.
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musty nose, something like a low grade Bordeaux on the decline. Pleasant, but lacking anything compelling. Soft and easy to drink, but agree with Upfromthecellar that this is tired wine. My wife liked it more than I
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Pnp. Sadly my last bottle as this was outstanding. Secondary flavors beginning to emerge. Complex and a looooong finish. I wish I had more to see where it goes.
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I find this bottle to be elegant and balanced. A pleasurable mouthful with still present fruit, good acidity and smooth tanins. Had it with pasta with roasted eggplant and tomatoe sauce.
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Pleasant in an aged, tired sort of way but not anything special in the "drinking here and now" club. Balanced, earth and mushrooms, but after all that a thin tight short finish. Better with food.
To the 500+ bottles still "out there": Drink up!
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a nice aged red but probably towards the end of its life. Light color with noticeable bricking. Lots of sediment from the first pour. Light red fruit flavors balanced well with some acidity. Wet forest earthiness.
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I've revised this. Based on my later tastings, this was a bad bottle.
Ugh. Barnyard nose. Thin and almost tasteless. Weak finish. Disappointing overall.
Revised my score upward a bit. I was probably too harsh initially. I don't think the bottle was flawed, but don't see the strengths that others have reported in their tasting notes.
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As good or even perhaps better than last tasting, 1.5 years ago. Very much same positive qualities of aged and still fresh fruit-- earth, bit of tobacco, completely balanced acid & tannin and then the lovely light red fruit/cherry too. As Nezlek and wormfarmer both described--thoroughly integrated and with the fresh fruit, with charm from the transparency rather then big flavor or richness--but still ample weight to go fine with grilled strip steak. Definitely held my attention and was savored.
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I give this one the magical 90 because it was so smooth and well-integrated. Flavors were not that deep or rich, but it was seamless. Drink' em if you got 'em.
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Short-lived funk on the nose; for me it lasted a few minutes, for my friend much longer. For me it was just some green, pyrazine-ey notes; my friend got taken to much deeper pits of vegetal rot. In both our cases, though, the wine turned limpid rather quickly. Leather, peppers, and fruit -- amazingly fruit, beneath it all, and after all these years -- light, red fruit. Soft, low tannins. Still laced together with acidity. Holding together beautifully, though I don't see why anyone would wait much longer.
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This is the best bottle of this I've drank in the last year. Basically 2 of the 7 I've had have shown this way, with the other 5 showing fairly stewed, "old", nearly cooked flavors (note from 5/12/2013... that score was higher than most of the bottles have shown, though). I'd say there's great bottle variation here, but it's basically binary: they're either quite good and fresh or stewed and old. See my note from 8/23/2014 for what this nice bottle is like. Much fresher on the palate than usual, with notes of fresh fruit and apple skin. Nice acid throughout with mild, mature tannins. Boy I wish they all drank like this, because this is deliciously mature. At first I thought this was tied to the lots, as my only previous "good" bottle was from the second shipment of the wine. This bottle is from the first, but checking the bottles they all have the same "lot" numbers, 1225. I thought the first shipment could have seen heat, but that wouldn't explain why this bottle is good.
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Bigjpwineman had it right. I opened last Tuesday, and it was what the funk? I came back a full week later with only having corked it, no fridge no vac vin, and I am floored. Still some funk on the nose, but the palate, I get the menthol, leather and tobacco bigjp tastes. I will also back up the 90 points. Really good but not GREAT in all caps.
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Decanted. Dark purple in the glass. To say this wine is funky is an understatement. Nearly objectionable funkiness initially, almost gag-inducing, and also joined with some chemical notes that leans toward TCA. Almost unbelievably, this all blew off in the decanter after a day or two. Do not dump this!!! After a strong decant - nose of deep black fruits, earth and leather. Dense palate of black fruit, menthol, dark cherry, and tobacco. Lots of substance here. Nice wine. Still lots of firm tannin here. Could still have lots of life.
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Plenty of funk and flavor. Light at first but got fuller with air. Earthy with hints of dark fruit and licorice and leather . Wish I could get more of this.
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PnP. Really like this one. Not as much funk as bottle from last NYE. Still drinking well; throwing some sediment. Thin initially but developed over next couple of hours. Have two more, probably won't wait very long to drink.
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On first day the nose had cured meats and a smokey component. The cherry fruit and mid palate were open but not well integrated. On the second day the flavors had smothed out with more dark fruits on the nose andless meat. The palate was also more integrated and very drinkable went nicely with Chinese spiced beef stew.
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I let this bottle sit open for quite a bit longer than the last one, maybe three hours. The air blew off all the barnyard and brought all the fruit forward. I really enjoyed this wine and look forward to my last two bottles.
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Ciao last bottle of Ros di Rol. I'm not sure I've ever known a better wine than you for $17. Compared to your bretheren, your menthol and tobacco were turned way up - like liquid Kools, only good. Despite being the 5th bottle of the evening you were gone in a flash, so there really wasn't much time to watch you evolve. It didn't matter though.
The little bottle that could, this outperforms many wines at 2-3x the cost. And that's without counting some of the pricey shite coming out of California.
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This bottle seemed to be far better than the first one enjoyed earlier this year. Drank over two days, paired with chicken mushroom casserole which was a great choice. Lots of bricking and sediment but displays highly complex aromas and flavors of spicy red currant, dried plums, aged cigar tobacco, green herbs, bell pepper, and tanned leather. Tannins have long since integrated but still provide enough structure to keep this wine together. The fruit had faded by day 2 leaving it very green, herbal and austere.
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This is just so good. Hard to see it getting any better. Wish I had another several of these for the next year or two to see if/how it continues to evolve. Just a great earthy, textured wine.
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- Garnet color with medium forming legs and aromas of black currant, cherry, cloves and cedar. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of blackberry and dusty with a medium body. Round texture - Actually quite enjoyable.
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I drank this over two sittings using a Coravin. It starts out with a real barn-yardy scent but is a really drinkable and enjoyable wine. I enjoyed this bottle even more than the last. I think it's right in its drinking window. I'll be drinking my other bottles within the next year for sure.
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I received two shipments of this wine, and this was from the second lot. Pop and poured. Aromas here are much fresher than my previous bottles, showing aromas of graphite, spicy red apple skin, blackberries, some plum skin, and a slight note of burning rope. Feels fresh and acidic on the nose. Palate entry is caressingly soft, but nice expressive dark fruits come in. Again, less leather notes than previous bottles. Much fresher here, with nice zippy fruits, but it's definitely developed and soft. Finish is very soft, dark fruit tones, more of that apple skin, and a dial up of lovely, caressing acidity that lingers very long and softly on the finish. Most definitely superior to my previous four bottles I've consumed.. I do wonder if there's something different about these two lots, as this bottle isn't nearly as developed as those from my previous solid case. Hopefully more down to just bottle to bottle variation and not some heat seen on that case. This really does taste like a different wine.
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I thought this wine was still drinking very well. Yes, If I had more I would drink up as I dont see it getting any better, however I enjoyed this very much.
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I agree with notes here. This wine maybe reaching the end of its drinking window and it is elegant and mature if a bit dusty. I learned that I had to drop my preconceptions about older vintages, about Italian wines about what constitutes a good wine. My first tasting - last year?- of this left me unimpressed because I wanted this to be something other than what it is. This tasting went well with bucatini and san marzano tomatoes and lamb sausage (merguez). The smokey quality of the wine was a nice counterpoint to the heat of the merguez. After about an hour subtle complexities to complex to write about began to reveal. I will finish what is left soon but will certainly be more respectful about what is in the bottle. I liked it.
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Mature and elegant Cabernet blend. Pretty dried flowers, lead pencil, sour cherry with the smell of dirt. Impressive for a wine with this kind of age. Not a powerful viscous quaff but elegant and expressive. I like it
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Leather and pipe tobacco on the nose. Quite expressive. The palette showed the same along with some dark fruit on the nice finish. I wish I had more of this wine. 8-17-7-8
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Garnet. Mellow oak, blackberry and coffee on the nose. Fine integrated tannins and dry fruit, with a delicate tannin acid finish. Gives tremendous pleasure without quite revealing how. A feeling of entering old age but still going strong.
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This wine is in a really nice place right now. Showing nice aged quality, but the fruit still as a nice freshness to it. I think ill drink all of mine soon. Can't see it getting any better.
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I think this was actually my favorite bottle of this so far and did not seem to be pushing over the hill at all. Tobacco is the predominant note I pick up in these, plus some menthol and anis, with a somewhat sharp finish. Overall, this is an absurd value at $17.
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Pnp. Great right out of the gate. Smoke, chocolate, oak. I'm curious what this would do with several years, but I'm going to drink my last bottles now since it is so good.
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Pretty darn good for $17. A bit sour the first night, but otherwise quite drinkable, even without food. Better the second night--tannins smoothed out, fruit a little more faded, acid bite, but quite OK.
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Interesting, mature, showing lots of brick, tobacco, wet leaves, tomato, red cherry, soft, dry, tobacco and dried cherry, plum on the palate. Not great, but interesting. Drink up.
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This particular bottle was the poorest of the 4 that I purchased. A bit of fruit still evident. Got a bit better with a decant. Interesting that both the 98 and 99 are still available in such large quantities. If had had more, I would drink up quickly...
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Pnp. I really liked it. It needed a half hour or more to blow off some funky notes. It was pretty big, too. Lots of wood, some earth tones. It was a little like a Napa cab, but minus the fruit. It was continuing to improve with air when we finished it. Pretty youthful, still, but I'll drink the rest of mine sooner than later.
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Unlike my first two bottles, this one was a bit over the hill. This is the first bottle from a second parcel I purchased from JR, so I'm ever so slightly concerned about the rest of the bottles, but a friend had a good experience from this second parcel, so I'll hold out hope. It is a 15 year old wine after all -- there is bound to be some bottle variation. All in all, even this bottle wasn't bad for 17 bucks.
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Short decant, opened right up. Starting to brick, displaying a murky, dull crimson color with a medium body and some noticeable sediment. Huge upfront component of damp earth, dry leather, leafy tobacco, spicy tomato leaf, and a mixed vegetable nose. Most of the primary fruit has faded; what little red fruit is left is pretty lame. Thin and slightly hollow in the mouth. Definitely aged, not terribly inspiring, and probably past it's prime.
Quite lovely aged red fruit base, not jammy at all. Opened up with air time (decanted 30 mins ahead, drank with dinner) very nice balance, with edge. Some earth, cedar, nice layer of brightness and acid/cherry. Not too complex but with nice nose and palate notes that evolved.
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Delicious rich plum and cassis. Smooth. Excellent. 91/92
This wine keeps changing. My second taste was too cold out of the fridge. The nose was amazing but it tasted over-extracted. Later it mellowed, and yet later cigar notes came out.
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Very dark red in the glass with significant bricking at the rim. The nose is a curious mix of bright florals and dark, sour notes - almost like fermenting cedar mulch. The palate is subdued black fruits with good secondary mushroom, tobacco, and earthy flavors. There are hints of green pepper, too, but it is more an interesting accent than a dominant characteristic. Overall, it is hard to imagine a better value on a wine with almost 15 years of age on it. This one is a winner. Originally scored this 90, but the length and delicate balance convinced me that it merited a little more.
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Upon opening, the nose was of strong green bell pepper and some leathery notes. The palette was of blue fruit, tobacco and cedar. Nice finish. Very enjoyable bottle with outstanding QPR.
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Again I'll give Garagiste its due on this one especially as I wasn't expecting much. Can't really get something with age and character like this for the price. Very bordeaux like - still some fruit though and I wouldn't call it vegetal at all. Has the bordeaux earthiness with some ash and cigar box. Very smooth and ready to drink.
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PNP. Losing some color. No formal notes as I had over dinner with the wife and a friend. Held up well with good balance. Probably at peak or close too. Really good value. Could have easily fooled me at a higher price point. Nice job Jon.
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Sadly, this was my last bottle. A lovely, inexpensive way to experience mature flavors. The structure is very well resolved and the flavors are layered and complex. Still holding fruit, complicated by celery seed, dried herbs and leather. Silky and smooth.
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Cork in excellent condition. Bright, medium dark garnet. Fresh aromas. Satisfying mouthfeel, good acidity. A fine bottle. More cherry aromas on day two. Noticeable sediment. Frankly an extraordinary value.
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Fantastic value. Extremely rare to find a wine of this quality under $20. I'd say it has peaked - if you have a bottle, don't sit on it for long. Drink now and you won't regret it!
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Liked it, didn't love it. A bit rough and jumbled at first, smoothing out with a couple hours of air. Better than the previous bottle I think. Definitely an aged wine, with many secondary/tertiary flavors showing, and much less fruit. No tannin, higher acid.
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Consistent with previous notes. Evolved, yet still fresh. Leather, celery seed, herbs and dried fruits. Not a lot of depth, but good complexity for the price.
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Upon opening, the nose was full of rubber and the palette was quite thin and empty. After an hour, the nose began to show rock, leather and subtle red fruit. The palette was quite mature with crushed rock, leather and very faint sour cherry.
The next day, the wine really came into its own. Nose of graphite, cassis and dusty leather. The palette showed much of the same quality as well as a fruit based acidic grip.
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Popped and poured. Earthy aromas of black fruits, oak and a touch of mint. Cloudy, with flavors of aged earth and blackberry. This is not my favorite. Maybe it's better with food.
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Super earthy, mushroom, mint, forest floor. Thought this may be corked at first (cork was very TCA-smelling), lots of funk, but not in a good way. Interesting wine on day 1. Died on day 2 and I dumped it.
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Delicious, even if not all that complex. It's got great aged flavours of tobacco leaf and earth along with a hint of dark red fruit hiding in the back. Great offering for the price from Garagiste.
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Again, a lovely aged Cab/Merlot blend. This has been consistently wonderful. Elegant, light and complex, with velvety tannins that melt in you mouth. Earth, leather, celery seed, and dried fruit combine with well resolved structure.
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This is so superior to the 1998 (even though Rimmerman hawked both with equal zeal). This has a much fuller body in the mouth, not drying at all like the 1998 I've had. Very smooth, with tannins pretty much completely resolved. Also a little bit sweet in the mouth with red fruits as well as some green bell pepper. Not incredibly complex, but definitely worth a drink.
On the nose, not very fruity but more graphite, leather, and cederbox. A little Bordeaux-like. Also a fair bit of underipe green bell pepper notes.
There's not a lot of perceptible acidity, but it's definitely still a fresh wine. Pretty impressive, definitely in comparison with the '98. Really worth the money. A rare gem from Garagiste.
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I continue to be amazed at the quality of aged wines from this estate given the low price. Not a blockbuster, but very good complexity and silky texture for the tariff. While the aged, leathery, dried fruit character is evident, the fruit is not dead. Delicious.
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Leather and spice on the nose, along with pepper and dirt, and some cherry at the end. Rich and juicy on the palate, with black currant and leather, some cherry and spice, and a nice dirt finish.
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Dark, red-black color. Some spice and pine along with plum, raisin, black cherry nose. Full, round presence in the mouth: plum, cherry, raisin, a little tar.
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A nice value on an aged wine. There is earth and mild fruit on the nose. There is still a decent structure of red fruit on the palate even with the age. The 99 holds together better than the 98, and I believe the wine is drinking well now.
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I found this fairly similar to the 1998 version, showing nice earthy, leathery, and dried fruit flavors. The structure is soft and this is quite drinkable. The fruit here does seem a bit plumper than the 1998 version, but this is still a lean, elegant wine. Drinking great.
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nice mature wine that needs a little time in the glass to open....tannin resolved, initially a bit acidic and then broadens and fills out and reminiscent of Bdx as promised. I would rate low 90's and certainly excellent value
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Reminiscent of a mature Bordeaux but lighter bodied. Nice nose of stewed fruit, light earth and tobacco. On the palate the wine is lighter than the nose, with tobacco, leather, raspberry and some nice funky earthiness. Great value from Garagiste.
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Great example of a good mature wine. Beautiful integration and silky tannins. Nice balance and long finish. Still some freshness as well. Can't imagine it improving from this point.
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This bottle felt very fresh. Tobacco, leather, and red fruit. A bit of a sour finish. This is not an amazing wine, but at $16 it's a pretty amazing value.
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- Brick color and aromas of tobacco and dusty. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of bell pepper, cherry, black currant and smokey with a medium body. Leathery texture with a long finish.
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Decanting with a screen is necessary due to excessive sediment. Good wine showing its age. Leather, cassis, tea, and tobacco notes. Decent length but not the most memorable wine. Ready to drink. Served with a mixed grill of chicken & quail (J. Waxman's asian marinade) and lamb chops.
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dry tobacco and hints of leather on the nose along with something slightly sweet that i cannot place. the palate is true to the nose. no noticeable tannins remaining, little acidity, but a reasonable finish. having no track record with this wine, i'm not sure of its future but i would wager it is unlikely to improve much.
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- Brick color and aromas of tobacco and dusty. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of bell pepper, cherry, black currant and smokey with a medium body. Leathery texture with a long finish.
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This has been open for a few hours, and tracked throughout that time. The color is mostly red, with just slight bricking. This wine is certainly showing tertiary development, expressing aromas of wild spiced mushrooms, covered in salt, sweet glue, and a bit of sweet, funky old strawberry. The palate is soft, lean and chunky, showing mild acid and soft mushrooms covered in red fruit. Not much intensity on the palate, but it's there with small sips. Mild acid and mild tannins on the palate, but not too much depth. More mild tartness and tannins on the finish, but again not too much in the way of depth. Good acid which lingers for some time, but I do wish for more complexities and expressiveness. Nice to have a wine aged like this for this tariff, but it's not special. I'd say there's no hesitation to drink these now, as I think it's right in its peak drinking window and doubt it will develop the complexities desired. Hoping for positive bottle variation mentioned below in the future bottles.
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What a case of bottle variation. I have loved this wine, but this bottle from opening to 1 hour in the decanter has ben so different from prior bottles: Major green pepper nose, red pepper spicy nose and palate. Like slightly under ripe right bank. This time 86-87 points.
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Another bottle, a very different wine. Much fruitier, younger tasting. Bottle variation. I thought I preferred this bottle and gave it 90 and then noted I gave the first one 92. Had I consumed a fair amount more of the first one when I wrote the note?
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Not a huge fan of this one; almost to much of a leather and cheese nose (yep!), not flawed in any way, good dark blue and black fruits, okay acidity, okay finish, but just not special and the nose was a bit off putting.
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Big difference from the '98 I just had. Crushed red and black fruits with some tobacco and leather. Medium body with a medium finish. Excellent value for an aged wine and can still be aged for 2-3 more years me thinks.
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Delicious. Lots of personality. Long evolving finish, it tells story. An initial pucker (reminiscent of blaufränkisch nerve, almost) quickly gives way to a hint of burnt tar then red fruits and then a long finish of tobacco and resin and lingering earthiness. A ripped wine, strong but sleek, and in a festive mood. I think it's drinking fabulously and will consume the other bottles sooner rather than later. With less fruit (still fresh) it might be a bit stern.
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Consistent with my prior note. Decanted 1 hour. Has several years left. if this is not somebody's style- feel free to sell or trade me all of yours! (only half joking)
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Terrific value. Old world palate of dried red fruits, leather, and earth. Drinking perfectly now. Wish I had bought a ton more of this. Has a good bit of sediment.
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Price/value adjusted score. This wine is worth 2+x the price. Very well made and balanced. OPens up in 30 minutes to reveal warm crushed dried fruit. Put it up against the best in Haut Medoc..
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Drinking beautifully right now but still has the stuffing to last a few years. Cork had slight leakage upon opening, but wine was fine. A two hour decant opened it up, revealing strong notes of tobacco, a bit of tar and some herbal notes on the bouquet. It does taste like a mature Right Bank Bordeaux, a value Pomerol if ever there was one. It has the bright cherry/currant flavors, distinct earthiness and smooth tannins, capping off with a nice smoky finish. Wow. From Friuli, and only $17? Great find from Garagiste.
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Medium dark with slight bricking. Cigar box, tobacco, red cherry, tannins almost completely resolved. Fill and cork impeccable. Finish is Long with a pleasurable mouthfeel and herbal component. Much preferred to the 1998- which I will not review until i identify the obvious woody spice i recognize but can't place yet. tasting side by side. Tastes like a nice mature right bank......drink w/i 2-3 years I'd think. Not overly complex, but a fine example of aged Bordeaux style wine from Friuli. Wow for the price.
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12/23/2023 - bjwca Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drink immediately after opening, it is like a nice aged Bordeaux, but after 2 hours it really drops off.
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8/27/2022 - Mr T wrote:
Last bottle
Age showing bit still tasty if a bit herbal on the initial impression. Wine leaves a certain bitter or medicinal aftertaste I did not like
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7/11/2022 - RichD2 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Rather ripe red fruited with fine-tuned tannin and acid balance. Holding up well.
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10/10/2021 - vintage_whine wrote:
Fantastic. Riper than Bordeaux but not candied like Napa. Seems like a ripe vintage of Bordeaux, like a 2000, precise yet ripe, complexity of age. Great savory, green pepper, red and black plum. Such a great discovery and a killer competition for older warm vintage bdx
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7/10/2020 - VB9 wrote: 50 Points
4.3 for1999 St Elena sos do Roi medium to dark color with browning edges with a medium lovely complex nose and a lovely moderately dark complex body with a fairly short but complex aftertaste.
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5/16/2019 - Mr T wrote:
soft, tad impure but good fruit and easy to drink with an earthy, cab franc sort of element to it, although I think it's just cab and merlot
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3/4/2018 - dofzin Likes this wine: 86 Points
Ruby color, earthy and slightly musty nose. Soft tannins, low acidity. Smooth but somewhat lacking in fruit. Likely on the decline. Drink up.
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2/1/2018 - vindictive wrote:
musty nose, something like a low grade Bordeaux on the decline. Pleasant, but lacking anything compelling. Soft and easy to drink, but agree with Upfromthecellar that this is tired wine. My wife liked it more than I
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9/25/2016 - gjv115 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Pnp. Sadly my last bottle as this was outstanding. Secondary flavors beginning to emerge. Complex and a looooong finish. I wish I had more to see where it goes.
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9/7/2016 - Rmjchen Likes this wine: 92 Points
I find this bottle to be elegant and balanced. A pleasurable mouthful with still present fruit, good acidity and smooth tanins. Had it with pasta with roasted eggplant and tomatoe sauce.
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6/8/2016 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 87 Points
Pleasant in an aged, tired sort of way but not anything special in the "drinking here and now" club. Balanced, earth and mushrooms, but after all that a thin tight short finish. Better with food.
To the 500+ bottles still "out there": Drink up!
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4/10/2016 - thebonnydooner wrote: 88 Points
Mature, interesting, good with food as it is pretty well balanced. Lots of leather and tobacco with soft dusty red fruits.
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3/16/2016 - dmitchell4 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Will not improve
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2/17/2016 - dmitchell4 wrote: 91 Points
Drinking beautifully
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1/28/2016 - SGates Likes this wine: 86 Points
a nice aged red but probably towards the end of its life. Light color with noticeable bricking. Lots of sediment from the first pour. Light red fruit flavors balanced well with some acidity. Wet forest earthiness.
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12/27/2015 - dofzin wrote: flawed
I've revised this. Based on my later tastings, this was a bad bottle.
Ugh. Barnyard nose. Thin and almost tasteless. Weak finish. Disappointing overall.
Revised my score upward a bit. I was probably too harsh initially. I don't think the bottle was flawed, but don't see the strengths that others have reported in their tasting notes.
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12/3/2015 - Bradley Love Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great flavor but starting to fall apart. Lots of sediment.
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11/13/2015 - wayfarer Likes this wine: 90 Points
As good or even perhaps better than last tasting, 1.5 years ago. Very much same positive qualities of aged and still fresh fruit-- earth, bit of tobacco, completely balanced acid & tannin and then the lovely light red fruit/cherry too. As Nezlek and wormfarmer both described--thoroughly integrated and with the fresh fruit, with charm from the transparency rather then big flavor or richness--but still ample weight to go fine with grilled strip steak. Definitely held my attention and was savored.
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9/26/2015 - John Nezlek wrote: 90 Points
I give this one the magical 90 because it was so smooth and well-integrated. Flavors were not that deep or rich, but it was seamless. Drink' em if you got 'em.
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9/23/2015 - wormfarmer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Short-lived funk on the nose; for me it lasted a few minutes, for my friend much longer. For me it was just some green, pyrazine-ey notes; my friend got taken to much deeper pits of vegetal rot. In both our cases, though, the wine turned limpid rather quickly. Leather, peppers, and fruit -- amazingly fruit, beneath it all, and after all these years -- light, red fruit. Soft, low tannins. Still laced together with acidity. Holding together beautifully, though I don't see why anyone would wait much longer.
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9/6/2015 - rpk99 wrote: 87 Points
Great QPR but definitely aged character and on its way out. Last bottle I think drank just in time. Drink up
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8/12/2015 - Francophile Likes this wine: 89 Points
A red wine that has a good body and was smooth to the pallet
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7/31/2015 - Easter Everywhere Likes this wine:
good and funky
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6/26/2015 - Francophile wrote: 89 Points
Very deep red, with a strong amount of tannins
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6/16/2015 - j.a.price.trucking wrote: 90 Points
No detailed notes, but fond memories.
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5/18/2015 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 90 Points
This is the best bottle of this I've drank in the last year. Basically 2 of the 7 I've had have shown this way, with the other 5 showing fairly stewed, "old", nearly cooked flavors (note from 5/12/2013... that score was higher than most of the bottles have shown, though). I'd say there's great bottle variation here, but it's basically binary: they're either quite good and fresh or stewed and old. See my note from 8/23/2014 for what this nice bottle is like. Much fresher on the palate than usual, with notes of fresh fruit and apple skin. Nice acid throughout with mild, mature tannins. Boy I wish they all drank like this, because this is deliciously mature. At first I thought this was tied to the lots, as my only previous "good" bottle was from the second shipment of the wine. This bottle is from the first, but checking the bottles they all have the same "lot" numbers, 1225. I thought the first shipment could have seen heat, but that wouldn't explain why this bottle is good.
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5/11/2015 - Francophile wrote: 80 Points
Maybe this bottle was floored but this tasted stale and I could only drink one glass
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4/21/2015 - kchwd wrote: 90 Points
Bigjpwineman had it right. I opened last Tuesday, and it was what the funk? I came back a full week later with only having corked it, no fridge no vac vin, and I am floored. Still some funk on the nose, but the palate, I get the menthol, leather and tobacco bigjp tastes. I will also back up the 90 points. Really good but not GREAT in all caps.
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3/12/2015 - BigWineMan Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted. Dark purple in the glass. To say this wine is funky is an understatement. Nearly objectionable funkiness initially, almost gag-inducing, and also joined with some chemical notes that leans toward TCA. Almost unbelievably, this all blew off in the decanter after a day or two. Do not dump this!!! After a strong decant - nose of deep black fruits, earth and leather. Dense palate of black fruit, menthol, dark cherry, and tobacco. Lots of substance here. Nice wine. Still lots of firm tannin here. Could still have lots of life.
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3/6/2015 - JuliannaD Likes this wine: 91 Points
Plenty of funk and flavor. Light at first but got fuller with air. Earthy with hints of dark fruit and licorice and leather . Wish I could get more of this.
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1/4/2015 - finefinewine Likes this wine: 89 Points
PnP. Really like this one. Not as much funk as bottle from last NYE. Still drinking well; throwing some sediment. Thin initially but developed over next couple of hours. Have two more, probably won't wait very long to drink.
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12/14/2014 - RPerro wrote: flawed
Musty, wet dog, mushroom...gross.
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11/21/2014 - pdxwineguy Likes this wine: 90 Points
On first day the nose had cured meats and a smokey component. The cherry fruit and mid palate were open but not well integrated. On the second day the flavors had smothed out with more dark fruits on the nose andless meat. The palate was also more integrated and very drinkable went nicely with Chinese spiced beef stew.
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11/9/2014 - jsherdc Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very funky out of the bottle but it eventually blew offleaving a facenating wine.
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11/6/2014 - travelin.mikeyt wrote: 90 Points
I let this bottle sit open for quite a bit longer than the last one, maybe three hours. The air blew off all the barnyard and brought all the fruit forward. I really enjoyed this wine and look forward to my last two bottles.
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11/4/2014 - gordoyflaca wrote: 89 Points
fruit is good, but a bit too much jalapeno pepper in this one
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10/30/2014 - dmitchell4 wrote: 89 Points
Will wait another year or two. The '89 is drinking better.
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10/24/2014 - Enfant sauvage Likes this wine:
Ciao last bottle of Ros di Rol. I'm not sure I've ever known a better wine than you for $17. Compared to your bretheren, your menthol and tobacco were turned way up - like liquid Kools, only good. Despite being the 5th bottle of the evening you were gone in a flash, so there really wasn't much time to watch you evolve. It didn't matter though.
The little bottle that could, this outperforms many wines at 2-3x the cost. And that's without counting some of the pricey shite coming out of California.
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10/22/2014 - wmccone54 wrote: 88 Points
This bottle seemed to be far better than the first one enjoyed earlier this year. Drank over two days, paired with chicken mushroom casserole which was a great choice. Lots of bricking and sediment but displays highly complex aromas and flavors of spicy red currant, dried plums, aged cigar tobacco, green herbs, bell pepper, and tanned leather. Tannins have long since integrated but still provide enough structure to keep this wine together. The fruit had faded by day 2 leaving it very green, herbal and austere.
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10/16/2014 - klezman wrote:
This is just so good. Hard to see it getting any better. Wish I had another several of these for the next year or two to see if/how it continues to evolve. Just a great earthy, textured wine.
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10/12/2014 - tmcg55 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Solid as always. A little "barnyardy" to begin but as it opened that went away. Great QPR.
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9/27/2014 - rwstorer wrote: 90 Points
- Garnet color with medium forming legs and aromas of black currant, cherry, cloves and cedar. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of blackberry and dusty with a medium body. Round texture - Actually quite enjoyable.
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9/19/2014 - travelin.mikeyt Likes this wine: 90 Points
I drank this over two sittings using a Coravin. It starts out with a real barn-yardy scent but is a really drinkable and enjoyable wine. I enjoyed this bottle even more than the last. I think it's right in its drinking window. I'll be drinking my other bottles within the next year for sure.
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9/1/2014 - Easter Everywhere Likes this wine:
funky at first, then nice
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8/23/2014 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 90 Points
I received two shipments of this wine, and this was from the second lot. Pop and poured. Aromas here are much fresher than my previous bottles, showing aromas of graphite, spicy red apple skin, blackberries, some plum skin, and a slight note of burning rope. Feels fresh and acidic on the nose. Palate entry is caressingly soft, but nice expressive dark fruits come in. Again, less leather notes than previous bottles. Much fresher here, with nice zippy fruits, but it's definitely developed and soft. Finish is very soft, dark fruit tones, more of that apple skin, and a dial up of lovely, caressing acidity that lingers very long and softly on the finish. Most definitely superior to my previous four bottles I've consumed.. I do wonder if there's something different about these two lots, as this bottle isn't nearly as developed as those from my previous solid case. Hopefully more down to just bottle to bottle variation and not some heat seen on that case. This really does taste like a different wine.
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8/21/2014 - grantsky wrote: 90 Points
I thought this wine was still drinking very well. Yes, If I had more I would drink up as I dont see it getting any better, however I enjoyed this very much.
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8/20/2014 - Ideasthatstick Likes this wine:
I agree with notes here. This wine maybe reaching the end of its drinking window and it is elegant and mature if a bit dusty. I learned that I had to drop my preconceptions about older vintages, about Italian wines about what constitutes a good wine. My first tasting - last year?- of this left me unimpressed because I wanted this to be something other than what it is. This tasting went well with bucatini and san marzano tomatoes and lamb sausage (merguez). The smokey quality of the wine was a nice counterpoint to the heat of the merguez. After about an hour subtle complexities to complex to write about began to reveal. I will finish what is left soon but will certainly be more respectful about what is in the bottle. I liked it.
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8/17/2014 - Mythlogic Likes this wine: 89 Points
Just about the same notes as the first bottle. Might be approaching the end of its drinking window.
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8/1/2014 - Rmjchen wrote: 90 Points
Mature and elegant Cabernet blend. Pretty dried flowers, lead pencil, sour cherry with the smell of dirt. Impressive for a wine with this kind of age. Not a powerful viscous quaff but elegant and expressive. I like it
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7/21/2014 - TeamKV Does not like this wine: 83 Points
Beyond barnyard. More like pig pen. Perhaps an acquired taste, but personally not enjoyable at all. Will be tossing our remaining bottle.
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7/16/2014 - cartime wrote:
Better than my last bottle. Drink up.
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6/26/2014 - thebonnydooner wrote: 88 Points
Similar to the last bottle - maybe a little better, prety mature
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5/31/2014 - gagrapes Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wow is this good...leather and tobacco like the other notes mention.
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5/24/2014 - RoysterWright wrote: 90 Points
Mellow leather, tobacco, with hints of blackberry. Beautiful early summer Saturday evening drinking.
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5/19/2014 - CO_Roots13 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Leather and pipe tobacco on the nose. Quite expressive. The palette showed the same along with some dark fruit on the nice finish. I wish I had more of this wine. 8-17-7-8
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5/19/2014 - Enfant sauvage Likes this wine:
This bottle was slightly less bright than the last, but otherwise very much consistent with previous.
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5/17/2014 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 90 Points
Garnet. Mellow oak, blackberry and coffee on the nose. Fine integrated tannins and dry fruit, with a delicate tannin acid finish. Gives tremendous pleasure without quite revealing how. A feeling of entering old age but still going strong.
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5/17/2014 - grantsky wrote: 91 Points
This wine is in a really nice place right now. Showing nice aged quality, but the fruit still as a nice freshness to it. I think ill drink all of mine soon. Can't see it getting any better.
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5/14/2014 - prof b wrote:
outrageous value and a very good wine regardless of cost. It is reminiscent of a middle aged bordeaux but with much higher acidity.
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5/14/2014 - Enfant sauvage Likes this wine:
I think this was actually my favorite bottle of this so far and did not seem to be pushing over the hill at all. Tobacco is the predominant note I pick up in these, plus some menthol and anis, with a somewhat sharp finish. Overall, this is an absurd value at $17.
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4/28/2014 - gjv115 wrote:
Pnp. Great right out of the gate. Smoke, chocolate, oak. I'm curious what this would do with several years, but I'm going to drink my last bottles now since it is so good.
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4/13/2014 - klezman wrote:
Fantastic bottle, even better than the first. The balance of fruit, leaves, tobacco, and earth just were right on for me that night.
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3/28/2014 - Italiana Likes this wine:
Pretty darn good for $17. A bit sour the first night, but otherwise quite drinkable, even without food. Better the second night--tannins smoothed out, fruit a little more faded, acid bite, but quite OK.
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3/20/2014 - thebonnydooner wrote: 86 Points
Interesting, mature, showing lots of brick, tobacco, wet leaves, tomato, red cherry, soft, dry, tobacco and dried cherry, plum on the palate. Not great, but interesting. Drink up.
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3/15/2014 - 1961Vintage wrote: 85 Points
This particular bottle was the poorest of the 4 that I purchased. A bit of fruit still evident. Got a bit better with a decant. Interesting that both the 98 and 99 are still available in such large quantities. If had had more, I would drink up quickly...
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3/10/2014 - gjv115 wrote: 90 Points
Pnp. I really liked it. It needed a half hour or more to blow off some funky notes. It was pretty big, too. Lots of wood, some earth tones. It was a little like a Napa cab, but minus the fruit. It was continuing to improve with air when we finished it. Pretty youthful, still, but I'll drink the rest of mine sooner than later.
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2/27/2014 - cartime wrote:
Unlike my first two bottles, this one was a bit over the hill. This is the first bottle from a second parcel I purchased from JR, so I'm ever so slightly concerned about the rest of the bottles, but a friend had a good experience from this second parcel, so I'll hold out hope. It is a 15 year old wine after all -- there is bound to be some bottle variation. All in all, even this bottle wasn't bad for 17 bucks.
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2/23/2014 - wmccone54 wrote: 86 Points
Short decant, opened right up. Starting to brick, displaying a murky, dull crimson color with a medium body and some noticeable sediment. Huge upfront component of damp earth, dry leather, leafy tobacco, spicy tomato leaf, and a mixed vegetable nose. Most of the primary fruit has faded; what little red fruit is left is pretty lame. Thin and slightly hollow in the mouth. Definitely aged, not terribly inspiring, and probably past it's prime.
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2/17/2014 - wayfarer Likes this wine:
Quite lovely aged red fruit base, not jammy at all. Opened up with air time (decanted 30 mins ahead, drank with dinner) very nice balance, with edge. Some earth, cedar, nice layer of brightness and acid/cherry. Not too complex but with nice nose and palate notes that evolved.
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2/17/2014 - Joegish Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Faded fruit, seemed way past its prime. Not offensive, but not enjoyable either. Bummed that I have more. Would not buy again.
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2/14/2014 - jsherdc Likes this wine: 91 Points
Delicious rich plum and cassis. Smooth. Excellent. 91/92
This wine keeps changing. My second taste was too cold out of the fridge. The nose was amazing but it tasted over-extracted. Later it mellowed, and yet later cigar notes came out.
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2/12/2014 - Phredd wrote: 91 Points
Very dark red in the glass with significant bricking at the rim. The nose is a curious mix of bright florals and dark, sour notes - almost like fermenting cedar mulch. The palate is subdued black fruits with good secondary mushroom, tobacco, and earthy flavors. There are hints of green pepper, too, but it is more an interesting accent than a dominant characteristic. Overall, it is hard to imagine a better value on a wine with almost 15 years of age on it. This one is a winner. Originally scored this 90, but the length and delicate balance convinced me that it merited a little more.
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2/10/2014 - CO_Roots13 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Upon opening, the nose was of strong green bell pepper and some leathery notes. The palette was of blue fruit, tobacco and cedar. Nice finish. Very enjoyable bottle with outstanding QPR.
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2/9/2014 - yeti575rider wrote: 90 Points
Again I'll give Garagiste its due on this one especially as I wasn't expecting much. Can't really get something with age and character like this for the price. Very bordeaux like - still some fruit though and I wouldn't call it vegetal at all. Has the bordeaux earthiness with some ash and cigar box. Very smooth and ready to drink.
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2/4/2014 - Mythlogic Likes this wine: 91 Points
PNP. Losing some color. No formal notes as I had over dinner with the wife and a friend. Held up well with good balance. Probably at peak or close too. Really good value. Could have easily fooled me at a higher price point. Nice job Jon.
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2/1/2014 - mdefreitas wrote: 91 Points
Sadly, this was my last bottle. A lovely, inexpensive way to experience mature flavors. The structure is very well resolved and the flavors are layered and complex. Still holding fruit, complicated by celery seed, dried herbs and leather. Silky and smooth.
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1/25/2014 - svpandae wrote:
Better than the 1998, but just not to my liking.
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1/21/2014 - Italiana Likes this wine:
Cork in excellent condition. Bright, medium dark garnet. Fresh aromas. Satisfying mouthfeel, good acidity. A fine bottle. More cherry aromas on day two. Noticeable sediment. Frankly an extraordinary value.
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1/20/2014 - SonoNicolas Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fantastic value. Extremely rare to find a wine of this quality under $20. I'd say it has peaked - if you have a bottle, don't sit on it for long. Drink now and you won't regret it!
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1/19/2014 - kmizzel wrote:
Best wine I have ever had under $20. Nice red fruit flavor and acidity.
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1/14/2014 - jkwatson wrote: 84 Points
Too oaky. :(
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1/12/2014 - gagrapes wrote: 92 Points
Delicious
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1/8/2014 - RPerro wrote: 85 Points
Liked it, didn't love it. A bit rough and jumbled at first, smoothing out with a couple hours of air. Better than the previous bottle I think. Definitely an aged wine, with many secondary/tertiary flavors showing, and much less fruit. No tannin, higher acid.
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1/5/2014 - jay_hawk@yahoo.com wrote: flawed
Corked
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1/1/2014 - mdefreitas wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes. Evolved, yet still fresh. Leather, celery seed, herbs and dried fruits. Not a lot of depth, but good complexity for the price.
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1/1/2014 - j.a.price.trucking wrote: 87 Points
Vegetal. Tannic still. Popped and poured. Didn't open much. Mint and earth. Good value.
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12/10/2013 - Mr T wrote:
similar to last bottle and a very nice drink....opened with little time and then very tasty
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12/8/2013 - CO_Roots13 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Upon opening, the nose was full of rubber and the palette was quite thin and empty. After an hour, the nose began to show rock, leather and subtle red fruit. The palette was quite mature with crushed rock, leather and very faint sour cherry.
The next day, the wine really came into its own. Nose of graphite, cassis and dusty leather. The palette showed much of the same quality as well as a fruit based acidic grip.
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12/1/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 91 Points
Tough to not keep drinking these. Wonderful "aged" profile of leather, dried fruits and herbs. So smooth and velvety and ready to drink.
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11/28/2013 - johndefi Likes this wine:
Needed some time to open up. Nice wine once it did. Fruit was there plus acidity working well together. Silky mouthfeel.
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11/11/2013 - rpk99 Likes this wine: 88 Points
nice nose of fruit, flavor over peak but nice flavors of Cassis and leather
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10/26/2013 - Firefly78 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous review. Still drinks well above its price point. Initial funk blew off after one hour in the decanter.
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10/26/2013 - rwstorer wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured. Earthy aromas of black fruits, oak and a touch of mint. Cloudy, with flavors of aged earth and blackberry. This is not my favorite. Maybe it's better with food.
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10/22/2013 - RPerro wrote: 83 Points
Super earthy, mushroom, mint, forest floor. Thought this may be corked at first (cork was very TCA-smelling), lots of funk, but not in a good way. Interesting wine on day 1. Died on day 2 and I dumped it.
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10/12/2013 - klezman wrote:
Delicious, even if not all that complex. It's got great aged flavours of tobacco leaf and earth along with a hint of dark red fruit hiding in the back. Great offering for the price from Garagiste.
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10/2/2013 - gordoyflaca wrote: 91 Points
you are riding on a cow eating a pizza with peppers and a huge bowl of black cherries
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9/30/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 91 Points
Again, a lovely aged Cab/Merlot blend. This has been consistently wonderful. Elegant, light and complex, with velvety tannins that melt in you mouth. Earth, leather, celery seed, and dried fruit combine with well resolved structure.
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9/5/2013 - sjr wrote: 89 Points
This is so superior to the 1998 (even though Rimmerman hawked both with equal zeal). This has a much fuller body in the mouth, not drying at all like the 1998 I've had. Very smooth, with tannins pretty much completely resolved. Also a little bit sweet in the mouth with red fruits as well as some green bell pepper. Not incredibly complex, but definitely worth a drink.
On the nose, not very fruity but more graphite, leather, and cederbox. A little Bordeaux-like. Also a fair bit of underipe green bell pepper notes.
There's not a lot of perceptible acidity, but it's definitely still a fresh wine. Pretty impressive, definitely in comparison with the '98. Really worth the money. A rare gem from Garagiste.
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9/1/2013 - Easter Everywhere wrote:
very good, Bordeaux-like
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8/25/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 91 Points
I continue to be amazed at the quality of aged wines from this estate given the low price. Not a blockbuster, but very good complexity and silky texture for the tariff. While the aged, leathery, dried fruit character is evident, the fruit is not dead. Delicious.
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8/20/2013 - mmurry Likes this wine: 90 Points
Leather and spice on the nose, along with pepper and dirt, and some cherry at the end. Rich and juicy on the palate, with black currant and leather, some cherry and spice, and a nice dirt finish.
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8/14/2013 - Enfant sauvage Likes this wine:
Consistent with previous notes: red fruit, leather, tobacco. Still holding its own. $16 very well spent.
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8/7/2013 - Baudelaire wrote: 90 Points
Dark, red-black color. Some spice and pine along with plum, raisin, black cherry nose. Full, round presence in the mouth: plum, cherry, raisin, a little tar.
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8/6/2013 - Troon wrote: 89 Points
A nice value on an aged wine. There is earth and mild fruit on the nose. There is still a decent structure of red fruit on the palate even with the age. The 99 holds together better than the 98, and I believe the wine is drinking well now.
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7/30/2013 - mdefreitas wrote: 91 Points
I found this fairly similar to the 1998 version, showing nice earthy, leathery, and dried fruit flavors. The structure is soft and this is quite drinkable. The fruit here does seem a bit plumper than the 1998 version, but this is still a lean, elegant wine. Drinking great.
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7/25/2013 - SLR204 wrote: 90 Points
Better than the first bottle, with a bit more raspberry, freshness and body. Probably has a few more years, but why wait. $17?? Ridiculous.
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7/25/2013 - Mr T wrote:
nice mature wine that needs a little time in the glass to open....tannin resolved, initially a bit acidic and then broadens and fills out and reminiscent of Bdx as promised. I would rate low 90's and certainly excellent value
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7/20/2013 - prof b wrote:
consistent with previous bottle
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7/13/2013 - tmcg55 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted for about 30 minutes and this was really nice. Great value and nice smooth mouth feel. Good bottle.
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7/10/2013 - SLR204 wrote: 90 Points
Reminiscent of a mature Bordeaux but lighter bodied. Nice nose of stewed fruit, light earth and tobacco. On the palate the wine is lighter than the nose, with tobacco, leather, raspberry and some nice funky earthiness. Great value from Garagiste.
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6/25/2013 - rogerr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great example of a good mature wine. Beautiful integration and silky tannins. Nice balance and long finish. Still some freshness as well. Can't imagine it improving from this point.
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6/22/2013 - LLakritz Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was our second bottle. Now it. Has become clear the first bottle was flawed. Second bottle after long decant was very good.
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6/18/2013 - Enfant sauvage wrote:
This bottle felt very fresh. Tobacco, leather, and red fruit. A bit of a sour finish. This is not an amazing wine, but at $16 it's a pretty amazing value.
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6/2/2013 - TeamKV Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dirty but sufficient fruit and tannin to hold another year or two.
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5/31/2013 - themercuryuniverse wrote: 90 Points
- Brick color and aromas of tobacco and dusty. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of bell pepper, cherry, black currant and smokey with a medium body. Leathery texture with a long finish.
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5/27/2013 - gregg g wrote:
Decanting with a screen is necessary due to excessive sediment. Good wine showing its age. Leather, cassis, tea, and tobacco notes. Decent length but not the most memorable wine. Ready to drink. Served with a mixed grill of chicken & quail (J. Waxman's asian marinade) and lamb chops.
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5/26/2013 - prof b wrote: 88 Points
dry tobacco and hints of leather on the nose along with something slightly sweet that i cannot place. the palate is true to the nose. no noticeable tannins remaining, little acidity, but a reasonable finish. having no track record with this wine, i'm not sure of its future but i would wager it is unlikely to improve much.
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5/24/2013 - themercuryuniverse wrote: 90 Points
- Brick color and aromas of tobacco and dusty. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of bell pepper, cherry, black currant and smokey with a medium body. Leathery texture with a long finish.
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5/12/2013 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 89 Points
This has been open for a few hours, and tracked throughout that time. The color is mostly red, with just slight bricking. This wine is certainly showing tertiary development, expressing aromas of wild spiced mushrooms, covered in salt, sweet glue, and a bit of sweet, funky old strawberry. The palate is soft, lean and chunky, showing mild acid and soft mushrooms covered in red fruit. Not much intensity on the palate, but it's there with small sips. Mild acid and mild tannins on the palate, but not too much depth. More mild tartness and tannins on the finish, but again not too much in the way of depth. Good acid which lingers for some time, but I do wish for more complexities and expressiveness. Nice to have a wine aged like this for this tariff, but it's not special. I'd say there's no hesitation to drink these now, as I think it's right in its peak drinking window and doubt it will develop the complexities desired. Hoping for positive bottle variation mentioned below in the future bottles.
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5/11/2013 - danibus Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice claret style with some age. Damp earth, dark cherry. Drinking well.
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5/5/2013 - Venice Al wrote: 86 Points
What a case of bottle variation. I have loved this wine, but this bottle from opening to 1 hour in the decanter has ben so different from prior bottles: Major green pepper nose, red pepper spicy nose and palate. Like slightly under ripe right bank. This time 86-87 points.
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5/2/2013 - Punt wrote: 90 Points
Another bottle, a very different wine. Much fruitier, younger tasting. Bottle variation. I thought I preferred this bottle and gave it 90 and then noted I gave the first one 92. Had I consumed a fair amount more of the first one when I wrote the note?
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5/1/2013 - corkgonebad Likes this wine: 89 Points
Leather/tobacco dominate the tart fruit for my taste, tipping the rating below 90. I found it a little thin. Heavy sediment. Brownish color.
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4/30/2013 - cse Likes this wine: 90 Points
a first rate claret, drinking very nicely now. even keeled, very well made, but not quite magical.
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4/28/2013 - Jamesgold wrote: 93 Points
This wine continues to amaze. Paired with lasagna.
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4/28/2013 - cadamson wrote: 86 Points
Not a huge fan of this one; almost to much of a leather and cheese nose (yep!), not flawed in any way, good dark blue and black fruits, okay acidity, okay finish, but just not special and the nose was a bit off putting.
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4/27/2013 - AMC Eagle wrote: 91 Points
Big difference from the '98 I just had. Crushed red and black fruits with some tobacco and leather. Medium body with a medium finish. Excellent value for an aged wine and can still be aged for 2-3 more years me thinks.
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4/24/2013 - Quarked wrote: flawed
Damn, corked very badly.
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4/18/2013 - Punt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious. Lots of personality. Long evolving finish, it tells story. An initial pucker (reminiscent of blaufränkisch nerve, almost) quickly gives way to a hint of burnt tar then red fruits and then a long finish of tobacco and resin and lingering earthiness. A ripped wine, strong but sleek, and in a festive mood. I think it's drinking fabulously and will consume the other bottles sooner rather than later. With less fruit (still fresh) it might be a bit stern.
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4/16/2013 - Venice Al wrote: 93 Points
Consistent with my prior note. Decanted 1 hour. Has several years left. if this is not somebody's style- feel free to sell or trade me all of yours! (only half joking)
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4/13/2013 - cartime Likes this wine: 92 Points
Terrific value. Old world palate of dried red fruits, leather, and earth. Drinking perfectly now. Wish I had bought a ton more of this. Has a good bit of sediment.
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3/31/2013 - Cadby Likes this wine: 91 Points
1999 Sant'Elena Ross di Rol ++++ish $17
From Beast to Beauty - 30 minutes. Thanks Jon.
http://8wordsonwine.blogspot.com/2013/03/1999-santelena-ross-di-rol-ish-17.html
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3/23/2013 - 1961Vintage wrote: 91 Points
Price/value adjusted score. This wine is worth 2+x the price. Very well made and balanced. OPens up in 30 minutes to reveal warm crushed dried fruit. Put it up against the best in Haut Medoc..
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3/16/2013 - winetexan Likes this wine: 92 Points
aging well and drinking well
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3/10/2013 - urban_dk wrote: 91 Points
Drinking beautifully right now but still has the stuffing to last a few years. Cork had slight leakage upon opening, but wine was fine. A two hour decant opened it up, revealing strong notes of tobacco, a bit of tar and some herbal notes on the bouquet. It does taste like a mature Right Bank Bordeaux, a value Pomerol if ever there was one. It has the bright cherry/currant flavors, distinct earthiness and smooth tannins, capping off with a nice smoky finish. Wow. From Friuli, and only $17? Great find from Garagiste.
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2/21/2013 - Jamesgold Likes this wine: 92 Points
I completely agree with the previous comment. Amazing wine for under $20. This wine has aged beautifully. Paired well with pasta bolognese.
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2/21/2013 - Venice Al Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium dark with slight bricking. Cigar box, tobacco, red cherry, tannins almost completely resolved. Fill and cork impeccable. Finish is Long with a pleasurable mouthfeel and herbal component. Much preferred to the 1998- which I will not review until i identify the obvious woody spice i recognize but can't place yet. tasting side by side. Tastes like a nice mature right bank......drink w/i 2-3 years I'd think. Not overly complex, but a fine example of aged Bordeaux style wine from Friuli. Wow for the price.
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2/3/2013 - Firefly78 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice bouquet, round, harmonious and elegant. Great QPR.
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