This is one of the best $20 Bordeaux's I have tasted. The trick was to keep it in the cellar for more-than-a-few years before opening. Medium-dark red color with limited transparency. Aromas of red and black fruits, centered more around berry than plum. Palate has blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, and a hint of plum with a medium finish. Tannins are fully integrated and this is a compelling value at the price paid.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
We very much enjoyed two bottles of this delicious wine. It's a well-crafted blend of three old vine growths. It's a very good value for the price. Agree with prior comment that now is the time to enjoy it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Ken Brown pinot noirs from Rancho la Vina Vineyard are benchmark wines - indicative of both vintage and terroir. 2016 was a year of small grapes for Sta. Rita Hills appellation pinot noir. This bottle was stored in our basement at-or-about 68 degrees. The first night the wine was poured using Coravin. The well-rounded wine with a gentle tannin backbone was praised by our friends. The second night we just opened the bottle. At this point the tannins had receded leaving a mouthful of flavor. Very good but not great. The small grapes have made for a difficult vintage, which is why I waited a couple of extra years before opening.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
2015 Château de Chantegrive Graves
1/8/2024 - Squire Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is one of the best $20 Bordeaux's I have tasted. The trick was to keep it in the cellar for more-than-a-few years before opening.
Medium-dark red color with limited transparency. Aromas of red and black fruits, centered more around berry than plum. Palate has blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, and a hint of plum with a medium finish. Tannins are fully integrated and this is a compelling value at the price paid.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2018 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Catena Alta Historic Rows
11/30/2023 - Squire Likes this wine: 90 Points
We very much enjoyed two bottles of this delicious wine. It's a well-crafted blend of three old vine growths. It's a very good value for the price. Agree with prior comment that now is the time to enjoy it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2016 Ken Brown Pinot Noir Rancho la Viña Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills
11/25/2023 - Squire Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ken Brown pinot noirs from Rancho la Vina Vineyard are benchmark wines - indicative of both vintage and terroir. 2016 was a year of small grapes for Sta. Rita Hills appellation pinot noir.
This bottle was stored in our basement at-or-about 68 degrees. The first night the wine was poured using Coravin. The well-rounded wine with a gentle tannin backbone was praised by our friends. The second night we just opened the bottle. At this point the tannins had receded leaving a mouthful of flavor. Very good but not great. The small grapes have made for a difficult vintage, which is why I waited a couple of extra years before opening.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment