I thought I’d give the TJ’s brand a try, as this wine was placed on a floor display AND for the SLH appellation. I’ve enjoyed several SLH Pinots, including Hahn’s 2021. However, I was disappointed in this wine from the first sip; tasted like a vanilla stick was in the bottle, not allowing the fruit to come through. Darker color and more body than a typical SLH Pinot. Maybe this is what they think mass, sub $15 wine consumers like. For a few more bucks, I’ll go with Hahn.
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Decanted 2+ hours. Bold and meaty but lacked complexity and fullness. Bought this years ago based on WS 95 rating. Certainly didn't live up to that for us. Will let the other bottle age a few more years.
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Expressive nose and purity of fruit are abundant. In the mouth, it is medium body but still very young and tannic, even after 3 hour decant. Didn’t really evolve during our meal. In my mind, a 97 point (WS) wine should be remarkable, or show the potential to be. I didn’t get this but hope time will improve my remaining bottles
2021 Trader Joe's Pinot Noir Grand Reserve Lot # 118 Santa Lucia Highlands
11/25/2023 - DHSLO wrote: 80 Points
I thought I’d give the TJ’s brand a try, as this wine was placed on a floor display AND for the SLH appellation. I’ve enjoyed several SLH Pinots, including Hahn’s 2021. However, I was disappointed in this wine from the first sip; tasted like a vanilla stick was in the bottle, not allowing the fruit to come through. Darker color and more body than a typical SLH Pinot. Maybe this is what they think mass, sub $15 wine consumers like. For a few more bucks, I’ll go with Hahn.
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2015 K Vintners Syrah Powerline Vineyard
2/24/2023 - DHSLO wrote: 90 Points
Decanted 2+ hours. Bold and meaty but lacked complexity and fullness. Bought this years ago based on WS 95 rating. Certainly didn't live up to that for us. Will let the other bottle age a few more years.
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2016 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva
4/14/2022 - DHSLO wrote: 88 Points
Expressive nose and purity of fruit are abundant. In the mouth, it is medium body but still very young and tannic, even after 3 hour decant. Didn’t really evolve during our meal. In my mind, a 97 point (WS) wine should be remarkable, or show the potential to be. I didn’t get this but hope time will improve my remaining bottles
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