Bright color, full-bodied with a cedar quality to the nose...very fulll and rich flavors, heavy on cherries and chocolate, with a real kick at the end, probably from the 15.5 percent alcohol. Needs decanting, with lots of large particles in the glass even with the initial pour. Ripe and round, bordering on over-the-top. Definitely more robust and plump than the average Napa Merlot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A bit of brown in the color indicates it might be close to declining, but had a full body, ripe cherry flavor that grew more complex with each sip. As the meal progressed, I could pick up hints of lilac, cinnamon and even nutmeg along with the full-throttle fruit. It made a great complement to a Valentine's Day dinner built around grilled veal chops topped with rosemary. Looking back, I could have decanted it sooner to smooth out some of the edges encountered at first, but it remains a memorable bottle. Just don't wait too much longer....
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bright color with no trace of brown, dusty Napa Valley nose, and full flavors of fruit, spices and surprisingly lively tannins. Didn't seem 16 years old by any stretch...served with grilled filet and root vegetables, and as the post-holiday family meal progressed, the smooth flavor and finish distinguished this wine: no bumps, heat or tartness, just gentle acids at the finish--vey special indeed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2006 Dominari Merlot
4/3/2012 - dclaeys wrote: 89 Points
Bright color, full-bodied with a cedar quality to the nose...very fulll and rich flavors, heavy on cherries and chocolate, with a real kick at the end, probably from the 15.5 percent alcohol. Needs decanting, with lots of large particles in the glass even with the initial pour. Ripe and round, bordering on over-the-top. Definitely more robust and plump than the average Napa Merlot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1999 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Altero
2/15/2012 - dclaeys wrote: 92 Points
A bit of brown in the color indicates it might be close to declining, but had a full body, ripe cherry flavor that grew more complex with each sip. As the meal progressed, I could pick up hints of lilac, cinnamon and even nutmeg along with the full-throttle fruit. It made a great complement to a Valentine's Day dinner built around grilled veal chops topped with rosemary. Looking back, I could have decanted it sooner to smooth out some of the edges encountered at first, but it remains a memorable bottle. Just don't wait too much longer....
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1992 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon
12/26/2008 - dclaeys wrote: 93 Points
Bright color with no trace of brown, dusty Napa Valley nose, and full flavors of fruit, spices and surprisingly lively tannins. Didn't seem 16 years old by any stretch...served with grilled filet and root vegetables, and as the post-holiday family meal progressed, the smooth flavor and finish distinguished this wine: no bumps, heat or tartness, just gentle acids at the finish--vey special indeed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment