Illaheman
Member #3,147 signed up 1/15/2005
Fans(2)
-
WineMel
2 Tasting Notes
-
wineaboutit
772 Tasting Notes
Friends(3)
-
hbaubau
0 Tasting Notes
-
wineaboutit
772 Tasting Notes
-
mjm
21 Tasting Notes
Profile
Member since January 2005
This member's profile is not public.
2015 Acumen Mountainside Reserve
11/26/2020 - Illaheman Likes this wine: 90 Points
I picked it up at $25. In my view it’s young and needs some extra time resting. Fruit forward, all black fruit up front. Subdued aromatics. It needed airtime to get things opened up. I’ve tried the 2015 Cab as well. They were so similar I could not tell any real difference after a half hour in the glass.
This is still showing a a lot of oak for my tastes. I’m not sure I’ll buy more.
Is it worth $25? Yes, but there are a ton of competitors at that price point. Post COVID it would be interesting to put it into a tasting of $20-$30 cabs and see how it competed. I’d bet middle of the pack with it’s already 5 years in the bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2010 Ceretto Langhe Arneis Blangé
4/13/2014 - Illaheman Likes this wine: 90 Points
I really like this wine. It reminds me of a combination of Vino Verde and Sancerre. It offered much more complexity than a typical Sauvignon Blanc from the United States, or New Zealand.
Why am I hot for this wine? I think its because this wine is not typical. First, the wine gives off a little bit of effervescence. It is noted by the winemaker that this wine has low acidity, I didn’t experience this. It does have some acidity, and some noticeable minerality. These characteristics give it backbone against many foods. It is loaded with complexity. There is complexity in the aromas. There is complexity in the flavors, that are tropical, and then a moment later, the wine throws some stone fruits at you. It is pretty in the glass, offering you a golden straw color.
I like how many ways the uniqueness shows through in the glass, and on the palate. When I look at this wine for a price-point, I believe it offers an enjoyable flavor profile, and an enjoyable drinking experience. It is not perfect, however, it is a great buy when compared to the many one-dimensional, ubiquitous, Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays in this price-point.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2006 Hares Shiraz
4/13/2014 - Illaheman Likes this wine: 90 Points
I really enjoyed this wine. Deals come and go, but the rule I suggest we follow is buy big when a stunning value proposition presents itself. I highly recommend that you catch this wine. It is a complete wine, a very tasty wine, a great Shiraz, and worth the price.
Beautiful deep purple color. The aromas off the glass were superb, if not intoxicating. Deep, rich, concentrated flavors jump from the glass. On the palate if offered some semi sweet chocolate, licorice, a hint of cinnamon spice, and loads of ripe blackberry fruit. There are tannins, and a hint of acidity, but I find these provide it some structure and balance.
What makes this Barossa Valley beauty shine is its depth of flavors. A sip immediately travels across your pallet pushing flavor and textural satisfaction along the way. This wine tastes great, and that should be testimony enough of why you should give it a try.
However, I found myself also enjoying the complexity of this wine. Any sip ends with a luxuriously long finish. I believe it is in its prime drinking and enjoying window!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment