srh

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• Purple Tooth says:

  1/3/2024 2:29:00 PM - RIP old soul, your words of love will echo here till your return. May your memory remind us of the fragility of life so we can smile more until sleep calls us home again.

• BellevuePhil says:

  6/28/2023 8:29:00 PM - He was my ONLY fan.....so sad

• rougeamore says:

  4/24/2023 5:43:00 AM - I was just thinking that I haven't heard from him in a while. So sad to hear about his passing. Such a kind and thoughtful guy with his ratings and comments. Hope you're drinking some fine wines up there!

• WineKnurd says:

  4/2/2023 11:12:00 AM - Saddened to have learned about SRH's passing, as one of the ones who enjoyed communicating with him via comments. He will be missed.

• Carlaramseier says:

  3/26/2023 3:58:00 PM - The measure of a person's life is not in the years they've lived but in the lives they've touched. Thank you for touching mine dear Stanley. RIP Carla

• ItsNotMe says:

  12/22/2022 5:24:00 AM - I'm so sorry to hear that SRH passed away. I realized a few days ago that I had not heard from him, and came here today to check on him. He was generous with his notes and other wine information, and seemed like a kind person. I will miss you, even though we only met through CT.

• Dr. Wine MD PhD ;) says:

  11/27/2022 1:59:00 AM - I just realized the familiar SRH was not in the top 10 commenters and that made me curious and my fear seemed reality as I read these comments. A friendly soul who welcomed everyone to this forum.. new and old!

• red freddy says:

  10/9/2022 10:40:00 AM - So Sad to learn of SRH passing. A font of wine information and a Good Guy whose contributions to CellarTracker will be missed. I commented on one of his tasting notes and that explains why he never got back (he's aways so prompt in responding). Sincere Sympathy to his family and myriad of friends. Does anyone know what his family-owned restaurant was in San Diego where he was the Sommelier?

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  9/30/2022 1:49:00 PM - What a HUGE loss for the CT Community and San Diego Wine scene. Rest In Peace !!

• Khon Kaen says:

  9/29/2022 3:02:00 AM - I was shocked and saddened. The message you left is my memories. I will always miss your kindness, passion and guidance. Rest in peace.

• macaujames says:

  9/16/2022 10:57:00 AM - Dear Stanley. You were a great wine connoisseur and friend! I really appreciated your original tasting notes and incredible support. You were an amazing wine taster full stop! We miss you hugely!

• Stanrocks says:

  7/2/2022 7:13:00 AM - WHATTTTT ... snif i m endebted to that man :( I never had the chance to meet nor to even taste with... Internet is just a fling but still a little community ! RIP mister SRH, from across the pond, well, the other pond as you were living west ! may you still enjoy some fragrances of the best Sangiovese's or Nebbiolo wherever you stay now

• Rick & Ilsa says:

  6/23/2022 8:15:00 PM - His kindness, passion and uncountable hours contributing to CT will be irreplaceable. A shiver runs thru the CT community. Sincerest condolences to his family...

• Vinnut says:

  6/23/2022 3:52:00 PM - It is with deep regret that I was informed SRH, a frequent commentator here & a good friend to me, recently passed away. Stanley, my dearest friend, we will all miss you very much!

• royalscam says:

  6/14/2022 2:51:00 PM - I am very sorry to read about SRH's passing. He certainly was very passionate about wine and wrote quite a bit about wine. I was fortunate to have a couple of brief exchanges with him and could feel his great passion and wealth of knowledge for the juice. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace in wine heaven.

• La Cave d'Argent says:

  6/13/2022 9:06:00 PM - RIP, my CT friend. I am distraught...but also taking comfort in knowing that someone as kind as you is in a better place.

• macaujames says:

  4/14/2022 10:42:00 PM - SRH: Many thanks for your comments on the Carpineto Riserva 2016. Its a great wine for under 17 Euros here which is brilliant value! Have a great Easter!

• mark.gularte@gmail.com says:

  4/13/2022 11:28:00 PM - SRH - Thanks for the comment on the Ridge 3 Valleys. I've been a fan of Ridge for decades, but just recently joined their Advanced Tasting Program. I'm loving the variety of different offerings they have in the program. Also a fan of Zins from Turley and Bedrock, so perhaps we can share notes over their fine offerings as well. Salut!

• rougeamore says:

  4/3/2022 5:23:00 AM - Thanks for the information on Carlisle. The Feb 9th edition of WS Insider features 3 of the '19 Zins. I've been buying wine from them directly for about 6-7 years now. Mike Officer the winemaker produces luscious wines bursting with fruit. Considering the prices of good CA wines, Carlisle is a great value. Cheers!

• Mhbeaune says:

  2/23/2022 2:08:00 PM - Many thanks for responding SRH

• Mhbeaune says:

  2/22/2022 2:38:00 AM - SRH, I am using an Italian shipper, Tannico, who has got their act together and for us Brit’s, post brexit re shipping direct, I am finding them very useful for searching and buying everyday Italian wine. Which critic’s do you find most reliable/in tune with your own tastes for Italian wines. I seem to be in tune with Agata but find many others, for my palet, out of sync. Of course Cellar Tracker is the most reliable because of the range of views.

• rougeamore says:

  2/19/2022 7:44:00 AM - Thanks for the info! I wrote this brief review by memory since I was serving a 4 course meal with 6 wines including a 1997 Pio Cesare Barolo and a 2003 Chateau Pavie. All very different but excellent.

• Sourdough says:

  2/17/2022 12:57:00 PM - Thanks for the comment and info srh!

• rthpal says:

  1/28/2022 11:42:00 PM - srh, privately I consider 95.5 and up "great". 92.5 to 95 "very good", 90.5 to 92 "good", 88-90 "acceptable" and 87.5 and below "unacceptable" (less so for 85 to 87.5). I try to use the CT ranges on the forum.

• rthpal says:

  1/28/2022 11:31:00 PM - srh, I am delighted to be friends with you. All the best!

• rthpal says:

  1/28/2022 3:44:00 PM - 1/28/2022: Many thanks, srh

• gfwetzel says:

  1/22/2022 5:04:00 PM - Thanks for the comment on my 2016 Uccelliera Brunello tasting note and for the wine note with a pointer to pro reviews. I had 3 bottles of this wine, so two more (which I'll keep for a later year).

• Callum's Corkers says:

  1/6/2022 6:48:00 AM - Hi srh....thanks for the link to the info on the Huet Vouvray.

• rougeamore says:

  12/31/2021 1:43:00 PM - Thanks for the information on the Chevalier. It was very helpful and happy to see other experts agreed it is a great wine. Alas I drank my last '09 in October but looking forward to drinking the '10's. Happy New Year!

• macaujames says:

  12/31/2021 5:19:00 AM - Happy New Year 2022! Enjoy!

• BAJRiley says:

  12/26/2021 11:47:00 PM - Thank you for the information shared on the 2016 Azienda Agricola COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico :)

• Vinomazing says:

  12/8/2021 8:12:00 PM - Happy Holidays, wishing you and yours joy and good health into the New Year!!

• Acostaca says:

  11/28/2021 4:29:00 PM - Thanks for sharing info on the 2015 Bodegas Burgo Viejo Rioja Palacio de Primavera Reserva

• bestdamncab says:

  11/21/2021 9:44:00 AM - Thank you for all the kind thoughts concerning the 2015 Geyserville. Have a great Ridge Thanksgiving!!!

• FEDEVIDAL says:

  11/16/2021 3:32:00 PM - Muchas gracias por tu mensaje. y el enlace a la información, muy bien. El Mogador que comenté lleva mucha garnacha normalmente sobre un 40 o 45%, pero ya no tenía calor alcohólico. saludos

• James Kim says:

  11/10/2021 12:42:00 PM - Thanks for the comment on Terre Nere Etna Rosso and also for the link to all the info. I'm going to some it into my TN so that I can easily get to it (w credit to you of course). Thank you!

• Katto says:

  11/9/2021 7:46:00 PM - Thanks for your comment on my TN and the extra info on the Tenuta Caparzo Brunello!

• amateur62 says:

  10/23/2021 11:08:00 PM - My profile picture is the Rock of Solutré, surrounded by the vines from Pouilly-Fuissé, Maçon. It is really nice there, best is to take a walk to the top of the Rock where you have the view over the entire Pouilly-Fuissé region and taking dinner at La Courtille de Solutré afterwards, in case you get to this region ones. With greetings from Switzerland

• bestdamncab says:

  10/19/2021 4:42:00 AM - Thank you for the Bordeaux Vintage Information and glad you enjoyed my TN.

• wineshaman says:

  10/9/2021 7:36:00 AM - Hi SRH, that picture I believe was taken at Story Winery however it was taken in the spring of 2008 so my memory of this picture is a little clouded, I went back and found a CT note from April, 2008 that indicated that this was the winery which is south and east of Placerville.

• dssinger says:

  9/19/2021 5:56:00 PM - Thanks for the pointer to the review! I may have to go back to Costco and see if they have any of the Rioja left!

• Bill and Tina says:

  9/18/2021 3:25:00 PM - Thanks for the info

• James Kim says:

  9/13/2021 8:43:00 AM - Thank you for your comment on my tasting note of 15 Baumard Savanieres. Much appreciated!

• Barolo Raymond says:

  9/7/2021 9:43:00 AM - Thanks for taking the time to comment on my Pewsey Riesling tasting note. Appreciated, and next when I am in the S.D. are I'll ping you so we can share a tasting ;-)

• mplsbruin says:

  9/6/2021 7:20:00 PM - Hi srh, Thanks for your comment on my experiece with Australian Riesling. Perhaps I should give it another chance?

• BAJRiley says:

  9/4/2021 9:53:00 PM - Hi SRH, thanks for your feedback on my notes on the '09 Dom. de Chevalier and on the information you've compiled on that vintage. Best wishes from Sydney :)

• macaujames says:

  9/3/2021 10:57:00 PM - About the EL Enemigo Chardonnay. Drink it on day 2 it is far better!

• wineaficionado says:

  9/2/2021 11:46:00 AM - Hey srh, big shoutout from Switzerland to San Diego/USA!

• cmiller says:

  8/14/2021 2:01:00 PM - Thanks for the info on the Mazzei Ser Lapo. Knew there was a reason I became a fan! Many thanks!

• joraesque says:

  8/10/2021 8:31:00 PM - Thanks for the heads up on the Agharta sale at Wine Exchange. By the way, I'm still using the classic version of cellartracker, so no red search button for me or instant notifications: https://www.cellartracker.com/classic/

• geoffjb says:

  7/22/2021 8:15:00 PM - Thanks for the pointer about the Marchesi Chianti! I always enjoy seeing your notes.

• Carlaramseier says:

  7/8/2021 8:10:00 AM - Cheers srh! Plse contact carlotta, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

• merlot78 says:

  7/7/2021 12:45:00 PM - merlot78 07/0721-SRH About my decanting my pinot noir. WE were in a hurry and that is why I did not decant. It was well worth the extra half hour to decant.

• PaulusLoZebra says:

  6/28/2021 2:53:00 PM - SRH, I share your sensitivity to heat, and ti many Grenacje based wines, which is a shame. My wine education began with Chateauneuf du Pape as a young man, but today I do not buy them at all. And there are many other wines I avoid because of the alcohol. That said, it is a mystery to me how there can be so many great wines, and I'm thinking mostly of Barolo but also Etna and occasionally Tuscany, in which 14% feels like 13.

• VolatileMonkey says:

  6/24/2021 4:55:00 PM - Thanks SRH for your comments on my post. I do agree with your G, VG and E rating rationale!

• James Kim says:

  6/21/2021 9:13:00 AM - Hi SRH, Thank you for comment and all the info on 2017 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso. That's really helpful! Cheers, James

• rmalloy says:

  6/12/2021 12:35:00 PM - Thanks for posting the informative articles about the wines! Personally, I like pyrazines, but I feel like there are underripe ones (which taste like raw green bell pepper) and ripe ones (which taste like eucalyptus). Maybe it's actually just the quantity rather than the quality of the pyrazines, but that's how I perceive things. I actually wonder whether the greenness in central coast pinots comes from whole cluster fermentation (i.e., stems) as opposed to pyrazines, but you could be right. I agree with you about the flaws of grenache (too low acidity, too low tannins, too alcoholic). But I overlook these flaws because I love the super-complex, thick flavors of good CdP. I can't say the same for Priorat.

• Carlaramseier says:

  5/21/2021 7:11:00 AM - Cheers, srh! Thanks for sharing your experience. carla

• Thefatbastard says:

  5/14/2021 6:07:00 AM - Bonjour srh, Thank you for your comment on my note on the 2000 Urbina. This site is a great resource to share our personal appreciation on a wine and to learn from each other. Salutations!

• James Kim says:

  3/30/2021 9:15:00 AM - Thanks, SRH, for you comment on my Baumard Savannieres TN. Unfortunately, I don't recall the meal that I had it with. It was a good, but not great match. Also thank you for the info on the wine. Very informative. Thanks much!

• sdwineguru says:

  3/27/2021 2:45:00 PM - Thanks for the extra info on the El Enemigo Chardonnay. Appreciate the detail. We stayed in the Valle de Uco and found the wines from the higher elevations (Tupangato, etc.) to have more style, acidity and complexity than those from the vineyards closer to Mendoza. I blogged about it (sandiegowineguru.com). Thanks again.

• ewsds says:

  3/8/2021 3:15:00 PM - srh, thank you for the additional info on the 2017 Joseph Phelps Pinot - Freestone Vineyards

• Connecticut Wino says:

  3/7/2021 3:55:00 PM - Thanks for making the connection. I share your appreciation of acidity and your sensitivity to alcoholic "heat." Looking forward to browsing your notes.

• Mhbeaune says:

  3/3/2021 2:05:00 PM - Sry, many thanks for the link. Martin mhbeaune

• melzar says:

  2/27/2021 11:30:00 AM - SRH, Interesting that we have the Laurel in common. I too usually dislike Grenache based wines for the same reason you don't. This is not typical Priorat. Comes from high altitude vineyards. vineyards

• melzar says:

  2/26/2021 12:46:00 PM - SRH, I did not decant, but as it is even better on day 2, that would certainly be helpful. I'm afraid I paired it with cheeseburgers (very good cheeseburgers), but it deserves better. Just ordered a case. This is one of Importer Eric Solomon's less expensive wines.His wife is the producer. I tasted a lineup of his Spanish wines at Blackberry Farm.

• Weinberg Falls says:

  2/22/2021 12:28:00 PM - You are very welcome srh, I hope you enjoy your bottle as much as I did mine. Cheers!

• Grinner says:

  2/21/2021 3:17:00 PM - SRH! You know your proclivities! That's awesome! We would be wine buddies if I was still down there (UCSD '83). I'm super sensitive to under ripe acidity, which is the major fault of many Italian wines. It would be so much fun to try and find wines the other guy SHOULD'NT like! Cheers! Grin

• 69Voltage says:

  2/2/2021 4:36:00 PM - Just an FYI....the 2017 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône is available on both wine.com($16) and klwines.com($13). TW also shows it available but doesn’t specify the year for $12. Assuming it’s the '17.

• GiorgosD says:

  1/26/2021 6:23:00 PM - Hi, you asked me : As I looked but didn't find such, may I ask where you found the 2.7 g/L sugar? I am sorry to answer you here, but I did find any other way to contact you. We buy our wins in Quebec,Canada at SAQ and on their site they post it. https://www.saq.com/

• cct says:

  1/8/2021 6:14:00 PM - Sorry for the delay and thanks for your kind words regarding my TN on the Cogno Via Nouva. I do not remember what I drank this with. I drank it over a couple nights mostly to study this bottling. It's Valter's entry level bottling. I had not had it since release, and I was seeing if it was starting to drink yet. The first bottle to be opened of a case purchase. Even this bottle needs time, and his '13 Ravera, V. Elena and Bricco Pernice will need much more time (at least for my palate preference). Re pairing For Barolo: I enjoy savory mushroom dishes, braised meats, of course tartufi when I can. Grilled octopus is a seafood that goes well with Barolo. Roasted game bird and pork also go well. One of my favorites is a simple tagliolini and porcini dish. Hope that helps and thanks for reading.

• FransS says:

  1/6/2021 12:51:00 AM - Dear srh, Thanks!! FransS

• der Schmecker says:

  12/30/2020 4:07:00 PM - Hi srh, not sure how Cellartracker comments work. I replied to your comment regarding 2015 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel. See tasting note. Let me know if you can indeed read my reply to your comment. Thanks!

• talbot61 says:

  12/21/2020 1:17:00 PM - You added a nice comment and some useful information to my note on the Valdisanti red (which is one of my wife's favorite weekday wines). I am happy to follow your well-informed adventures in wine tasting.

• familydoc says:

  12/14/2020 7:55:00 PM - Thanks for the dialogue recently on the L'Ecole wine. Have you tried any Andrew Will wines? Walla Walla grapes, but made in Vashon Washington. My favorite winery for the last few years and their 2015 and beyond vintages are all seriously dynamite. Still well priced for their quality.

• Snoski62 says:

  12/11/2020 9:57:00 AM - SRH - Thanks for your commentary on the 2010 Lisini BdM. You asked about pairing - we had it with a beef stew (with a full bottle of Chianti in the sauce...) Cheers Snoski62

• SimonHea says:

  12/2/2020 11:53:00 PM - Thanks for the link up. Looking at your profile I think we share many similar tastes and I look forward to reading your notes.

• MicklethePickle says:

  11/29/2020 5:47:00 PM - srh, thanks for reminding me of that the Coudolet de Beaucastel. I'd forgotten to order more, so now I just did!

• macaujames says:

  11/28/2020 11:18:00 PM - Thanks for your plaudits! You really know your wines!

• WineKnurd says:

  11/27/2020 7:57:00 AM - srh are you on a public crusade against Il Poggio lol?

• 69Voltage says:

  11/21/2020 4:58:00 PM - Thanks for that info, I didn’t know that before.

• 69Voltage says:

  11/21/2020 3:55:00 PM - Thanks for the links, interesting. I agree with your comment about at times there are differences between wineries notes and the actual taste of a wine. I try to be fair if there’s a big difference....palate might be "off" that day depending what I’ve eaten or drank before, etc.

• 69Voltage says:

  11/5/2020 5:57:00 PM - I’m glad you enjoyed my description of a �� in my reviews. Wine should be enjoyable and fun for all, whether we’re somm's or regular imbibers like myself and so many others.

• 69Voltage says:

  11/5/2020 5:01:00 PM - Appreciate the extra info. FYI, I have enjoyed reading your reviews over the years, as the depth always gives me a smile. As you can see, I’m not polished or professionally educated on wine but I like to think that between the two of us, most people will be able to determine where to spend there money.

• 69Voltage says:

  11/5/2020 3:28:00 PM - You are welcome! I really do like that Guigal. :) Cheers!

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  10/25/2020 3:48:00 PM - Hi srh...Saw your note on the Bien Nacido Syrah at KL. Great price but I’ve never actually had it. Bought it on Berserker Day last year. Have you had this wine? I don’t know what style it is but thanks for the heads up.

• Dr. Wine MD PhD ;) says:

  10/12/2020 11:03:00 PM - Thanks for your comment on the Elyse Korte Ranch Zin. And thanks for the insider tip on its availability at KL. That's where I had bought it :)

• vinus_operandi says:

  9/26/2020 4:44:00 PM - thank you for your comment on the Produttori del Barbaresco. I enjoyed pouring over your articles!

• Philip67 says:

  9/22/2020 12:26:00 AM - Morning, thanks for your comment on the El Enemigo 2011 - a great wine - a little more pithy than usual as I made the note on my phone at 67 Pall Mall - a place to enjoy wine but rarely enough time to write a long note!

• Pour Boy says:

  9/13/2020 7:37:00 AM - srh, you are right that the 2010 Southern Rhone vintage is still young. This has lots more life left in it. Will check out your article. Guigal is a great producer/negociant. Love their Gigondas, too.

• SouthernStateofMind says:

  8/25/2020 12:21:00 PM - Thanks for the kind words. Glad to hear the TN was of use.

• srh says:

  8/2/2020 6:49:00 PM - Wine Diplomats, No, I've not tried the Laberinto S.B., though a local store is featuring it -- & that's why I entered my "research". Also, while I seem readily to sense pyrazines, they're virtually NEVER *too* much for me, although I know plenty of tasters who want nothing WHATSOEVER to do with them. :(

• Wine Diplomats says:

  8/2/2020 5:50:00 PM - Thanks for your comment on the Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc. Have you tried it before? It looks we have a similar palate although I have a higher tolerance for pyrazines. Otherwise, I couldn't survive here in Chile. As far as the blog, there are actually two of us who write articles/reviews. However, this cellartracker account are strictly my reviews. Some end up in the blog. Others don't.

• learningandenjoying says:

  5/22/2020 3:00:00 PM - Not really familiar with how messaging works on this site. Looks like all messaging is "public?" Anyway, I received a notification expressing your appreciation for one of my tasting notes. Just saying thank you. I do try to put some thought and seriousness into what I post. Please see my profile for more info on my approach. Hope you find more good information in the limited number of notes that I do put on CellarTracker.

• Woodbridge Brad says:

  4/4/2020 2:55:00 PM - thank you for your comment, am tasting the newly released wines of Acquiesse, lovely while trapped in your house

• srh says:

  3/7/2020 11:42:00 AM - AGREED re the Tolpuddle, of which I feel privileged to have tasted > 1 recent vintage of both their Chard & P.N.! :)

• richard.presser says:

  3/6/2020 8:11:00 PM - Shaw & Smith, the makers of the M3 are one of the better if perhaps lesser Aussie winemakers. Their Adelaide Hills shiraz is also very good (e.g. Lenswood), but their pinot and chardonnay from Tasmania under the Tolpuddle label are both outstanding. Worth searching out.

• srh says:

  3/6/2020 7:43:00 PM - YVW, richard.presser! :)

• richard.presser says:

  3/6/2020 7:38:00 PM - Thank you for your kind words.

• srh says:

  3/5/2020 2:47:00 PM - Rick 4 Wine, truly PLEASED you enjoy them. :)

• srh says:

  3/5/2020 2:45:00 PM - Snag One, you're TOO kind... :)

• Snag One says:

  3/5/2020 12:43:00 PM - SRH, I really enjoy reading your tasting notes. I appreciate the time, attention and thought you put into your complete and accurate tasting notes. Thank you.

• Rick 4 Wine says:

  2/4/2020 7:19:00 AM - Love your rating system! Thanks for taking the time to write you TNs and share them.

• srh says:

  12/8/2019 5:31:00 PM - jjlgd, IF I've ever tasted any of the Tesoro bottlings, the TNs are in a pile somewhere (sigh) -- & NOT entered into cellartracker. Sorry... :(

• jeffjohnsonjj@hotmail.com says:

  12/8/2019 4:22:00 PM - Hi srh. I just had the Tesoro Sondraia 2013, after recently having a bottle of their 2015 Il Seggio. Have you ever tried these wines? I usually like a bit of pyrazines, but these wines really taste green and so I thought of you. What is interesting is if I read the tasting notes there are a few mentions of it, but to me it is overwhelming, so I must share your sensitivity to it.

• srh says:

  8/24/2019 7:01:00 PM - capnfutsal, I'll likely open the 1st 'fore the yr is out, then play it by ear afterwards. [My relative's tastes are not always easy for me to predict, so #s 2 & 3 will, to a large extent, depend upon what THEY say 'bout #1.]

• capnfutsal says:

  8/24/2019 7:44:00 AM - Thanks for the comment on my TN. What did you decide on the three riojas Marques de Caceres? Open one now and then every two years? Or shorter?

• vinelouse says:

  8/14/2019 4:16:00 PM - Dear srh, looks like we have both a pronounced affinity towards crisp and stern wines bursting with an abundance of acidity. Some of my fav's are dry Austrian & Ontario Rieslings and other cold climate alike.

• jmcmchi says:

  6/3/2019 3:11:00 PM - Seems we have similar preferences in Oz, Rhone and S America. I may want to pick your brain on California, where I have limited experience

• daver852 says:

  2/19/2019 5:51:00 PM - Yes, that Chateau Montelena was a real find! My lady friend is flying to California tomorrow for wedding, but when she gets back, we will return to the restaurant, and I will study the wine list in more depth. A long time ago, I was a submariner stationed out of Pearl Harbor, and the base's exchange had shelf after shelf of old, dusty bottles at unbelievable prices. Chambertin and Chateau Latour for $5 a bottle! I think Chateau Talbot was $3. And these were 1959s and 1961s! Oh, those were the days!

• Oenecnist says:

  2/14/2019 5:26:00 PM - Thanks for your comment. Even if I'm inclined to expand my ratings as I gain experience, I 've resisted because it does not seem helpful in organizing thoughts, remembering differences, or communicating with others. Also, I still question the robustness of ratings, and I think the risk of inconsistency rises with the number of possible scores. If you're still looking for a "key", you're welcome to use mine. PS: Recently spent some good weeks in your neck of the woods and north--struck by the broad variety of landscapes and wines (and variance in QPR), the weather, and the housing prices.

• Vinomazing says:

  12/26/2018 5:01:00 PM - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my CT friend! God bless!

• katgod says:

  12/7/2018 1:21:00 PM - Great reviews even if I don't always agree. Interesting fact, there is about 3 orders of magnitude in ability to smell green bell pepper (GBP) in the general population according to one study I read. This is one reason people will never agree on what good wine is. I also think I am reasonably sensitive to GBP which is why I don't like many 2011 Napa cabs. Having said that I do enjoy it if it is in the background.

• Homer Holland says:

  11/23/2018 4:37:00 PM - I like your TNs and thank you for that.

• tward says:

  10/10/2018 6:13:00 PM - Thanks for your CT notes. It takes time to get used to your structure and abbreviations (maybe you could add some of your lingo as a glossary on your Profile :), but helpful. Also, give Grenache another try. I've actually zigged (or zagged) *towards* Grenache-driven (and 100% Grenache) CdPs recently - it's still not a wine I'm drinking regularly, but then the balance is there, it's interesting. But... I'm actually not talking about giving CdP-ish Grenaches another try, but instead asking about the ones being produced with bright red fruits and spice. I've found some domestically and also French that are great for the table and priced right. (Here's one I stumbled upon not long ago. There are other French 2016s that are very nice! https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3045915&searchId=0202DDE8%23selected%253DW3045915_1_K2342877fcacdf258a1fa347842a06e7c)

• Vinomazing says:

  10/5/2018 10:05:00 PM - How goes the West Coast?

• Vinomazing says:

  8/14/2018 11:45:00 PM - What a wonderful varied collection of wine and contributed TNs! Thanks again for the advice earlier today, cin cin

• TashNYC says:

  1/17/2018 8:34:00 PM - Delayed reply to food pairings for the Castalia pinot noir (2007): I find the best pairing for this wine to be duck cassoulet (which I make with pork sausage with fennel seeds and a slow-roasted duck, not confit) followed by a roast herbal chicken (with thyme, rosemary and sage). These dishes — and especially the duck -bring out the flavors in the wine - red fruit, forest floor, herbs. A grilled salmon does nothing for this wine, to me. I would think a nice roast rack of lambs with herbs would also work well. The Rochiolli pn proper has similar pairing characteristics. We bought 8 bottles of the Castalia 2007 & 2008 so we have been able to experiment.

• srh says:

  9/24/2016 4:27:00 PM - In all honesty, *I* wasn't initially aware what we were drinking either, having precious little experience with the Stags Leap Appellation -- & because the overwhelming majority of what we drink comes in @ < $20, or even < $10. However... it was soon QUITE evident that someone had given my relatives a **very** NICE gift.

• Baron Slick says:

  9/24/2016 3:34:00 PM - Your explanation makes total sense. At some point you have to wonder how much pleasure a $50 bottle of wine has to bring in order for it to have a good QPR. As much as I love 90 and above point bottles, I get a lot of pleasure from $20 bottles I score in the high 80s and pair well with food. In regard to the Artemis: too bad your fellow tasters didn't know what they were drinking.