Powerful with tannic structure. Black figs, cassis, and leather on the palate and a perfumed nose (most fragrant wine in the group). Might need a bit more time – improved over the course of the evening but quite dry, almost piercingly so at times.
For several guests this was the WOTN and indeed was the first bottle emptied (a bellweather of sorts for rating the lineup). Although I considered it middle of the road at the start of the evening, by the end of the night it was singing, but it took a while for it to get there. Rich, focused, with blackberry flavors accented by notes of coffee, caramel, and toasted oak.
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
My WOTN showing a rich and graceful style packed with dark berry flavors and accents of mocha, iron, and snappy plum. Complex aromatics, long finish, structured.
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Wasn’t necessarily disjointed at first, but stood out as less complex than the aged wine from the classic wine regions (Rhone, Bordeaux) that shared the stage – slurpable but less to contemplate. Over time it picked up some steam and played better with the big boys. Ripe with jammy raspberry and spiced cinnamon notes.
The biggest dud in the lineup – not sure if it needs more age or if the blend just didn’t work for me. Balanced, moderate tannins, with notes of wild herb, tar, tobacco.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Firm, taut, oak-infused, but not particularly sophisticated or complicated – should have shined more in this lineup given that it was an aged riserva. Notes of strawberry, plum, leafy tobacco.
Ripe and elegant with layered elements of raspberry, wild berry, and spice intersecting with intriguing hints of charcoal. A strong tannic structure and endowed body give it a very classic feel. It's in a great place right now.
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Deep and layered with ripe black fruit and strawberry jam aromas and flavors accented by spice tones and cedar. Dusty tannins integrate nicely on the palate. Goes to edge on bigness but the acidity keeps it in check. Fun to drink.
2012 Domaine Belle Crozes-Hermitage Roche Blanche 89 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage
Smooth texture and refreshing acidity, with aromas and flavors of nectarine, lemon drop and yellow raisin. Needs air and maybe even a decant.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2006 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Powerful with tannic structure. Black figs, cassis, and leather on the palate and a perfumed nose (most fragrant wine in the group). Might need a bit more time – improved over the course of the evening but quite dry, almost piercingly so at times.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2006 Bodegas y Viñedos San Roman Toro Viña San Román 92 Points
Spain, Castilla y León, Toro
For several guests this was the WOTN and indeed was the first bottle emptied (a bellweather of sorts for rating the lineup). Although I considered it middle of the road at the start of the evening, by the end of the night it was singing, but it took a while for it to get there. Rich, focused, with blackberry flavors accented by notes of coffee, caramel, and toasted oak.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2010 Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 93 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
My WOTN showing a rich and graceful style packed with dark berry flavors and accents of mocha, iron, and snappy plum. Complex aromatics, long finish, structured.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Ranch 90 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Wasn’t necessarily disjointed at first, but stood out as less complex than the aged wine from the classic wine regions (Rhone, Bordeaux) that shared the stage – slurpable but less to contemplate. Over time it picked up some steam and played better with the big boys. Ripe with jammy raspberry and spiced cinnamon notes.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Bruno Rocca Langhe Rabajolo 88 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
The biggest dud in the lineup – not sure if it needs more age or if the blend just didn’t work for me. Balanced, moderate tannins, with notes of wild herb, tar, tobacco.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue