France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Similar to my last complete note from 2/26/17, though the nose seems more aromatic with air. Still somewhat limited fruits on the palate that suggest this is on the downswing. Enjoyable though, better with 1 hour of air than when first opened. 87-88
Pale-medium ruby with minimal bricking; nose is aromatic with high-toned red fruits, pomegranate, slightly smoky and minerality, fleshes out with more black fruits with air; palate is full bodied, good concentration of black fruits, medium acid, medium-plus balanced alcohol (seems less than 16.1% listed on the bottle), some black pepper spice; medium to medium-plus finish. A very nice Turley with excellent density and concentration on the palate, which is a real strength without showing its alcohol. Ready now. 91-93
Deep ruby with minimal bricking; nose is highly aromatic with dense pure blackcurrant, mint, menthol; palate is full bodied, rich, smooth velvety tannins, black fruit throughout; long finish. Outstanding california cabernet with both its purity of fruit but also its velvety structure. Wonderful. 96
From a 375, served at cellar temperature. Medium golden-orange color, appropriate for its age; highly aromatic nose with orange peel, saffron, honey, orange blossom; palate is medium-full bodied and rich but with superb medium-plus vibrant acidity from the start that runs through to the midpalate, medium integrated sweetness, some orange fruit that fades through the midpalate, which runs slightly hollow, medium alcohol; short-medium finish. Similar to my last experience in a few ways (highly aromatic, complex nose, fades through the midpalate, shortish finish), and different in others (don't get the copper note on the palate from last time). Overall, I've consistently rated this higher than the CT average and still think it is a superb value with a nose that surpasses its reputation and overall still good acidity and balance on the palate. At maturity now, but no danger of going over the hill, though I think it's also not going to improve substantially. One half left... should be enjoyable for 5+ years. 91-92 Day 2: Integrates really nicely, overall just an awesome wine with excellent balance and combination of aromas and flavors. 92 today.
Black fruit in combination with pomegranate; palate is high alcohol, medium acid, still nice fruit throughout. A very nice turley, similar to my last note. 90
1998 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 88 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Similar to my last complete note from 2/26/17, though the nose seems more aromatic with air. Still somewhat limited fruits on the palate that suggest this is on the downswing. Enjoyable though, better with 1 hour of air than when first opened. 87-88
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2005 Turley Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard 92 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Pale-medium ruby with minimal bricking; nose is aromatic with high-toned red fruits, pomegranate, slightly smoky and minerality, fleshes out with more black fruits with air; palate is full bodied, good concentration of black fruits, medium acid, medium-plus balanced alcohol (seems less than 16.1% listed on the bottle), some black pepper spice; medium to medium-plus finish. A very nice Turley with excellent density and concentration on the palate, which is a real strength without showing its alcohol. Ready now. 91-93
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1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Deep ruby with minimal bricking; nose is highly aromatic with dense pure blackcurrant, mint, menthol; palate is full bodied, rich, smooth velvety tannins, black fruit throughout; long finish. Outstanding california cabernet with both its purity of fruit but also its velvety structure. Wonderful. 96
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1999 Château La Tour Blanche Sauternes 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
From a 375, served at cellar temperature. Medium golden-orange color, appropriate for its age; highly aromatic nose with orange peel, saffron, honey, orange blossom; palate is medium-full bodied and rich but with superb medium-plus vibrant acidity from the start that runs through to the midpalate, medium integrated sweetness, some orange fruit that fades through the midpalate, which runs slightly hollow, medium alcohol; short-medium finish. Similar to my last experience in a few ways (highly aromatic, complex nose, fades through the midpalate, shortish finish), and different in others (don't get the copper note on the palate from last time). Overall, I've consistently rated this higher than the CT average and still think it is a superb value with a nose that surpasses its reputation and overall still good acidity and balance on the palate. At maturity now, but no danger of going over the hill, though I think it's also not going to improve substantially. One half left... should be enjoyable for 5+ years. 91-92
Day 2: Integrates really nicely, overall just an awesome wine with excellent balance and combination of aromas and flavors. 92 today.
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2005 Turley Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
Black fruit in combination with pomegranate; palate is high alcohol, medium acid, still nice fruit throughout. A very nice turley, similar to my last note. 90
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