Cellaraid Discovery Box

Delivered to Home
Tasted Friday, May 19, 2017 - Wednesday, May 26, 2021 by vinhonotte with 813 views

Introduction

Monthly subscription - by glass, packed in vials

To be continuously updated by tasting the monthly-delivered wines

Flight 1 - May 2017 (3 Notes)

Flight 2 - June 2017 (3 Notes)

  • 2010 Forti del Vento Dolcetto di Ovada Ottotori 86 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Dolcetto di Ovada

    (6/16/2017)

    clear, deep purple; clean, pronounced nose of strawberry, blueberry, pepper, cloves, toffee; dry, medium acid, tannic, full body, blueberry, cassis, pepper, cloves, rosemary, toffee, smoked meat, chacuterie; strong and spicy, but feels like it's reached it's peak and is starting to fade...

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  • 1983 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côte-Rôtie Les Jumelles 95 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    (6/16/2017)

    clear, pale garnet; clean, pronounced nose of raspberry, mulberry, lavender, tea, cinnamon; dry, low acid, medium tannins, medium body, raspberry, lavender, tea, chacuterie, smoked cheese, gorgonzola, medium finish; well matured, elegant, pleasant!

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  • 2009 Château Talbot 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    (6/16/2017)

    clear, deep ruby; clean, medium nose of lemon, apricot, raspberry, blackberry, cassis, minerals; dry, acidic and tannic, full body, blackcurrant, pepper, chilli, minerals, medium finish; some good red and black fruits, but the heavy tannins seem to be preventing me to experience it in full, needs some more time in the bottle

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Flight 3 - July 2017 (3 Notes)

  • 2003 Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent La Roche Château des Jacques 98 Points

    France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent

    (7/30/2017)

    deep ruby with some sediments; clean, pronounced nose, with aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, stewed fruits, prune, eucalyptus, mint, cloves, earth mushroom, leather; dry, acidic and tannic, high alcohol, medium body, very intensely flavoured, of banana, redcurrant, blackcurrant, blueberry, prune, raisins, mint, white pepper, nutmeg, cedar, leather, savoury meat, with a long finish; outstanding wine! mindblowing! at its best already so drink now

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  • 1996 Benziger Family Winery Merlot Sonoma County 94 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    (7/30/2017)

    deep ruby, with sediments; clean, pronounced nose, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, blackcurrant leaf, lavender, leather, tar, coffee; dry, medium acidity, tannic, high alcohol, full body, intensely flavoured, of black cherry, blackcurrant, blackcurrant leaf, lavender, cedar, charred wood, coffee, tar, forest floor, mushroom, tobacco, with a medium finish; very good, just that the length was a tad short... at it's best, drink

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  • 2006 Domaine Sainte-Eugénie Vin de Pays d'Hauterive Le Clos 89 Points

    France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Vin de Pays d'Hauterive

    (8/24/2017)

    deep garnet; cranberries, blackcurrant and hawthorne - seem cooked, with oak and bitter chocolate, and tertiary characters of tea and smoked duck; there's a burnish wave of alcohol, and felt a bit overripe; finish of mint and grass

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Flight 4 - August 2017 (3 Notes)

  • 2000 Jean Saint Honoré Santenay 95 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Santenay

    (8/26/2017)

    medium garnet colour; lots of tannins and body, and some warm alcohol feel, with medium intensity, of red cherry, blackberry, hawthorne, caramel, chocolate, tar, forest floor, herbal, leather, wet stones and Kimmeridgean; can still foresee a few more years of development despite its current age; great wine!

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  • 1995 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (9/8/2017)

    deep garnet colour; high intensity, acid, tannins, and full body; red cherry, plum, tangerine, hawthorne, coffee, cedar, mushroom, forest floor, pencil shavings, tea leaves, braised duck; good wine to be drunk now as it feels fully developed... don't keep it any longer

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  • NV Warrenmang Torchio Aged Pressings 91 Points

    Australia, Victoria, Western Victoria, Pyrenees

    (9/14/2017)

    deep purple; pronounced intensity with lots of acid and tannins, and full body; creme de cassis, liquorice, coffee, dark chocolate, leather, mushroom, salami, cedar, smoke; quite like it, and i feel there's still a couple years of ageing potential

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Flight 5 - September 2017 (3 Notes)

Flight 6 - October 2017 (3 Notes)

  • 2007 Roc d'Anglade Gard 83 Points

    France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Gard

    (10/22/2017)

    what stood out were the tannins and alcohol - felt like a fire on my palate without the smoke; red cherry, leaf, grass, capsicum; not really for me... :(

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  • 2008 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (10/22/2017)

    fairly high tannins, alcohol, and full body and intense; raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, stewed fruits, grass, pine, cedar, leather, meaty; fairly long, very good!

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  • 2013 Álvaro Castro Dão Reserva 87 Points

    Portugal, Beiras, Dão

    (10/22/2017)

    ruby with purple edges; full bodied, acidic and tannic, burnish alcohol; blueberry, blackcurrant, vanilla, cedar, coffee; pretty complex, fairly good

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Flight 7 - November 2017 (3 Notes)

  • 2013 La Grande Colline Le Canon Rouge 91 Points

    France, Vin de France

    (12/9/2017)

    deep purple; pretty intense, of blueberries, blackcurrant, cherry, plum, red pepper, cinnamon, chocolate, chacuterie, meaty; medium finish; nice, and better to be drunk now or soon

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  • 1998 Baptista Shiraz The Graytown 92 Points

    Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote

    (12/10/2017)

    medium ruby, with sediments; full bodied and intense, of raspberry, hawthorne, cooked cherry, red capsicum, black pepper, mushroom, forest floor, smoked duck; finished fairly long; very good wine to be consumed now

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  • 1998 Boscaini Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Ca' Nicolis 93 Points

    Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico

    (12/16/2017)

    dark garnet; high in acidity, tannins, alcohol and intensity, with raisins, dried prunes, honeycomb, cinnamon, yea, chocolate, mint, slightly leathery and quite Portish; very good wine, which I believe can still go a few more years

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Flight 8 - December 2017 (3 Notes)

  • 1983 Château Bel-Air Lagrave 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Moulis en Médoc

    (12/25/2017)

    full bodied wine exhibiting medium intensity and character, with tannins largely resolved; raspberry, blackberry, capsicum, nutmeg, pepper, rose, coffee, tea, spit roast; good wine that should be consumed now, of keep for 2 years max

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  • 2001 Domaine Taupenot-Merme Charmes-Chambertin 93 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

    (12/30/2017)

    deep garnet; pretty intense, with tannins much resolved; raspberry, cherry, grass, cloves, star anise, hint of chocolate, forest floor, smoked meat; fairly long finish; very good wine that needs drinking up now

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  • 2006 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    (1/3/2018)

    medium garnet; rather tannic and intense, with strawberry, raspberry, cherry, pepper, cloves, grass, chocolate, earthy; fairly long finish; very good wine that can still cellar for a few more years

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Flight 9 - January 2018 (3 Notes)

Flight 10 - February 2018 (3 Notes)

  • 2009 Quinta de Chocapalha Arinto 91 Points

    Portugal, Lisboa, Vinho Regional Lisboa

    (2/25/2018)

    medium lemon colour; acidic, intense, and pretty filling, but rather short; lemon, brine, mineral, limestone, shale, shellfish, honeysuckle, vanilla; good wine, and should drink now if not within this year

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  • 2007 Domaine Potel Savigny-lès-Beaune Vieilles Vignes 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune

    (2/27/2018)

    medium ruby; light body, mild, elegant, and quite a long finish; raspberry, strawberry, cherries, cloves, grassy, earthy, cedar, bit of coffee and leather, some savoury meaty notes; very good wine that can be consumed now, or keep for a few years

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  • 2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    (3/3/2018)

    deep ruby; rather big in acidity, tannins and alcohol, full bodied, intense, and rather long; cherries, blackberry, cassis, cloves, cedar, chocolate, tea, coffee, caramel, beef stew; very good wine, which still has years in the bottle

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Flight 11 - March 2018 (3 Notes)

Flight 12 - April 2018 (3 Notes)

  • 2000 Pepper Tree Merlot Grand Reserve 91 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    (4/23/2018)

    deep ruby; acidic and tannic, rather full and fleshy, intense; blackberry, cassis, pepper, herbal, mint, coffee, chocolate, bit of smoke, wet stones

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  • 2001 Highbank Basket Pressed Cabernet Blend 94 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    (4/24/2018)

    deep garnet; quite acidic, tannic, full bodied, intense, quite long; blackberry, plum, dried prunes, mint, lavender, paprika, cedar, chocolate, coffee, tobacco; excellent wine, drinking very well now

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  • 2003 Punters Corner Shiraz Spartacus Reserve 91 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    (4/24/2018)

    deep ruby; pretty acidic, tannins quite resolved, full bodied, quite intense; black cherry, paprika, capsicum, coffee, chocolate, brambles, smoke, earthy; best to consume now

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Flight 13 - May 2018 (3 Notes)

  • 1993 Dessilani Gattinara Riserva 90 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara

    (5/22/2018)

    deep garnet; full bodied, quite tannic, and intense; red cherry, plum, raspberry, cloves, nutmeg, tea, earthy, grassy, a bit leathery, gamey

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  • 1997 Dessilani Gattinara Riserva 89 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara

    (5/20/2018)

    deep garnet, bit of sediments; full bodied, but rather mild and short; strawberry, cassis, rose, lavender, grass, mesquite smoke, roast beef

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  • 2000 Dessilani Gattinara Riserva 92 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara

    (5/21/2018)

    deep garnet; acidic, tannic, quite intense; strawberry, cherry, rose, candied, kirsch, cedar, cloves, grassy, smoke, coffee, chocolate, earthy; very good

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Flight 14 - June 2018 (3 Notes)

Flight 15 - July 2018 (3 Notes)

Flight 16 - August 2018 (3 Notes)

  • 2004 Valentina Cubi Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore Arusnatico 90 Points

    Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore

    (8/29/2018)

    deep, but lots of the purplish ruby colour, rather than black, and has a strong, forward nose of cooked cherries, honeycomb, lavender, and has a certain tinge of grass, earth, and cocoa, over the sweet cherry fruits and honey on the palate; like the elegant aromatics

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  • 2005 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 96 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    (8/26/2018)

    high on all counts, very intense, burnish and full bodied, with cherry, raspberry, blackberry, some caramelised apples, tea, peppery, grassy, earthy, meaty; excellent wine!

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  • 2006 Houghton Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River

    (8/25/2018)

    deep, blackish, with some ruby tint, full bodied, yet comparatively restrained, with some plums, cassis, stone, gravel, grass, refined cigar smoke, bit minty, and some dried meats towards the finish; good length

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Flight 17 - September 2018 (3 Notes)

Flight 18 - October 2018 (3 Notes)

Flight 19 - November 2018 (3 Notes)

First blind tasting for DBx - wine revealed a few days after delivery

My guesses (obviously wrong):
Wine 1 - Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru, between 2005-2013
Wine 2 - Suoth Australia, Old Wine Shiraz, between 1995-2003
Wine 3 - Washington State Merlot, between 1990-1995

  • 2006 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Elke Vineyard 93 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

    (12/1/2018)

    pale ruby; perfumed nose, acidic and fairly tannic, good intensity, with cherry, cassis, bit of cloves, rose petals, morning dew; enjoyable!

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  • 2004 Château d'Issan 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    (12/1/2018)

    medium ruby; pronounced nose of barnyard and rose, tannic, intense, with cassis, raisins, mushrooms, graphite, earthy, meaty

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  • 2003 Guy Bernard Côte-Rôtie 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    (12/2/2018)

    medium ruby; nose of soy and cedar, acidic, tannic, fairly intense, full bodied, with cassis, plum, raisins, strawberry, mushrooms, graphite, cigar, chacuterie

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Flight 20 - December 2018 (3 Notes)

White wine blind tasting for DBx - wine revealed a few days after delivery

My guesses:
Wine 1 - Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2013
Wine 2 - White Burgundy (Montrachet), between 2000- 2005
Wine 3 - Bordeaux (Barzac), between 1995-1998

Flight 21 - January 2019 (3 Notes)

Blind tasting horizontal for DBx - same varietal/ region/ vintage, challenge was to guess - wine revealed a few days after delivery

My guess: Burgundy, Pinot Noir, 2008... very close...

  • 2009 Albert Ponnelle Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes 93 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (1/29/2019)

    Mainly marl soil on the nose, with some red cherries. Fairly light bodied, but a burst of raspberries and forest floor, whilst getting some pepper meat stew, and a bit of varnish, towards the end. Lasts quite long, and pretty enjoyable

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  • 2009 Albert Ponnelle Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (1/29/2019)

    A rather restrained nose of rocks and red cherry. Quite elegant, while acidic, with mainly lavender, grass, and Angelica. Floral and strawberry finish

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  • 2009 Domaine Bertheau (Pierre et François) Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 94 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru

    (1/29/2019)

    This one, while highly acidic, actually has some body. A complex nose of butter, caramel, and prunes. Structured, with some plums, nectarine, lots of grass, graphite, pepper and earth. Minty, peppery finish. Think it’s (strangely) my first Chambolle -Musigny, and it’s really quite spectacular

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Flight 22 - February 2019 (3 Notes)

Blind tasting vertical - same winemaker/ region/ varietal, only vintage difference

Only managed to have tasted the first 2 wines before Alex revealed... my guess was that they are from Southern Rhône and Grenache driven... and that Wine #1 was significantly older, perhaps 1993, and Wine #2 was 2003... so that was wrong...

  • 2003 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    Australia, Tasmania, Coal River

    (2/24/2019)

    A garnet colour, and some mushrooms, bricks, and forest floor on the nose. Could get a good balance of cherries, strawberry, thyme, earth, tea leaves, and a slight bit of funk. Quite a nice one

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  • 2004 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    Australia, Tasmania, Coal River

    (2/25/2019)

    Good ruby depth, and a pronounced nose of mainly cassis and strawberry, in fact quite a fruit bomb, whilst having a bit of cloves, mint and liquorice. Full bodied, and hugely structured on the palate, with lots of earth, bricks, and wood. Then later comes some strawberries and mint, followed by strong alcohol burn. Fairly long with the strawberries sustaining

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  • 2005 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    Australia, Tasmania, Coal River

    (3/3/2019)

    Deep dark ruby, and an explosive plum-driven nose, with some mint coolness later. Very fruity and fleshy, with lots of cassis laced with cool mint, and then some peppery herbs, liquorice, and graphite. Also rather burnish, but somehow the tannins seemed very resolved whilst still being in the midst of explosive black fruits. Pretty intriguing

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Flight 23 - March 2019 (3 Notes)

Medoc vertical - not blind

  • 1983 Château Bel-Air Lagrave 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Moulis en Médoc

    (4/6/2019)

    Hits with tree bark, brambles, and mushrooms first, and then the sour cherries follow, with a whiff of grass and rose. Later, cassis and stewed meats emerge. Still holding up in its acidity, but tannins resolved. Fairly enjoyable

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  • 1994 Château Tour Haut-Caussan 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc

    (4/7/2019)

    Rather developed, with some shells and topsoil on the nose, and then a palate of inkiness and savouriness. More dried flowers than fruits, and also leafy and woody, and then grassy in the finish

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  • 2003 Château Olivier 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    (4/7/2019)

    Some elderflowers, grass and cassis on nose, and the florals and cassis are also apparent on the palate, along with pencil shavings, soy, and roast meat

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Flight 24 - April 2019 (3 Notes)

Northern Rhône - not blind

  • 2000 Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Gaby 95 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage

    (5/3/2019)

    Huge depth and rubied, and nose very pronounced of blueberry and cassis, and some honey and vanilla. Full bodied, intense, with still some acid and tannins, and quite some alcohol heat. Cassis, strawberry jam, pepper, cloves, liquorice, chocolate, coffee, stew. Great power and length. Wow...

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  • 2000 Rene Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Cuvée Classique 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    (5/8/2019)

    Interesting that the nose is nicely balanced with blueberry, rose, mint, grass, paprika, earth, and meats. More savoury on the palate with cloves, meat, soy, then rose, grass, blueberry and liquorice. Pretty nice

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  • 2007 E. Guigal St. Joseph Vignes de L'Hospice 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph

    (5/11/2019)

    Seen some developments on nose, with smokes on top of the cassis ans rose notes. Intense, full-bodied and warm. Bits of balckberry and cassis left on palate, and also a bit candied, but more savoury, meaty, and smoky. Quite a good length with mainly cassis and grass

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Flight 25 - May 2019 (3 Notes)

Italian red - not blind

  • 2012 Duchessa Lia Barolo 92 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    (6/19/2019)

    Intensely floral with lavender and chrysanthemum, and an almost sour cherry note, with some good tannins and acidity, yet at the same time punchy and somewhat weighty, perhaps masculine. Could guess that this was made in the new Barolo style?

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  • 2000 Calbello Ardingo Toscana IGT 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (6/30/2019)

    A pretty dark nose, of black pepper, paprika and liquorice spices, blueberry and grass. The tannins and alcohol heat stand out on the palate, giving a heaty, spicy feel. There is blueberry jam, creme de cassis, rosemary, liquorice, tar, mint, and a bit of smoked bacon. Only the alcohol heat remains on the finish...

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  • 2005 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbera d'Asti Cà di Pian 93 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Barbera d'Asti

    (7/4/2019)

    Seems a bit of garnet brownish hues on the edges. Pronounced nose of dried roses, twigs and smoked meat. While rather light on the body, the initial hit on the palate was intense, with sour cherries, rose, and tar smoke, and felt a lot of acids and tannins as well. Fair finish, like blooming roses. Aged pretty well, and still several years to come. Nice!

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Flight 26 - June 2019 (3 Notes)

Whites - not blind

Flight 27 - July 2019 (3 Notes)

Californian - not blind

  • 2006 Ridge Lytton Springs 93 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (8/4/2019)

    Somewhat like a black-green depth of leaves and liquorice on the nose. Continues to have this huge depth on the palate, intense and some resolved tannins, yet the acid is still mouth-watering. Liquorice, plum, cassis, and some savoury meats and nuttiness, and mocha. Great complexity!

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  • 1998 Justin Vineyards & Winery Isosceles 88 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (8/8/2019)

    Deeply garnet, and there’s even some cloudiness. There’s acetic notes on the nose, above the plume of fruits like strawberries and cassis. Quite acidic, tannins resolved, and fruits even somewhat cooked and jammy, with also cocoa, mushrooms, herbs, coffee, raisins, and smoked meat. Finish was fairly long, mostly of strawberry jam, Creme de Cassis, raisins, and toasted spices. Surely it had seen better days, but I think it’s on its way downhill

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  • 2005 Estancia Meritage 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (8/6/2019)

    Deep, somewhat garnet hue. Coffee, cocoa, smoke, grilled meats, soy, and leaves on nose and palate. Intense, tannic, weighty and high alcohol. Quite powerful

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Flight 28 - August/ September 2019 (4 Notes)

Got 4 full bottles of wine as a combined for 2-months subscription

  • 2013 Ewald Zweytick Gelber Muskateller 90 Points

    Austria, Styria, Südsteiermark

    (10/23/2019)

    Distinct green herbaceous and stony aromas, as well as white flowers, with hints of varnish. A full body, and rather packed in alcohol, with intense flavours of peach, grass, and loam. A fairly long finish whereby the peachy stone fruits seem to develop a bit of sugars and cream. Interesting

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  • 2007 Ewald Zweytick Weissburgunder Ried Stermetzberg 91 Points

    Austria, Styria, Südsteiermark

    (12/7/2019)

    Pale lemon. Showing some fruit ripeness and toastiness on the aromas and flavours, and has a certain honeyed marzipan character. Has aged pretty well despite being somewhat simple and straightforward. Pretty nice one

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  • 2013 Forestville Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

    USA, California

    (10/7/2019)

    A textbook ruby colour of medium tint. Vegetal and herbal nose, and some mushrooms, with only that slight bit of cassis deep in the back. Flavours are fairly intense, with cassis, plums, and a bit of tree bark, leaves and mushroom. Could get more fruits at the back and finish, which lasted for only a few seconds

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  • 2006 Weingut Salomon Undhof Riesling Undhof Auslese 90 Points

    Austria, Niederösterreich, Kremstal

    (12/13/2019)

    Deep brownish tawny. Developed, nutty, sherry-like aromas. Also a good hit of walnuts and honey on the palate, as well as dried candied apricot and pineapple. Seemingly lacking any freshness, which probably is too old, but still pretty nice though

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Flight 29 - October 2019 (3 Notes)

A random blind, my guesses as follows:
1. Muscadet from Pays Nantais (Melon de Bourgogne), Sur Lie, 2009
2. Burgundy - Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru, 2013 (very close)
3. Port-style Moscatel from Duoro, NV

  • 2008 F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Dürnsteiner Liebenberg 88 Points

    Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau

    (11/4/2019)

    Medium lemon coloured. Somewhat powdery floral aromas, and a bit herbal menthol and hoppy, and yeast. There’s this savoury hoppy, nutty element on the palate as well, and rather intense. Also some lemons, peach, mandarin, and twigs. But it’s not fresh fruit flavours but rather, somewhat pickled. Finished long as well, with mainly the breads, lemon peel, and twigs. There seems to also be a varnishy, and butterscotch feel at the back

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  • 2012 Domaine Tortochot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St. Jacques 94 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru

    (11/4/2019)

    Pale, clear ruby. Pronounced aromas of lavender flower, red cherry, and plum, as well as some nutmeg, pepper and rosemary. Flavours are more savoury than fruity, and could get a sense of limestones baked red hot in the afternoon sun, while the florals and red berries emerge later, but not very ripe, and instead slightly green and zingy. Acids still fresh and mouthwatering, while tannins medium at best. Finished pretty interestingly, where I initially thought it flattened fast, but realised the flavours re-emerged like a wave, and then the alternating wave-like experience as it goes. A great example!

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  • 1990 Villa di Vetrice Vin Santo del Chianti Rùfina 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti Rùfina

    (11/4/2019)

    Deep tawny. Strong sweet and fleshy nut aromas, and raisins, even Port-like. Also aromas of bread yeast and a little radish. Dessert sweet, and the flavours of white raisins, nuts and bread punch through. There seems to be a heightened acid feel as well, that lent an air of freshness to this. Also can get lots of alcohol, which is pretty expected from such a fortified example. Was nice though

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Flight 30 - November 2019 (3 Notes)

Portuguese White - not blind

  • 2013 CARM (Casa Agrícola Roboredo Madeira) Douro Vinho Branco 88 Points

    Portugal, Douro

    (12/23/2019)

    Medium lemon, light and fairly bright. Ripe tropical fruited aromas, that of pineapple and mango, and a bit of hay, pepper, and carrot and radish which I didn’t quite fancy. A ripe sense of lychee on the palate, as well as pineapples and melon, and pepper spices and hay. A rather short finish though

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  • 2011 Quinta do Casal Branco Tejo Tejo 92 Points

    Portugal, Ribatejo, Tejo

    (12/23/2019)

    Deep honeyed tawny, but quite brilliant. Strong bruised apple aromas, with hints of honey, caramel, and butterscotch. Also got these similar flavours on the palate, as well as hay, some barnyard hay-like character, and becomes somewhat tea-like at the back. Finished pretty long of these funky hay and floral teas. Well developed, and interesting one

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  • 2009 Quinta de Chocapalha Arinto 90 Points

    Portugal, Lisboa, Vinho Regional Lisboa

    (12/24/2019)

    Medium lemon, a starlight brilliance, and a fair leg thickness. A pretty good strength in lemon candy aromas, and some creaminess, and a slight bit of hay funk. Fairly high acid, full bodied, and very hot alcohol levels. Flavours mainly of hay and somewhat of sandy and clay soils, then of lemon curd and cream, and a slight leafiness at the back. The good thing is that the lemon curd flavours stayed a bit while most of the other funk got blown away

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Flight 31 - December 2019 (3 Notes)

Bordeaux - not blind

  • 2005 Château Bellefont-Belcier 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (12/29/2019)

    Deep ruby with slightly fading garnet edges. Aromas of purple flowers, tipe blackberry, pepper, cloves, and a slight Jamon charcuterie meatiness. Strong blackberry cassis flavours, with mint, cloves, roses, and fern, and shows floral notes at the back with the cassis persisting, and bit of stewed meat. Tannins softened, and still some acid zing, and a lot of heat. Fair finish. Nice!

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  • 2004 Château Clinet 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    (12/29/2019)

    Still having a ruby deep core while the edges are clearly showing developed garnet colour. A strong nose, with some red paprika spices, purple flowers, smoked bacon, mint, twigs, and moss. Some good acids, fairly structured, lots of heat, and a medium body. Big cooking spice flavours, that of nutmeg and cloves, and cinnamon, and coffee grounds, forest floor, and blackish florals. The paprika, florals and coffee persisted into a good long finish. Pretty impressive!

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  • 2004 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    (1/2/2020)

    Deep ruby core, fading edges. Pronounced aromas, mostly of soy stewed meat, paprika, cocoa, twigs, brambles, somewhat stewed black cherry. Reaolved tannins, a medium level of acid, but still a fairly high alcohol heat, with stewed cherry and plum flavours, as well as coffee, cocoa, roses, white pepper, some grass and bell pepper. Finished quite long. Nice!

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Flight 32 - January 2020 (3 Notes)

A random blind, my guesses as follows:
1. Vouvray Sec, 2007
2. Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, 2003
3. Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015

  • 2007 Sebastien Riffault Sancerre Auksinis 91 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre

    (2/13/2020)

    Deep amber colour, while having a starlight brilliance. A developed nose, with aromas of ripe red apple, pear, guava, some leafiness, honeysuckle, and honeycomb. Quite some weight and even having a tannic character for a white, with bruised apple skin flavour, pear, quince, mint, honeysuckle and even slight barnyard and peppery. Very interesting to have seen how this age, strangely similar to their Chenin counterparts further down the valley

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  • 2006 Domaine Michelot Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru

    (2/13/2020)

    Medium lemon with a starlight brilliance, with some viscosity. A clearly developed, barnyardy nose and also with dried apricot and mango aromas, and even some radish, leaf compost, and star anise. Medium-plus body and some acids, while well balanced and complex, with flavours of dried mango, radish, and even some animal sweat. A long finish of the dried fruits as well. Nice one, but something that is very developed and on its way down the hill

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  • 2014 Château Beaumont 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    (2/13/2020)

    Deep, dull ruby, with a slight rim variation, highly viscous and extracted. Pronounced, youthful nose, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, mint, rose, grass, nutmeg, and vanilla. A heightened body, and full of tannins and alcohol, with flavours of black cherry and cassis, as well as rose and grass, and a smoke-like character at the back, as well as vanilla and pepper. A fairly good length as well

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Flight 33 - February 2020 (3 Notes)

Rioja - not blind

  • 2004 Bodegas Alabanza Rioja Crianza 92 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

    (2/28/2020)

    Deep garnet, slightly cloudy, viscous and highly extracted. Fairly subtle aromas of brambles and cassis, mint, paprika and cocoa. Silky tannins, rounded mouthfeel, a slight acid zing, with red cherry and cassis flavours, cocoa, and an underlying peat and leather. A fair finish. A pretty satisfying one

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  • 2001 Compañía Bodeguera Valenciso Rioja Reserva 94 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    (3/1/2020)

    Deep garnet, with significant fading and browning at edges. Aromas of ripe cassis and blackberry, mint, paprika. Full bodied and intensely flavoured, with ripe cassis, raisins, and savoury meat stew upfront, and then takes up a mint chocolate, vanilla and peat-like feel, and some pepper and paprika at the back. The developed fruit flavours recede pretty fast, leaving most of the mint chocolate and peat behind, that persists pretty well. Great wine!

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  • 2010 Torre de Oña Rioja Reserva 94 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    (3/11/2020)

    Deep ruby core with some fading garnet at the rim, viscous and highly extracted. Pronounced nose with mint chocolate and meaty aromas, as well as dried prunes and paprika. Still a firm structure, and high alcohol, yet quite fleshy and silky. Flavours of ripe blackberry, menthol, dark chocolate, bit of tar, and chilli pepper. A long finish. Great!

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Flight 34 - March 2020 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Barossa Shiraz, 2005
2. Barossa Shiraz, 2002
3. Coonawarra Cab Sauv, 2010

  • 2001 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Odyssey 95 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    (4/7/2020)

    Deep blackish core with garnet edges with significant fading, and some thick legs. Lots of developed cassis and cranberry aromas, even somewhat raisinnated, as well as dried florals, and cured meats. Still some tannic structure, and acids mouthwatering, with lots of alcohol heat and a big flavour intensity of cranberry, raisin, dried roses, tar, graphite, and even a somewhat old Aussie meatiness. The backpalate is dominated with coffee and graphite, and finish was long. An excellent one!

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  • 2002 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Odyssey 94 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    (4/8/2020)

    Deep garnet with fading rim, but thick and heavily extracted. Developed nose, full of dried prune aromas, stewed meat, mint, cinnamon, and a slight mushroom fungal feel. Tannins resolved, while alcohol still strong and heaty while flavours intense, with a somewhat similar stewed and developed profile as the nose. Fairly long finish of cassis and prunes. Great wine!

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  • 2006 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Odyssey 90 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    (4/9/2020)

    Deep ruby core with fading garnet edges, thick and highly extracted. Could smell some sort of alcoholic volatility, in that it felt spicy and heaty, whilst having deep cassis and prune aromas and some blackish florals and Chinese herbs. Tannic, extremely alcohol heaty, full bodied and intensely flavoured, of prunes, cassis, a rather grassy character, cinnamon, and a darkish floral feel, and slight coffee, and savoury notes. The finish didn’t feel that long as well, and felt rather straight-up. In all nice flavour profile, but I guess that’s all there is

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Flight 35 - April 2020 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Pessac Leognan, 2003
2. Portuguese Touriga Nacional, 2013
3. Californian Cab Sauv, 1995

  • 2010 Château Clarisse 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Puisseguin-St. Émilion

    (4/11/2020)

    Deep ruby core, with slightly browning edges and fading. Ripe cassis and blackberry nose, some lavender, leaves and grass, and a bit of a twiggy herbal feel. Still some bite from the tannins and acid, and some florals, cassis and leafy flavours, with some savoury cloves and nutmeg, and some twigs. Quite well balanced with moderate alcohol burn while the finish is also moderate, of mostly spices, twigs, and graphite

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  • 2006 Ridge Lytton Springs 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (4/12/2020)

    Deep ruby core with a bit of garnet fading edges. A developed nose, with quite a bit of dried roses, cocoa, nutmeg, meat stew, and a rather weird heaty volatility, even somewhat caramelised. High tannins, an overload of alcohol heat which distracted, with lots of nutmeg and paprika spices, tar, bits of ripe blackberry, mint and cocoa. Yes I guess the finish was long, but that was almost only a roasted caramel chocolate, and a bit of flowers

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  • 1999 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    Australia, Tasmania, Coal River

    (4/14/2020)

    Deep garnet core, rim faded and browned, but can see lots of extraction. Nose is extremely developed with dried flowers, prune, and even somewhat tea-like, with pepper cheese, and some volatile heat from alcohol. Clearly lots of alcohol-like spiciness on the palate, and still some tannins, intense developed prunish flavours, nearly sweetish cassis, brambles, some hint of green pepper, and a ton of darkish coffee rub and pencil shavings. Quite a remarkable length though. Have a feel that this one seemed very aged, that it might have gone past its best, but still very big in flavours. Nice!

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Flight 36 - May 2020 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Californian Fume Blanc, 2016
2. St Emilion Grand Cru, 1988
3. Napa Cab Sauv or Meritage, 2015

  • 2011 Concha y Toro Riesling Terrunyo Los Boldos Vineyard 86 Points

    Chile, Casablanca Valley

    (5/4/2020)

    Pale lemon, and very bright. Nose quite fumey, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and bready aromas, as well as overripe pineapples and melon. Medium levels of acid, but very intensely flavoured and hot from the alcohol, yet with very candied ripe pineapples, honey, somewhat strong grassiness, and nutmeg spices. Body felt somewhat light though. Upfront, with little showing at the back, and short. Felt like something for people who want a simple straightforward wine with powerful flavours and alcohol, but not something I’d enjoy

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  • 1983 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage

    (5/5/2020)

    Tea-like garnet core, and browned, significantly fading edges. Aromas of well-developed cranberry, mint, moss, tree bark, leather, and forest floor. Still some mouthwatering acid, and tannic hits, pretty mouthfilling, and intense flavours of dried cranberry, tea leaves, tar, and graphite. Some cinnamon spices and cocoa towards the back, which did last, but only for one that I’d consider mid-length. Otherwise, beautiful and complex

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  • 2003 Château Olivier 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    (5/6/2020)

    Deep ruby core, with browning and fading edges, and thick legs. Blackberry, and grassy herby aromas, as well as a bit of purple flowers, and old leather. Some acids while tannins mostly resolved, a big alcohol punchy hit, and the blackberry flavours seem ripe, as well as significant blast of coffee grounds and cocoa, then rosemary, nutmeg, and meat stew. Finished strongly with a good length of the chocolates and spices. Can see significant oaking involved. Impressive!

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Flight 37 - Jun 2020 (3 Notes)

Not Blind

  • 2009 Domaine Alain Michelot Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru

    (6/7/2020)

    Medium ruby, with slight fading and browning on edges, and somewhat thick legs. Aromas of raspberry, cloves, and slightly grassy and meaty. Medium bodied, tannins biting, acidic, quite a bit of alcohol heat, and some intense flavours of raspberry, briney minerals and impression of soft clay earth, leaves, cloves, and pepper. Fairly long dark floral finish

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  • 1993 Dufouleur Père & Fils Fixin 1er Cru Clos de la Perrière 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Fixin 1er Cru

    (6/5/2020)

    Medium garnet, nearly tawny, and significantly fading and browned edges. Fairly pronounced nose, with cooked red cherry, strawberry aromas, and a somewhat herbal feel. Some bite from that acids and tannins, but lots of alcohol heat, with intense flavours of red cherry, pepper spices, and mossy forest floor. Quite a good fruit persistence though. Impressive in a sense that it’s still holding well even after nearing 3 decades, but I just personally did not like the alcohol heat that stuck out

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  • 2006 Dönnhoff Schloßböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Spätlese 91 Points

    Germany, Nahe

    (5/26/2020)

    Deep, starlight golden hue. Aromas of honeycomb, ripened apples, and a hint of petrol. A pretty good amount of acid that adds to the freshness, medium sweet, and some thickness, with flavours of overripe peaches, and even slightly creamy, as well as a honeyed character that might suggest some effects of noble rot. Fair finish

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Flight 38 - Jul 2020 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Barbaresco, 1998
2. Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru, 1988
3. Margaux, 2005

  • 2004 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 90 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

    (6/21/2020)

    Pale garnet, with significantly fading and browning edges. Aromas of pepper spices, cocoa, and dried florals. Still some tannic bite, acids, flavours of raspberry, red cherry, violets, cocoa, mint leaves, and a bit of mushrooms. Backpalate and finish mainly of raspberry, cocoa, and mushrooms. Might be a good idea to drink up soon

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  • 2000 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia 90 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    (6/21/2020)

    Medium garnet, with significant browning and fading edges. Stewed meats, sweetish black cherry, moss, purple flowers and a somewhat fungal undergrowth. Rounded tannins, some heightened alcohol, with flavours of red cherry, cocoa, florals, and quite a bit of mushrooms and peat. The dried fruit flavours persists to the back, and finish

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  • 2000 Mas de Daumas Gassac 91 Points

    France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Vin de Pays de l'Hérault

    (6/21/2020)

    Medium ruby, with significant browning and fading edges. Aromas of blackberry, grass, and some smoky paprika. Tannins still biting, high alcohol, and rather filling as well, with flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, grass, black pepper, paprika, coffee, and graphite. Finish of grass, coffee, and graphite

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Flight 39 - Aug 2020 (3 Notes)

Sella & Mosca Marchese di Villamarina vertical
Not blind

  • 2006 Sella & Mosca Alghero Marchese di Villamarina 92 Points

    Italy, Sardinia, Alghero

    (7/26/2020)

    Deep ruby, with slightly browning edges. Pronounced nose, with aromas of clove spices and dried candied tomato, with some herbs and florals. Intensely flavoured with powerful tannins, and ripe blackberry flavours, as well as a grassy feel, and cooking spices like cloves and cinnamon, and a long tar-like finish. Nice!

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  • 2004 Sella & Mosca Alghero Marchese di Villamarina 92 Points

    Italy, Sardinia, Alghero

    (7/31/2020)

    Deep ruby, with slightly browning edges. Pronounced nose, starting with a cocoa coffee scent, then shows some herbal, slightly fungal character. Intense flavours of ripe blackberry, chocolate, some paprika and fern leaves, and then cloves, cinnamon, tar and bit of mushrooms. Long spicy herbal and tar finish. Nice!

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  • 1989 Sella & Mosca Alghero Marchese di Villamarina 93 Points

    Italy, Sardinia, Alghero

    (8/9/2020)

    Deep garnet, with fading edges. Mint and black floral aromas, with a candied prune character, and slight fungals. Still lots of tannic bite and acids, with fairly intense dried cranberry and cassis flavours, and some cloves and cinnamon, and a tar depth at the back, with violet florals. Good length, showing a good amount of power despite its age. Great wine!

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Flight 40 - Sep 2020 (3 Notes)

Not blind

  • 2000 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim 92 Points

    France, Alsace

    (9/13/2020)

    Medium amber, with a star brightness. Aromas of cinnamon and honey, and a slight tea-like sense. Sweet and full bodied, with the acids and alcohol seemingly well integrated. Strong flavours of tea leaves, as well as cooked jammy apples and quince, as well as pepper and cinnamon, and walnuts and almonds. Great complexity, and a fair length. Nice!

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  • 2013 Château d'Esclans Côtes de Provence Rosé 89 Points

    France, Provence, Côtes de Provence

    (9/1/2020)

    Pale orange, with a pink hue, and star brightness. A pretty good nose intensity with aromas of ripe strawberry and peaches, and rose essence, and slight developed apricots and nuttiness. Quite an intense attack, full-bodied, with mouthwatering acids and loads of alcohol heat, and flavours of dried apricots, strawberry, rose, toasted walnuts, and some briny minerals. Interesting flavours, but somewhat straightforward

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  • 2006 Domaine Bzikot Pére et Fils Bourgogne 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne

    (8/30/2020)

    Medium garnet, with large specks of sediments, and fading browning edges. Aromas of candied cranberry and menthol, cinnamon, and somewhat herbal feel. Tannins quite mouthdrying, slightly filling for a Pinot, and quite some alcohol heat, with ripe cherry and cranberry flavours, mint, rocket leaves, pinkish florals, and a coffee-like bitterness towards the back, and a wet stone minerality. Finish seems much driven by the tannins, with fruits and tar remaining, but it’s pretty long

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Flight 41 - Oct 2020 - Box 1 (3 Notes)

Blind (turns out to be Villa di Vetrice vertical), guesses as follows:
1. Brunello di Montalcino, 1995
2. Chianti Classico, 1997
3. Brunello di Montalcino, 1995

  • 2001 Villa di Vetrice Chianti Rùfina Riserva 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina

    (10/20/2020)

    Medium garnet, with significantly browning fading edges, and quite some thick legs. Nose of strong mushrooms, coffee, greenish herbs, and a touch of cooked cranberry. Tannins resolved yet still slightly bitey, medium bodied, and a whole lot of alcohol heat, while flavours are mainly of tea, cola, and slight fungals, and having some cooked cranberries on the backdrop. Medium length at best and fairly simplistic. Seems like a wine that has been past its peak

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  • 2004 Villa di Vetrice Chianti Rùfina Riserva 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina

    (10/20/2020)

    Medium garnet, with significantly browning fading edges. Aromas of cooked mushrooms and bit of coffee grounds, paprika, dried florals, and a bit of cooked cranberry. Tannins completely resolved, body rather light, with tea and cola flavours, and slight green herbal notes with a backdrop of cranberries. Pretty short and simplistic finish. Past its peak

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  • 2007 Villa di Vetrice Chianti Rùfina Riserva 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina

    (10/21/2020)

    Medium garnet, with significantly browning fading edges. Nose has some intense cooked jammy strawberry aromas, and some greenish herbal notes, and slight nutmeg spices, and a fungal coffee backdrop. The jammy strawberry fruits also show on the palate, with tannins still fairly biting, as well as loads of nutmeg and pepper, some roasted herbs, and coffee. A good length and fairly complex as well. Nice!

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Flight 42 - Oct 2020 - Box 2 (2 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Margaret River Cab, 2013
2. McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2006

  • 2017 Paul Jaboulet Aîné St. Joseph Le Grand Pompée 89 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph

    (11/13/2020)

    Deep ruby, with purple hue. Developing nose, with mint and grass aromas, as well as coffee, red flowers, and blackberry. Still biting tannins, and elevated alcohol and pretty full-bodied, with cherry and paprika flavours, mint, eucalyptus, and grass. Medium length and fairly simple finish

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  • 2005 Two Hands Shiraz Ares 92 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    (11/26/2020)

    Deep purple, viscous and heavy extracted. Pronounced nose of candied cassis and raisins, sweet cinnamon, liquorice, cedar, vanilla, caramel, mushrooms, and leaf compost. Tannins resolved, whilst full bodied, high alcohol, and intensely flavoured, or roses, candied cassis and cherry, cinnamon, liquorice, Kirsch, and vanilla. Long finish but fairly straightforward. Enjoyable!

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Flight 43 - Nov 2020 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Chianti Rufina, 1998
2. SuperTuscan Cab, 1995
3. Margaret River Cab, 2010

  • 2014 Domaine Perrot-Minot Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne

    (12/22/2020)

    Medium garnet, with a nose of mint, red cherry, herbs, and some roses. Tannins all resolved, whilst somewhat light-bodied, with cherry flavours, minty as well as savoury herbs, and a hint of tar at the finish. Somewhat simple at the back though, perhaps owing to age

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  • 2015 Château Les Combes Bordeaux Supérieur 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    (12/27/2020)

    Deep garnet, and somewhat murky from the fine sediments clouding it. Aromas of cherry, twigs, Chinese herbs, and paprika. The herbal feel is also seen on the palate with some slight candied plums, and some pepper spices at the back, as well as a green leafy sense. Dissipates quickly, leaving a hint of herbs and spice

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  • 2016 Mascota Vineyards Unánime 93 Points

    Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco

    (1/3/2021)

    Deep purplish ruby, with significant staining. Aromas of ripe cassis, cinnamon, cedar, and some greenish mint and eucalyptus. Tannins mostly rounded with a slight bite, full bodied, and intensely flavoured of ripe cranberry and cassis, mix of sweet and savoury spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, a green grassy character that somewhat resembles green tea and eucalyptus. Medium length with some complexity. Nice!

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Flight 44 - Dec 2020 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Bordeaux Blanc, 2016
2. Hermitage, 1995
3. Cote-Rotie, 1996

  • 2004 Domaine Joseph Roty Marsannay Blanc 86 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Marsannay

    (2/4/2021)

    Pale lemon, greenish hue. Medicinal nose, with ripe starfruit, and vanilla and caramel. Some acids, whilst having intense dried mango flavours, as well as salted caramel, almond and even that medicinal antelope horn. Quite a length of that caramel though. However, not a flavour profile I enjoy

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  • 1989 Château Gloria 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    (2/4/2021)

    Medium garnet, with significantly browning fading edges. Nose led by mushrooms and Chinese medicine, then some ripe blackberry, leather, pepper, and roasts. Still showing some tannin structure, acids mouthwatering, yet fairly weighty, with cooked blackberry and cranberry flavours, herbal, medicinal, peppery, leathery, some coffee grounds, chilli. Long finish, with waves of cooked fruits, pepper, and herbs, very complex. An exceptional wine!

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  • 1997 Dessilani Gattinara 93 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara

    (3/14/2021)

    Medium garnet, with significant browning and fading on edges. Fairly intense nose with ripe red cherry, cool mint, pepper and Chinese herbs. Initial attack on palate was one of tart acids and peppery flavours, whist tannins still biting and medium bodied, and also with overripe dried cherry flavours, herbs, and hint of cooking spices, and hint of tar towards the back. Quite lengthy and complex. Nice!

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Flight 45 - Jan 2021 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. White Burgundy 1er Cru, 1995
2. (did not guess)
3. Barossa Shiraz, 2001

  • 2011 Capannelle Chardonnay Toscana IGT 86 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (2/4/2021)

    Deep yellow, approaching tawny, and bright. Nose of dried mango and barley. Weighty on the palate, with medium acid, and strong walnut flavours as well as dried apricot and mango, and barley. Finish mostly of nuts. Can tell that age has gotten the better of this wine

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  • 2003 Capannelle Solaré 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (2/4/2021)

    Medium deep garnet. Aromas of dried leaves and some oriental herbs, as well as some tart cherry. Resolved tannins whilst some good amount of acid that gave some lift, as well as ripe red cherry, dried grass, and dried herbs, and a hint of nutmeg. Medium length

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  • 2006 Capannelle Solaré 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (3/14/2021)

    Deep ruby, slight edge fading, and highly extracted. Intense nose, with overripe blackberry and brambles, as well as a very rustic barnyard and meaty aroma. Full bodied and intensely flavoured, high alcohol, with tannins resolved but with a bite, and acids still pretty fresh and mouthwatering, ripe blackberry and cassis, rocket leaves, black pepper, roast meat. Medium length

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Flight 46 - Feb 2021 - Box 1 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Quarts de Chaume or Coteaux du Layon, 2006
2. McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2001
3. Yarra Valley Cab, 2006

  • 2004 Vinoptima Gewürztraminer Reserve 89 Points

    New Zealand, North Island, Gisborne, Ormond

    (4/22/2021)

    Deep gold with slight copper hue, thick legs and fair brightness. Intense nose with honeyed aromas, with a hint of sweet spices. Sure evidence of residual sugars, that is past the off-dry stage and approaching medium sweetness, medium acids, and full waxy body, with ripe red apples, and honeycomb flavours, as well as cloves and cinnamon. Finish was medium length at best, and rather simplistic

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  • 2012 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Casillero del Diablo Leyenda 95 Points

    Chile

    (4/22/2021)

    Deep ruby, very viscous, and highly extracted. Ripe dark blackberry aromas, with some leafy greens, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and some roast meats. Full bodied and fairly high tannins, as well as mouthwatering acids, with strong ripe blackberry and cassis flavours, as well as pungent pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and meats. Long floral and black fruited finish, with the spices and meats welling up from time to time. Great wine!

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  • 2005 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 93 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    (4/22/2021)

    Deep ruby, very viscous, highly extracted. Strongly peppered, and green grassy aromas, with ripe blackberry, and cloves. Full bodied, highly tannic but softened from age, with rich blackberry flavours, dried grass, pepper and paprika. Long finish, of medium complexity

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Flight 47 - Feb 2021 - Box 2 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Barbaresco, 2014
2. SuperTuscan Cab, 2016
3. Clare Valley Shiraz, 2016

  • 2019 Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro Blauburgunder Pinot Nero 92 Points

    Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol

    (5/9/2021)

    Pale ruby with pinkish hue, and some fading on edges. Fairly pronounced nose, with ripe cherry, herbal aromas, and some tomatoes. Tannins biting on the tongue, yet somewhat soft, fairly high acids, medium bodied, with lots of roses, rosemary, ripe yet sour cherry, cloves, nutmeg, and quite a lot of tar at the backpalate. Finished long and dominated with tar, spices and sour cherry

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  • 2016 Cantine Sardus Pater Carignano del Sulcis Nur 91 Points

    Italy, Sardinia, Carignano del Sulcis

    (5/9/2021)

    Deep ruby, purple hue, slightly fading edges, and looks heavily extracted. Quite a strong nose, of ripe cherry and cranberry, some pepper, and a hint of cloves. Strong bitey tannins, with ripe blackberry, cherry, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, dried grass, rose, tar and pencil shavings. Lots of alcohol heat at the back, and the finish seems tannin and alcohol driven, still with berries and herbs. Quite some power there

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  • 2016 Bodegas Castaño Yecla Solanera Viñas Viejas 92 Points

    Spain, Murcia, Yecla

    (5/9/2021)

    Deep inky purple, and nearly homogenous to edges. Aromas of dark florals and berries, as well as black pepper, leather and cured meats. Full bodied, with rounded tannins and lots of alcohol heat, and dark berries and tar flavours, as well as cinnamon, black pepper, coffee grounds, dark florals and meat stew. Finish dominated by the dark tar and smokes, with good length

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Flight 48 - Mar 2021 (3 Notes)

Blind, guesses as follows:
1. Trentino Pinot Nero, 2016
2. Dao DOC Touriga Nacional, 2018
3. Costers del Segre Garnacha, 2018

  • 2017 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay 88 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay

    (5/12/2021)

    Pale purple core with copper hue, and significant browning and fading edges. Aromas of roses, red cherry, dill, thyme, and a bit of tar. Light bodied with ripe cherry, and a smooth attack, and ripe red cherry flavours peppered with savoury herbs, pepper, cloves, and red florals. Finished rather short

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  • 2018 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay

    (5/12/2021)

    Deep ruby, purplish hue, and extraction visible from the light glass stain. Aromas of cherry, plum, rose, mint, pepper and a bit of tar. Some bite from tannins though generally silky, whilst fairly weighty and a good amount of alcohol heat, and flavours of cherry, plum, pepper, dark florals, bit of hay and dried grass, and cola and tar towards the back. Medium length but still rather straightforward

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  • 2018 Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir Bannockburn 88 Points

    New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Bannockburn

    (5/12/2021)

    Medium ruby with orange hue, and significant browning and fading edges, as well as some extraction stains. Cherry, cranberry aromas as well as vegetal herbs and mint, and a slight mineral sense., with a hint of tea. Medium bodied, and silky, with florals, nuts, and ripe cranberry flavours, as well as rocket leaves, and mint, with a finish of cola, though rather short

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