Search Results - Save This Search

Wine Type Vintage Name Variety Locale Date Posted Score Helpful Comments Comment Date Community Score More...
White - Sparkling

2008 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut

 Chardonnay more
Options

4/24/2024 - zimmy07 Likes this wine: 96 points

similar to my last tasting note. I have to stop drinking these!!! They need 10 more years and this may one of the greatest of all time! I think this may be better than the 2008 Krug and Cristal. This will be epic if you can wait until 2030 or beyond. This is special

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/25/2024 8:08:00 AM - Wombat, for clarity I think Taitinger Comtes is one the best champagnes vintage after vintage. Some people love Krug, Cristal, I love them all but their blanc de blanc has always been one of my faves. For example I am not a huge Dom fan, too sweet, but this wine, continue to collect and drink
Red

2000 Château Montrose

 St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

4/18/2024 - liber wrote: 91 points

1st of 36, opened 90 minutes then decanted 90 minutes, perfect cork and level - very dark ruby, quite transparent, youthful robe; more black plum than cassis, some mineral and smoke, quite dense and unlayered presenting more as a simple right banker; full, round and caressing, ok length, persistence and concentration, sweetish mid palate with hint of tannic structure on exit, but as yet too monolithic and simple and without the breed and layering I'd have expected, so I'm left confused, could go either way though I suspect it needs more time to come together properly so long as there really is proper tannic underpinning which I believe was just detectable, if so much upside, 30+ years. But for now a tentative F (17.5).

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/20/2024 9:52:00 AM - an "F" as in failing or a different system? 2000 is probably my favorite Bordeaux vintage, but it is not opening at all. The 2009 is older tasting than the 2000 IMO (and that is still young as hell). 2000, 2010 and 2016 are built for decades. My 2000's are all "holds" for now. I hope this gets better as I have some, not 36 though.
Red

2021 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo

 Oakville more
Options

4/15/2024 - csimm wrote: 100 points

Punchline first: And ‘the Ks’ have it!! Kaannos and Kodo! I know I’m supposed to find beauty in all creatures great and small, and that love is discovered in all forms of doe-eyed unicorns and rainbows, but after sampling over 70 wines over the course of a three-day weekend, the Kaannos is THE BEST wine. It just is. If you dare take your in vogue flat leadership model and go old school vertical with it, then the Kaannos is on the top, like the very top. #1. Numero uno. The cat’s pajamas, and even the cat’s meow for that matter. The Kodo is… also… the best…!

Punchline #1 to the punchline: Kaannos TN – Not surprisingly, the first word in my notes just says, “perfect,” along with some hyphenated expletives that remind me this is, you guessed it, the best wine hands down. Dark fruit, but ever so balanced, with rays of succulent acidity (ya, that’s a thing), providing both elegance and speed. A nervy finish gives way to a second wave of flavor and energy. With air, it grabs ahold of more richness, akin to its Kodo brother. Darker, faster, even livelier with each sip. Block 4 powers, activate! The stamina here is worth waiting a few years, though Nigel puts it out at 8-12 years. But it’s a shakin good time right now without question.

Punchline #1(a) to the punchline: Kodo TN - And of course, because every kind of exception has an exception, I will confidently say that Kodo is also the best wine. But since I just made up a rule that says I have to choose (science and law and all that), the Kodo for me is the #1(a) to the Kaannos #1. Other Galloni sympathizers at the table pegged the Kodo for grand prize winner, not that I can blame them. But my iconoclastic side gave the Kaannos the edge. That is to say, they are both solid 100 point wines, but since GPAs these days are like 6.0 to get into community college (not sure what happened to 4.0, but I digress, again), I’ll go with the Kaannos at Harvard and the Kodo at Stanford. Kodo is a darker knight, with the depth of a thousand gallant chevaliers that parade through silky seas of dark chocolate and black cherries. Unctuous. Precise. Enveloping. Balanced, but with personality and attention-grabbing gothic gumption. The initiative here is fantastic, especially on the slowly building finish that envelops the back of the mouth. I feel like this is an earlier drinker than Kaannos.

I think I phonetic-a-sized my way through how to say Kodo, but I can’t for the life of me pronounce Kaannos, especially with all those little umlaut thingamajigs over every letter. I don’t know if it’s Kay-nohs, Ka-nos, Kaw-nohs, Can-os, or Ka’a-na-nah-na-nah-nah-nos. I know it means something to do with ‘translation’ in Finnish, but I can’t claim to know what the Fins have done to influence what I now consider the best 2021 wine I’ve had thus far out of Napa.

“Save the best for last” is typically prudent advice, and it’s normal decorum to build up to the ‘best’ wine when one is toured through various wine tasting experiences. However, in this case, the esteemed Nigel Kinsman simply said, “I like to jump around,” giving us novice geeks free rein to pick among the four glasses in front of us. A creature of habit, when I reached to my left and took a sip, not bothering to look at the name, the Kaannos hit me square in the jaw. Epic! There is a sliver of me that wants it not to be so amazing, like “here we go again, another fanboy tasting note from me on Kinsman.” I wanted to be neutral on these and just write a couple lame short tasting notes (and the crowd cheers). Better luck next time I guess. So, obviously, the Kaannos was completely rad! (not Rhad – but which is also rad, by the way). And the Kodo is also a mega hit-out-of-the-park showstopper.

… wishing Cellar Tracker had a word limit right about now…?… I don’t…. :)

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/17/2024 9:00:00 AM - Are the "K's" better than the original 3 bottlings? a large investment with 5-6 of these cabs out there, I need focus in on a few. thoughts?

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/17/2024 10:46:00 AM - Mark1npt, here is the crazy thing with my KE buying. I buy ZERO Napa cabs, none. The only Cali Cab I buy and collect is Ridge Monte Bellio and those I need to age for 20 years. I have tasted ONE KE wine , I liked it, but I wont touch another bottle for 10-15 years, by then I will have 100 of these bottles at the pace I am on. so I am in no mans land, I am collecting a wine that is a varietal and region I usually dont like, but have liked the producer but needs time. I will say I have been going to town on mid 80-90's cali cabs as those wines are insanely great. But today's Napa is not that same as 30 years ago... I am truly stuck here as I dont like young wines at all and I will not know what I think of this until I have spent a fortune. Hence the need to find one or two and stay the course

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/17/2024 11:15:00 AM - MJP, we just need to get a date on the calendar and get a tasting.. our taste in wines is so similar.
    I love old Araujo, I just bought some mid 90's Dalla Valle and Etude. But also some mid 90's LLC, Montrose, Cos and others!!!
Red

2016 Château Montrose

 St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

4/6/2024 - vulgar little monkey wrote: 92 points

I opened this in the early afternoon and followed over the day into dinner. I drink very little Bordeaux and almost none this young anymore so I lack a little context for what I was drinking. I grabbed a Montrose because I’ve been intrigued by what folks have said about the wine in recent vintages. Well, I was reminded what the word “backward” means wrt wine. It did open up over the course of the evening and worked pretty well with a ribeye. What struck me is how buried the fruit was by the structure, loads of tannin but fairly fine grained and plenty of acidity. It was really compact and unyielding the entire time, more of an intellectual exercise rather than a pleasurable one. There were moments when the fruit would linger on the palate or a note of graphite would really come to the fore and there was good mineral twang. I think folks are right, that this will be a really good wine in time. The question for me is do I want to dedicate cellar space to it or is it a wine that I can pick up in 10 years for nominally the same price. Maybe I owe it to my 2016 daughter to salt away a case. IDK, even after spending a day with this wine and discussing it with other wine people I don't feel any closer to having a great read on it.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/16/2024 5:51:00 PM - 2010 and 2016 Bordeaux are built for decades. 2016 is in a "dumb" phase right now, they literally will not open. I will not open any 2016 for at least 5 years. Montrose is making some of the best wine in the world, but for 2016 and 2010, they need 20+ years. 2016 is a great vinatge, but not one to drink early.. I am sure it is hard to read as totally shut down
Red

2016 Château Cos d'Estournel

 St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

4/15/2024 - Haystack wrote: NR

Had the 2016 at Chateau Cos d’Estournel two days ago. It is in a quiet period. Strongly recommend waiting.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/15/2024 7:20:00 AM - 2010 and 2016 Cos need to be forgotten about for 25 years and that is probably too little. I decribe them both as GREAT wines that are drinking VERY BAD. I have had them both in past 4 months and the worst wines on the table, not because they are bad wines, they are so damn closed down. I thought 2000 would last forever until 2010 and 2016 came along. Montrose 2010 drinking window is to 2100 (that is actual):). 2016 will outlive me for sure, these are for my kids..

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/15/2024 3:07:00 PM - Haystack, I am with you. Young Bordeaux is outstanding, but once they hit the "dumb" phase, depending on vintage (2010 and 2016 being insanely long cellaring vintages) they can take a long time to get out. I think 2003 is drinking well now, 2005 just coming around, but 2000 is a hold for me still. I will pop 2009 and 2015, but not 2010 and 2016. That though is why I LOVE Bordeaux, many phases, and when you hit it just right, jackpot. Nothing better!!
Red

2003 Château Montrose

 St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

4/11/2024 - llink wrote: 96 points

Decanted for several hours. Served blind in a flight of 9 cabernet based wines from the 2003 vintage. My #1 wine and the groups consensus #2 wine. The nose shows like a classic left bank Bordeaux and features coffee grinds, saddle leather, cedar and cassis. The palate is deep and mouth filling with layers of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Long finish. Not at all overdone or roasted, this is a classic ripe year Bordeaux with a long life ahead of it.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/14/2024 7:47:00 PM - great note. I think the wine of the vintage, it has outclassed all 2003's, including first growths, IMO. Everytime I drink this wine I wish I had cases of it. I drink 2, buy 2 etc..as every time I have it I think best quality for price around.. It is moving up in price though.
Red

2010 Château Pontet-Canet

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

4/6/2024 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine: 96 points

VINTAGE 2010 Dinner (Galletto Ristorante, Modesto Ca.): This wine is GORGEOUS...and would normally be the standout on the table, but was bested by a couple Cali wines...the 10 Screaming Eagle and MacDonald! All three very similar...the PC was velvety smooth...dark berried fruit with dried concentration...creme de cassis, pencil lead, new leather, wood barrel spiced tannins...more new world with sweeter fruit, yet lovely licorice and graphite dryness...has that Bordeaux seamlessness, fine grained...super tasty and engaging. Loved it!

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/6/2024 12:35:00 PM - no doubt PC is structured more Napa than Classic Bordeaux in these great vintages. One hell of a tasting you had, I looked at the wines. For the price point, the fact it held its own, is a great etstamanet to this wine. I like 09 more than '10, but back to back beauties!
Red

2003 Château Pavie

 St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

4/2/2024 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine: 92 points

Purchased awhile ago and saved for my daughter’s 21st. She has a bum birth year but I did some research and this was one of the better performing 03’s, supposedly.
In reality, I was disappointed although enjoyed the lovely experience of drinking it with her. The nose was sweet fruit and similar on the palate, but the alcohol was just too much for me and ruined all the other good things about this wine.
Fortunately, she enjoyed it and appreciated the effort.
Much preferred the ‘03 La mission and the ‘03 Abreu Thorvelios. So there are some decent ‘03s to be found. But for the price, I would not purchase another ‘03 Pavie!!

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/4/2024 11:07:00 AM - say what? 2003 Bordeaux are on fire!!! No wine is in a better drinking window right now. 2003 Montrose is maybe the wine of the vintage and one of the best Montrose ever! 2003 LLC, Leoville Poyferre, Pontet Canet, and many others... I did juts get a magnum of 2003 Pavie, you now have me scared. No doubt Right bank 2003 is not as strog as left

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    4/6/2024 11:44:00 AM - MN Wine, Northern Rhone may be my favorite wines. BUt SQN and Saxum are not Chave Hermitage, Guigal La La's, or Allemand Cornas. I am on SQN list and buy Saxum, as they are crown pleasers when people come over, but not sure liking one region (CA vs Rhone) means you like the other. Most people I know who are huge Rhone fans dont like SQN and vice versa.
Red

2010 Vieux Château Certan

 Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

3/31/2024 - J_Smallwood Likes this wine: 94 points

Air is your friend if you open one of these (at least 6 if not 12 hours of decanting I would recommend), and even then, still painfully young. Celebrating a new job for a friend we opened this….objectively a great wine, but left me wanting a bit more from it which I’m sure will just show better in several more years (or decades). An understated nose of raspberry, briar patch, and vine smoke that directly translates to palate, full of dark berry fruits framed by raspberry, green tobacco, wispy smoke notes, dark chocolate, and crushed stones. There is a lot of density packed into the wine - next to a few burgs, this wine took more “effort” to drink given its tannic structure and density at this stage, but nonetheless a fantastic wine. At the price point, I think there are better options out there, but still a very enjoyable and impressive wine. (++ upside)

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/31/2024 9:17:00 AM - I am not sure if 2010's are not more closed down than 2016, and that is saying something as 2016 is in a dumb phase. I have opnend a few 2010's in past few months and they were not enjoybale. 2010 Cos literally after 8 hours in decanter never opened, not even a bit. a great wine, but a bad tasting. 2010 SHL, same thing. I am with you on letting them rest. 2009, a bit more open for business, 2010, dont touch! I love VCC and they are big at 30 years of age, I will let this sit
Red

2003 Château Léoville Las Cases

 St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

3/22/2024 - liber Likes this wine: 95 points

1st of 36, opened an hour then decanted 90 minutes, perfect level curiously crumbly but clean cork - glossy, dark but transparent ruby, purple rimmed; very much on the cassis fruit, fresh and pure for 03, hints of cigar box and graphite, fragrant, complex and classy; fullish, very long, persistent, decent concentration, fruit masking fine tannic underpinning, much simpler as yet than nose, really quite adolescent but with volume and drive of fine vintage, beautiful balance for 03, much upside here, 30+ years. At least VF (18.5)........has 1st growth quality and will take decades to show its true potential; my sense is that it's behind 62, 75, 82, 85, 86, 90, 96 and the potentially sensational 2000- time will tell!

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/23/2024 10:41:00 AM - 1 of 36... heaven!! 2003's are showing so damn well right now and LLC are kings of second growth for me. I have only 1 bottle....
Rosé - Sparkling

2012 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année Rosé

 Champagne Blend more
Options

3/21/2024 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 97 points

After dinner pour provided by Joel and what a hit it was! I think to everyone here, it may have been THE best Rose Champagned they've ever had. Very much agree with his note on this one. Creamy strawberry is dead bang on. The nose was gorgeous, too. What a fabulous bottle, Joel. Thanks for sharing it!

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/22/2024 12:04:00 PM - Bollinger Grande Annee and the Annee Rose are the best deals in champagne IMO. At release low to mid $100's and they are screaming. Cristal now pushing $400, I heard 2011 Krug (yea 2011) is around $400. Gladly take these Bolly's and run. if you can get your hands on the 1996 or 2002 Bolly GA, smoke shows... 2008 and 2012 are great and 2014 is kicking ass too
Red

1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

 Napa Valley more
Options

3/16/2024 - Skymech Likes this wine: 95 points

This was absolutely fantastic. I bought a couple of pristine bottles at auction for a low price. This wine tastes like it is in its prime. Great nose of some fruit, leather and earth. Very subtle. The palate is a mix of red and black fruit that doesn’t taste old at all. Not many tertiary notes. The fruit is still here and very fresh. This was tremendous for a 25 year old Napa. Love it.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/17/2024 9:41:00 AM - Did you decant?

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/17/2024 4:40:00 PM - I will decant 1-2 hours, having it Tues night
Red

2015 Château d'Issan

 Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

3/12/2024 - PSPatrick wrote: 92 points

Bought today, at Central Perk Wine & Spirits, 1420 6th Avenue, New York. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, aged in oak, 50% new. Popped and poured. A little closed on day one, more open on day two. Medium to dark garnet colour. Black currant, dark cherry, blackberry, plum, a musty/vegetal aspect that adds complexity, pencil shaving, chocolate, cocoa, espresso, tobacco, spices, liquorice, and light vanilla, with good acidity, well-integrated tannin, and very good length. Medium-bodied, with good concentration, and a creamy texture. Quite enjoyable. Ready now.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/15/2024 8:46:00 AM - How is it ready now if it did not open up until day 2?

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/15/2024 8:53:00 AM - thanks!!
Red

2013 Ridge Monte Bello

 Santa Cruz Mountains Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

3/6/2024 - Cailles wrote: 99 points

Wow, wow, wow! This wine stands as a true work of art, astonishingly surpassing high expectations I had after tasting it 7 years ago (following its release) when it showed great promise (rated 97pts). I would have never thought that this still very young wine is that amazing today, especially as Monte Bello has a reputation of needing decades to blossom. The complexity is out of this world and up there with the very best wines I’ve ever had, with each aroma delivered in ultra-high definition, so sharp and precise. The profoundness of this wine is paired with a perfect structure, full of finesse, tension and freshness. One can only imagine how good it will be in 10, 20, 30 years. For sure one to load up.

TN: Very intense, yet balanced bouquet with layers and layers of aromas wafting out of the glass. Same on the palate with one wave after the other of aromas hitting all senses. Intense spruce tips, pine tree, several layers of herbs, a rainbow of fruit from fresh and ripe blue fruit to delicate, fresh red berries, coffee, just hints of chocolate, earthy minerality. Wow, every sip reveals something new. Extremely profound.The wine is anchored by a firm structure of fine tannins poised for further integration, alongside high acidity that adds to its dynamism. Despite its richness, the wine maintains a surprisingly light texture, culminating in a long, evolving finish. Approaching perfection, this wine promises to achieve a perfect rating as it develops even greater complexity with age.

Decanting: Decanted for 4+ hours. It needed the time (or could have even used more air).

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/8/2024 1:13:00 PM - yep, best MB ever.. I had one years back as I had 8 bottles, and since been holdinga as I prefer 20+ years on these, but good to know this can be had now

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/8/2024 3:06:00 PM - Montesquieu, I think many who know wine would put Ridge MB as a "first growth" of California or on the Mount Rushmore of Cali wines, maybe to the novice is it not known.
    I agree, it is my fave as well, I am a couple years later than you on the list, started in 2005. I may drink a few of them here and there but I hold for the long haul as well and they gather quickly.. a great problem to have...
Red

2011 Château Pontet-Canet

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

3/3/2024 - Discobiscuits42 wrote: 90 points

Pretty closed and basic. Potential is there but not showing much of anything. Hold.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    3/3/2024 9:10:00 AM - I agree, had one 2 weeks ago (have many as my sons birth year). I like the classic structure of 2011, but in a phase it will need 5 years to come out. wont be greatest PC ever, but in 5-10 years will be a really good wine. It was good young and just shut down a bit, 2010 in exact same windown
Red

2016 Château Cos d'Estournel

 St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more
Options

2/27/2024 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 points

I feel like I'm a bit late to the party, here. That's my fault.

Whatever phase this wine is in right now, it's not the LPB 100 pt phase. At all........

Decanted 4 hours, slow ox'd another 3-4 til finished. At no time did this wine approach even a 95.

From the pnp, it's a black, tannic, tar laden cab. 4 hours in the nose wakes up a little, but it takes another 2-3 hours for the nose to warrant a 94. The palate has the stuffing, but it's an iodine laden, toasty cab right now, with some depth. I will def be holding my remaining bottles for spacing out over the next 20 years. I love Cos......but this is not a phase or time that does this vintage justice.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    2/28/2024 11:02:00 AM - Literally argued with someone last week on the 2016 Cos, the said just decant and I said the wine is so closed down it is not worth opening. I had a 2010 Cos 2 months ago after 14 hours open never moved, not a good wine. I know Cos needs decades to mature, but also not sure they are keeping up with others, I have yet to have a Cos after 2005 that I really liked. Ducru, Montrose, Pichons, Lynch Bages all show way better over last 15 years. I am sure I will get crap for that comment, but Cos was one of my faves, now I dont collect.
White

2011 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile

 Alsace more
Options

2/25/2024 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 95 points

Riesling bash at CHIKO (Chevy Chase, Maryland): Exceptional showing from magnum. The nose is perfumed with white and yellow flowers, slate, crushed chalk, salt brine, over top of orange peel and juicy white peach, drizzled with lime. The palate is concentrated and bold but balanced expertly with racy acidity. Flavors of dried apricot and pineapple, lime zest, mix with tones of almond skin, slate, quinine, hay, some honeyed ginger tea – all sorts of stuff packed in here. Complex, balanced, this will continue to age well for a long time to come.

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    2/28/2024 10:25:00 AM - first, what a great tasting, far too many people overlook Riesling. I bought a 6 pack of this wine for my sons birth year (750ml). I cracked one and it was great. I know you had a mag, but will 750ml last 15-20 more years?

  • Comment posted by zimmy07:

    2/28/2024 10:41:00 AM - I know a few Riesling producers and really love the wines but not an expert like I am in Bordeaux and other areas. Can you give me 4-5 producers and wines that you really like. I prefer the dry vs sweet ones for sure, you seem to know this varietal well. I have been lucky to have a few Clos St Hune and some great Keller's, but limited on too many producers

Loading wine details...
loading

×
×