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Wine Type Vintage Name Variety Locale Date Posted Score Helpful Comments More...
Red

2020 De Toren Fusion V

Stellenbosch Red Bordeaux Blend more

5/11/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 93 points

The 2020 De Toren Fusion V, the latest addition to my collection from my favourite house, presents itself with a deep purple-red color that mesmerizes as it swirls gracefully in the glass. Upon nosing, it reveals a captivating blend of red and black fruits, intertwined with a generous hint of vanilla that adds a touch of warmth and complexity. With a medium to full body, it exudes power yet maintains a subtle sweetness that tantalizes the palate. Tannins make their presence known, yet they do so without overwhelming, offering instead a solid framework for the wine's evolving structure. Despite its youthfulness, it displays a remarkable smoothness, making it effortlessly drinkable. The finish is a testament to its quality, lingering gracefully, leaving a lasting impression. This wine has the potential to age gracefully for years to come, yet it already delights in its current state. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a hearty T-Bone steak, it promises an exceptional tasting experience.

Drawing from the richness of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, as well as the subtle influence of oak with hints of vanilla, the 2020 De Toren Fusion V offers a complex and satisfying palate.

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Red

2021 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso

Etna DOC Nerello Blend, Nerello Mascalese more

3/30/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 90 points

Presenting a clear, light red hue reminiscent of ripe cherries, the wine immediately catches the eye. On the nose, it offers inviting aromas of red fruits, including subtle hints of raspberry and cranberry, contributing to its vibrant fruit character. With a light to medium body, it surprises with its underlying strength, reminiscent of the distinct minerality often associated with wines from Mount Etna. This minerality adds depth and complexity, accentuating the wine's overall profile. On the palate, it unfolds smoothly, revealing a fruity character that makes it effortlessly drinkable, while earthy undertones of volcanic soil linger in the background, adding an intriguing dimension to the experience. However, its journey concludes with a relatively short finish, leaving a desire for more. Overall, this wine is a delightful choice for casual enjoyment, offering a pleasant and approachable drinking experience.

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White

2006 Chateau Musar Blanc

Bekaa Valley White Blend more

3/22/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 90 points

Displaying a rich, golden hue, verging on amber, the Chateau Musar 2006 White entices with a mature and abundant bouquet. While some detect a hint of oxidation, it adds an intriguing dimension to the wine, elevating its allure. Unlike its counterpart from 2008, the oxidation here is subtle, allowing ripe orange zest and exotic undertones to shine through, creating a captivating olfactory experience. However, the palate falls slightly short of the lofty expectations set by the nose. Though marked by well-balanced acidity and lingering potency, it lacks the same complexity and dynamism found in its aroma. Nevertheless, its full-bodied presence and lingering bitterness offer a commendable drinking experience, albeit with a slight sense of disappointment compared to the promise of its aromatic profile.

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White

2008 Chateau Musar Blanc

Bekaa Valley White Blend more

3/1/2024 - Stemvers Does not like this wine: 89 points

Presenting a pale yellow hue, lighter than anticipated for a 15-year-old white wine. Exhibiting a light to medium body with pleasing acidity, this wine gradually reveals its complexity with aeration and temperature adjustment over the course of an hour. Initial notes of lemon and the bitterness reminiscent of orange peel dominate, accompanied by subtle spiciness and unexpected robustness. Remarkably youthful in character, it leaves a lasting impression with its extended finish. However, its perplexing nature prompts contemplation— is it a stroke of genius or past its prime, lacking in appeal? Undoubtedly, this is not a wine that reveals itself easily, offering a challenging yet intriguing experience for the discerning palate.

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Red

2019 Château Tronquoy

St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more

2/26/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 92 points

This red wine boasts a vibrant, deep purple hue. Its aromatic profile is assertive, with a powerful bouquet bursting forth from the glass. Rich notes of red fruits intertwine with spicy undertones, creating a youthful and robust expression. On the palate, it delivers an explosive experience, characterized by its smooth yet potent nature, indicative of its youthful vigor and latent potential. Personally, I recommend allowing it to rest for 2 to 3 years to further develop, anticipating a more nuanced and mature iteration that still retains its inherent promise. While the presence of tannins adds structure, they do not overpower, leaving room for an intriguing evolution over the years. This wine promises to be a captivating journey worth following as it continues to evolve. 92-94

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Red

2012 Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more

2/23/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 95 points

A truly delightful wine! Decanted for 3 hours, this wine reveals its power yet retains subtlety, boasting beautifully integrated flavors, impeccable balance, and a refined structure. While the tannins are still present, they do not overpower, and promise further development with time. In my opinion, this exquisite Pontet-Canet is incredibly enjoyable now, with the potential for substantial aging depending on preference. Its fruity profile, with notes of red fruit, blackberries, hints of earthiness, and vanilla, is incredibly seductive. The wine culminates in a delightful, lingering finish. I plan to cellar one bottle for another 10 years, though I cannot guarantee the longevity of the other – it may not make it to the end of this year.

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White

2019 Domaine de la Bongran (Thevenet) Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet

Chardonnay more

2/17/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 89 points

Not quite there yet. Bit of unbalance it seems. So far, not as good as the others ('08-'18), but we'll see. I'll give it some more time before opening the next.

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White

2011 Domaine de la Bongran (Thevenet) Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet

Chardonnay more

2/1/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 90 points

Remarkably fresh after 12 years. One would't say. Lots of fruit, some indication of aging. Aging subtly and smoothly. Still has some years to go, plate is developing.

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Red

2015 De Toren Fusion V

Stellenbosch Red Bordeaux Blend more

1/1/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 92 points

Delivers as always. Lovely black fruit, blackberry, blueberry, some spices. Gorgeous balance. Buy this, drink this. Love it.

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Red

2014 Kanonkop Pinotage

Simonsberg-Stellenbosch more

12/31/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 89 points

Not too great unfortunately. A bit alcoholic and lacking balance. Maybe the bottle?

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Red - Fortified

1980 Kopke Porto Colheita

Port Blend more

12/28/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 91 points

Bottled in 2004. Cloudy brown color. Medium body, Dried fruit and nuts, such as figs, apricot, and a little caramel. At or just past its peak. Drink it quickly as far as I'm concerned.

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Red

2019 Domaine Charlopin-Tissier Marsannay Les Longeroies

Pinot Noir more

12/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 93 points

Needed 2 hours of decanting before the magic appeared. Great wine.

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Red

2007 Chateau Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend more

12/8/2023 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 94 points

Loved it. Great balance, fruit, spices and depth. Full bodied and strong.
I have another one, which will not make it to the end of this year. With food or on its own, it's delicious. Mysterious Musar delivers again.

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White - Off-dry

2022 Carl Ehrhard Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Spätlese

Rheingau more

12/6/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 88 points

Almost no nose, yet a full body. Quite sweet, with nice acidity. A bit of a sparkle. Fruity, some lemon, green apple, candy. Surprising wine. Maybe a bit too sweet for some.

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Red

2013 Château Léoville Las Cases

St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more

11/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 91 points

Nice balance, medium- body. Fruity, but a bit too green, needs more time for me. Lots of potential. Next one 2026.

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Red

2010 Château La Tour Carnet

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more

11/13/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 92 points

Needs some food and a bit of air and is absolutely delicious. Fruity, berries, black fruit, spicy, quite firm, yet velvety when paired with food.

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Red - Fortified

1985 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled Vintage

Port Blend more

10/31/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 85 points

Way past its prime. Too alcoholic for me.

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Red

2014 Zonin Amarone della Valpolicella

Corvina Blend, Corvina more

10/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 89 points

Very drinkable, nice and fruity, some complexity, just not enough to make it really exciting and aim for 90 or up. Quite some cherry for an Amarone to my taste. Some prune, slice of tobacco, but that was it for me.

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Red

2020 Domaine La Lande Les Frères H. Cuvée 7

Périgord Red Blend more

10/20/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 87 points

It's okay. Fruity. Juicy, very drinkable.

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Red - Fortified

1985 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled Vintage

Port Blend more

10/14/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 88 points

Especially the age makes it interesting. Drink it now

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Red

2018 Château Citran

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more

8/18/2023 - Stemvers Does not like this wine: 87 points

A bit dull for my liking, medium- body, yet powerful. Good acidity. Fruity, mainly blackberries, cherries, yet not exciting. I believe there's better quality to find in this price range.
Proper wine though.

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Red

2014 Château Capbern

St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more

8/12/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 91 points

Great P/Q! Strong, a real powerhouse. Lots of dark fruit, does need some air to open up, but does so beautifully.

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Rosé - Sparkling

NV Michel Forget

France Champagne Blend more

7/11/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 85 points

Not great

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Red

2015 De Toren Z

Stellenbosch Red Bordeaux Blend more

7/3/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 90 points

Great nose, intense, black fruit all over, vanilla. On the palate blackcurrant, plum, spicy, medium body, quite high in her acidity, tannins are still reasonably present, short finish.
Very nice wine. I'll save one for another three years, to see what's still possible.

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Red

2012 Kanonkop Pinotage

Simonsberg-Stellenbosch more

6/27/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 93 points

Chocolate, black fruit, black currant. A bit of earth. Seems a bit high on the alcohol. Full body, smooth, tannins almost gone, with intense flavours. Medium+ acidity. It has the distinct burnt rubber aroma, yet not very pronounced, but apparent.

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  • Tasting notes: 75 notes on 69 wines

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