Wine Type | Vintage Name Variety Locale | Date Posted Score Helpful Comments More... |
---|---|---|
Red |
2020 De Toren Fusion VStellenbosch Red Bordeaux Blend more |
5/11/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 93 pointsThe 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. |
Red |
2021 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna RossoEtna DOC Nerello Blend, Nerello Mascalese more |
3/30/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 90 pointsPresenting 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. |
White |
2006 Chateau Musar BlancBekaa Valley White Blend more |
3/22/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 90 pointsDisplaying 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. |
White |
2008 Chateau Musar BlancBekaa Valley White Blend more |
3/1/2024 - Stemvers Does not like this wine: 89 pointsPresenting 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. |
Red |
2019 Château TronquoySt. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more |
2/26/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 92 pointsThis 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 |
Red |
2012 Château Pontet-CanetPauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more |
2/23/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 95 pointsA 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. |
White |
2019 Domaine de la Bongran (Thevenet) Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. ThevenetChardonnay more |
2/17/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 89 pointsNot 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. |
White |
2011 Domaine de la Bongran (Thevenet) Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. ThevenetChardonnay more |
2/1/2024 - Stemvers wrote: 90 pointsRemarkably 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. |
Red |
2015 De Toren Fusion VStellenbosch Red Bordeaux Blend more |
1/1/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 92 pointsDelivers as always. Lovely black fruit, blackberry, blueberry, some spices. Gorgeous balance. Buy this, drink this. Love it. |
Red |
2014 Kanonkop PinotageSimonsberg-Stellenbosch more |
12/31/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 89 pointsNot too great unfortunately. A bit alcoholic and lacking balance. Maybe the bottle? |
Red - Fortified |
1980 Kopke Porto ColheitaPort Blend more |
12/28/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 91 pointsBottled 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. |
Red |
2019 Domaine Charlopin-Tissier Marsannay Les LongeroiesPinot Noir more |
12/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 93 pointsNeeded 2 hours of decanting before the magic appeared. Great wine. |
Red |
2007 Chateau MusarBekaa Valley Red Blend more |
12/8/2023 - Stemvers Likes this wine: 94 pointsLoved it. Great balance, fruit, spices and depth. Full bodied and strong. |
White - Off-dry |
2022 Carl Ehrhard Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling SpätleseRheingau more |
12/6/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 88 pointsAlmost 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. |
Red |
2013 Château Léoville Las CasesSt. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend more |
11/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 91 pointsNice balance, medium- body. Fruity, but a bit too green, needs more time for me. Lots of potential. Next one 2026. |
Red |
2010 Château La Tour CarnetHaut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more |
11/13/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 92 pointsNeeds some food and a bit of air and is absolutely delicious. Fruity, berries, black fruit, spicy, quite firm, yet velvety when paired with food. |
Red - Fortified |
1985 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled VintagePort Blend more |
10/31/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 85 pointsWay past its prime. Too alcoholic for me. |
Red |
2014 Zonin Amarone della ValpolicellaCorvina Blend, Corvina more |
10/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 89 pointsVery 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. |
Red |
2020 Domaine La Lande Les Frères H. Cuvée 7Périgord Red Blend more |
10/20/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 87 pointsIt's okay. Fruity. Juicy, very drinkable. |
Red - Fortified |
1985 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled VintagePort Blend more |
10/14/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 88 pointsEspecially the age makes it interesting. Drink it now |
Red |
2018 Château CitranHaut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more |
8/18/2023 - Stemvers Does not like this wine: 87 pointsA 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. |
Red |
2014 Château CapbernSt. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend more |
8/12/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 91 pointsGreat P/Q! Strong, a real powerhouse. Lots of dark fruit, does need some air to open up, but does so beautifully. |
Rosé - Sparkling |
NV Michel ForgetFrance Champagne Blend more |
7/11/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 85 pointsNot great |
Red |
2015 De Toren ZStellenbosch Red Bordeaux Blend more |
7/3/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 90 pointsGreat 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. |
Red |
2012 Kanonkop PinotageSimonsberg-Stellenbosch more |
6/27/2023 - Stemvers wrote: 93 pointsChocolate, 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. |