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Wine Type
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Vintage
Name
Variety
Locale
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Date
Posted
Score
Helpful
Comments
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Red
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2009 Long Shadows Wineries Pirouette
Columbia Valley
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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Dark ruby with purple hues.
Black plum, dark cherry, boysenberry, sour plum flower, violet, and lavender with orange blossom undertone. Ceder box, tobacco and mocha with some potting soil earthiness. Minimal spice.
Velvet smooth on the palate with medium+ body. Attack exhibits its concentration of flavors but neither is it out of balance nor overwhelming. Alcohol is noticeable towards the finish and well tamed but moderate acidity carries through the long finish. Medium tannin is smooth throughout. Floral in characteristic with much afforded temperance on imparting secondary aromas in respect to quality fruit itself. It's a Libournais style wine made with new world fruit. This would pair excellently with bone-in fillet, or lightly seasoned chateaubriand.
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Red
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2004 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau
Red Rhone Blend more
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Clear ruby hue with orange rim.
On the nose, it primarily exhibits a bouquet of flowers including rose petals, lilac, lily, and lavender soap, followed by dried prune, dried apricot, stewed fig and pomegranate with subtle nutmeg to top it off. Slight touch of volatile acidity. Sour red fruits on the palate, leather, spice, midium tannin, midium-plus acid. midium-high alcohol. The tannin has some ways to integrate but it is fully expressive on the nose. Nicely layered wine with strength and finesse. Consume between now and 2020.
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White - Sweet/Dessert
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1975 Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon
Chenin Blanc more
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*From memory*
Dark brownish yellow.
Fresh apricot, orange zest, lemon sugar, and dried ginger on caramel and oxidative undertone.
The sweetness takes the backstage while acidity and mineral are carrying the length on the palate. Well balanced, slick, and smooth line. Medium plus finish.
Despite the well-integrated fruits and signs of some oxidation, it retained some youthfulness still.
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Red
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2012 Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir
Central Otago
more
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Purple with some pink hue at the rim.
Clearly defined bing cherry, blue berry and strawberry nose with violet, hibiscus and rose dotting the line. After fifteen minutes, funky dusty earthiness and a touch of rubber band emerged. On the palate, concentrated tart cherry, some under-ripe orange are wrapped up by firm tannin and medium high acidity carrying the medium to long finish. By no means simple, yet unpretentious. Classy and approachable. Very well-made cool climate pinot that can wait for a few more years while tannin softens.
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Red - Fortified
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2006 Domaine La Tour Vieille Banyuls
Grenache Blend, Grenache more
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Dark purple with garnet tinge on the rim.
On the nose, it hits directly on rose petals, raspberry, and juicy bing cherry. Palate confirms rose petals and raspberry. Medium sweetness and low acidity. Medium-short finish. Very straight forward, lovely wine that makes you rosy.
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White
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2004 Didier Dagueneau Silex
Pouilly-Fumé
Sauvignon Blanc more
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Medium high viscosity. Straw yellow with gold in the centre.
After decanting, it exhibited lily, sweet white roses, under-ripe waxy white peach, chopped pear, subtle scent of grapefruit and lime rind with gentle undertone of funk and stone mineral. A nuance of butter scotch after an hour. On the palate, beautifully integrated green apple, ripe pear, key lime, and intense mineral takes you to one minute linger with concentrated ripe lemon acidity. It is more focused, leaner, subtly nuanced, elegant, and less intense Silex compared to '07 vintage. It paired nicely with caramelized scallop but greatly with steamed dungeness crab with drawn lemon garlic butter sauce and yuzu lime wasabi soy sauce. It is approaching the end of its drinking window. Drink up!!
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White - Sparkling
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NV Besserat de Bellefon Champagne Cuvée des Moines Brut
Champagne Blend more
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I used to buy their Cuvée des Moines Rosé by the cases with my flat mate who brought a bottle of wedding gift wine that got my husband into wine, when Nicolas used to periodically have it on sale.
We loved so much of its refreshing flavors of berries, lemon, mineral, brioche, and a touch of sweetness. (Pinot Menier dominant?)
So despite it was in demi, brut, and not rosé, I was excited to find it at my local grocery store.
This tasting note does not do justice, because we opened it outdoor. Though the same refreshing lemon, mineral, brioche that I remember from Besserat de Bellefon were all there.
It paired well with raspberries and Grès d'Alsace. Simple pleasure, that's the kind of occasions this bottle is called for. On our seventh year anniversary picnic.
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Red
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1999 Scarpa Barolo Tettimorra
Nebbiolo more
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*From Memory* Opened at Jardinière restaurant in San Francisco.
Decanted thirty minutes before serving.
Nose initially exhibited some heat and acetone but it wore off after another thirty minutes. It then showed mushroom, orange peel, some indistinguishable floral characteristics. On the palate, tannin was firm and acidity was not very complimentary to the rest of the profile. It fully opened up after another an hour bringing forward some elegance and sumptuousness, with seductive perfume of roselle, dried rose, pomegranate, cherry, dried fig, mineral and subdued earthiness complimented by some herbaceousness of dried thyme and faint nose of tea all on one plain. Tannin softened and acidity fell into position providing balance on the palate. It paired well with roasted duck with wild rice which brought out gaminess and earthiness when it came in contact with the flavors of breast fat. It also paired well with seared venison which tamed much of younger, coarser characteristics of this bottling. Surprisingly, it created an interesting harmony with mushroom tea. It is showing well now, but it could wait for a few more years to fully integrate its youthfulness. While this wine was delicious, it is more on the casual side without a determined identity, sophistication, or opulence. I personally prefer their Barbaresco "Tettineive" from the same vintage for the value.
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White - Off-dry
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2007 Henri Gsell Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives
Alsace
Gewürztraminer more
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Flawed
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White - Sweet/Dessert
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1998 Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos St. Urbain Sélection de Grains Nobles
Alsace Grand Cru
more
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I have never given points to my tasting notes, because I oppose to the idea that a bottle of wine can be described through an arbitrary number. A bottle of wine, to me is a representation of time and place, its history, undocumented sweat and tears of people who produced it. Though this bottle deserves a 100 not for the points, but for denoting 100% of what a wine can be.
Deep copper brown robe reminiscent of cognac with golden hues on the rim. Thick, slow running tears. On the nose, primary apricot giving way to a basket of fragrant ripe fruits such as nectarine, white peach, quince, displaying both yellow and green apple. Paraffin, white flowers, caramel, a hint of mulch with defined undertone of honey over a sprinkle of nutmeg and star anise. Luscious texture, intense mineral, and unbelievably high acidity on the palate with an infinitely long, clean finish. After two days, it started to unleash cherry bonbon, maple syrup, and well-aged Mosel TBA-like petrol characteristics. I never knew Pinot Gris as a varietal was capable of this sort of powerful yet elegant, and nuanced expression. With such high residual sugar while striking the counter weight of acidity and concentration, yet attaining 13% ABV is impressive. This is truly a work of art produced by a collaboration of the man and the nature, which anybody should be thrilled to revisit for the next several decades. Decanting is highly recommended. This is a meditation wine with which no food should be paired. Sheer decadent perfection.
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Red
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2006 Lost Canyon Pinot Noir Widdoes Vineyard
Russian River Valley
more
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Cranberry juice-like robe with garnet hue on the rim.
Sweet perfumed nose of orange peel, pomegranate, hibiscus, cranberry and cherry framed in cigar-box.
Full luscious mouth-feel with mineral filled mid-palate with wood originated tannin and acidity that holds it all together towards lingering finish. It is drinking beautifully now.
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White - Sparkling
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1995 Philipponnat Champagne Brut Clos des Goisses
Champagne Blend more
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Oxidative. Nuts, flower, honey, vanilla, and some neutral lemon.
Some vigor and elegance are still there supported by chalky mineral, acidity and concentration. Although all the qualities were more harmonious the next morning, and it might just be this particular bottle but it's likely to be over the hill already.
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White - Off-dry
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2008 Benoit Gautier Vouvray Cuvée du 7 Novembre
Chenin Blanc more
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Flawed
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White
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2008 Domaine Robert-Denogent Mâcon-Solutre Clos des Bertillonnes
Chardonnay more
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Light straw yellow with brilliant luminescence.
Lightly toasted hazelnut and pistachio with lemon zest undertone on the nose, followed by lemon meringue pie with a slight oregano-like herbaceousness. A hint of vanilla indicates a careful oak aging.
The gentle yet dense attack has integrated the flavor of lemon and ripe grapefruit with ample astringency, medium to high acidity with assertive mineral components towards the finish. Medium to high concentration with round and pleasant mouth feel which leads to 30 seconds finish leaving lemon behind to lure the next sip. Not complex in comparison to their Pouilly-Fuissé and it lacks a little balance and finesse but it is a good food wine that would go well with grilled oyster, mussels with drawn butter or grilled snapper with lemon cream sauce. A good bridge between new world and old world styles.
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Fruit/Vegetable Wine
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2009 Cidrerie Michel Jodoin Cidre de Glace Rosé
Quebec
Apple more
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Acerola cherry juice robe. Thick legs and high viscosity indicate the high glycerol level and concentration.
Cherry blossom, plum flowers, perilla leaves, rhubarb, strawberry and sour cherry and a touch of caramel bring together a pleasant harmony on the nose.
On the palate, sour plum and rainier cherries dominate the balanced attack with blood orange sweetness, which are closely followed by concentrated mid-palate, leading to long, tart, and cranberry-like finish that last over half a minute. This is a perfectly balanced, lovely bottle of cidre de glace with absolutely nothing to criticize about.
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Rosé - Sparkling
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NV G. H. Mumm & Cie Champagne Le Rosé
Champagne Blend more
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Relatively bigger pearls. Salmon pink robe. Sweet nose of berries with slight orange peel note. On the palate, it exhibits strawberry, raspberry and apricot with undertone of brioche. A little on the sweeter side without much of the lemony acidity.
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Red
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2007 Domaine Gachot-Monot Côte de Nuits Villages
Pinot Noir more
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Light garnet with slight rim variation of salmon pink. Clear. Sweet cherry, pomegranate, a hint of rose water and forest floor undertone on the nose. It is elegant and aromatic but rather fragile. Palate confirms red berries and a touch of orange peel. Medium acidity and medium tannic astringency. It's lighter and definitely lower in concentration compared to 2006 vintage but ample chaptalization is evident. It's a fairy priced Burgundy for simple food like confit de canard, pan-seared flank steak à la nature and simply seasoned poached salmon. Simple and straight-forward representation of Côte de Nuits for a fair price tag.
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Fruit/Vegetable Wine
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2009 Cidrerie Michel Jodoin Cidre de Glace
Quebec
Apple more
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Dark straw yellow with medium to high viscosity.
Baked apple, pear and stewed cranberry on the nose with a hint of earl grey tea. Aromatic cinnamon indicates a careful use of wood.
On the palate, sweet attack is followed by highly concentrated nectar of intense apple flavor, followed by lemon-like acidity that balances the sweetness on the front palate just right.
Juicy and luscious but neither cloying nor syrupy. It's hard to believe that this is technically a cider. I love tasting cider being done in eiswein style.
Concentration, focus, and such perfect balance. Wonderful.
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Fruit/Vegetable Wine
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NV Cidrerie Michel Jodoin Cuvée Blanc de pépin
Quebec
Apple more
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Popped and poured.
Light yellow hue with medium to high brilliance. No leg or rim variation.
Strong baked apple nose with a little cinnamon undertone, some fresh herbaceous such as clover leaf.
Light on the palate with medium residual sugar, gentle but present Meyer lemon and apple acidity.
Long and very clean finish with refreshing aftertaste.
It's a light , well-made, natural and fresh tasting cider which accompanies light fairs like baked lemon prawn canapé or neutral cheese on crackers, or enjoyed by itself in a warm summer afternoon.
Light, clean and yummy!
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White
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2007 Clotilde Davenne Saint-Bris
Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc more
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*From memory* What a refreshing Sauvignon. Well balanced. Coarse mineral with zippy lime and hint of tropical fruits made it a perfect wine to pair it with barbecued oysters.
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White
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2004 Les Vaux Sereins Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles
Chardonnay more
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Smell of oidium. Disappointed.
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Red
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2005 Jessie's Grove Winery Old Vine Zinfandel WestWind
Lodi
more
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It was just OK.
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White
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2007 Didier Dagueneau Silex
Pouilly-Fumé
Sauvignon Blanc more
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Like Didier said, "Wine is like a painting and music, it's great that my wine can be part of people's memorable moment."
His last vintage 2007, this wine undoubtedly commemorated his attitudes towards wine.
Light golden yellow with medium to high viscosity.
Complex and seductive nose boasts a basket of citrus fruits including lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine and pomelo with stone fruits undertone such as apricot and nectarine wrapped together nicely in malic fruits like La France pear and green apple. It also includes honey dew melon and honey suckle with a hint of herbaceousness. Tamed scent of silex is present but not overpowering.
On the palate, it demonstrates overwhelming concentration and thick mouth feel unlike any other Sauvignon, that is almost reminiscent of Mosel Auslese or Montrachet with emphasis on crisp, rigid acidity towards the end. All the juicy and tangy citrus fruits come together and leads to a washed stone like mineral, acidic and infinitely long finish that lasts for well over a minute.
It was almost too powerful and chaotic at the beginning, then it settled down and brought out clean focus on aroma and palate.
This wine will overpower almost any seafood due to sky rocking high concentration and it should be enjoyed by itself. Serve slightly chilled at 10C-12C (50F-54F). Certainly let it breathe for a while.
I was blown away and overwhelmed by the potential of Sauvignon Blanc and the man's dedication to his grape, terroir, and meticulous viticulture and vinification.
It definitely was an experience. I wish if I had more of this to see how this develops over the years.
Cheers to the bottling, and cheers to its great vigneron.
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White - Off-dry
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2003 Schloss Saarstein Serriger Schloss Saarsteiner Riesling Auslese
Mosel Saar Ruwer
more
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Bottle was given to my husband as a prize for wine quiz at a tasting with Anatoly.
The cork disintegrated only at the centre as we pulled the cork screw and stuck on the neck of the bottle making a tube. Pouring wine through a cork felt odd.
Viscous, light straw hew. On the nose, key lime, apricot and linden blossom are nicely integrated.
A wight is felt through sugar level that dominates the acidity. Moderate mineral and chewy acidity come towards the finish.
On the palate waxy white peach manifest most of the length though a hint of pomelo gives an accent to the finish.
Not great, but very pleasant to sip for a desert. Good Auslesen make me smile.
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White
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2006 Domaine d'E Croce (Yves Leccia) Patrimonio Blanc
Vermentinu, Vermentino more
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Very light straw yellow with medium to low viscosity.
Refreshing and powerful scent of lime, lemon grass, melon are perfectly integrated on the nose.
Palate confirms the fruits detected on the nose with body to match the nose intensity.
Very well balanced mayer lemon acidity has a firm presence yet it does not dominate the palate, followed by minerals lingering to the long clean finish.
Elegant and very well crafted wine that integrates all of its components into one seamless melody.
It would go great with any shellfish, notably oysters on half shell, crustaceans and any white meat fish.
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