Community Tasting Note

• Cristal2000 wrote: 94 points

  August 26, 2019 - See my previous review for more descriptors, but I popped this bottle at home to be sure I wasn't misreading it (followed over 3 days), and at least right now it isn't near as strong as 2012-2016. In short, the nose is excellent, it starts nicely and powerfully, but in the mid palate and through the finish there is serious bitterness that takes away from the experience. I am attributing this to being a bit underripe, although you could make other arguments for why this is occurring. Definitely holding out some hope this will moderate over time and perhaps integrate better. My gut tells me it won't happen, but it's wine and there's no doubt I could be wrong. Can use the standard line "it needs time!" :) Never fear, JD will surely make it 99-100.

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16 Comments

• Mark1npt commented:

  8/26/19, 8:46 PM - My friend, I am worried about this vintage. Even the normally great wines. I only bought 3 bottles from Carter this year, no OG and have severely paired back all my others as well. Thanks for the note. Let me know how the next couple of days evolves......Mark

• Cristal2000 commented:

  8/26/19, 9:06 PM - I am with you. From what I have tasted so far, 2017 in Napa is the weakest vintage since 2011. I recognize many on CT (including me) know the owners or winemakers and struggle to give anything but accolades for fear of offending, but I think when all is said and done 2017 will go down as a subpar vintage, especially relative to 12-16. I definitely could be proven wrong, but I've tasted so many Napa wines over the past 7 years, I feel like I have a pretty good sense of it. And also, I absolutely adore Carter and especially the OG, so it isn't a style issue. A difficult vintage is just going to happen every once in a while. You will see very few 2017's in my cellar.

• Mark1npt commented:

  8/26/19, 9:13 PM - Right there with ya!

• vintage1949 commented:

  11/9/19, 3:21 AM - When do they first offer their wines each year? I ordered mine in June and they wanted to send them out to me in early November. It was already below freezing for temps so asked them to wait a week. Temperatures got even colder after this early cold snap. So for the 2017 vintage I have to wait until next spring. No offering for delivery in October-so once again have to wait until next year. Also when do they offer to ship to you? Dave

• Mark1npt commented:

  11/9/19, 4:24 AM - 1949....your timeline is our timeline. It can be a bear, depending on where you are in the country. I'm in FL. Our first 80 deg day is coming as are my wines that have been held in CA for 6 months! I have about 8 cases coming next week. I hope they don't freeze between CA and FL!!!

• Cristal2000 commented:

  11/9/19, 7:45 AM - Hi Dave - since I'm in CA, it's usually easier for me. While we always get some delays because of the heat, they get it here in Oct/Nov. Sorry it sounds like such a challenge for you. For what it's worth, Dan is usually pretty good about accommodating requests, so next time you may be able to get the wine shipped earlier when it makes more sense weather-wise.

• vintage1949 commented:

  11/10/19, 3:43 AM - Thanks Mark and Cristal,
  Your replies make me feel much better. I will be asking Dan for shipment in October. Either of you have ideas for darker tasting wines for the 2018 vintage? Really looking for different wines. In a couple weeks my messages will be mixed up as I am having rotator cuff surgery. Will try to use voice to text. What a mess that will be. Grin
  
  P.S. Thank you Cristal for your tidbits of information regarding champagne. I now have about 60 bottles of fine champagne (including of course Cristal) which should be all I need at the age of 70.

• Mark1npt commented:

  11/10/19, 6:25 AM - Dan, I'm going to go out on a limb here (it's an easy call) and say '18 will be a vintage much like '16. Many, many wines will be great and worth buying! It is a vintage that even a first time winemaker shouldn't be able to screw up.
  
  Good luck with the surgery. And DO YOUR PT! It's what I do and have done for 38 years....you should have an excellent recovery given today's surgical standards.

• vintage1949 commented:

  11/10/19, 12:09 PM - Thanks Mark-Had the left arm done ten years ago. So I know what it is like. Three years ago I broke my back in three places and need a wheelchair for long distances. I am not supposed to lift more than five pounds so they are going to have to come up with a special plan for me.
  Dave
  
  Any hints down the road I will take them.

• Mark1npt commented:

  11/10/19, 12:16 PM - Sorry Dave, think I referred to you as Dan before! Must have been all the wine! Re: your shoulder. You can do all the rehab you need to do for it with 1-2 lbs and a little red rubber tubing. I'm sure your PT will get you through it!

• vintage1949 commented:

  11/11/19, 1:01 AM - Thanks Mark really appreciate the note about just a couple of pounds for rehab. Ah yes I remember those rubber bands well from ten years ago. Grin Dave

• vintage1949 commented:

  4/13/20, 1:53 AM - Hi Guys,
  Have either of you come across this wine since your last comments? I am worried about the bitterness issue. Thankfully I only purchased two bottles of this wine saving up funds to buy a case of various 2018 cabs. I am looking at 2018 Bevan, B Cellars, and VHR..Of course some 2015 Château d'Yquem might sneak into my cellar along with a Lafite:)
  
  P.S. Mark-PT went just fine.

• Mark1npt commented:

  4/13/20, 5:41 AM - Hey Dave....glad to know your PT went well! Now you can drink with both hands!
  
  I just posted a review on this wine 2 weeks ago. It was fantastic. Sweet, no bitterness at all. You can look it up. Your list for your case buy sounds beautiful, you cannot go wrong with any one of those wines you listed! Should be a very fun case for you! Cheers! Mark

• Cristal2000 commented:

  4/13/20, 9:57 AM - Hi Dave - I actually unloaded my 17 Carter's, but happy to hear they are tasting better. Interesting mix with the monsters of B Cellars and Bevan combined with the elegant VHR. I enjoy them all, although I've dropped Bevan from the buying list. Just too many good wines out there. Enjoy!

• vintage1949 commented:

  4/15/20, 6:53 AM - Hey Cristal,
  If you want to unload some of your wines my wine doors are always open. In fact as an added plus I will hire some of the local boys to carry it downstairs to.my cellar. Just trying to help another wine lover out. Bet Mark would also help out. Dave

• vintage1949 commented:

  4/15/20, 12:05 PM - Regarding,
  “dropped Bevan from the buying list” what did you put in place of Bevan?
  As stated before buying Bevan, B Cellars, Carter, and VHR (do I have VHR right) Do you have a small list, maybe three, of others I should check out?

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