1/4/2024 - bobdobilina wrote:

Cabernet predominant bordeaux blend (of the traditional 5 varieties) from Waiheke Island in Auckland's harbor. Enjoys somewhat of a warmer, dryer, sunnier climate than the city itself. A NZ benchmark for age-ability. 13.5% ABV.

Dark and party translucent maroon color. Bright at the edges with no sign of browning.

Classic Bordelais (Graves!) nose of turned earth, tobacco, cedar and black currant.

Palate starts out a little clipped, but really grows with air. Perfectly ripe (without a hint of over-ripeness) mostly black fruits of blackcurrants, blackberries and cassis.

Palate is long with some herb and spice in the mid palate and nice acid on the finish. Tannins feel fully resolved although the balance of the wine doesn't suggest that its on the precipice That said based on this and other bottles, at its apogee if not just past.

1/4/2024 - bobdobilina Likes this wine:

From the river block of the Rochioli Vineyard. Last vintage made by Burt Williams. Presumably made at the neighboring Allen Vineyard (also owned by the Rochioli's). A warm sunny vintage. 14.0%ABV. Bottle is in great condition and fill is good.

Clear mid garnet color with a small amount of very fine sediment.

Very present nose, with a wide array of scents, probably best described as potpourri: rose petals, cinnamon, sandalwood, lavendar and rosemary.

Very red fruited on the palate, mostly red cherry, but also raspberry and rhubarb. Fruit has moderate richness and definitely gives off California sunshine.

Palate has medium length and tannins are present but fine grained. Perhaps a touch of heat on the end palate, although balanced with some acid cut.

This really shows no sign of fading, and probably better than my last bottle.

9/13/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Not much in the way of formal notes taken, but this was bizarre. I should add that I typically enjoy minimal intervention, high acid, expressive wines.

If tasted blind, I would call this as a dry apple cider. Very tart and taste of heirloom apple. Not a bad cider at all, but hard to see this as Oregon Chardonnay. Perhaps my bottle was off, but I don't see any clear faults here.

7/27/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Brilliant light to mid gold color.

Nose of honeysuckle, feijoa and quince.

Soft and textured palate. Some white peach, wet stone, lemon and coriander.

7/27/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Pale and just slightly cloudy platinum to gold color.

Nose of white flowers, lanolin and kaffir lime.

Very textural/mineral palate showing some nacho pear, a touch of lime and manuka honey.

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Clear burgundy color.

Lovely savory nose. Pot Pour, hot bitumen, blackberries.

Palate is decidedly medium weight. Surprisingly red fruited, although also some black fruits. Has a savory, dried her quality on the finish.

I like this style of CNDP.

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Just slightly opaque sangria color.

On the nose, thyme, wild blackberries and Iron.

Cool black fruited palate. Herbal tea, fresh blackberries. Long and slightly juicy, finishing with good acid.

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Slightly cloudy pale ruby color.

Very savory nose... cracked pepper, wet earth, wild Black Forest fruits.

Long, lean and seamless. Red to black fruits on the palate. Extremely saline and quite tart. Finishes with iodine. Nicely balanced and drinking just beautifully.

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Color in the mahogany spectrum.

Woodsy nose of black cherries. Slightly dusty.

Black fruited palate. Dense, piquant and a touch syrupy.

Could be in a closed phase, but the style seems a little pushed here and doesn't exactly scream Volley. 90+

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Nice clear garnet color.

Wonderfully aristocratic nose... cedar, tobacco, saddle leather, blackcurrant, violets, and some herbal notes.

Smooth black fruited palate. Lots of iron and lovely fine tannins. Long palate finishes slightly lactic.

A very fine and classic St Julien. Drinking well now, but no rush on good bottles.

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Didn't get the month but a 2011 disgorgement... so 9 years on lees.

Mid gold, slightly bronzing color.

Quite aged on the nose, caramel, hazelnut, brioche, strawberries.

Fresher than the nose on the palate. Nice bead. Great cut, with green apple, tart cherry and some marzipan.

In a good place, but perhaps one not too age much longer?

7/25/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Mid gold color with a touch of copper notes on the rim.

On the nose, honeysuckle, quince and wildflowers.

Palate, some lychee, pear, gooseberry. Broad middle palate but finishes lean with nice, but not bracing, acidity.

Interesting wine, difficult to place.

Opened up with air, became more floral and a little more complete.

4/28/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Dark, clear ruby color with no bricking.

Quite a wild nose of potting soil, potpourri, cedar and a touch of green herbs.

Lovely midnight palate of crunch red and black fruits. Great acidity carrier through the whole palate. Has a really appealing and interesting saline/sea shell aspect.

Probably the best wine of had from this appellation.

Labeled 13% ABV. 60% Nero d'avila, 40% Frappato.

2/12/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Mid gold to slightly copper color.

Floral nose, beeswax, peach skin, sea spray.

Mid weight palate that opens tart carries through to sweet white peach on the mid palate with some wet stone and honey, and finishes up with assertive lime juice acidity. Quite a lot of everything here.

Mature at this stage. Drink up.

2/2/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

From the Once and Future library sale (from the Ravenswood library).

Note: back label states 76% Cabernet Sauvignon 24% Merlot, 13.5% ABV

Has retained its color well - slightly opaque mahogany color to a garnet rim.

Very autumnal nose - fallen leaves, old leather, a touch of damp earth, but also a slightly exotic pot pourri quality and a chinatto note.

Lovely midnight palate presence of cool and just slightly tart blackberries. Very seamless with nice balance between the gently sweet fruit, medium acid and fine soft tannins.

Long on the palate but quite understated across.

A fine example of mature California Cabernet, not really to be confused with Bordeaux but lovely in its own right.

1/14/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

Youthful, dark carmine color.

Nose is just starting to develop some secondary notes (lead pencil, olives) but mostly primary with black fruits and cocoa nibs.

Cool but ripe blackberries, wood shavings, tangy with a graphite streak.

Showing quite well and just starting to show some development. I would probably hold a few more years, suspect peak is 5 years off.

I find Awatea a bit more modern in style than Coleraine, but this is quite a nice showing in that vein, and has good potential.

91+

1/7/2022 - bobdobilina wrote:

From the Once and Future Ravenswood library sale.

Pop and pour.

Great cork. Broke in one place but very little soak through.

Moderately cloudy mahogany color.

Very expressive on the nose. Cedar, menthol, blackcurrant, wild herbs.

Smooth and balanced on the palate. Slightly sour black fruits with everything (fruit, acid, tannin) in lovely balance.

What i would call a claret style Zinfandel. Wonderful old school california, and drinking really well. I don't see any improvement likely, although good bottles will hold if needed.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Crystalline ruby color

High toned nose of fresh raspberries, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Quite a vosne like palate, round, ripe red fruits, spice, peacock's tail finish.

A nice and quite complete wine, if still somewhat on the lean and acidic side.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Barn red color.

Quite a stemmy nose? a little bit green. Black cherries, bacon fat.

Stern and strong on the palate. Tart black cherries with a touch of spice. Some fine tannins. Perhaps the most backwards of these wines, but a little difficult to tell were it goes. 91+

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Just slightly opaque sangria color.

Very open knit nose of baking spice, dusty earth, dried Italian herbs, kola nut, black cherry.

Full and rounded palate of ripe red cherries, cola, and orange peel. This particular bottling seems to enjoy the acid balance of the vintage. Very fine and quite delightful.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Strong, bright, currant color.

Powerful nose of chinato, cherries, and a hint of vanilla.

Sweet red fruited palate. Red licorice, limoncello, with nice acid bite. more fruit driven than the wines to date, but good balance thanks to the bright acid.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Purple tinged maroon color.

Fairly exotic nose for a pinot... olive, cured meat, pepper (almost like a lean northern rhone).

Lovely balance on the palate. Red cherries and raspberries, citrus peel, wet rock, finishes with some chili pepper. Lovely acidity and the fruit is ripe but not at all cloying.

A complex an interesting expression of California Pinot Noir.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Bright and clear Burgundy color.

Quite a young nose of orange peel, red cherries,

Mid-weight palate of cool climate in season red cherries and vosne spice. Very long. Not a lot of tannin, but good balance suggests it will hold for a while yet.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Bright, quite crystalline currant color.

Warm aromatic nose of cherry, cinnamon, and paraffin.

Tart red and black fruits on the palate. Sour cherries, salinity and citrus.

Just a perhaps more round and complete on the palate than the En Haut of the same year.

12/27/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Clear garnet color.

Quite savory on the nose, sous bois, morel, black cherries.

Tart and crunchy red fruits on the palate. Tangy and on the lean side with red apple skin and some ruby red grapefruit.

Nice, lovely nose, if a little lean and simple one the palate.

12/26/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Dark clear garnet color.

Classic claret nose. Sawdust, damp earth, shoe leather, black currants.

Very medium weight palate. Bright black fruited, great acidity, gentle finish. In lovely balance, but also feels quite resolved at this stage.

Will probably age for a decade yet, but no need to wait, certainly at peak.

12/24/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Crystalline garnet color.

Quite an exotic nose of baking spice, ripe red cherries, and rose petal.

Delicious on the palate with ripe red fruits, spice, and salinity. Tannins are soft and integrated, although the structure will hold out for years,.

Clearly avoided the smoke issues of the vintage. Lovely W-S Pinot.

12/23/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Pale crystalline ruby color.

Quite herbal on the nose, chinato, fresh red cherries, slightly high toned.

Crunchy red fruits on the palate. Relatively lean, with great acidity. Some nice spice and body on the end palate. Not particularly complex, but quite delightful.

This was the 4th of 4 bottles and the best for me.

12/23/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Label in tatters, but great fill and cork. Presumably from a damp cellar.

Great color still... somewhere between garnet and mahogany.

Such a classic nose, pencil shavings, lead, dried herbs, dust, worn leather, and cassis (not a lot of pyrazines in this showing).

Beautiful palate of pure black fruits and nicely balancing acid and some dust. Has a bit of a wild side with a ferrous streak and just a touch of coarseness. Tannins are fully resolved, with perhaps a hint of drying.

Another great bottle of this wine.

12/22/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Not sure i know the story of this particular bottling. Clearly looks like a late release from the winery to me, could have been put on the shelf yesterday!

Dark, and just slightly opaque barn red color.

Wonderfully aristocratic nose of wild herbs, cassis, eucalyptus, nutmeg, and a touch of cedar.

Lovely palate weight, with deep black fruits, pepper, and a ferrous quality. Surprisingly fresh, long and finishes with fine tannin.

A great old fashioned Australian Cabernet (could easily be confused for old Napa too). 12.5% ABV.

12/22/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

From an impeccable bottle. Capsule spins on the neck, great fill level, no more than a few millimeters penetration of wine into the cork. Cork removed with durand, did seem quite dry and dusty like typical Aussie corks of this era.

Mid mahogany color. translucent.

Nose of gentle decay. Wet leaves, pickle juice, doris plum a touch of peat.

Tart palate, faded black fruits, balsamic. Nice weight but a fair bit past its apogee at this point.

Interesting look in but, not suprisingly, past its best.

12/1/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Dark, but just translucent mahogany color.

Quite a wild nose of garrigue, wild blackberries, white paper, and a hint of smoke.

Full on the palate but nicely balanced. Black fruited, with a smooth, cool quality. Quite a lot of spice on the end palate and nice acidity.

Great value at <$20, and for my palate better than many CNDP at much higher tariffs.

10/23/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Clear bright burgundy color.

Open knit and delightful nose. Rose petal, cinnamon, orange zest.

Mouth filling without being cloying or overwhelming. More black fruited than I recall past versions of this (black cherries), finishing with a nice ferrous quality. Showing well today, but should hold/improve over the next 5 years.

10/23/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Bright, clear crimson color through to a clear meniscus.

Lovely nose - very floral, cherries, sandalwood, some subtle sous bois

Restrained palate of red and black cherries, quite earthy with some fine brown spices. Showing very young, and dare I say it, quite Burgundian.

91+, likely better in 5-10 years.

9/4/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Bright mahogany color.

Quite an exotic nose of sandalwood, rose, vanilla and some koka nut.

Quite full and rich on the palate. Sweet red and black cherry fruit. Full and round with a touch of herbaceousness on the finish. At out perhaps slightly past peak, but drinking well.

9/4/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Bright garnet color.

Appealing nose of cherries, baking spices, rose petal and turned earth.

Persistant and balanced palate of red fruits (red cherry), spice, a touch of creme de cerise.

Drinking very well now, quite resolved but will hold. If any criticism perhaps a touch of heat on the end palate.

1/14/2021 - bobdobilina wrote:

Slightly cloudy mid garnet color.

Very cerebral and perfumed nose with a lot packed into it. Roses, sandalwood, cinnamon... lots to discover just by smelling.

Wonderful palate, intense without ever being heavy or cloying.

Very layered with red and black fruits and plenty of orange zest. Carries through the spicy mid-palate, and finishes very long.

Perhaps a smidge soft, but in the presentation of this wine, I am fine with the softness.

Difficult to predict the aging curve for me, but showing so much right now.

Definitely a benchmark pinot from the occidental area of the Sonoma coast!

12/12/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

Medium to dark, but clear burgundy color.

Quite an exotic nose of rose petals, dark cherries, camphor and underbrush.

Young on the palate, sour black cherry, quite chewy with moderate to firm tannins, Mineral streak that turns a bit bitter. Quite sappy. Fairly serious for the price point and benefits from air (better the next day).

Tasted as part of a series of Pinot Noir under $20. Near the top in this lineup, although looking at the pricing, perhaps not usually <$20 ($18 at Binnys - large chain in Chicago).

12/12/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

Bright, medium clear ruby color.

Open nose of cherries, strawberries, some vanilla and a touch of baking spices.

Light to mid weight palate of red cherries, rhubarb, red apple. Finishes tangy.

Tasted in a series of Pinot Noir under $20. Well made and amongst the best values (at <$15 on sale).

12/9/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

Dark impenetrable maroon color.

Concentrated nose of cedar, menthol, blackcurrant, violets and tobacco.

Lovely palate weight. Cool black fruits, blackberries, blackcurrants. Very smooth on the palate and long. Finishes quite peppery.

This is impressive and shows plenty of life left.

12/7/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

I must admit to being a bit down on the CNDP region overall these days. Whether its style change or global warming far too many of the wines are alcoholic and mean to me.

This however i really enjoyed, and feels almost, dare i say it old fashioned.

Color is dark, but clear ruby.

Nose is very savory, lots of tobacco, some olive, dried herbs, mountain flowers.

Lovely cool black fruited palate. Everything is quite balanced - nice fruit, a mineral streak, not a lot of acid, but a spine, and a touch of spice.

Seems to be in a good phase although i don't sense a rush.

Another (limited) data point for me, that cooler years like 2004, 2008 and 2011 may be my runway for CNDP these days.

12/6/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Crystalline dark ruby color.

Quite savory nose of sous bois, turned earth, raspberries and vanilla.

Palate of e cherries and spice. Great length and finishes with good grip. Shows quite vosne like to me. The most mature of these burgundies tonight although has the stuffing to age further. How much? hard to guess.

12/6/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Slightly cloudy sangria color.

Exotic nose of campfire, wild herbs and roses.

Dr pepper fruit profile, but with good balance. Lucious and long with piquant red fruits and a slightly sauvage character.

12/6/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Very dark garnet color.

Nose of violets, vanilla and dark cherries.

On the palate, sweet fruited without being cloying. Ripe red cherries. Savory and rich with great concentration. Deep, rich, long and broad. An impressive, if somewhat glossy burgundy.

12/6/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Clear, mid-to-pale garnet color.

Floral and quite vinous nose. Smells of cherries.

On the palate, slightly tart. Red fruited - red cherries and strawberries. Grippy with wood tannin. A little tight right now, but lovely style and huge promise. 92+

12/6/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting; 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Burnt pink color. Slightly cloudy.

Very smoky nose. Orchard fruit. Roses in bloom.

On the palate, lush ripe strawberries, spice. Still has quite grippy tannins. Come across sort of like an orange wine. Interesting and nicely done.

12/5/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Mid and slightly cloudy currant color.

Expressive nose of sassafras, cherry and baking spices.

The (red and black) fruits are showing quite sweet here. There's a good amount of spice and a bit of noticeable oak. The palate is very long.

12/5/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Crystalline garnet color.

Lovely nose of strawberries, cherry, potpourri and nutmeg.

Great fruit intensity on the palate. For me cherries, both red and black. Has great length and has nice spice to it. Finishes with a mineral note.

This bottle is in great condition and i think this still has more development.

92+

12/5/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Pale and slightly cloudy sangria color.

Nose really leaps out of the glass with macerated cherries, roses, baking spices.

Great palate intensity without being obtrusive. Lovely red fruits, fine acid, and appealing savoriness. This is in a lovely place.

12/5/2020 - bobdobilina wrote:

World of Pinot Noir Tasting (13 Pinots from Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and California); 12/5/2020-12/6/2020 (Zoom): Mid garnet color.

Aromatic nose of wood smoke, rainier cherries, potpourri.

Sweet red fruits, cherry snd raspberry on the palate finishing with red apple. Quite refined and feels resolved at this stage.