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(102 comments on 93 notes)

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2020 Holocene Pinot Gris Willamette Valley
It pains me to write this review because I really love the Holocene label, and absolutely everything Todd Alexander does. But I think this was a wine that they were trying to do something to salvage the 2020 vintage with, And I'm afraid it did not hit the mark. In fact, this wine really should have never been bottled.

I write this note Not as a means to slander the producer but rather to give fair warning to others like me who have really become a fan but would almost certainly be highly put off by this wine.

What little fruit there is on the nose is oxidized and bruised. There's definitely also an unmistakable air of smoke taint. It's utterly lifeless and tired.

On the palate, It continues with that lifeless feeling. Very flat. And then there's a very intense bitterness. Like apple seed or apricot kernel. But the worst part is the finish where a long, lingering taste of flawed chemicals seems to hang on.

Definitely avoid this wine but please don't judge the producer on it. Check out their other bottlings and be amazed! The fact that this one exists within their lineup is entirely perplexing.
  • pakabear commented:

    3/23/24, 3:50 PM - I completely agree with you. I still have 2 bottles, which are probably going to go to waste. I love Holocene and Todd's wines, but this wine just didn't come close to what I would want to drink.

Red
2019 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Wight St. Helena
10/24/2023 - pakabear wrote:
flawed
Corked unfortunately
  • pakabear commented:

    2/25/24, 1:03 PM - I did and the winery was top notch as usual in resolving it!

Red
2020 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena
12/6/2023 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Classic profile from the more recent style of Lewelling, loads of blue and black fruits, camphor, cinnamon and vanilla, great round texture and purity. Upon opening the finish was a bit short, however with a couple hours of air in bottle the length was much better. Drink now with some air or hold for a year or two.
  • pakabear commented:

    12/7/23, 10:04 AM - I'm impatient and was able to get quite a few of them so I went for it. Thankfully I didn't notice any smoke taint!

Red
2019 Turtle Rock Plum Orchard Paso Robles Red Rhone Blend
No notes
  • pakabear commented:

    3/6/23, 3:46 AM - It’s mainly for me and to understand why I did not score it.

Red
2020 Faethm / Fingers Crossed Grenache Head Held High California
3/3/2023 - pakabear Likes this wine:
96 points
Took a couple hours to really hit it’s stride, dark rich black and blue fruits, sweet kirsch liquor, baking spices, milk chocolate with ultra fine tannins and amazing balance. I’ll hold my last bottle a couple years… if I can manage to lay my hands off it. I’m not giving good odds on that…
  • pakabear commented:

    3/4/23, 5:06 AM - I had the Syrah last night and it was even better!

  • pakabear commented:

    3/4/23, 8:32 AM - They Syrah was more open for business from the start… a bit of a shock for me.

Red
2016 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Romeo Napa Valley
2/7/2023 - pakabear Does not like this wine:
85 points
Less over-bearing oak juice with a couple more years in it, however this is still a bit monolithic with a heavy background of oak chips and vanilla. I don’t see this getting better. Not my style.
  • pakabear commented:

    2/9/23, 12:22 PM - Oh I agree, I’ve enjoyed the Cult in the past.

Red
2014 Boyanci Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Oakville
1/29/2023 - MK9786 wrote:
flawed
Cork in terrible shape in both bottles: dry and crumbly. Recent order with Wine Access.

Update: Good customer service, replacements are being sent.
  • pakabear commented:

    2/2/23, 9:19 AM - Wine Access has always had great customer service for me.

Red
1983 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
8/28/2022 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Drank from a double mag that was stored at cellar temp. Explosive nose, dark cherry, currants, anise, cinnamon, vanilla, tobacco leaf, ripe bell pepper, fine tannins that are now integrated very well with the fruit and structure. I imagine this will be over the hill from a 750, but out of a larger format this was singing!
  • pakabear commented:

    8/28/22, 5:33 PM - it was a friends bottle, it was poured into three regular decanters and we began drinking after about 15 min of air. Lots of very fine sediment in the last decanter, so a cheese cloth may be in order.

Red
2018 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard Napa Valley
Really good with some air, it really needs 3-5 years though.
  • pakabear commented:

    8/14/22, 9:47 AM - Yeah, I think you’re dead on

Red
2018 Fait-Main Cabernet Sauvignon Bettinelli Sleeping Lady Vineyard Yountville
8/2/2022 - pakabear Likes this wine:
97 points
As others have noted, this takes some aeration to come around, after an hour and double decant this started singing. Dark red fruits, cherry, cassis, strawberry, fresh and dried roses, spice box, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, pure silk on the palate with intense fruit and along finish. This is my first experience with this producer and I’m impressed, I can’t wait to try the rest of the lineup.
  • pakabear commented:

    8/3/22, 5:49 AM - It improved a lot after the first couple hours and then stayed pretty consistent for the rest of the night (3-4 hours). My guess is it will be best after 3-5 years of bottle age but was very approachable now with the air.

Red
2018 Saxum G2 Vineyard Paso Robles Willow Creek District Red Rhone Blend
7/22/2022 - pakabear wrote:
flawed
Massively corked unfortunately.
  • pakabear commented:

    7/25/22, 4:40 AM - Saxum has always made it right for me, their customer service is fantastic.

Red
2019 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard Howell Mountain
No notes
  • pakabear commented:

    7/5/22, 2:34 PM - I definitely liked it, but the setting was casual and not really optimum for any score or notes.

Red
2019 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
5/1/2022 - acyso wrote:
80 points
Vinetasters: 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Skokie, IL): Served double blind. A mix of red and black fruit, but slightly stewy and feeling dried out. Thin and empty on the palate, missing midpalate, but with structural elements all jutting out, especially the alcohol and tannin. Feels like a wine that has dried out. My 5th, group's 5th.
  • pakabear commented:

    6/22/22, 5:51 PM - Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, calling someone an idiot for expressing theirs, is uncalled for.

Red
2019 Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Love it!!
  • pakabear commented:

    2/22/22, 1:52 PM - It’s ready to go however 1-2 hours in a wide base does open it up more and adds some weight.

  • pakabear commented:

    2/24/22, 11:09 AM - I have not, I heard they need more time.

Red
2012 Paloma Merlot Spring Mountain District
Similar to previous bottles, make sure you have a coffee filter…
  • pakabear commented:

    1/13/22, 5:03 AM - Oh absolutely, it mirrors my other tasting notes of the wine so didn’t want to add another identical one. It drank well now as a PnP, should be great over the next five years.

Red
2016 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain
1/9/2022 - pakabear Likes this wine:
98 points
This bottle was better than the others, great dark blue and black fruits, loads of baking spices, dried violets, dried earth, medium + acid and medium + tannin that coat the mouth but sweet and fine grain. This has perfect balance and drinkable now but really needs 3-5 years. I love this wine.
  • pakabear commented:

    1/10/22, 9:35 AM - Surprisingly it was ready to go out of the gate, however it did get better with 1-2 hours of air so I'd open it 2 hours ahead of time and put into a decanter.

Red
2019 Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
12/2/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
94 points
This wine is always a consistent home run for QPR and traditional Napa Cab. This year is the best example I’ve had to date! Drinks well as a PnP but gets better after an hour or two of air, dark red cherry, ripe raspberry, cherry cough medicine suckers, blackberry, violets, absolute perfect integration of sweet baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), vanilla, tannins give the wine an amazingly balanced structure at this age. Love this… I might be underrating it, it’s that good. Lacks in complexity, but the balance is so perfect for my palate.
  • pakabear commented:

    12/2/21, 7:57 PM - Yes and I love the ‘18

Red
2015 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Oakville
5/1/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
97 points
Ripe red fruits, cassis, currants, cherry, raspberry, red apple skin, red plum, dried earth, leaf tobacco and cigar box, fine baking spices, clove, cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. This is perfectly balanced, medium tannin, acidity and medium plus body and length. This has the perfect weight and one of the better red fruit dominant cabs in the valley. Drinks well as a PnP, but will be putting this in a decanter for four hours before dinner.
  • pakabear commented:

    7/7/21, 6:17 AM - Hi Dave, by "red fruit dominant" I'm trying to relay what type of fruit, usually I break Cabs into two camps, red fruit and blue/black fruit dominant. Red is more classic Napa while blue/black you find more often in the cult like or parkerized Cabs. Hope this helps.

Red
2019 Wine Access Cabernet Sauvignon Echoes in the Canyon Napa Valley
Similar to my previous bottle, very good right now and well worth the price.
  • pakabear commented:

    6/29/21, 8:19 PM - PnP, it opened a little over the next couple of hours so a short decant couldn’t hurt

Red
2018 Scarlett Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Rutherford
5/29/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Blackberry, blueberry, plum, cinnamon, clove, anise, asphalt, great balance, light to medium body…. This is really good but I expected more based on other reviews and comments.
  • pakabear commented:

    6/7/21, 6:05 AM - IMO it will get a little better with time, but I don't see the score rising in my book. It's a good wine and I enjoyed it, just not a great wine.

Red
2018 Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
6/3/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
91 points
Dark raspberry, cherry, blackberry, clove, asphalt, licorice, intense fruit however it’s missing the mid palate and structure you find in profound wines. Overpriced based on the property…
  • pakabear commented:

    6/4/21, 10:22 AM - It was decanted and consumed over 5 hours, the last glass wasn't any better unfortunately. It was not a bad wine by any stretch, just wasn't a great wine and in my eyes it won't ever get there. Although I've been wrong before :)

Red
2003 Château Angélus St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend
5/7/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
95 points
This was singing, intense cherry, rhubarb, dried earth, dried tobacco, cocoa powder, cloves and absolute perfect balance. Still has many years left.
  • pakabear commented:

    5/7/21, 8:51 AM - No decant time, PnP.

Red
2018 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
3/10/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
96 points
Dark red and black fruits, cassis, intense fruit on the attack all the way through. Mid palate on adds baking spices, dried earth, vanilla, cigar box and perfect balance.
  • pakabear commented:

    3/10/21, 4:15 PM - I love it, Wine Access had a good price on it today, better than from the winery directly.

Red
2013 Chad Cabernet Sauvignon Incline 27 Sonoma County
3/9/2021 - pakabear Does not like this wine:
84 points
Again this wine disappoints, pure oak juice, sweet vanilla, cherry, strawberry, oak chips, saw dust, and cedar. I don’t understand why so much oak was used on this wine, the fruit seems like it’s there, but I can’t get to it and maybe never will be able to.
  • pakabear commented:

    3/9/21, 9:13 PM - I hope you’re right, I have a couple more bottles.

Red
2016 Sine Qua Non Grenache Pajarito Del Amor Eleven Confessions Vineyard Central Coast
First bottle was so good, I had to have another one. Great stuff!
  • pakabear commented:

    2/3/21, 6:02 PM - Hey Justin, it was much better after a couple of hours in bottle, but I did not decant out of bottle. It should get better in 3-4 years in bottle, but I wouldn’t be scared to open one early with a few hours to breath.

Red
2018 Moundsman Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
1/14/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine:
90 points
Sweet cherry, strawberry, cassis, vanilla, cinnamon, tobacco, cedar, extremely silky mouthfeel. Better than expected, well made, over-oaked as most of the wines are that I get from Wine Access, however it’s manageable and drink well as a PnP, although was noticeably better with a couple hours of air.
  • pakabear commented:

    1/17/21, 8:19 PM - It didn’t have the deep blue and black intense fruit I get with most G3’s, the oak was intense but not as crazy as some of the other WA project wines that are sometimes undrinkable. It’s worth the price IMO.

White
2018 Ferren Wines Chardonnay Frei Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast
11/21/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
96 points
Intense citrus, rocky minerality, lemon, yellow apple, white flowers, blue stone, great balance and purity. Probably needs 2-3 years to settle down at this point, it should drink well for a decade.
  • pakabear commented:

    11/21/20, 3:52 PM - It was that good now, opened up nicely after 2-3 hours in bottle.

Red
2018 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard Napa Valley
11/15/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
95 points
Dark currants, blackberry, ripe raspberry, clove, black tea, cedar, cigar box, very fresh and perfectly balanced. It drank well as a PnP surprisingly, good fruit balanced the medium fine chewy tannins well. I really liked this wine, but was actually expecting more.
  • pakabear commented:

    11/16/20, 6:14 AM - No regrets at all, it drank surprisingly well as a PnP and at this young age. I'd still give it a couple hours of decant time if you're able to, but for me I wasn't in a spot to do so.

Red
2016 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga
11/7/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
96 points
Wow, this is at a very good spot right now, dark red and blue fruits, cinnamon, clove, five spice, red tea, vanilla, velvety smooth, perfect balance. This is a great example of a Napa Cab. Love it.
  • pakabear commented:

    11/7/20, 5:11 PM - It was a PnP but was poured into a medium based decanter and it did improve after 2 hours, however it was drinking well from the start.

Red
2016 Herman Story Cabernet Sauvignon Chelle Mountain Vineyard York Mountain
10/17/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
95 points
I was so curious I just had to open one. Massive dark black fruit, blackberry, plum, black cherry, anise, licorice, asphalt, cinnamon, clove, velvety texture and great balance. The tannins are a firm medium+ so it probably needs 2-3 years to come into harmony but you can have it now with a few hours in the decanter, was very tight as a PnP.
  • pakabear commented:

    10/23/20, 4:00 PM - Yes, it’s very HS in style, but a bit more tannins than usual. Really liked it, can be enjoyed now (as I did) but probably best with at least a year of age.

Red
2018 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Had another bottle, similar notes to my bottle last week so won’t add another score. Very nice.
  • pakabear commented:

    10/16/20, 12:20 PM - They should develop, there is a moderate amount of tannins that need to integrate, but the fruit was big enough to kee in check. No need to be in a hurry, but can be enjoyed now as well.

Red
2018 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
9/28/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Bit the bullet and tried one pretty early on... Dark cherry, cassis, cinnamon, cough medicine, good balance, with strong gritty tannins at this young age. The fruit balances them out so this should get better in a few years, but drinkable now with a good 3-4 hour decant time.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/29/20, 11:27 AM - Yep, cough medicine is a pretty common descriptor for red fruit dominant cabernet, as long as it’s not out of balance it works.

Red
2016 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog Walla Walla Valley
9/27/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
94 points
Another year of Bionic Frog and my thoughts remain the same. Some love this wine while others will hate it, like my wife. Initially as a PnP it is not very good, the nose is great with cherry, strawberry, smoked meats, bacon but the palate initially confirms the nose but ends in a load of iron and iodine that is bitter, off balance and off-putting. With some air the balance comes into play and more of the fruit shows itself, still maintaining the finish in a metallic iron riched minerality.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/28/20, 7:02 PM - IMHO I’d give this 5 years minimum, hopefully it will drink more as it did at the end of my night with plenty of air.

Red
2016 Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Onyx Stags Leap District
6/24/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Dark cherry, plum, red apple skin, crabapple, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, great purity, medium+ tannins, good structure and length, very clean. Very good now but no need to be in a hurry, should drink well for a decade.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/11/20, 10:01 AM - It was a PnP but drank over 3-4 hours. It settled a bit with air, so if you have the time I’d decant for a couple hours before drinking.

Red
2017 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux Napa Valley
8/18/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
92 points
Dark blue and black fruits, cinnamon, vanilla, cigar box, cedar, great balance and richness. Drinking better than when it first came out, nice wine, but very new world so you have to like this style.
  • pakabear commented:

    8/18/20, 6:39 PM - It was for me, but it’s not a profound wine. It’s a new new world style with black/blue fruits. Last year I thought the oak was over-powering with loads of sweet vanilla which hid the fruit. Better balance now.

Red
2017 Faethm / Fingers Crossed Grenache California
3/21/2020 - pakabear Likes this wine:
97 points
Really excited to try this, opened and had a small glass, then slow ox'd in bottle for 4-5 hours. Although it was approachable early, it did improve with air as would be expected. This is not a copy of SQN, other than the high end packaging and use of Art work, the flavor profile is in its own style, the Grenache being a mix of CdP and New World. Dark cherry, currants, baked ham, licorice, explosive violets, baking spices, vanilla (not heavy), clove, cedar, baseball dirt, fine gritty sweet tannins with perfect balance and purity with a light silky palate that has excellent lift at the end. Drinking fantastic right now and leaves me wanting to taste the Syrah now... great inaugural vintage!
  • pakabear commented:

    3/24/20, 6:20 PM - Yeah, I couldn't wait any longer to try this. I'm glad I did so I could see how this is young. I don't think anyone needs to be in a hurry, but if you are curious, it did not let down!

Red
2018 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah California
2/16/2020 - ddamron wrote:
92 points
Great structure, mouthfeel, spice notes, soapstone, granite, cured meat, and pepper. Some nice herbal notes. Great QPR and wish I had bought more.
  • pakabear commented:

    3/2/20, 5:54 PM - What about the structure, how was that? ;)

Red
2016 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Wight St. Helena
11/29/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Red and blue fruits, classic Napa flavor profile, raspberry, cherry, blueberry, vanilla, cinnamon, spice, very good overall, lacks the complexity right now of the great wines. Was approachable from the start, but not as good as previous vintages.
  • pakabear commented:

    2/28/20, 9:09 AM - Completely agree!!

Red
2016 Paul Lato Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
10/25/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
97 points
Similar to my previous tasting note, although a little thinner than previous bottle, still insanely good!
  • pakabear commented:

    2/1/20, 7:40 AM - I thought it was fantastic out of the gate, I’d open one sometime this year to try it.

Red
2017 Jess and Jules Red Blend Sonoma County
11/30/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
88 points
Cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, loads of cedar, tea, cigar box, a bit heavy on the oak profile for my liking. Still, not bad.
  • pakabear commented:

    12/23/19, 5:16 PM - It wasn't bad, I'm a bit more sensitive for oak than others. However the fruit was big enough for me to drink it, I just wouldn't choose to buy it myself.

Red
2016 Château de Camarsac Bordeaux Supérieur Red Bordeaux Blend
11/2/2019 - pakabear Does not like this wine:
83 points
Dark black fruits, cooking spices, and a whole lot of oak throughout the finish. I really didn't enjoy this and there are much better examples in such a great year for the price.
  • pakabear commented:

    11/17/19, 6:50 PM - Depends on the style you're looking for, since this was a Bordeaux Superieur, I don't remember the varietal breakdown. In 2016 you could try Bel-Air-Ouy, Bois Pertuis, Bolaire, Bournac to name a few. There are so many in this great year, I'd just find a place that conducts free tasting where you can find some that you really like. Of course if you love the Camarsac, it's a great price to find something that you enjoy, for my palate I prefer others.

White
2017 Vincent Dauvissat (René & Vincent) Chablis 1er Cru La Forest Chardonnay
11/14/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
91 points
Loads of lemon, yellow apple, quince, oyster shell, crushed rock, good vibrancy, but lacks complexity for what I want.
  • pakabear commented:

    11/17/19, 5:28 AM - We opened it about 20-30 min prior to serving. It would definitely have shown better with air.

Red
2004 Château Latour Grand Vin Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend
11/15/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
96 points
Really classic Pauillac, dark cassis, cherry, lead pencil, tobacco, perfect weight and balance. This is singing right now, but will last another decade easy.
  • pakabear commented:

    11/15/19, 9:33 AM - Yeah, I'd agree. Wish i had some as well!

  • pakabear commented:

    11/15/19, 9:58 AM - I think that's very subjective, but I wouldn't pay today's money for it given what else I could get.

Red
2016 Carlisle Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
10/24/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
93 points
Fantastic cherry, strawberry, plum, velvety smooth, sweet cooking spices, dried earth and white pepper. Great right now as a PnP.
  • pakabear commented:

    10/24/19, 7:09 PM - None at all, was very approachable and hit full stride about an hour into it.

Red
2017 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux Napa Valley
9/18/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
91 points
Needs some time, dark blue and black fruit, violets, licorice, sweet vanilla. Extreme new world profile like usual, not for everyone. I for one like it, but it should do well with a year or two of age.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/19/19, 2:31 PM - Yeah, you were right next to me! How’s the warmer weather? I need to go back to Napa, it’s been 7-8 years, seems like the tasting prices have gone through the roof!

  • pakabear commented:

    9/21/19, 4:16 PM - Let me know if you come back to the area for a bit and we can pop a few!

Red
2017 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County
Consistent with previous notes. 92.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/11/19, 7:57 AM - I’ve rated this wine enough times so I’m trying not to overly affect the average based on one persons opinion.

Red
2016 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux Napa Valley
9/3/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
92 points
Very similar to previous years, new world heavy, cherry, cassis, raspberry, cinnamon and clove with hints of licorice. Velvety mouthfeel and good balance. Again, new world focused so if you like left bank only, this is not for you.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/3/19, 5:43 PM - Can’t wait to try the ‘17! I did buy a case of them so I am hoping, I still have yet to have a Venge I don’t like so chances are good ;). Cheers!

Red
2016 Boxwood Estate Trellis Middleburg Red Blend
5/25/2019 - Gotair3500 Likes this wine:
60 points
Excellent Va red Blend. I enjoyed this one more than the 2015 due to the higher Cab Fran notes throughout the wine.
  • pakabear commented:

    9/2/19, 4:07 PM - You gave it 60 points and then 89 on the same day, which is it?

Red
2014 Christopher Tynan Wines Syrah Judge Family Vineyard Bennett Valley
8/23/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine:
95 points
Consistent to my previous two bottles, dark red and black fruits, sweet cooking spices, beef blood, fantastic purity and balance with a silky smooth body. Love this wine.
  • pakabear commented:

    8/28/19, 4:34 PM - It was a PnP, but was better after a couple hours, so I'd decant for 2-3 hours.

Red
2013 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Napa Valley
10/20/2018 - pakabear Likes this wine:
96 points
Dark red and blue fruits, nice intensity but not over-bearing. Loads of cinnamon and vanilla, refined velvety texture with great purity. Background clove and licorice. Perfect balance and drinks well as a PnP with improvement with 2-3 hours open in bottle. Tannins are present on the finish, so should improve over the next 5 years.
  • pakabear commented:

    6/12/19, 7:42 AM - Absolutely if you only have one I'd wait 3-5 years and decant for an hour or two. In the past when I opened a young Schrader, I'd pop it open in the morning and let it sit in the bottle with the cork off all day.

  • pakabear commented:

    6/12/19, 8:03 AM - I find slow-ox works just as well if not better for some wines, others like more oxygen to open up. In the past Schrader responded really well to slow-ox.

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