4/2/2024 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

Brooding is the word. Decanted it for two hours. Dark fruit, Darjeeling tea, licorice are what hit me (frontally). A nice way to be accosted on Easter Day with the family!

1/17/2024 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

Aged nicely with tannins that are still kicking but with fruit that has nice notes of black cherries, tobacco and a fresh earthiness. I think it needs to be drunk now and would go well with a dish that requires freshness to cut through richness (think a rib eye).

12/26/2023 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

A fruit bomb that has a tannic tingle finish. Drinking well now and probably for another 3 to 4 years. The legs are awe inspiring and the blue fruit (plum) dominate up front on the palate although a bright note of violets pervade. The interesting ginger note melds well and yields to a leather and earthy finish. Pairs well with dark chocolate worthy of this quaff.

5/11/2023 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

An elegant style Pinot that is a supple quaff. It gives notes of roses, strawberries and a menthol finish. A great sipper that you can slowly approach during a leisurely evening with friends.

4/20/2023 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

After an hour or so the wine opened up and gave a nice cassis and blueberry waft on the nose. The palate gets a nice wash of jammy blue fruit, with good acidity, menthol accents and a licorice backbone that lends a brooding lingering presence to remind us of Napa at dusk.

3/29/2023 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

Well, welcome to the world of Mexican wine - a knock out blend of Nebbiolo and Cab, this brooding wine we had at a restaurant and were thoroughly impressed. The wine gives off strong chocolate, jammy dark cherry syrup, an intense leather finish with a very pleasant base of salinity. Bien hecho Mexico!

3/25/2023 - jschnabel wrote:

We enjoyed this SuperT alone and it was a nice quaff to enjoy conversation over. But that does not mean that it would not have paired well with a nice steak. The tannins have matured to medium low which allowed for the dusty dark fruit and spice laden mouthful to be most agreeable. Drink up if you have any left.

3/4/2023 - jschnabel wrote:

Well, the good news is that this wine has aged beautifully and can age a bit more. The bad news is this is my last bottle. Still a nose with dark fruit and a bit of smoke. The palate gets stewed dark fruits, a hint of begonias, and a lasting licorice ending. Well made, good year, great winemaking.

2/14/2023 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

It’s tannins are now silky and dusty but it is drinking divinely with our spaghetti and meatball Valentine extravaganza. The nose is field grass and herbs and the palate gets jammy cherry with a cedar finish.

1/29/2023 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

It took about an hour to open up but shows off very well. The nose has hints of blackberry and boysenberry, chalk and allspice. Plum and blueberry with notes of tawny Port and black tea. The mouthfeel is substantial with strong tannins that can age further but drinking well now.

12/29/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

A really nice wine to engage guests with whilest passing appetizers and having a worthy cheese platter. The nose is quite fragrant and shows off cherry liquor and chocolate notes. The tongue gets an initial stewed prune bath but takes its time in the transition to leather and cacao pleasant bitterness.

12/24/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

We had this at the family Christmas dinner; a healthy 2 hour decant is needed. The Margaux shows grassy notes on the nose with hints of melon and dried rose petals. The fruit is dusty red with sage and medicinal notes to end. Paired nicely with the beef Wellington. Maybe not the strongest vintage, but once again the terrior of Margaux brings forth intrigue.

12/24/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

An aged beauty that shows so well; stunning, as the fruit still pervades but has yielded secondary and tertiary flavors. The nose shows pepper, lavender and herbal notes. The tour de force of taste is concentrated dark brooding fruit, forest floor and a chocolate finish. Really not laying back, but coming right at you! Take your time with a decant here - at least two hours.

12/24/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

A wine that had us flabbergasted at its feisty nature from an otherwise expected gentle senior citizen. On the nose we got an aromatic wave of pepper, prunes, honey and begonias. The palate gets red fruit with nice acidity, chalkiness, cola notes and an old sweaty leather crescendo. Staggering.

12/11/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

The nose on this Syrah definitely has some barnyard funk and wet granite on the nose (I mean that in a positive way, at least for me). Syrah has a Smokey quality with dark fruit penetrating, soil, minerality galore and a viscousity like bacon fat that ends the adventure. I’d write more but my duck just arrived and this wine is going to pair well like a Simon and Garfunkel single.

11/27/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

The wine aroma elicits notes of blueberry, cola and a faint smokiness. The wine has plenty of acidity and medium tannins. I would say the palate gets a short burst of the blueberry, almost reduced to a jam, with strong minerality, some dried rose petals and some chalkiness. A meaty wine that delivers exciting mouthfeel and should be savored.

11/26/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

This 07 Babaresco is a heavy weight that has unusual punch but brings tremendous flavor profiles, good acidity and well integrated tannins. The flavors that hit you are cherry fruit with leather, chocolate, menthol and a salty brine. Could handle a fatty steak without a problem and stand up to dessert. Quite a nice wine.

11/2/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

This wine still has some tannic life in it, so don’t feel rush to partake. Having said that, the juicy black cherry, well integrated tannins that provide great structure and then the latter palate treat of mint, licorice, and other herbal notes make for a very enjoyable wine. Can definitely stand up to a meal …. A fatty steat comes to mind!

10/21/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

A very fleshy Barbaresco with notes of stewed fruit, herbs notes, black tea wet stone and earth. A very nice sipper with plenty of tannins that can further age another couple of years.

10/9/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

A rich rioja with good acidity and round mouthfeel. It is flavorful upfront with dark fruit and finishes with cigar box and leather notes. Well made wine that isn’t the most complex but a crowd pleaser and would be excellent with a ribeye!

10/7/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

The wine took about 45 minutes to release after decant… really worth it. Typical cherry and begonias on the nose but also a bit of dark chocolate and linger. On the palate it reveals notes of bright red fruit notes like lingonberry and cranberry. There is also lingering pleasant dryness of cedar. Tannins are still kicking but drink within the next couple of years of optimal drinking.

10/6/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

This bottle was a bit past its prime but still offered a smile. The fruit is just a faint echo of cherries but the strong coffee and leather exude in the after taste. The tannins are dusty at this point. It paired well with my salmon, but drink up if you have any in the cellar.

8/24/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

A bucking bronco that needs at least a three hour decant. Once done, the bouquet is of dark dusty fruit and spices. The dark jammy fruit is rich with tannins that are strong but well integrated into the massive fruit. The mid palate reveals star anise, vanilla, dried violets, dried orange peel and well used sweaty leather. Brilliant.

8/22/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

Well, I think I released the Kraken a bit early; my sense is that this wine will further develop in the bottle and be in the high 90s ratings for most who proport to be oenophiles. The wine gives off waves of dark brooding fruit and strong herbal notes on the nose. The tannins are syrupy, and have plenty of life and overall medium acidity gives it a fresh quality. As the wine washes over you it first hits you with a black cherry fruit dominated wallop, after which the secondary and tertiary flavors include: lavender, chocolate, and a high quality Indian black tea. Masterful, but resist temptation and give this baby a few more years!!!

8/20/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

This wine is showing well so early: I’m a bit in shock. VHR grapes are fabled and obviously working with a pallete that an artist can really work. Kaplan has done something remarkable: a tamed lion sipping tea at high noon while eyeing the yonder zebra with aplomb. The nose is rich with notes of wet flint, rhubarb and earth. The palate is greeted with plush red fruit, mocha chocolate and licorice ending with earthiness. The mouthfeel is voluptuous and down right decadent. I will restrain myself for a year to open the next bottle!

8/19/2022 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

The wine has aged gracefully with silky tannins that glide by with delight. The nose has notes of old used leather, faded dried violets and cedar. The palate is treated to blue fruits and floral notes peek through with a cigar box and cinnamon ending. Lovely.

8/14/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

Well, slow out of the box, but as the hare inexorably yields to the turtle , this Gaja performs in the end, providing a great experience at its advanced age. The nose is herbal and dark fruit qualities. The palate is eased into an older, blue fruit experience that is muted, but then we slam into the reminder that this is no ordinary Langhe: minerals, licorice, tart blueberries, violets and eucalyptus assault with only yielding to an acidic vibrancy which is quite remarkable. A bit past it’s prime, but a testament to fine winemaking.

8/8/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

A buttery and oaky Meursault that has peaked, but a pleasure to drink. The acidic ending is mouthwatering and the palate is meanwhile treated to pear, kiwi and peach.

5/6/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

It’s a beauty that has gracefully aged and was a hit with the chicken and red wine mushroom sauce (ok, we through in some ramps too, in season mind you). Cassis and dark fruit on the nose. The tannins are aging with grace but still have some life, and the fruit is muted but begonias and earthy almost mushroom quality surrounds your palate with much satisfaction.

4/30/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

The nose is very faint, but that chicken coop funk next to an herb garden comes across. A delicate wine that is a little past peak, the red fruits are very faint but finishes with orange rind.

4/30/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

Lovely pronounced nose greets you with red fruits, cloves, pepper, dank earth and some flower too, like begonias. Medium body, good acidity, with pleasing tannins (although this wine can easily age for another 5 years), the palate is treated to cherry jam transitioning to licorice with a cedar finish. A beaut not a brute.

4/29/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

Plush wine that is a pleasure and drinking well right now. The wine is very aromatic with dark cherry and a touch of wood fire. The wine delivers on dark fruits with fig and plum preserve stew and nice mint and other herbal notes. Alas, my only bottle!

4/3/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

The wine has aged well and drinking with astonishing grace as the tannins have integrated nicely and the intensely jammy liquor quality is wonderful. I get notes of stewed black fruits, lavender, a citrus quality and old leather. A once rambunctious powerhouse has aged to a suave seductress.

2/19/2022 - jschnabel wrote:

Big wine that is drinking beautifully now. Tart cherries, blueberry, menthol, licorice and wet slate draw you in. The tannins are well integrated and the wine can still be aged for another five years plus. This wine is powerful, but still has a focus and finesse that is hallmark for Leopoldona vineyard.

12/30/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Still a monster and could benefit another 3 to 5 years in the bottle; tannins are strong but match the massive fruit wave about to hit you. The nose has notes of sen sen candy, strawberry and lavender. Red fruit is intense and gives way to dark chocolate, baking spices and old leather to finish. Really rich wine that will stand up to venison or any game meal!

12/30/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

The fruit… she is, how shall I say…. Gone! Barnyard funk front, a tart cherry ether that is bolstered by oak. I should have drunk this by now, but still a breath of life in this rioja beauty.

12/30/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

A dark brooding beauty with medium legs, the nose is immediately greeted by blackberry, boysenberry, wet forest floor and a little pine tar and eucalyptus. The palate is greeted with blue fruit yielding to a blackberry and black cherry compote rush and then takes a licorice bow with a tad citrus tartness to leave you wanting more.

12/21/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

I reaffirm my rating, ,Ishtar even move to a 94. After a year it’s lost a bit of fruit but offers more complexity with floral, earth and herbaceous notes.

11/6/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Very complex, plush quaff with many layers of flavors, sleek tannins and good acidity. The wine puts forth notes of dusty dark cherry, vanilla, menthol, green pepper, orange peel with a dark chocolate finish. Probably needs another three years, but pair with a rare steak and enjoy the magic!

10/15/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Now this wine has elegance but still tremendous mouthfeel that coats your palate and hugs your inner jowls. The wine has beautiful dark fruit but herbaceous notes that include a touch of menthol. There is an unmistakable chocolate finish that is long and satisfying. Garçon: steak frites please!

8/22/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

A stellar wine that has finesse for a Napa cab that is a standout. Violet notes are on the nose but the palate is treated to dark fruit, herbal essence and pine forest with a licorice finish. The tannins are well integrated but can still go for a while. A very good vintage that is dominated by power wines from Napa, but Forman has achieve a distinctive wine that shows a great balance between fruit and delicate structure.

8/6/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Big wine with Zin showing off it’s dark fruits. Black cherry on the nose, with the palate also getting vanilla and sandalwood notes. Talk about a killer for a big Thanksgiving meal… your guests will enjoy something that can stand up to the variety of tastes usual for that day!

7/12/2021 - jschnabel Likes this wine:

Beautiful bright fruit that is bolstered by notes of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a very appealing wine that I feel would pair well with steak due to its balance of acidity and body.

7/4/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

A power house that is still going strong after 14 years. The tannins are still present and so another 5 years of aging would not be a problem. But the bigness of this wine allowed it to hold up easily to a strong smelling cheese platter, the star of which was Vacheron Freibourgeois. This wine has the mouthwatering tart cherry, mushroom and raisin quality that only Amorone can provide!

6/28/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

To quote a friend: “a massive wine but dense and complex; lush and meaty”. You get a lot going on here as the palate is long gripped by the complexity: chambord, mushrooms, cedar, floral notes and sumac. Really stunning wine. Decant for a couple of hours and fasten seat belts!

5/15/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Tasted with my brother; he brought a nice surprise. The wine required a 4 hour decant to coax out the flavors. The wine has dark fruit, even plum notes. What strikes you about this wine that I would say is mini ‘big’, the tannins are so well integrated and therefore has a finesse to it (although this vintage is edgier than others of Masseto). It also has a brightness to it with excellent acidity. The palate is treated to to the dark fruits with definite licorice overtones and forest floor (think loamy earth or even mushroom essence).

4/10/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Drinking well now, but still can go a bit longer if cellared. It is a finesse wine that has elements of boysenberry, blueberry, cassis and a black tea finish.

4/10/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Garnet in color and medium legs that graciate your post-swirled glass, the nose is prominent wild blueberry. The palate gets a a treat of plum, raspberry, a tad of smoke and a dash of graphite to finish the experience. Drink now as the tannins still have some strength but are well integrated into the wine.

4/2/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Deep garnet in color with green tea and cedar notes on the nose. The tannins are really supple now. The wine is plummy with good fruit notes and a bit of wild cherry bubble gum lingers on the mid palate and finishing with a hint of tobacco. Drink up now this seductive tease.

2/24/2021 - jschnabel wrote:

Big wine that can still benefit from further aging, but its power and dry finish will pair well with a fatty steak..The wine is deep garnet and gives some rose essence, dark cherries, some menthol notes to finish. The wine is not too tight, but the flavors will benefit from some tannin softening.