5/9/2024 - Dale M wrote:

What a real surprise here, with the other on CT breaking down the cepage (37% Touriga Nacional, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 13% Tinto Cão, 9% Souzão, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Grenache, 4% Counoise). This came across as both structured like perhaps a Petit Sirah - dark pressed berries, but it had a really fun, playful side too. Groovy Indeed!

5/4/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 2hrs. Quality CDP, no question. It did feel a tad hot and tannic - not overly so, but enough that I’m glad I didn’t bury a bunch of these. Best on the last glass when things to seem to come together. Hold.

5/1/2024 - Dale M wrote:

This has filled in nicely since 2020 - all the more so from a P&P. Both rich and fruit and structure, drink or hold, its your call.

4/28/2024 - Dale M wrote:

My first Kumeu River of any sort, whose strong reputation of Chards (and this top site) had me most curious to fact check the hype. It took about 1.5 sips to confirm a resounding affirmation. So clearly an elite wine, with dazzling breadth and scope. At once rich and generous, but with a coiled up tension and verve, crackling acidity, a mineral presence that went on for days....Many notes in CT for this producer make the inevitable comparison to Burgundy, any many comment that this is not fair, this deserves it own contemplation within its own terms. I agree. That being said, if one were to slip this blind into a high end 1er of Meursault or Puligny, I confident some real damage could ensue. 94 is conservative in my book. This has nothing but blue skies ahead.

4/26/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Yet another very fine performance. All the typicity of high end SB - minerality, earthy shades, fanning out to orange blossom and closes with very smart but not over the top acidity.

4/21/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 6 hrs. A while back I was impressed by my first Avennia wine, the 20 Gravura (cab franc-merlot). Deeply impressed by this Cabernet based red by yet another DeLlille alum, Chris Peterson. Aged in 50% French oak, the first thing that jumped off the page was the elegance on display here. The hybrid flavor of black cherry turning to a more perfumed cassis on the edges as it slides across the palate did so with much refinement and class. Some mineral / graphite touches at the mid palate mark, pivoting to a very respectable staying power on the landing. I cannot wait to see where this goes in 10 years. I cannot wait to try some more Avennia.

4/12/2024 - Dale M wrote:

P&P but breathed in the glass for 30 min before digging in. This 84% cab franc (balance 8% merlot 8% P Verdot) from a coolish vintage was surprising last night. No surprise that it was an impeccably crafted, elegant take on Bordeaux varietals that Cadence does so well. More so that I forecasted more green cab franc elements (bell pepper, tobacco etc) but instead, this was very plummy, with enticing flesh that is both floral and rich in texture mimicking a Bordeaux proper but still clearly a high end WA red. Light on its feet, effortless to drink, and well worth enjoying this now and over the next few years. I wouldn't risk long term cellaring on this one, which is no knock, lovely red.

4/10/2024 - Dale M wrote:

A very good showing, a strong phenolic character offset with lemon, stone and fresh Italian herbs.

4/9/2024 - Dale M wrote:

A very good rendition of Ardanza for sure. I felt this was pretty tightly wound from a p&p but an hour to breathe for the first glass. I get less dill and vanilla oak than most, it just must be my palate's dill sensor is low. Always has been. Quality and versatile Rioja with some good upside for sure, though I just tend to drink these sooner vs. the 904.

4/7/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Just love Ruinart - NV / Vintage - love this producer!

4/7/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 3 hrs. Like most Altare Barolos, I am totally seduced by the nose, that heady concoction of rose petals, brown sugar, other baking spices, more flowers, touches of soy or other saline material, gets me every time. Most of these traits repeat on the palate, and then add some very high quality black cherry fruit. And then mid palate see's a brick wall of tannin, perhaps one of the more structured reds I have had in quite some time. It does turn a bit dry on the finish, which became a bit of a distraction for half a glass, and then either my palate succumbed or just waived the white flag - but it didn't stand out as much for the rest of the bottle. I can see this being a little decisive for some, not the last word on subtlety, but I am a fan for sure. Big time hold here.

4/6/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Drank while watching the 2008 movie 'Dean Spanley'. While we couldn't scrounge up a tokaji - this fit the bill just fine. Highly recommend the movie BTW - underrated gem for sure.

4/4/2024 - Dale M wrote:

ith the slowly but steady recognition of the quality of the Upchurch reds, one forgets he sneaks in a very daftly made SB from the famed Yakima Boushey vineyard aged in concrete eggs. What could go wrong? Nothing! This was a real treat, having both the added richness from the elevage but at no expense of the refreshing, grassy SB character. At 6 years, feels very much in prime time and with the pretty label, perfect for the Easter table. Served with Dungeness Crab and Golden beet salad, great pairing.

4/3/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 3 hrs. While both light in both color and body, this was fascinating departure from any of my go to OR or Burg Pinots. More root vegetables than anything else I can readily recall, or perhaps a cross between earthy / soil matter and with some strawberries, but hopefully this gets across the gist of it. Proper and cleansing acidity, and for such a agile and buoyant wine, there is some real staying power on the finish. I understand this vineyard, Gibbston, is a very cool site which is Jim Dandy as this is a very cool wine. FYI - This is the great Kiwi actor Sam Neill's wine and it's clear he takes his wine a lot more seriously than he does himself - do some googling, he'll win you over real quick.

3/28/2024 - Dale M wrote:

At first the nose seemed a tad off, possibly advanced, but the palate seemed proper for a mid weight 8 year old Sancerre. While the nose was a minor distraction, it was not enough to enjoy a rather nice drinking experience. Going back 3 hrs later, the 'off' nose had morphed into a lovely orange - orange blossom scented beauty. Fascinating.

3/25/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Agree with the abundance of tropical fruits - especially guava and pineapple. I like the reserved note of oak, nothing excessive and added a nice richness while still maintaining plenty of energy and poise. I bet this will be on a upward trajectory for a few years and plateau for a good spell.

3/24/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 2 hrs. Not much development since my last bottle in 2018. Re reading that note, it very much echos last night wine. Really dominated by Jungle Juice insect repellent aka a very strong musky presence, huge tannins, lots of feral character etc. In short, a big zero in the way of conceding anything that would be considered modern, which is great, but I think I would have liked just a touch more fruit or perhaps even wood (did I just type that?) to round things off a bit. But this was very enjoyable in a intellectual capacity, and I'll let my last two bottles sleep a decade.

3/23/2024 - Dale M wrote:

My third and final bottle, and all 3 of been pretty dang terrific. At a decade in, the classicism that is the 2014 Chablis vintage has made a rock solid foundation for this wine to grow and develop. And it has done so impressively. We still have the Granny Smith and some oceanic matter swirling around, but this has increased it mineral presence over the last 4 years since my last go. Oh the nose, it has the Chablis holy trifecta for my nostrils: Iodine / flowers / spearmint, maybe not the most aromatic, but get these three together and I'm happy. Almost bittersweet opening a 14 Chablis these days, as we all wonder if we will ever see anything like this particular vintage again. Sure don't make em' like they used to.

3/22/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 2 hrs. While I have had quite a few of the WV designate chards and pinots, I have yet to open a single vineyard Vincent beverage, time to remedy that on a Wednesday night. Having enough of the WV's pinots, I was pretty aware and love the house style - here we have a bit more oomph and power but at no expense of the elegant elegance and purity Vincent's wines are known for. Dark fruits flirting with red tendencies, some floral notes hover, and most excellent overall harmony and balance. Ok, time to sleep for a bit. Berserker Day purchase.

3/21/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Like others said, you owe it to your self to try this very unique 'red' wine. At about 25$ - easy tariff for the experience.

3/18/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 3hrs. I first came across Podere le Boncie with the 19 le Trame, an impressive wine for sure. The 19 Chiesamonti, even more so. To me, high quality Sangiovese's super power is its uncanny ability to deliver a state of freshness to the taster, even when its wrapped up in new wood (if done skillfully), or aged out a spell, whatever, it always seems to brighten its environment. And this is a young, but perfect example for consideration. Medium bodied, with pronounced notes of blood orange and other red themed fruits carry terrific lift and cut. Vivid notes of violets and just a touch of leather. I suspect this wine would get lost in a big tasting, as more powerful wines would mask the impact and overall quality of this gem. Fortunately, going one on one with this last night with an old school Chicken Marsala dinner, not such much an issue. Lovely.

3/17/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Needed something for a BBQ Chicken pizza, not the easiest wine pairing, so I thought this would be a good choice. Rich and upfront RR fruit but with the more elevated acidity that Mancini brings to the table. Check and check. Great paring, I do still support that this is one to drink now and over the next few years, no reason to lay this down for an extended period when it seems ready to go now.

3/16/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Starts of honeyed... still...no change.. Yeah,. this one off it's game. No oxidized but its sweetness dominated what is very high material underneath. Bummer. (0 views)

3/16/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 45 minutes, and this seemed about right, aeration without risk of the wine shutting down. I bought these way back in 2010, first of three and pretty much as expected. To start, this was without question, outstanding. A top shelf and blue blooded vineyard in the Castiglione Falletto, this just beamed with class and aristocratic presence. Pin point accuracy and placement in the delivery of roses and spices, both aromatically and on the palate. With added layers of orange peel and oh so slightly bitter cherries, heaven. Structure, yep take a powerhouse vintage like 2006 with a top shelf producer and site, and you have wine that tastes still youthfully at 18 years in, and will probably age as long as you want too or when you expire, its going the distance. A sliver of oak / gloss shows the producers hand but it’s extremely well folded into the wines fabric, and clearly an asset in such a burly vintage. Excited for my last two bottles, but I’m going to give them plenty of time. Served with beef cheeks on parsnip puree..drool.....

3/13/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Even with a bad cold (which oddly didn’t effect my taste or smell, just a sore throat from hell) the beam of liquid sunshine of the 09 Cristal was just the elixir to brighten the day. I can’t recall another high end Champers that really nails the balance between being open, accessible, and even friendly, but with a dead serious backend structure. Citrus and stone with an expansive, creamy mid palate that lingers well into the finish and the night for that matter. Joy.

3/10/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Certainly a big step up over your average Dolcetto 9which I often enjoy as my go to pizza and simple pasta wine). More depth, texture, but still has the dark juicy core of Dolcetto fruit that is fresh and satisfying.

3/4/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 8hrs. Never a better example of why its such a good time to be buying and enjoying Bordeaux. I al ready had a few of these from Costco, and seeing this at TJ’s for about the same price of $59.99 had to get another one. Should a young Bord taste this good this young? As I state that please don’t think for a second that this was heavily manipulated or sculpted to win points. Fantastically aromatic with the pin point lightness on the palate that just screams one classy Margaux. Textbook black currant (which is cat nip to me) swirls with soil tones. Fresh, effortless, fantastic.

3/4/2024 - Dale M wrote:

At first I thought this the more “typical” white I have had from CB in some time. Nope, it was just too cold initially, and as the wine warmed all the unique goodness from this producer came to the front. Less acidity than your mom and pop SB, but no lack of structure or freshness. Some tropical fruits, guava perhaps sit in the back ground while a Italian herbal (think oregano and sage) takes the center stage. Versatile white and could be served with a wide array of food, and in this case, great pairing with a marinated beet, orange and goat cheese salad

3/3/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 3 hrs. Very shy nose in the early going and while it did gain some traction later it maintained in a steady ‘reserved’ status. A bit more flesh on the palate that I expected, dark black currant and the like, interesting. There is a note on the 21 PG Wadensvil Corrine that mentions lime juice, and sure enough my tasting brain really sensed that last night and with a slight saline streak it was almost like a Pinot Noir margarita, weird I know but it was very tasty if not unorthodox in character and taste. At the end of the day, this a very young wine and likely needs a few years to settle in. Others have mentioned elevated oak treatment on this vintage and past ones, I didn’t detect anything out of the ordinary on that front. Hold.

3/3/2024 - Dale M wrote:

And another killer Italian white from a grape I have never heard about, Minutolo. Really filled in since my last bottle two years ago, with clear cut definition of grassy minerals and such. Less fruit but more compete. Loved it.

3/1/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Perfect example of why Ciel is one of my favorite WA vineyards. Take the scorching hot 2015 vintage paired with site that is naturally pretty hot as hell from what I hear, and yet you have such a well-crafted Bordeaux blend that maintains such a high level of poise and freshness. Grilled steak paired with Channel No. 5 perfume, some great blackberry fruit with a tad of black pepper. Love this.

2/24/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 3hrs. The 19 Griffe continues to soar and gain elevation on what surely will be a long and enjoyable flight, especially for Gamay. That being said, I noticed a lot more structure last night, on this being my 3rd go - so perhaps this is entering a mildly closed phase which seems about right 5 years in. Let this sleep 2 to 4 years and let’s check back. Nothing has changed my mind about these being an elite, top drawer Beaujolais.

2/24/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Having the very good fortune to have a good stash of Cayuse going back to 08, I cannot recall tasting anything younger than a 2015, certainly not recently. Anyway, I hadn’t had a Impulsivo in a few years, and had two of these so there you go. At this point it tastes like a young Cayuse. Nothing more nothing less and it was very tasty. Rest now.

2/24/2024 - Dale M wrote:

While not a ‘complex’ wine, this little guy was loaded with character and personality. Starts off with an almost carbonic sensation, a little zip on the finish that is more than just acidity (which is great) but not quite bubbles. This recedes somewhat, and allows for a yellow sunshine array of yellow fruits to take the stage. A slight saline cut. Spunky and ridiculously easy to drink. Dry and very clean on the finish. Getting more. $24

2/20/2024 - Dale M wrote:

A very playful showing - lovely balance between bright, yellow fruits and a bit of back and soil, good grip, and goes without saying the acidity keep matters fresh and proper.

2/17/2024 - Dale M wrote:

A P&P but some good airtime in the glass before drinking. Still drinking a bit backwards, that is we first see a very fine bead of acidity hit early which I think could have tripped a taster up in a blind tasting as they would think it was Italian or such. A good deal of earthy material in the mid palate, and finally some dark fruits on the finish. “A true Mountain Zin” as MTP described this when this was released. Excellent but with many miles of open track to go. Revisit with this is 12 to 15 years old.

2/16/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Last of 3 and all enjoyable. Going to age my 10's and 16's longer than this 15.

2/16/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Excellent quality for the price. Happy rebuy.

2/10/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Cozy and comforting…..perfect on a cold Seattle February night with pizza.

2/3/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted half a day – and it could likely have sat there for a week plus in the decanter with no worse for the wear. Like a few high end 2021's I have had so far – the color… so clear and transparent and quite frankly deceptive as to what is soon to unfurl once it goes in the pie hole. Tightly coiled, but the raw material is tremendous, white stone fruits, slate and acidity for days………it doesn’t really register with me on any type of sweetness scale though I know its present – just pushed way in the back ground. Is this what Kab used to taste like as is often referenced in TN’s and other musings on the current state of Pradikat wines???? I loved it. Served with coconut cauliflower crisp, blanched green beans with lemon sesame sauce and ginger and carrot soup. Perfect match.

1/28/2024 - Dale M wrote:

While not the deepest nor the most palate expansiveness, this delivered a really good Chablis experience with dare I say some classic oyster shell and other maritime traits then is oh so satisfying.

1/26/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Opening almost any Boxler is two fold treat: First off, they are great wines and show their origin with such clear, concise and delicious ease. Second, they are hard to find, so its not often I open one and thank you Martin Steinley for keeping offers going them for us in the US. The 20 Reserve is very good. While immediate apparent this is a few notches below a single vineyard Brand or Sommerberg ( I can’t wait to try the Sommerberg Venne – super old vines in this plot), this is nonetheless very tasty and a good introduction to the Boxler style. Leans riper, with some winter fruits such as quince and persimmon translating into my brain – good volume, clean and smart on the back end and finish. I actually liked this a bit cooler than normal it seemed a tad fresher. Only negative is I felt this was a tad pricey at $55 – otherwise, yums.

1/21/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Like all of the recent TN's in CT on the ten Frog, I whole hardily agree, this is quite an achievement for what is possible with WA St Syrah. A lot of things where in alignment last night. First, the 2010 was a hybrid vintage in terms of style; this bottle showed a bit of older wild Cause funk which married perfectly with the more mineral driven traits of more recent vintages. I’m pretty sure this was not aged in the “Magic Casks” that used in the early inceptions of the BF. Second, perfect timing on its aging curve; I found the 2010’s (and many other WA wines) to be really developing nicely and at 14’s years in, very much in a sweet spot with no concerns of things dropping off anytime soon. Third – and a shameless plug for the chef, this was magnificent with this little black pepper and cumin rubbed lamb stew last night with sugar snap peas. Perfect pairing. Spectacular wine.

1/15/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Decanted 4 hrs, and yes cue up the JB or the Sly, cause this was Funk City when I poured it in the decanter. Within 20 minutes it was gone and what followed 4 hrs later was very memorable. Please take this with a grain of salt, as my Burg experience pales compared to many, but this to me came across as a dead ringer for Vosne. Specifically, it had the Christmas Tree spice that I have often found on what few VR’s I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy, that gave it this majestic, regal quality and that’s exactly how this gem came across to my wine brain last night. I really believe this would cause havoc in a blind tasting with its French cousins. If this vintage is typical for a strong Clos Electric Rouge, then my lack of purchasing these is borderline criminal. That ends now.

1/15/2024 - Dale M wrote:

My last bottle of this was drank in 2017, in which I really liked it - thought that there was potential, but the evolution over the last 7 years was a quantum leap forward. Absolutely on point from the very first sip, you just new this was going be special. A perfect synergy of both energy and grace; this delivers the mail with such an attractive core of ever so slightly sweetened minerals and rocks, almost flirts with being a Riesling, but the flint and richness of some very discreet wood leave little doubt this is indeed a Chardonnay. And an exquisite one at that. Perhaps a top 5 OR Chard for me.

1/14/2024 - Dale M wrote:

I just couldn't resist crushing another bottle in the early going - my note from 12-22 is still pretty accurate and still see this a 'middle distance runner' enjoy now and over the next 4 to 8 years.

1/14/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Total delight city – And my wife offered up a perfect tasting note descriptor – it smelled and tasted like when you open a packet of Lemon lime KoolAid – That is it smells like citrus with the texture or sensation of sweetness but without actually tasting sweet. Add in a crystalline quality – and boom, there you have it!

1/14/2024 - Dale M wrote:

Delayed note – A very good showing, with rich expression of Les Clos with good thrust and drive throughout. And while I liked this a lot, there are a bevy of 2014 PC’s across the board that scream of old school Chablis that had me wishing I was drinking one of those since it was this oh so great vintage.

1/8/2024 - Dale M wrote:

nrulis is spot on. Aged Champagne mixed with a high end cider. Interesting.

1/8/2024 - Dale M wrote:

A gift bottle and glad it was as it is likely something I wouldn't have purchased on my own. I think mostly Cab Sav with some Sangiovese, so Super Tuscan City - good rights from both - dark fruits with some elevated acidity. Pretty good.