Comments on my notes

White

2018 Heitz Cellar Chardonnay Quartz Creek Oak Knoll District

6/21/2021 - Mark1npt Likes this wine:

92 points

Opened pre-dinner and enjoyed with apps by all before dinner. Crisp, clean straw colored wine...green apple, lemon, Bosc pear on the nose and tropical fruits on the palate. More crisp stainless-made chard than what I remember Heitz producing years ago but I am impressed. This was a very nice wine and really hit the spot. Good quality.

moega commented:

8/25/21, 10:24 AM - Mark,

First time I've seen you over on the white wine side of things. Hitting one of these tonight with an event and really appreciate the notes.

-Howard

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White

2017 Cuvaison Chardonnay Carneros

8/11/2020 - petermpls Does not like this wine:

Second bottle wasn't corked but was off and undrinkable.

moega commented:

8/12/20, 10:57 AM - From where did you get your bottle(s)?
moega commented:

8/12/20, 4:14 PM - Thanks for letting me know, that's where I purchased the 1 bottle that I have. Glad to hear they were able to accommodate your concerns about the bad bottles.

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Red

2016 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge Howell Mountain

10/13/2019 - moega Likes this wine:

92 points

Given how some of the other '16s rated, this exceeded my expectations. Dark purple, very smooth, rich and longer finish. If there was anything about which to be critical, probably would not have pegged this as a Zin tasted blind.

moega commented:

1/20/20, 9:26 AM - Doug, likely would have pegged this as Syrah. It was bold, but no spice to be found at all.

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Red

2016 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux Napa Valley

12/18/2019 - Mark1npt Likes this wine:

92 points

A pretty solid 92 all day long.....solid cab blend. Not a big time wine but a solid everyday drinker if you have them....

moega commented:

1/17/20, 2:55 PM - Mark1npt, have you tried the DLCV and do you think the '16 would be worth the price?
moega commented:

1/17/20, 3:12 PM - Thanks, Mark. The list price is $475/bottle before discounts. As good as it may be, and I was in on the Family Reserves for about $150/bottle, I'm not sure I want to go that far for any 1 bottle of wine....Appreciate the thoughts.

-Howard

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Red

2017 Daou Vineyards The Pessimist Paso Robles Red Blend

12/17/2019 - psundberg Does not like this wine:

84 points

Sorry folks. Sweet & syrupy and went down the drain... :-(

moega commented:

12/17/19, 8:48 PM - I get it. Out of curiosity, how long did you give it to open up? I normally find this to be better after a significant decant and/or on Day 2.....

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Red

2017 Venge Vineyards Scout's Honor Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel

10/13/2019 - Mark1npt Does not like this wine:

85 points

Just didn't float my boat. As with seemingly most of the Venge '17s the fruit is so over the top extracted and sweet, it just isn't enjoyable to me.

moega commented:

10/17/19, 11:37 AM - I was at the winery a few weeks ago. I thought the Signal Fire Vineyard was better side by side.
moega commented:

10/17/19, 1:28 PM - The other wine that really got my attention was the Petite Sirah. Took home a bottle of that as well. Agree that overall there was not much distinction across the line.

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Red

2015 Turley Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard Howell Mountain

4/2/2019 - moega Likes this wine:

90 points

I'm still rationalizing my thoughts on this bottle into the third day. Good color, medium length of finish....Not as smooth as I'd like it to be, a bit harsh and acidic on the way down. There's definitely Zin characteristics on the spice and taste....Might recommend a hold on this one for a bit.

moega commented:

4/3/19, 10:32 AM - I have some more of the 2015, hoping that's not the case. Will let the rest sit for a bit longer....Thanks for the thoughts.

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Red

2005 Château Le Gay Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend

2/21/2019 - grapenomad wrote:

93 points

Even though my tastes have evolved and changed over the years (for the better?), I always gladly come back to the classics. I believe that one cannot enter the wine world seriously without tasting wines from exemplary regions such as Bordeaux, Rhone, Burgundy, Mosel, Piemonte, Tuscany...And not just with the intention to stop at "tasting". One must study these areas in order to understand and fully appreciate the origins before moving onto freaky shit as it comes in forms of Brazilian Pinot Noir or Japanese Muscadelle.

Dark, dark ruby with slight garnet edges. An absolutely magical bouquet of considerable polish with just a hint of aging. You get your blackberry and your plum, but what really stands out here are the heaps of spices and violets dancing together in the wind. If you thought that was romantic, the palate really offers enjoyment. It comes in hard and fast (that's what she said), but mellows out starting mid-game. Ripe tannins, solid acidity and just SO MUCH fruit. Long finish with the oak coming back to the spotlight. Tasted side by side with Petrus and this won single-handedly. Sorry, not sorry.

moega commented:

2/21/19, 6:53 AM - why the 53 rating then?

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Red

2012 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

11/20/2018 - moega Likes this wine:

91 points

I really liked this wine at the winery and was looking forward to it. The previous notes gave me reason to hesitate, and I was seemingly in agreement to the downside after initial open and decant. However, after a bit of time, this opened up quite nicely, was very fruit forward, and was very good and distinctive of the region. Highly enjoyable.

moega commented:

11/20/18, 7:31 AM - @Mark1npt Thanks for the comment. For me, the answer to your question is no. I would much prefer a Venge Silencieux to the Alpha Omega on both price and rating.
moega commented:

11/20/18, 8:34 AM - Great point on the '17, good to know. The prices in general have been creeping up and I would also expect that to continue. I've been drinking the Venge's for a while, and $ for $, it's among the best that I've had, although admittedly there's a lot to try and not enough time, space or $ to get to it all. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving.

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Red

2014 Viña El Principal Memorias Maipo Valley Red Blend

1/11/2018 - Sourdough Likes this wine:

92 points

Dark purple. Moderate nose. Smooth but complex initial mouth feel. A superb second wine. Makes me want to try their first. Very good.

moega commented:

1/11/18, 5:56 PM - We were just at the winery. The first is very good. However, based on the difference in price, you are in a good place with the Memorias in my opinion.

Comment

Red

2014 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

4/20/2017 - Cuellar's Cellar wrote:

89 points

Very rare I say this about CAYMUS

Wasn't what I was expecting. Needs alot more time. Fruit is very tight. Please hold off for now. Th hard thing is, I don't know if this is a bad vintage for this maker, or it just needs time. Nothing promising was coming out.

moega commented:

4/21/17, 10:07 AM - I'm with you on this - not sure why so many are compelled to drink this now - and there's been such a wide range of scores and ratings from people who adore it to people who can't stand it. I think it's best to leave this for at least 5 years before we fairly reassess it.

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Red

2013 Justin Vineyards & Winery Isosceles Paso Robles Red Bordeaux Blend

10/26/2016 - KuhnTang wrote:

92 points

The anticipation has been building since I first joined the wine club, so I just couldn't wait when my first shipment arrived today. The only reason the box remained intact for the long hour after delivery is due household obligations not worthy of mentioning. As soon as I was free I tore into the box and uncorked the one I've been waiting to try, Isosceles. As excited as i was, I have to say that I remained skeptical, until first sip.

Justin wines have a distinct flavor that binds them together, like they're all members of the same family. You know when you're drinking a Justin. My favorites are Savant, Justification, and Isosceles. Isosceles stands out as the favorite. Although they all have the 'Justin taste', the Isosceles packs a punch, in a good way, the others don't have. I wish I could describe the taste more, but I'm not a sommelier. Do yourself a favor and taste for yourself. At the 2016 wine club price of $56 it'll be hard to beat.

I fear that I may be scoring this wine too low at 92. I wanted to score higher, but I have an Isosceles Reserve shipment arriving in a few weeks. Can the reserve be that much better? I'd likely score this wine higher if I wasn't leaving room to add points to the reserve. Time will tell, either way, I have a lot of Isosceles and reserve to get through while making up my mind.

moega commented:

10/27/16, 3:29 PM - I was at the winery in August and signed up for the same package(s). I can assure you that the Reserve is that much better than the Isosceles, so the wait will be worth it.

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