8/28/2020 - bhankins Likes this wine:

Outstanding! Still had plenty of fruit.

5/24/2020 - bhankins Likes this wine:

Consumed on 25th anniversary

12/29/2019 - bhankins Likes this wine:

Drank from Plum

12/10/2019 - bhankins Likes this wine:

Everything that I like in burgundy. Dark fruit, earth, truffle and good acidity. Very well balanced.

4/20/2019 - bhankins Likes this wine:

Nice balance with good acidity. Aged flavors of marzipan and almond with an odd hint of Gewurztraminer.

1/11/2019 - bhankins wrote:

Ruby red, reveals beautiful aromas of dark and red fruits. There’s a subtle feral quality that expresses umami of sautéed wild mushrooms in butter with crisp prosciutto and candied figs. Flavors of plums & cherries, wild raspberries layered with sassafras dance on the palate, while spice and black tea overtones round and a deft touch of oak imparts a delicious toast and note of sweet vanilla. Nicely balanced, offers resounding length with a bit of structured tannins. The finish is savory and long. Should age 2-15 years

10/6/2018 - bhankins Likes this wine:

well, aged tastes like a muscular burgundy.

5/24/2017 - bhankins wrote:

touriga nacional 40%
tinta roriz (tempranillo) 30%
touriga franca 30%

5/7/2017 - bhankins wrote:

Great Bordeaux. Drinkable now and will easily improve for another 5-10 years. Taste of blackberry and tar.

7/27/2016 - bhankins wrote:

Aromas of preserved lemon and kefir lime open to a steely minerality and stone fruit under currents. Succulent with streamlined acidity that seamlessly carries the flavor from the front of the palate to the back. This wine has a verve and tension that creates a mouthwatering sensation begging for another sip.

7/27/2016 - bhankins wrote:

The 2015 Illahe Vineyards Viognier has effusive aromatic notes of apricot, honeycomb, and peach pulp leap out of the glass to greet the nose. Followed by more subtle notes of teatree oil, lime, and gardenia. The wine plays on the palate with a tantalizing acid backbone that is generous, opulent and unassuming.

6/27/2015 - bhankins Likes this wine:

Good tannins and benefits from a little breathing. Finishes with herbs and blood orange. Primary flavored of ripe cherries. Subtleties are hidden if drank with food.

3/20/2015 - bhankins wrote:

Duval-Leroy
Colour: Gold, straw-yellow. Abundant mousse, delicate fine bubbles, beautiful cordon Aroma: Powerful and elegant fresh fruits, white flowers, honeysuckle and hazelnut aromas Taste: Well-balanced,full-flavoured and fresh, with a rich, elegant and silky long finish

Wine Enthusiast
Balancing a ripe lime flavor with a note of rich peach and acidity, this shows the ability to age. Even though it is delicious now, it will age over several years.
Score: 93. —Roger Voss, September 01, 2012.

Wine Spectator
Finely balanced, this offers rich layers of patisserie fruit, honey and candied lemon zest, with a touch of brioche. A vibrant wine, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases made.
Score: 91. —Alison Napjus, November 30, 2011.

Wine Advocate
The 2006 Brut Design Paris bursts onto the palate with a focused core of expressive fruit. There is plenty of power in reserve, although the wine turns decidedly more elegant over time. This is a characteristic, intense 2006 with no shortage of personality and character. Juicy white peaches, flowers and crushed rocks inform the steely finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.
Score: 90. —Antonio Galloni, November 2011.

2/28/2015 - bhankins wrote:

Even by past standards, this new vintage of Sineann’s Old Vine Zin is spectacular, with ripe, jammy, concentrated fruit flavors of fig, black cherry and purple plum. The balance among the fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol is spot-on, without blowing away the more subtle complexity of the old vine fruit. WE 95 pt

2/28/2015 - bhankins wrote:

A nose of honeysuckle and stone fruits leads to a beautiful Viognier palate of ripe, viscous, almost full-bodied, oozingly rich apricot fruit, don't serve this too cold! WE 91 pts

2/28/2015 - bhankins wrote:

Wine Advocate 91 Points
A Bordeaux-style blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, it is a deep, delicious, full-bodied, 5,000-case cuvée boasting a dark ruby/purple color as well as attractive notes of cassis, dusty, loamy soil and foresty undertones. Lush and heady, it is ideal for drinking 2015-2026.

12/9/2013 - bhankins wrote:

- Ruby color.