12/15/2020 - gtenser wrote:

This is drinking extremely well. Opened with a pasta/shrimp/roasted garlic/parsley on a Tues night...13 years is typically too much age for a Kistler, but Aubert Ritchie is absolutely singing. Cork disintegrated, which was a surprise - saved by the Durand. Definitely a 'drink up', but prepare for an upside surprise. Lovely bottle.

2/18/2019 - gtenser Likes this wine:

Tasted out of magnum head to head against the 2011. 2009 won quite handily. The wine seems to be in very good place at the moment, although definitely still fruit forward. It was a sizable mouthful of bright red and black fruits, still with a solidly tannic backbone, but quite enjoyable and a real crowd-pleaser.

2/17/2019 - gtenser Likes this wine:

Tasted out of magnum, side by side with 2009 from magnum. 2009 won the head to head hands down, but the 2011 still showed well. Less fruit forward, but refined and very enjoyable to drink. The oak should continue to become less prominent with time, hopefully allowing more fruit to shine through. But certainly enjoyable now.

1/13/2019 - gtenser Likes this wine:

Yes, it is borderline infanticide...but just so yummy. Turning the corner from primary, showing layers of depth and flavor, this is the perfect winter nightcap. Viscous with still just a bit of heat, it is a mouth coating ride of kirsch and raspberry liqueur and simply fun to drink. Having a terrific port open and available on a cold night is an underrated pleasure.