Comments on my notes

White

2022 Kinsman Eades Aisana Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

12/22/2023 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

92 points

I historically stay away from Napa whites, but this is different, in a great way. That said, it’s a bit on the muted side, and while delightful, seems more of a poolside sipper on a hot day (for my palette anyway). However, am looking forward to seeing how this evolves over the next year or two.

EM_MB commented:

12/26/23, 11:52 AM - I had it stored at 55 degrees then a 10 min ride to a restaurant where it sat on the table for 30-60 min so I assume 65 - 70 degrees.

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Red

1973 Cantine del Castello Feudale di Montegrosso d'Asti Barbaresco Riserva Speciale Nebbiolo

11/3/2023 - WetRock wrote:

Not madierized in any way. Just coming to the end of it's life. About thirty minutes of air does bring out a bit of herby complications. The fruit expression just never gets beyond a light cherry and tea thing. A wine in this state certainly excites some more than others. At the price it was a gamble anyways.

EM_MB commented:

12/23/23, 6:51 AM - Planning on opening up a bottle for Christmas. Any suggestions on decanting, etc?

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Red

2014 Ovid Red Wine Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend

8/17/2023 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

94 points

No formal notes. Not sure why the CT scores are so low. I thought this was textbook Ovid and another great vintage. Very early in the drinking window and will easily improve.

EM_MB commented:

8/21/23, 11:40 AM - I usually crack these open at the 10 year mark but felt that the 13s needed more time and I’m down to my last 12, thus decided to open the 14. I double decanted it about 4-5 hours before drinking it so be sure to give it some air! I’ll for sure keep getting better with time but was super enjoyable now.

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Red

2014 Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga

1/1/2023 - jimyeni Likes this wine:

97 points

This was a great bottle. Very open and very well balanced on the palate. Drinking through our purchase of 20 bottles it’s interesting to note the bottle variation. This one was a variation in our favor.

EM_MB commented:

4/12/23, 7:31 AM - I see you’ve opened a lot of these. Any advice on decanting? Is it necessary/helpful? For how long?
EM_MB commented:

4/12/23, 8:59 AM - Great, thanks!!

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Red

2018 Impensata Merlot Napa Valley

3/10/2023 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

96 points

Had to see what all the fuss is about. Gave a long 5 hour double decant. Absolutely lives up to the hype. Gorgeous, and unmistakable merlot.

EM_MB commented:

3/11/23, 1:18 PM - Is it worthwhile to pop open the cab or is that infanticide?

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Red

2016 Vangone Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa Valley

2/11/2023 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

97 points

3 hour decant. Wow, stunning wine which had slightly improved from previous bottle couple of years ago. Long 45 second finish, mellow tannins and still a touch of baby fat. My sense is this could yet improve over next couple of years.

EM_MB commented:

2/13/23, 10:57 AM - I’d love to get Mark’s take on this, but IMHO, a three hour decant then watching each glass evolve throughout the evening is the way to go.
EM_MB commented:

2/15/23, 10:55 AM - Any updates? How was it?

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Red

2020 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon DI CO Napa Valley

12/26/2022 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

91 points

PNP and drank over 3 hours from decanter. Solid QPR for a Napa wine but definitely a big step down from the flagship (as expected).

EM_MB commented:

2/4/23, 4:05 PM - The DiConstanzo. Di Co is the second label.
EM_MB commented:

2/4/23, 9:50 PM - Yep, the Farrella

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Red

2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova Sangiovese

9/4/2022 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

95 points

2 hour slow ox. After reading other recent tasting notes, I worried that the drinking window was shrinking so popped open. Had a CdN tasting pitting 97, 99 and 06. The 06 was exceptional and IMO still has many many more years ahead of it before it even plateaus. Beautiful wine, no rush to open. Unfortunately my last bottle.

EM_MB commented:

9/11/22, 12:20 PM - Yep! I bet this will be exquisite in 5 years time

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Red

2014 Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red Red Bordeaux Blend

5/30/2022 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

95 points

5 hour decant. Don’t know why Rudd doesn’t get more love; all vintages of the estate are spectacular with a little age. I usually wait until the 10 year mark to open these up but took a flyer on this and glad I did. Still plenty of fruit left but coming into its own. Bottle disappeared in no time. Will just get better with time.

EM_MB commented:

6/1/22, 6:27 PM - Yep, I wonder why it doesn’t get more love??

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Red

2012 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

1/6/2022 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

94 points

Was worried that I opened this too soon as I’m Poggione tends to come into its own 15+ years from vintage but after a 2 hour slow ox, drinking beautifully. Textbook old school Brunello. Will save my other bottle for a few more years. Highly recommend.

EM_MB commented:

1/13/22, 7:11 PM - Thanks Crazy how good it is given the relatively large production. Just thinking about it makes me wish I had some now. I suppose that’s the sign of a good wine!

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Red

2009 Château Branaire-Ducru St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend

12/12/2021 - EM_MB wrote:

92 points

Flash decant and drank over two days. A bit better on day 2. Elegant and understated (almost too much so). More of a velvet glove lacking the iron fist. Drink now.

EM_MB commented:

12/14/21, 5:18 PM - I get it I really wanted to like it more than I actually did. I’d take a well crafted napa cab over this any day.
EM_MB commented:

12/14/21, 5:58 PM - Totally agree

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Red

2013 Tenuta San Leonardo San Leonardo Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Red Bordeaux Blend

10/23/2021 - EM_MB wrote:

88 points

Not sure what all the hype is about. First time trying wine from this region and wasn’t overly impressed. Flash decant (all we had time for) and drank over few hours but no real improvement. Overly herbaceous and dry. Tried as an alternative to a BdM, won’t make that mistake again.

EM_MB commented:

10/24/21, 9:40 AM - I should have been more specific. I usually drink BdM; but wanted something food friendly, Italian and non Sangiovese just to mix things up a bit. Perhaps you are right about an off bottle, otherwise just not a fit for my palate. Live and learn I suppose.
EM_MB commented:

10/24/21, 10:09 AM - Will do! Thanks.

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Red

2012 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

9/5/2021 - EM_MB wrote:

89 points

One hour slow ox. Very in your face sour cherry and then falls apart mid palate. Continues a streak of underwhelming ‘12 BdMs.

EM_MB commented:

9/7/21, 8:14 PM - Fair point!

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Red

2017 No Girls Double Lucky #8 Walla Walla Valley Red Blend

8/29/2021 - EM_MB wrote:

flawed

Must have been a flawed bottle. Not corked but thin, overly sweet, not in any way enjoyable. Wife and I each labored through 1/2 of a glass and then poured down the drain.

EM_MB commented:

8/30/21, 9:28 PM - Nope. Cork looked fine. No clue what the issue could be.

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Red

2017 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain

8/10/2021 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

95 points

8 hour slow ox. Took another hour or so for the oak to blow off. Still super young and a challenging vintage but oh so good. Very restrained in style vs typical in your face cult cab. This will evolve into something special.

EM_MB commented:

8/11/21, 7:53 PM - The nose had a gorgeous bouquet. That was consistent with each glass. We drank it over 2-2.5 hours and each glass was better so could have used more air. Glad I opened it to get the experience but would suggest holding off for a while (if possible).

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Red

2012 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

7/25/2021 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

90 points

Two hour slow ox then drank over 2 days. Day 1- disjointed and weird astringent taste. Could only get through 1/2 the bottle. Day 2 - much improved but not even close to the same league as the ‘10 bottling. Hold.

EM_MB commented:

7/25/21, 9:38 AM - Agreed. The ‘10 was spectacular. Not sure where in CA you are but I believe KL Wines has the ‘16.

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Red

2012 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

12/26/2020 - EM_MB Likes this wine:

93 points

2 hour slow ox and was ready to go. Drinking well now and a wonderful ‘12 to drink while the Tenuta Nuova and Cerratalto slumber.

EM_MB commented:

12/27/20, 9:44 AM - I think some of the “heavy hitter” BdMs still need several years. For the others, I think the window is opening. I find the 12s are drinking better than 04/06/10’s which are still improving.
EM_MB commented:

12/27/20, 9:59 AM - If that’s the case, try to get your hands on some older BdM vintages like ‘01 or ‘07. It’s amazing how good the older stuff can be once it starts integrating.

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