9/3/22, 7:23 AM - MJP, I had another bottle of this almost two years ago. While I didn't do a tasting note, I know I liked that one better than this one. Why don't you take one of those Reserves, open it, and sample it at open and each 30 minutes thereafter to see what happens? If it rolls over at some point like mine did, you know what to do with the rest of the bottles.
7/25/22, 12:10 PM - I haven't had one for about 18 months but I loved previous bottles. You have me curious to try one now...
4/21/22, 6:26 AM - Also curious where you bought these. l have had two bottles of this and both were so disappointing that I have suspected some kind of storage issue, but I do not know of a storage issue that could lead to the issues I had (thin, watery, barely any flavor.)
4/21/22, 12:23 PM - Mine came from Sokolin. I've never had issues with Sokolin and just wonder if there was a bad lot of this wine that made it to multiple vendors. I can't image 2-3 different vendors managed to somehow ruin this particular wine.
4/3/22, 7:31 AM - l've had this wine once and liked it but yes, 99 points makes no sense. l also ignore JS's reviews after trying multiple 99-100 JS-point wines that always failed to impress. His preferences simply don't align with mine.
2/22/22, 7:25 PM - Good to see this note, YR. Since my previous bottle was a disappointment, I have been hesitant to try again. Your note is far more in line with my experience with previous vintages, so I need to give this a try again soon.Did you decant? If so, how long?
2/13/22, 8:06 AM - Thanks for the comments, guys, but it wasn't corked. I've had corked wines and this wasn't it. The wine smelled fantastic and my wife really enjoyed it. We usually agree on wines and she thinks I'm crazy not to have liked this.
2/20/22, 3:58 AM - drmarc61, thanks for the note. I do enjoy Dunn, along with Keplinger Cab, Vineyard 29, and a number of others.
2/20/22, 4:05 AM - Quiet Lion, thanks for the comments. I'm not going to say I hate Bevan, but if either of these two wines I've tried is any indication, I don't like their style. While my wife didn't really enjoy the Ontogeny either, she really liked the EE. And like I said, some of the people I follow on here and respect like it, and you're one of those people.
2/20/22, 4:08 AM - NickRut, thanks for your note. In both Bevan wines I've had, the fruit was hidden by either oak (Ontogeny) or by whatever it was in the EE. I have one of each left and have no idea if I should hold them another 4+ years or just try to find someone to buy them.
2/1/22, 9:25 AM - Cubs, I'm with you. There are some good Cab/Rhone blends (I generally like the L'Aventure Estate Cuvee) but the blend is easy to mess up. I am a fan of some of the K Vintners Syrahs (The Hidden, The Beautiful) but I've tried a couple of his Syrah/Cab blends and did not enjoy at all. While I generally enjoy the Tsundere, I prefer the other (non-Pinot) Torrins more.
1/20/22, 4:32 PM - Thanks for the note, Dawgbyte. Interesting because Booker is normally approachable young. It could be going through a dumb phase or maybe it was just an off bottle (not corked, as you said, but something.) I had a bottle of this on Halloween evening in 2021 and while I didn't write a tasting note, it was typical Booker for me. Here's hoping your next one delivers as expected.
12/30/21, 12:38 PM - MJP, you're the Keplinger expert so I'll hold my next bottle to 2025 and try it then. I was pleased with how well this is already drinking, but time will likely improve it even more.I'm doing well; how are you doing? As for NYE, nothing too exotic; probably a rustic Chateauneuf (Pegau, most likely.) You?
11/23/21, 5:41 AM - MJP, this was from the recent library release. I bought some of the 2013 originally but had already consumed them all. I don't know your palate but I enjoyed this and feel it's in a good place. Curious to see what you think. I also bought some of the Mars so one of those is up tonight. I really enjoy the Keplinger wines but I have had numerous issues with their shipping/fulfillment. Have you ever had problems with them?
11/24/21, 5:35 AM - MJP, I have had mis-picks, cracked bottles, some items double-shipped and others not shipped at all, and more. Unfortunately, I've had issues getting things resolved as well. So far things have been sorted out eventually but it shouldn't take 2-3 months of promises to fix it "this week."On a happier note, last night's 2013 Mars was delicious.
10/15/21, 3:18 PM - Thanks for the nod, MWP. I actually found it a bit heftier than you did, so I need to do a small vertical and see what I think of the different years. Overall, I must admit I'm a huge fan of Torrin and might give them the benefit of the doubt at times.
9/21/21, 7:29 AM - MJP, thanks for the great tasting note. I've been impressed with the last several vintages of Basilisk. So impressed with the 2015 that I bought a 3L of the 2017 when it was available. Have yet to try any Basilisk 2017 so hoping they're as good. I am astounded that this is 100% Grenache; in a blind tasting I'd guess it had a significant amount of Syrah in it.
9/8/21, 1:32 PM - I agree on the 22's (extended age) as I don't enjoy them as much. Like you, I'm guessing I need to let them age more. The regular Booker's are good young, but I find the 22's have more oak than I like, masking the fruit flavors. I'm sticking to the regular wines, which I find to be excellent.
8/18/21, 8:20 AM - Mark, thanks for the note. I am one of those that found this to be the "cherry cough syrup" that Caymus is (actually, I'd say vanilla cough syrup, but the point is that it wasn't good.) I have been letting my second bottle age since my first tasting which was clearly one of my biggest wine disappointments. When I do pull the cork, I'll be sure and sample and if it isn't good, I'll taste it once an hour as you recommend. I really want to taste the wine that people on here describe. My first bottle was not it.
8/18/21, 8:33 AM - I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine, drink what you like! I love dirty, earthy Southern Rhone wines and have friends that can't stand them. Such is the joy of wine.As for me, I used to enjoy Caymus. Then I had the 2012 and it was so over-oaked I couldn't stand it. I called it the 2012 Caymus Vanilla Extract. I know some people that love it, but it's not for me.
8/18/21, 4:08 PM - RayT, I'm glad to see someone else that had an identical experience to me with Caymus. Liked it until 2012 when it became a huge disappointment. It was so bad I haven't had a Caymus since. Have you? Are all subsequent vintages made in the same style as the 2012?
8/8/21, 8:30 AM - Neecies, "Caymus-like" is exactly what I thought when I tried it. Oak, oak, and more oak. I really wish mine had tasted like what others described, but I thought my first bottles (1 Dec 2019) was like a $9 bottle of bad cab. I'm letting my second bottle sit, hoping for improvement. Based on my first bottle, I just don't get this one.
8/9/21, 3:17 PM - Neecies, I haven't had any other Bevan wines. I bought two of these and two of the 2016 Bevan Cellars EE Cuvée Tench Vineyard, which is still sitting and waiting. You have certainly given Bevan every chance to impress you. Since I've only ever had one, I'm hoping that my first bottle was off somehow. If that first bottle was truly indicative of Bevan's style, then it is not a good fit for me.
6/18/21, 8:43 AM - Norsktorsk, I had one Monday night. No review (long story) but I agree it is ready. Excellent wine!
6/10/21, 4:05 PM - Check out Keplinger Basilisk and Torrin The Maven. Unfortunately The 2016 Maven isn't 100% Grenache but the 2017 is. I know, that breaks your project, but...
6/10/21, 5:27 PM - While I am a huge Torrin fan, the Basilisk is the wine to grab here. It's consistently good and I have a 3L of the 2017 sleeping away. I think you'll enjoy enjoy any vintage you can find. I'm always surprised there is no Syrah in it.
6/11/21, 7:47 PM - RhoneWho, I LOVE the Mon Aieul. Haven't had the 2016 yet but fell in love with the 2010. Have one more 2006 and the 2015 and 2016 vintages waiting while I slowly drink the 2010.
3/17/21, 8:52 AM - Alber_Tones, welcome to the wonderful world of CdP. Julienne makes some awesome CdP and you started with a great vintage. If you're going to explore CdP, there are many excellent ones to try. Two of my favorites are the Pegau Reserve (their "normal" CdP) and the Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Cuvée de mon Aïeul. The Pegau is incredibly earthy and not for everyone, but it's one of my favorites.
2/20/21, 6:51 AM - Yankee, I’ve been holding off on this based on the drinking window here on CT, but your reviews have me second-guessing that decision. Did you decant? Did you pair with food?And of course, thanks for the note!
2/15/21, 11:41 AM - Shadow, I have one of these. Only one. I am looking forward to tasting it and when I do, I'm hoping to find that "long long long wet kiss."
2/14/21, 8:02 PM - Mark, thanks for the comment. I had a 2013 in March 2020 and loved it, but the one in December, while good, was not the same as the one in March. I guess I'll sit on the remaining ones and see if they come back.i don't have any of the 2014; maybe I'll find some and try it. Thanks for the recommendation!
2/14/21, 8:25 PM - Mark, great point on the 13's. I remember 2013 being hailed as one of the all-time great CA vintages. I've had some good 13's, but I've had some rather pedestrian 13's as well.
2/13/21, 9:44 AM - ABECellar, I agree that they are approachable younger than they used to be. When I started buying Dunn, everyone told me not to touch one until it was at least ten years old. But, I found this 2014 ready to go with that two-hour decant. It was delicious.
2/9/21, 6:39 AM - I got on the Booker train after my first bottle as well. I just had the 2016 Ripper 3 days ago and in my note said that Jensen is doing some great work in Paso. I’ve liked everything I’ve had from him so far (although my wife doesn’t care for the Tempranillo.) Thanks for the note and enjoy your other bottles.
2/8/21, 2:16 PM - I've had this twice and had the same experience with both bottles. I read the reviews of it being a big wine and was sadly disappointed. It smelled like Pegau but tasted more like water.
12/31/20, 5:56 PM - Wren, she's always right. I learned that long ago!
1/1/21, 11:51 AM - Mark, it is my first Bard ever and it is a fantastic wine.
12/22/20, 3:52 PM - JBrandst, I don't want to throw the store under the bus as it may not be their fault. I got them from a well-known vendor in New York that starts with an 'S.' I've ordered from them for years and never had an issue. But, these bottles are clearly not the same as what others are drinking and I am wondering whether or not to contact them.
12/23/20, 3:00 PM - AR, you might be correct. My concern about my bottles is that most people are reporting this wine is big and bold. I guess I will have to let the bottles sit another few years to know for sure, but right now this is the most disappointing wine in my cellar.
12/5/20, 9:56 AM - I missed this when you first posted it, but it's good to see. My first bottle of this was so disappointing (thin, almost flavorless) that I've been hesitant to try another. Maybe it's time to give it another shot.
12/2/20, 10:01 AM - Thanks for the notes on this and the Chaupin. I have one bottle of each and plan on drinking them together as you did.
11/28/20, 9:34 AM - Great note, and good to find another Rhone fan that also loves Torrin.
11/22/20, 6:09 AM - Exactly the experience I had with this wine. I don't understand it; I'm a big fan of The Hidden and The Beautiful, so was excited to try a Grenache from Smith and it is like drinking red-colored water. This wine and The Creator have made me question my admiration of Smith's work.
10/6/20, 9:32 PM - Too young is my guess. The 2012 is excellent but this one was just lacking in many ways. It wasn't bad, just nondescript at this point. Certainly not a fruit bomb.
8/22/20, 2:52 PM - Wine Fool, great note. Question: did you decant, and if so, how long? I am a huge fan of the 2010 and have been holding off on the 2015 and 2016 so far. Thanks!
8/15/20, 9:44 AM - That's a good idea, JRockEsq. It really needed air. I've found the Torrin Le Devoir to be excellent, even on a PnP. The Banshee wasn't ready and would have benefited from a nice decant or by trying your suggestion.
7/25/20, 8:40 AM - CB, it's now four reviews like this (you, Swapdoc, Afot, and me.) The word "thin" is used to describe this and that's exactly it. Is there some kind of bottle damage that can kill all the fruit? Heat, cold, something else? It smelled like a Pegau but had almost no flavor. Did you buy chance buy yours from a US based retailer that starts with an 'S'?
7/25/20, 9:59 AM - Owl, I get that. Most descriptions here sound like a really good Pegau. However, the bottle I had was exactly what CB described, and as I point out, there are now four descriptions describing it as thin and having little flavor. I'm wondering if some set of bottles was damaged somehow.
7/12/20, 7:50 PM - Roger, do you think this is ready to go? The drinking window on here is 3.5 years away. I love Akasha but haven't had a 2016 yet. Thanks!
7/14/20, 12:24 PM - Roger, JRock, thanks for the comments. You've both convinced me to try one early. I was surprised to see the 2024 start date being recommended here because most Torrin aren't pushed so far out, but I must say the 2012 and 2013 Akasha are both excellent today.
5/6/20, 11:40 AM - Wineotim, thanks for the note, especially the comparison to the 2010. I put a review in for the 2012 a few weeks ago and said I enjoyed it nearly as much as the 2010. It's been a bit over two years since I had my last 2010... I'm thinking it's time to try again.
4/26/20, 7:00 AM - Big Torrin fan here too. My wife and I both love our Torrin wines. If you haven’t seen it, Torrin just started a YouTube channel. Scott and Viquel taste the 2017 spring release and my wife and I had to try the Le Devior after watching it. The link is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbwQi2B9-jI1m9rW5pCCu3w
4/9/20, 2:11 PM - Thanks for the comment, thesternowl. I certainly hope it was a flawed bottle. I am a huge Pegau fan and have 12 more of these (one is a 3L) and I was disappointed by the weakness of this bottle, especially in such a strong vintage. I drank a 2010 early and was impressed, and I expected the same here. I didn't score it because I felt it could be an off bottle. CBUHLMAN and SWAPDOC have reported the same thing, so perhaps there are just some bad bottles out there.
12/15/19, 5:39 PM - Wren, thanks for the comment. I was excited to try this (my first ever Bevan) and didn't get anything other than oak from it. My wife said it was "ok" which is pretty underwhelming. It sounds like it was an off bottle, which is why I didn't score it (I would have given it an 80, at best.) Perhaps you're right and I should drink the second bottle sooner rather than later; I had just thought I'd give it time and hope some of the overwhelming oak faded.
12/22/19, 12:21 PM - Tward, thanks for the comment. I have had a few California cabs lately, including: 2015 Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch, 2015 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 2014 Trujillo Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Hartwell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve, 2015 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact, 2013 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall, and 2012 Bacio Divino Cabernet Sauvignon Janzen Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard. I have enjoyed them all. My problem with this wine was that it was all oak; I couldn't tell you a thing about the fruit because I couldn't taste any. I am going to assume I had an off bottle because the other reviews are so different. Also, although I didn't mention it, my wife was completely unimpressed with the Ontogeny too. I will say that based on your comment, and the one from wren460, I'll probably change my time horizon to 2-3 years. My hope is that, if this other bottle is also an oak bomb, some of that oak will fade.
9/26/19, 3:21 PM - Jeff, I have a number of the 2010's, 2015's, and 2016's. I've only tasted the 2010 and it's one of my favorites. Can you tell me how you feel the 2017 compares to other years?Thanks for the note (and your many others.)
7/5/19, 4:39 AM - Cailles, thanks for the note. All I have is one magnum of this and I've been wondering if it is ready to drink. While I may still hold for a while, it's good to know this is in a good spot and I won't feel guilty if I open it soon.
8/22/18, 7:41 AM - Henry, how familiar are you with Clos des Papes? I've had the 07, 09, 10, and 12, and I just don't get the scores given here on CT. I love CdP, but Clos des Papes always leaves me underwhelmed. I think it just doesn't fit my flavor profile, and I wonder if it's the same for you. Anyway, thanks for the tasting note (and like you, I have some of the 15 and am hoping it is an improvement... if not, I'll quit buying Clos des Papes.)
5/2/18, 6:43 AM - Thanks for the note. Did you decant? Do you feel it's ready to drink? I ask because Helen normally makes wines for aging, but I've had several vintages of Mars while still young and they have all been excellent.
3/17/18, 10:28 AM - SAS54, did you decant this? If so, how long? Thanks.
12/18/17, 11:20 AM - How did this compare to others in the vertical? Do you think it can improve with age?
12/18/17, 11:17 AM - CMZ, you are spot on. I've had three bottles of this and it's thin and light; nothing like other K wines and a shadow of what Grenache can be. I'm letting my other bottles rest for several years, but I don't know if it can beef up any or not.
5/19/17, 2:07 PM - Thanks for the note. I just have one bottle, a magnum, so I'll let it sleep a few more years per your comment on further improvement.
2/24/17, 3:18 PM - One of my favorites. Currently No Limit Fine Wines has some in stock. I've had good luck with No Limit but otherwise I have no affiliation.
2/18/17, 7:08 AM - Thanks for the review. I like a touch of American oak, but only a bit. Your comment about this being an oak bomb convinced me to stay away.
10/1/16, 8:19 PM - Awesome pairing. Sorry your other bottle was flawed.
Thanks for letting us know about this problem. We will review your comments and be in touch soon with an update.
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