3/28/2021 - Procurare wrote:

Did I love it? Yes. Was it Barolo? Yes, but I wanted more of what Piemonte can be. The nose was all crushed flowers, stone, a bit of aluminum and . . . yes . . . oak. The fruit was still there. I liked the balance and the rustic intensity. Long finish. Very clean. All in all a winner. I gave an extra point because of how good a shape this 1993 was in. Impressive. Perhaps a bit past its time, but who of us aren't.

11/27/2020 - Procurare wrote:

This wine was a revelation. Had it on Thanksgiving with appetizers. The kids were pouring and announcing that this wine was the Notorious BIG (as in huge wine). It was gone before it made its way around the room. I had a small pour and they were 100% correct. Huge dark-fruited nose, with a bit of earth. The palate was spot on - yes it's big but so delicious. This is not Burgundy - but that's not what you are searching for in this wine. Much better than many wines costing more.

5,7, 8, 18, 5 - 95

9/28/2020 - Procurare wrote:

Initially lost points because the wine was cloudy, but the bottle only had a few hours before opening to stand at attention. The nose was a bit reticent with cherry, earth, stone, and crushed dried rose petals. The wine was reasonably balanced, but more delicate than expected. There was still some acidity and tannin. This wine is at its apogee and will slowly fade over the next five to seven years. Overall, some dried light fruits, with hints of cherry, raspberry and leather with a medium finish.
3-8-7-17

9/12/2020 - Procurare wrote:

What an amazing experience. I thought this might be on the decline. Nope, wrong. A perfectly preserved expression of Nebbiolo. Long cork and in great shape. Started drinking at 1.5 hours after decant and it presented with truffles, roses, and thyme on the nose. The wine really sang at three hours after decanting. Completely balanced. Strawberry and cherry framed by acidity and tannin. Long finish. Threw a ton of sediment. This wine was amazing with more life ahead.
5-9-9-19-5

8/23/2020 - Procurare wrote:

Right down the middle. Completely satisfying and exactly what you'd expect . . . although slightly lacking in complexity. Nose was shy and had to coax out some dark fruit, earth and cedar. The wine was very balanced, with enough fruit, acid and tannin to make me happy. The palate was medium weight and smooth with dark fruits, stone and leather. Finish was medium. All in all a very well made wine at the end of its drinking window but very fun to drink. Liked this far more than the 2002 Chateau Montelena we had last night.
5, 7,9,17,5

8/23/2020 - Procurare wrote:

Remember the two older ladies? Where's the beef? Here it's where's the fruit? Bottle purchased off list at Italia. A+ nose with a whiff of cherry, wet stone, cedar closet and moss. As said, balance was off as the wine had only a hint of dark fruit, apparent acid and a bit of tannin. Palate was ok, with medium to medium minus complexity. Wine was better with food as acid and tannin helped by the steak. Medium to medium plus finish.
5, 9, 5, 14, 5.

8/8/2020 - Procurare Likes this wine:

This is an excellent bottle of Cali Cab. Very well done. Nose was very expressive with hits of dark chocolate, cherry, black currants and cedar closet. Palate was amazing with dark fruit with stone/earth. The balance was excellent. Prime drinking window here.
5-8-9-19-5

8/1/2020 - Procurare wrote:

This was good, but not excellent. Nose was very interesting with clear forest floor, cedar, dark fruit - very intense. Palate lacked pinch. Lots of acidity and some tannan present. Fruit stil there. Perhaps lacked a bit of balance. Finished medium long.
5-9-7-15-5

7/25/2020 - Procurare wrote:

Not sure about the balance if this wine. Well made and certainly the preferred bottle for most at the table. I just couldn’t stop thinking the bottle was a bit out of balance and a bit ponderous for its pedigree. Nose of raspberry and perhaps a bit of blackberry. A touch of barnyard in the background. Palate, bigger than I expect from C-M. That being said, the table loved the wine and it was the clear choice for everyone save me.
5-8-7-16-5

7/25/2020 - Procurare wrote:

Not exactly sure what I was thinking opening this bottle. Needs about 10 more years to come together. Nose of light fruits dominated by strawberry and a bit of perfume and cedar. The palate is very light on it’s feet - perhaps too much. Balance is out of whack because of my infanticide.
Very well made but ...
5+8+6+16+10

6/22/2020 - Procurare Does not like this wine:

Bought this bottle at end of bin sale at Binny’s back in the day. Admittedly, my wine tastes were way different but holy c%*[& this stuff is not very good. Totally out of balance. Frankly, the age probably did this wine no favors. Should have sold the thing on WineBid.

2/8/2020 - Procurare wrote:

Wonderful nose of grandma's attic, with essence of strawberry and a grassy knoll. The wine itself was amazing, light on its feet leaning toward light fruits with a hint of tannin. Balance was very nice with just the correct amount of acidity to balance the fruit. Finish was medium long.
5/9/8/17/5

1/19/2020 - Procurare Likes this wine:

PnP. On the nose a bit reserved, Not totally wanting to show her stuff. Perhaps it was the stemware (which wasn't bad but Lettuce Entertain You standard) or because I didn't give it enough time in the glass, but I had a hard time reading the nose initially. After 30 minutes it started to open with lots of strawberry and some light and dark fruit, also a bit of allspice/baking spices. On the palate, this wine was amazing. It was everything it was made to be - big, flamboyant, rich and brooding. A pure "I am what I was made to be - pure Cali Pinot. Nothing wrong with that. Not trying to be Burgundy and for that I loved it. Good, but not great balance. Medium to long finish.

5/8/17/19/5

12/25/2019 - Procurare wrote:

This was huge. Drank alongside other 1999s. I had trouble identifying this as Barolo and this may not be a wine for classic Barolo lovers. That being said, this is a crowd pleaser. Oak was clearly apparent and a bit obtrusive. Nose of a bit of strawberry, violet, cedar and dark earth. On the palate the wine was viscus but smooth. Dark fruits and baking spices. Balance was a bit off. Long finish.
5/7/7/16/5= 90

11/1/2019 - Procurare Likes this wine:

Pop ‘n pour. This is simply not ready. Closed nose with a bit of earth and sweet pine needles and strawberry. Deeply tannic and acidic which hid the fruit behind the curtain. It did improve through the night. Long finish.
5-7-7-16-5

4/28/2019 - Procurare Likes this wine:

This is excellent. A bright nose of light fruit, some oak and forest floor. The palate is bright light fruit and cedar with excellent balance. Everything has come together nicely. Well done and a very good buy.
5-8-8-18-4

5/18/2019 - Procurare wrote:

Super rich nose of apricot and honeysuckle. I love the balance of this wine. As it ages it become richer and more complex. There is a ton of acidity which bodes well for its longevity. Palate not cloying at all and very balanced. Very rich for 5 p’s. A bit clipped on the finish. Still an excellent wine. Let this go another decade.
5-7-8-18-4

5/18/2019 - Procurare wrote:

Oh my. Nose sweet honey and apricot. Palate very high toned. Extremely balanced. I love the this wine. Sweet but not cloying - how do they do that. This wine has years and decades of life ahead. Long long finish.
5-8-9-18-5

5/18/2019 - Procurare wrote:

A redicent nose, light fruit and stone. Well balanced and ready on the palate. Strawberry and light fruit. A well made if not a bit pedestrian grand cru

5-7-7-17-4

5/17/2019 - Procurare wrote:

Dark dark dark . . . Deep ruby in the glass and smells of dark and light fruit and a bit of cedar and meat. Palate is very crisp with dark fruits but is a bit unwieldy. I think this needs more time.

4-7-7-16-4

5/17/2019 - Procurare Likes this wine:

Medium nose of light fruits with lots of strawberries and a bit of cedar. Nicely balanced and works well before the meal and with. The palate is very good. This is well made.

5 - 8 - 7 - 17 - 4

12/9/2018 - Procurare wrote:

This is gigantic - Tons of dark fruit. On the nose, not particularly complex with blackberry and earth. Rich and well balanced. This needs more time - check back in five years.

2/17/2018 - Procurare Likes this wine:

Valentines day at RC. I was completely blown away by this 30 year old wine. Appeared deep and dark with a port-like rim, but no flaws. Nose was pure funk and dusty grandma's attic with a bit of dark fruit mixed in. It drew you in like a great camp fire. The more attention you paid, the more you were under its spell. Attack was different than the nose, dark fruit mixed with cedar and pie spices. Wow. The balance was perfect, with no hard edges with acid, alcohol, wood and fruit in balance. Finish was very long. I had the same bottle a couple of months ago and it was nowhere near as well preserved. Luck was on my side tonight. I don't give 100 points unless it's world view altering - this was close.
A5 N10 B10 T19 F5

2/17/2018 - Procurare wrote:

Pretty simple really. Opaque. Took awhile for the nose to open. Obviously Burgundy but less obvious Mercurey. Light fruit on the nose with a touch of musty funk. The taste was also simple, with both dark and light fruit. Leaned heavily on its acid so a bit unbalanced. As the wine sat, it opened. The finish was medium. All in all, a good, but not a great wine.
A4 N6 B7 T16 F4

1/14/2018 - Procurare wrote:

Big bright nose of fresh light fruits. Appeared very deep and dark. Very rich and extracted - a bit so for my taste. Lacked nuance and balance. Big time crowd pleaser though. In my view, weak QPR.
5, 7, 7, 15, 4 = 89

10/14/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

This was crazy good. Amazing nose of light red fruits then mixed with a bit of barnyard and soy. The attack was intense and the wine tasted of classic Gevrey fleshy intensity with the earth and stone that only a really good Burgundy can give. What a great combination. Still had lots of life.
A: 5 N: 10 B: 9: T: 18 F: 5 = 97

10/7/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

A very good to excellent bottle. Louise is my favorite of their offerings. Ruby with a bit of a tawny rim. Clear nose of light fruit. The attack showed this wine's age. Tannins fully integrated and very well balanced. The only worry was whether this is a bit past its time, although perhaps this bottle was very slightly oxidized.
A: 4 N: 8 B: 8 T: 17 F: 4 = 91

9/24/2017 - Procurare Does not like this wine:

Well past its prime - almost dead.

6/25/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Tasted side by side with 2010 Chimney Rock and this was way more muted and earthy. Certainly a Napa cab - it showed leather and cedar. I actually didn't like it as much as the CR - and I prefer Bordeaux.
A 5 N 7 B 8 T 16 F 4 = 90

6/25/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

I liked this. Sure it's fruit driven and big but it has an acid and tannin backbone to even everything out. A bit closed on the nose with cherry and dark fruit most noticeable. Medium finish.
A 5 N 7 B 8 T 17 F 4 = 91

5/28/2017 - Procurare Does not like this wine:

Pulled this thinking that it was the RS Zinfandel and all of my notes were written thinking that it was zin. At first I thought it was flawed in some way - but it wasn't corked, it was kept in my cellar at correct temp, the cork was pristine and the bottle didn't seem to be oxidized. After two glasses I put a cork in the bottle and put it aside. But I kept thinking about what I had tasted. I thought perhaps Tegan had gone off the deep end or perhaps Zin just really isn't my thing. Anyway, went back and looked at the bottle and there it was - it wasn't the Rattlesnake Zin - I had pulled the Petite Syrah by mistake. Bottom line - this is way way too young to open. Super aggressive tannin and acid. The nose was nice showing brooding dark fruit and earthy undertones. But the wine itself is unbalanced and heavy. I would have liked to give this wine another 10 or 15 years. Oh well. Killed a baby. Will try it again today with the hope the O2 helps.

5/19/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

Dark and clear. Cassis and cherry on the nose with a bit of astringency. Balance was nice. This wine is young with clear acid and tannin streaks. Clearly a Cali Cab and very well made. Big but it didn't lack nuance. Medium to long finish.
A5 N8 B8 T17 F4: 92

5/18/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Short note, I thought very good. A bit closed on the nose with light fruits and Cherry with Vanilla. Blackberry and earth and balanced. Decanted. A good to very good wine. Would buy again.
A: 5 N: 7 B: 8 T: 16: F: 4 90

4/21/2017 - Procurare wrote:

No visual flaws save a bit of sediment. The nose is a bit of grandma's attic, some amount of funky cheese, fig and mushroom. The attack is balanced with a clear hint of dark fruit. Although this wine is interesting, it may be a bit past its prime. Lacks some acidity. I would open now and enjoy. Medium finish.
A: 5 N: 8 B: 8 T: 17 F: 4 = 92

4/21/2017 - Procurare wrote:

No visual flaws. A bit closed but olive oil, leather and a bit of cherry on the nose. Balanced attack with the dark fruits dominating and a crisp acidity. A complex Chianti that is very well made. Interesting. Medium finish.
A: 5 N: 8 B: 8 T 18 F: 4 93

4/21/2017 - Procurare wrote:

No visual flaws. A bit more purple than expected. On the nose a bit of blue cheese funk and leather/stone. Interesting! Balanced attack and ready for business. Right at its apogee. All that being said, the wine did not excite - there was nothing outstanding. Medium to short finish.
A: 5 N: 8 B: 8 T: 17 F: 4 91

4/21/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Clear with no visual flaws. On the nose leather with strawberry and a bit of stone and musk. The attack did not match the complexity of the nose. A bit disjointed as it really stood on its acid. Where is the fruit? Still enjoyable and a well made Chianti. Medium to short finish.
A: 5 N: 8 B: 7 T 16 F: 4 = 90

4/21/2017 - Procurare wrote:

No visual flaws - but darker than expected. On the nose stone with light fruits. Balance was very nice with crisp acidity with even tannin. Loved the tart fruitiness of the wine. Cries for pasta. Medium to short finish.
A: 5 N: 7 B: 8 T: 17 F: 4 = 91

4/21/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Clear with no sediment and no visual flaws. The nose was a bit closed with a hint of metal and bark, balance was medium with clear streak of acidity. Taste was very nice with a bit of stone/flint with a hint of strawberry. Could have used a bit more lift and complexity. Definitely tart. Medium to short finish.
A: 5 N: 7 B: 7 T: 16 F: 4 = 89

3/13/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Hmmm, this was totally disappointing. Nose was all dust, dark fruit and a bit of tree bark and cedar. Taste just didn't match up as the wine lacked that sweetness that Brunello often has - tobacco and leather with a rocky backbone. A bit unbalanced. Medium finish.
A: 4 N: 8 B: 7 T: 15 F: 4 = 88

3/11/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

Last night at Capital Grill and off the list. Reasonable value. Just about, but not yet ready - a decant would have helped a bit. Inky black. The nose was strong with cedar, rocks, smoke and dark fruit. The attack was strong with cherry, bit of blue cheese and sweet tannan. Balance was nice but leaned a bit on its tannan. Finish was medium.
A: 5 N: 8 B: 8 T: 16 F: 4 91

3/5/2017 - Procurare wrote:

I thought this wine excellent. It had nuance and verve. The nose was subtle rose pedal with strawberry and cherry with a clear cedar chest component. The attack was refined and balanced with cherry and light fruit elements. Acidity and Tannin were integrated and the wine sang as it gained complexity through the evening. At the 45 minute mark it really came out as a brilliant wine. Finish was medium to medium long. All and all an excellent effort.
A: 5 N: 8 B: 8 T: 18 F: 4 93

3/4/2017 - Procurare Does not like this wine:

This was disappointing. It is not that it is a bad wine - but for the pedigree and the price this wine should have been so much better. The nose was very closed. A bit of rose pedal and oak. The attack was restrained. After a bit I got some dark fruit and cedar. Acid and tannin remained unresolved. As a whole the wine lacked verve and interest. The finish was clipped. A poor showing by a good producer. Also note I think because of the tannin I would give this another 2 to 3 years before opening another.
A: 5 N: 7 B: 6 T: 16 F: 3 87

2/18/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

I thought this wine spectacular. The nose was complex with leather, cedar, stones and light fruit. The balance was amazing standing on all four legs strong. The taste was more complex than the nose showing wonderful integrated tannin, light fruit, and mushroomed forest floor undertones. The expected oak was pronounced but totally in balance. The finish was long. The only thing this wine lacked was age. A great Rioja!
A. 5 N. 8 B. 9. T 19 F. 4 95 points

2/15/2017 - Procurare Likes this wine:

Had this at G3 Barolo Blind tasting. Obviously young, with a closed nose of light red fruit and cedar box. Nicely balanced with hidden fruit and clear acidity. The taste came across with some red fruit, tannin and crisp acidity. Perhaps a bit hot. Medium finish. Clearly well made and clearly too young - please wait 10 years. Much better with food at this point.
A. 5. N. 7. B. 8. T. 17. F. 4. 91

2/12/2017 - Procurare wrote:

I don't typically like Malbec and this did little to change my thoughts, although the wine was different than most.

Had this at El Che Bar and recommended by the Som. Relatively muted and closed nose with light fruit and black pepper notes. The wine itself was balanced with a clear juiciness that surprised. The maker was dealing with a cool vintage or was trying to achieve a more balanced wine - but that left me a bit cold because the wine lacked the fruit and lift I associate with Malbec. Definitely medium to medium plus bodied. Light fruits dominate. Medium to medium long finish. A decided crowd pleaser that goes well with food - I'm not sure I'm in that crowd. Would not have guessed Malbec if tasting this blind. WA gave this a 94 - hmmm.
A 5 N 7 B 7 T 17 F 4 90

2/8/2017 - Procurare wrote:

I thought this very good, especially considering its pedigree. Nose of strawberry, a small bit of earth and light fruit. Taste of sunshine - pure Cali Pinot. What's not to like? Is it Gevrey-Chambertin? Well no, but it never claimed to be. Really thought it a great value wine.
A: 5 N: 7 B: 7 T: 18 F: 3: 90

2/4/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Nice interesting nose of a bit of leather and mother's cedar chest. A bit of funk. Nice cherry fruit. Unfortunately this got killed by the Barolo at the table. Frankly just too heavy and ponderous and unbalanced. The cleaner Barolo simply won the day with its better balance and more lively fruit.
A: 5
N: 7
B: 7
T: 15
F: 4
88

2/4/2017 - Procurare wrote:

This was a hot mess. Not corked, but certainly flawed. Completely oxidized. Only notes were on the nose it gave grandma's cedar trunk (with a whiff of the mothballs) and it tasted like a worn out bottle of cheap wine.
No Rating

1/28/2017 - Procurare wrote:

Brought this out for a post dinner tasting at our house with friends. Amazing nose of dark fruits, wood and leather. The taste even better with its classic light footed charm. Not heavy at all as some have said; it sang with dark and light fruits, cedar and figs. Splash decant and away it went. Good finish.
A: 5
N: 9
B: 8
T: 17
F: 4
93