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Comments on my notes

(170 comments on 127 notes)

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Red
2016 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
1/7/2024 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
Very consistent with my prior notes. Awesome QPR. Sad it's my last bottle.
  • iamandyc commented:

    2/22/24, 10:18 AM - Hi Rob! Hope all is going well. Been traveling the last 5 weeks but back home. We haven't had another event including winemakers since we last saw you. But the local guys have been getting together monthly at restaurants in the greater Bryn Mawr area enjoying our wines together. Jarod has been the organizer. We have another one coming up on Tuesday (next week). If you're going to be in the area and want to join us, please let me know and I'll send you the details. Think we'll be doing another around April 21st or so. Cheers!!

Red
2018 Davies Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Renteria 360 Vineyard Oakville
2/11/2024 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
94 points
Agree 100% with the Galloni and Jeb reviews on this really sophisticated, smooth, balanced, velvety, flavorful Napa cab. Needs about 1-2 hours to come together -- kept improving in the glass. Not as "exciting" as the B Cellars St. Helena which was also consumed that night but was its equal in its pleasure delivered in its smooth jazz style. This winery is still flying under the radar delivering nice appellation and single vineyard wines as a great QPR (especially at auction pricing).
  • iamandyc commented:

    2/14/24, 1:56 PM - Sounds like a great idea!! Let's do it!

Red
2018 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon Soil Specific Sonoma County
1/6/2024 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
Improved a touch since my last bottle over a year ago. A really solid QPR. This bottle seemed more classic in structure and body -- not as big and rich as more modern Napa style.
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/7/24, 9:43 AM - Hi Mark! Sadly was my last one and finished up my stockpile of the 2016 Sinegal. Consistently good wines. Back to shoveling snow :(

Red
2013 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder
12/26/2023 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
A beautiful Christmas wine that was singing with a two hour decant. These O'Shaughnessy wines are so consistently good vintage after vintage and have a nice QPR given the market for Napa wines these days. The mouthfeel, energy, multi toned fruit and finish are wonderful. Really good food wine as well. Aging beautifully. Lots of life left.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/27/23, 8:57 AM - Haha! Yes we did! Admit I was still weary on Xmas day after my 4 bottle bonanza the night before! Happy New Year!

Red
2018 B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
12/22/2023 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
94 points
Agree wholeheartedly with FB's tasting notes on this wine. This is a big boy and not for the faint of heart. My bottle did require over four hours of a combo of decanting and slow ox to fully come together and integrate the fruit, minerality, structure, and dark earthy notes into a velvety package. Still evolving in the glass down to the last sip more hours later. Great QPR.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/24/23, 6:13 AM - Merry Xmas Marc! One last bottle of that wine tucked away for the future. Enjoy the holidays!

Red
2018 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Oakville
12/10/2023 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
Just a wonderful bottle of Napa cab. Agree wholeheartedly with Jeb's description of the wine but not prepared to give 98+ points. It benefits from decanting as it integrates, deepens and its finish lengthens with air. I agree with Marshmallowman that drinking it confirms that I'm a "very lucky guy". Classic Venge style in winemaking. Wish I had more!
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/11/23, 4:45 PM - Hey FB, perfect idea for our next get together! Wild stuff about the insane Venge auctions on WineBid. Glad for my bank account that I missed out on those! Happy Holidays everybody!

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/11/23, 4:59 PM - Hey Mark! Us Pennsy guys will love to get together with you the next time you are up this way and enjoy wines with you!! FB is on notice to make this happen! :)

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/11/23, 6:06 PM - Mark - that is fantastic! Phils are a fun team again! I originally grew up in North Jersey, so I'm a dreaded Yanks fan. But am afflicted by incurable NY sports teams mediocrity! I've enjoyed my last 40+ years in PA and have even been twisted by my kids to enjoy Philly teams (unless they're playing the Yanks, Jets, Rangers or Knicks). Now you know why I drink so much wine!! Was in Clearwater this year for Spring Training game myself. Look forward to meeting you! Cheers!

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/13/23, 2:52 PM - Mark -- you bet I'll contact you the next time I'm down there. Spring Training or otherwise! I'm sure you have lots of empty bottles to make candles -- so environmentally conscious!! Eddie G was a legend in NY. Those were the Flyers heyday! GREAT STUFF!

Red
2018 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Wight St. Helena
11/5/2023 - Franken Berry wrote:
92 points
This suffered a bit next to the 18 Jones The Sisters I drank next to it. Gave this two hours slow ox. Blue and black fruited, cassis, plums, blackberries. Hint of spice, cedar. Medium in weight and length. A bit lacking on the finish. Nice balance, structure. A bit hot on the finish which throws off the harmony.
100% Cabernet from a single vineyard in St Helena. 90% new oak.

It’s well made, just not my jam, at the moment
  • iamandyc commented:

    11/5/23, 11:26 AM - Hi FB! Think this will improve with aging?

Red
2019 O'Brien Estate Romance Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
10/26/2023 - ThistleB Likes this wine:
92 points
Very smooth after 1 hour decant. Put through filter as lots of sediment. Fruit forward and vanilla and cedar on the finish
  • iamandyc commented:

    10/27/23, 9:23 AM - Hi there ThistleB! You and I seem to have both been a long time member at O"Brien! I'm also in PA (Lehigh Valley). Are you still a member. Admittedly thinking about dropping out as in retirement I can't keep buying all this wine!! Have enjoyed their wines. Cheers!

Red
2019 B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Bridgeline Vineyard Napa Valley
9/22/2023 - Franken Berry Likes this wine:
93 points
Classic Venge oakville Cabernet. Dark fruits, chocolate, crushed stones. Rich, balanced, with good acidity. Tasted with Peter at B cellars back in May.

Plays it a bit more savory than some of the other single vineyards. For Venge fans, I suspect this is the same as the Oakville 360 bottling. Vineyard is northeast corner of Oakville, lower bench
  • iamandyc commented:

    9/22/23, 6:25 AM - Hi MT! Peter is a good guy and they do a good job for tastings/hosting -- hope yours went well. B Cellars has become one of my favorites for reasonable priced (for Napa) cabs that consistently deliver. I'm referring to the non-Beckstoffer based wines as those are highly priced like everywhere else. Enjoy your trip! Jealous!

  • iamandyc commented:

    9/25/23, 5:45 AM - Great! Let me know!

Red
2016 Realm Cellars The Bard Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
6/27/2023 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
Clearly the best "value" in the increasingly expensive Realm lineup. Really delivers for its direct purchase release price. This again needed major decanting time (depending on taste preference) to integrate and smooth out (but was really interesting from the get-go). Lots of fruit flavor nuances which lean darker with air. Nice structure and love the typically 2016 dusty minerality. Long finish. Went well with filet mignon and marinated mushrooms dinner.
  • iamandyc commented:

    6/28/23, 11:57 AM - Hi guys! For me, I thought it needed 2-3 hours to open up and integrate. My bottle was not a fruit bomb -- a touch more earthy and flinty but smooth with air. Hard to say on a magnum since they seem to age slower. I usually track the wine with sips upon opening and each hour in the decanter to decide. Let me know how your experiences go.

Red
2014 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder
3/20/2023 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
Continues to shine at it matures. Improved with about an hour of air and kept singing from there. No rush to open. Great QPR
  • iamandyc commented:

    4/26/23, 3:12 PM - Hi FB! Totally agree that these age well and great QPR! Enjoy!!

Red
2017 Myriad Cellars Syrah Esther Block Las Madres Vineyard Carneros
12/13/2022 - iamandyc wrote:
88 points
Definitely past prime -- best on day #2. It has lost a lot of the energy and intensity. At its best, it was an easy drinker with good dark fruit and nice mouthfeel. Maybe bottle variation?
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/13/22, 11:01 AM - Hi JR! Fair question! It was smoother on the 2nd day but on neither day did it have the energy, flavor or structure I tasted a year ago. It was just "blah". SO maybe it's bottle variation (only bought 2). But just so much less a wine than a year ago. Today, we used what was left for making a bolognese sauce! I'm a big Mike Smith fan so just seemed like a one-off experience.

Red
2020 Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
12/5/2022 - #1Winelover wrote:
90 points
Napa Valley comes to Philly wine tasting at Lilah with Memento Mori, Covert/Nicholson Jones, Adamvs, Simon Family, William Cole, and Chappellet. I will offer a few notes on what stood out -- the highlights and lower lights. This was a really nice event that showcased different winemakers and different wines from all over Napa; including the valley floor and Vaca Mountains. I was able to meet and taste some of the wines with fellow CT'er sean7711 and Fiancé' as well!

I did not particularly care for this wine. It was not bad, just "meh." It seemed a little primary and disjointed for my palate.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/5/22, 2:44 PM - Hi there. I was at that event too! Wish I had gotten to meet you and sean7711 there! The MM 2020 IMHO was better than other 2020's I recently tasted in Napa in a recent visit. Feel that the vintage doesn't wow me at all. Also didn't feel that the other wines there at the event measured up to the 2018 and 2019 MM or the Maxem chardonnay but it was fun to taste them.

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/6/22, 5:48 AM - Opportunity lost! Must admit that at this stage of my income cycle (retired), I am oversubscribed to wineries already, so I need a new one to wow me to further indulge. Most of the wines other than MM and Maxem (both of which I already buy from -- love all of Sam's wines including Arkenstone and Vangone) didn't clear the bar for me. Loved the 2018 and 2019 MM and the Maxem chard. Liked Covert, especially the 2014 cab and the cab franc, but at those prices I pass but will look to find some steals at auction sites. Didn't really like any of the Adamvs cabs on this night -- too lean and tannic for my taste. Was slightly disappointed in the Chappellet Prichard Hill cab -- not as dynamic as I hoped. Had been at the winery a couple of weeks ago and had already had the other wines they were pouring-- amazing to me how they changed their Signature cab over the last couple of vintages from a brooding/earthy beast to a more refined, early drinking cab. Cole was pleasant across the board but not exciting to me. The Simon cab was a nice simple cab but having to buy a six-pack was off-putting. I love supporting and building relationships with smaller independent wineries. How about your thoughts?

Red
2019 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Cult Napa Valley
8/6/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
92 points
As noted by others, this version of Cult is not as big as prior versions with more balance and cool glassy tones on the palate. At this early stage, the tannins are a bit chewy and show up on the finish. Was showing best on the 2nd day. Secondary flavors are subtle at this stage and best IMO as a food wine.
  • iamandyc commented:

    10/28/22, 7:53 AM - Hi Frank! Yes I bought 3 of the "non anniversary" ones and that's enough for me! Not guessing the more expensive ones are really better!

Red
2014 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard Napa Valley
10/24/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
98 points
Second amazing wine in a lineup celebrating and helping to cheer me up on my 65th birthday. This bottle was absolutely amazing with about 3-4 hours of air -- just kept building body and mouthfeel (but not heavy) and developed more layers of flavor (including a crazy dark chocolate covered cranberries note) as the night progressed. Blew my mind. Just about perfect in every way. Made me smile the whole time and close my eyes enjoying and examining each evolving sip.
  • iamandyc commented:

    10/25/22, 11:29 AM - Hi Marc! Thanks for the wishes and it was an amazing night of wines!

Red
2016 Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard St. Helena
10/24/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
97 points
Third amazing wine in a lineup celebrating and helping to cheer me up on my 65th birthday. This bottle was also memorable but unlike the 2014 Realm Houyi that kept evolving all night, this one peaked at about 3 hours and started to fade a bit after that -- so it suffered slightly in comparison. At its peak, was similar (but a touch darker in fruit and other flavors that the Houyi vineyard based Realm. Had great mouthfeel (typical 2016 talc-like minerality that I love), balance, energy and finish. The flavors started to fade by 4 hours (probably a 95 point wine by the end) -- rating reflects peak performance. Loved it!
  • iamandyc commented:

    10/25/22, 11:28 AM - Hi! Really appreciate the note. It was an amazing night of wines! 65 is the new 56 right?

Red
2015 Rudius Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard Coombsville
10/10/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
94 points
This is a dense dark wine with graphite, some tobacco embers, dark chocolate and earthiness. Needs a long decant. The 2015 isn't as readily approachable as other vintages but it is serious (tannic backbone) with many layers of flavor. I think this should age another 2-5 years to bring all these elements together and then look out!
  • iamandyc commented:

    10/16/22, 6:28 AM - I've had multiple vintages of this wine from Rudius and always one of my QPR favorites from this vineyard. Shame Rudius is history. The 2015 vintage was definitely darker and more serious than other vintages. I liked it but think it could use more age to mellow and integrate.

Red
2019 Phillips Family Farming Cabernet Sauvignon Baker & Hamilton Oakville
10/10/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
Very nice young cab with beautiful fruit and a solid backbone to continue to improve over the next 3-5 years. Silky yet substantial and a rich energetic finish. Still primary as fruit dominates things. Really enjoyed!
  • iamandyc commented:

    10/16/22, 6:25 AM - Hi FB! I bought from No Limit Fine Wines. They ship to PA and they have had good wines over the years at reasonable pricing. These bottles have also shown up on WineBid. It was very nice -- not highly complex yet. Will be visiting Bruce Phillips in November.

Red
2017 Ancillary Cellars Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast
9/14/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
92 points
Pleasant pinot that has nice red fruit, lighter body and crisp spicy finish. Really enjoyed as a summer wine with poultry. Energetic and tasty. Held up well over 2 days. Really gonna miss this label.
  • iamandyc commented:

    9/16/22, 5:34 AM - Hi FB! Yes Ancillary has closed shop because of the Carter/Smith parting of the ways. Always felt is was a nice pinot and a good QPR.

  • iamandyc commented:

    9/19/22, 12:14 PM - Isn't that always the case?!? Thanks for the followup note!

Red
2019 Vida Valiente Cabernet Sauvignon The Movement St. Helena
9/15/2022 - sean7711 Likes this wine:
98 points
One of the best wines I've had all year. Only needed a decant of 30 minutes. Minor tasting notes since I am just doing this TN on Monday after drinking a few days ago.

Definitely not for fans of old world Napa - this is jammy, grape juice levels of fruit forward, but so so good. Could have drank another bottle on the spot it was so gulp-able.

Will be reaching out to see I can get another 3 pack of this.
  • iamandyc commented:

    9/19/22, 12:13 PM - Sean - thanks for great note. I may open one for my 65th coming up soon! Anyone going on their Napa in Cabo extravaganza?

Red
2019 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Bone Ash Vineyard Calistoga
6/28/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
Not as great as I hoped but still a very nice wine in its own right. Was most dynamic right out of the bottle. As it got air, the wine became much more mellow, lost energy and the finish got a bit soft. Very tasty but not close to a Family Reserve I had a few nights prior.
  • iamandyc commented:

    6/29/22, 8:00 AM - FB and Mark, sorry for the confusion but the bottle was actually a 2016 Bone Ash NOT a 2019! Agree that it seems like many latest vintages actually perform better without too much of a decant and putting back in the bottle helps keep it going strong.

Red
2014 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve Oakville
6/28/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
96 points
This was a wow wine again. Such a great combination of flavor, body and structure. Such a viscous, mouth coating wine yet never heavy. It was so long and smooth on the finish. Deep dark red fruit with notes of milk chocolate, cafe au lait, and vanilla. Super!
  • iamandyc commented:

    6/29/22, 7:57 AM - Hi there DQ and FB! FB - I think it is in a good spot with some air but clearly will keep for 10 years. I personally was in the mood for something decadent and my kids who I was celebrating their new home with, are fans of the style - and this did not disappoint. It is big on the fruit DC, but my bottle did have layers of flavors on this night. A 2016 Bone Ash I had a night later (which I incorrectly entered as a 2019) was disappointing as it was all soft fruit.

Red
2016 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner Select Napa Valley
5/21/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
This bottle was singing with an hour decant and drank well over 2 days. It had nice body, mouthfeel and the fruit (mixture of black and dark red) was there. Good underlying but integrated structure. Drank a few days ago with friends so don't remember all the secondary flavors but it was very tasty!
  • iamandyc commented:

    5/29/22, 6:13 AM - Decanted this for about an hour and drank slowly over 3 more. Definitely improved with time in the decanter and glass. My bottle on this evening was performing really well and felt worth the extra coin vs. the base cab.

Red
2016 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
5/17/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
Has continued to soften and balance all the elements. Still an excellent QPR and shows restrained class and nuance given a Napa cab. Probably starting to lose a bit of zip for me, so if I had any left, I'd drink up over the next year or two but that's based on my preference for rock (even if it's folk rock) over smooth jazz!
  • iamandyc commented:

    5/17/22, 7:03 PM - Hi Mark! Yes I did. Probably about 2 hours on day 1. Drank about half the bottle and recorked. Finished on 2nd night over 2 hours after a short decant (maybe 20 minutes). It's still really nice just not as exciting as my first 2 bottles.

Red
2016 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon Le Petit Vice Napa Valley
3/11/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
Still drinking great and aging well. Hurt slightly by a last minute decision to open with a steak dinner as it could have used some more air and had to rush the warming process. Still dark, earthy, complex, with nice supporting structure and nice finish. Such a great QPR.
  • iamandyc commented:

    4/12/22, 5:02 AM - I started looking on auctions for the older vintages since my only experience was with the 2016. Did acquire a 2010. Thanks for your comments on the 2012!!

Red
2018 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux Napa Valley
4/4/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
This bottle was singing with an hour of air. A great QPR. There was good intensity of dark fruit, layers of flavor, nice body and fresh fleshy finish. A fun bottle that left you wishing to open another on a Sunday pizza night!
  • iamandyc commented:

    4/5/22, 6:02 AM - You have the right idea! I buy 3 each year and generally regret that. SO much better than a lot of those Wine Access NDA cabs I experiment with.

Red
2019 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon La Verdad Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Napa Valley
3/31/2022 - #1Winelover Likes this wine:
98 points
I wish I could select "I love it" that's how great this is!

For 2019, Mike Smith made the wine and then Carter Cellars and Russell Bevan blended the wine, which worked out perfectly. I never could quite figure out why Carter Cellars wines were a little different -- and better -- from all of the other Mike Smith bottlings and now I know. The bending is a very important component! This is a full-bodied yet strained representation from Las Piedras.

This '19 Las Piedras wine actually reminded me of Bevan's 100 point 2018 Dr. Crane wine with some obvious differences between the vineyards as well. It's that solid. Dark purple with blue and black coloring. Very strong smell; however with a small decant, this is ready to go. Refrigerated overnight and even better on day 2. Velvety tannins, translucent in the glass, perfect balance of acidity. It has energy and just a touch of minerality -- this is one of those WOW and memorable wine moments!

It was great after drinking quite a few over priced and highly rated wines that I struggled to enjoy -- and finish. Very happy to report that I was able to re-stock my cellar as I doubt that I will be purchasing their 2020, which they are producing.

Zalto decanter and Made-In stemware
  • iamandyc commented:

    3/31/22, 7:33 AM - Hi guys! Great conversation and notes. From the Lehigh Valley and you made me so jealous with talk of those wines in Philly. I had posed a question in my review of a 2016 Bevan Tench yesterday when I wondered about the switch from Smith to Bevan at Carter. I too love Carter wines (and I compared Tench to the 2016 OG) and a bit more than Bevan for elements of mouthfeel and sophistication vs. my experiences with Bevan wines (obviously both big Napa cabs). Do you guys feel Bevan will improve or "overblow" Carters' wines. Agree to avoid the big money on 2020! I know Mike released many of his 2020 Myriad cabs as well (and they sold out quickly).

  • iamandyc commented:

    4/1/22, 7:59 AM - The Vangone is amazing -- both the 2015 and 2016 vintages were epic. It's still under the radar and available at a little less than release pricing by online sellers. No Limit usually stocks some. Agree with #1 on VV, especially the SV's but the 2016 Le Petit Vice was an amazing QPR. Cheers all!

Red
2018 Double Diamond (Schrader) Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Brought to a super bowl party and unfortunately drank before it had enough air to truly open up. The stuffing is there for a very nice $65 bottle (current price with new vintage coming). I really think this needs to sit another year or so unless you prefer a more linear higher strung cab.
  • iamandyc commented:

    3/2/22, 10:08 PM - Hi FB! I originally bought 2 and drank them both and enjoyed them. Then a sale where they were sold for $65 and free shipping motivated me to buy 4 more. I have been on the hunt for sub-$100 bottles that I like. I can't justify owning too many duplicates of $150+ bottles. I'm a retiree!! :)

Red
2017 Maxem Pinot Noir UV Vineyard Sonoma Coast
10/28/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
I just love this pinot every time. Sadly my last bottle. It is just so energetic, so deep, so complex! Completely outshined a 2015 Kosta Browne RRV (which was pleasant but simple compared to this). Certainly improves with air as it softens and balances nicely.
  • iamandyc commented:

    2/26/22, 1:47 PM - Ozzie - Thanks for thinking of me on the Maxem! I got busy as the auction was ending or else I would have battled it out more! :)
    I love Maxem pinot and I especially love that vintage! Been waiting for it to start showing up. Missing out is clearly a first world problem!

Red
2016 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain
4/11/2020 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
92 points
I see a lot of potential here (at least a couple more points). Clearly young as it was tight (as most young Lede wines are) upon opening. Needed over 3 hours in the decanter to open up and yield a wine that had blue and red fruit (initially fruit hidden behind earthy charred tastes). Nice earthy element with minerality, dark chocolate, tobacco and embers. Long finish. Nose was tight and tannins are a bit sharp at this stage. Struck me as a baby Myriad Elysian (unlikely to match the intensity and mouthfeel of that wine tho).
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/27/22, 4:36 AM - FB, interesting question! I like the QPR of all the appellation wines with my club discount. I love the rock block wines and their BTK. Their Songbook and Poetry are great but they force you to buy 6 at a time -- at that pricing, no can do!! They are often best with a few years in the cellar as I find them tight early on and structured to age. The 3 bottlings you asked about are all so different! If you forced me at gunpoint, I'd probably pick the diamond mountain as it performs for me like a cross of the other 2. But each is so different. I love all three AVA's regardless of winery but a great Howell Mtn wine is a weakness!

Red
2019 Wine Access Cabernet Sauvignon The Big Ticket Napa Valley
1/24/2022 - iamandyc wrote:
Tried a bottle from a recent shipment. Drank over 2 days. Seems young as expected. nothing too serious or memorable at this stage. Hope it develops some over the next months or so.
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/25/22, 8:13 PM - Wow Rockin - those are some big names and wines I have enjoyed. My only bottle wasn't anywhere like that. Hope it's bottle variation or shock that I experienced! Here's to my next attempt.

Red
2015 Rudius Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth Oakville
1/19/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
A beautiful bottle that held up nicely over 3 days. Dark, rich with a long dynamite finish. Layers of flavor -- earth, tobacco, mocha and other nice oak notes. Fine tannins that keep it alive on the finish. Might have been its deepest and best on final day. Really going to miss Rudius -- love Jeff's work and his own label was a much better QPR than Tor, Boich, etc...
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/19/22, 12:48 PM - Hi! Yes with the fires the past couple of years, damage to some of his property/vineyards up in the eastern hills, he decided to call it quits on his personal label. There are no more Rudius wines to purchase from him. He is concentrating on the winemaking he does for TOR, Boich and others.

Red
2017 Turtle Rock G2 Paso Robles Willow Creek District Syrah Blend, Syrah
10/23/2021 - iamandyc wrote:
93 points
Beautiful wine with softness added from the blending. Loved it.
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/19/22, 6:27 AM - Hi FB! I buy directly from Turtle Rock. Member of their club. Ship direct to me. Same for Keplinger which I love their non-cabernet red offerings of syrah, grenache, etc.

Red
2016 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena
1/6/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
94 points
This is an amazing QPR - simply one of the only wine in the $50 range that I've tasted that delivers such a sophisticated, balanced and delicious experience. Held up great over two days. Dark with earthiness, dusty minerality, dark chocolate and toasted oak. Nice nose and finish.
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/8/22, 8:41 AM - Hi! It was best on second day but was good on day 1 with about 1-2 hours. Builds depth with air.

Red
2016 Ancillary Cellars Pinot Noir Sun Chase Vineyard Sonoma Coast
1/1/2022 - travelme wrote:
94 points
Had this the day after having the same vintage of the Whole Cluster which was the more revered wine by the critics. I preferred this bottle ever so slightly. Had nice dark cherry note with some spices and a slight hint of orange zest on the finish. I really loved it and sad that I only purchased one from the winery a few years ago. Sad to see this program with Carter and Mike Smith come to a close. Most of the wines they produced together both pinots and the Carter Cabs truly were of magnificent quality.
  • iamandyc commented:

    1/2/22, 4:26 AM - Hi Travelme! Happy New Year. I hadn't heard about the end of Ancillary. Too bad, I liked what they were producing at their price point. Is Mike no longer the winemaker for Carter? Those are some of my favorite wines, period. Any more info about Carter? Thanks!

Red
2016 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The O.G. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Oakville
12/24/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
99 points
They should rename this wine OMG! This bottle was as amazing as my last one on Christmas 2018 and like that year, bested a MacDonald (2012 this time). Hit its stride with about 2 hours of decanting and kept improving in the glass until the end. It just has everything -- nose, glorious mouthfeel, dense yet weightless body, multifaceted fruit, layers of flavors, dusty minerals, beautifully integrated tannin/acid, long finish... Just keeps changing and makes me smile on each sip. Glorious. Saving a 100 point rating just in case I ever taste something better but hard to imagine. Only one left 😬
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/26/21, 7:46 PM - Hi CS! Probably drank it over another 2 hours. A sip in a glass later that night was falling apart, so I wouldn't go past 5 hours or so total. It needs air to deepen and build secondary flavors. I'm jealous you have 3 to go! Enjoy!! If you like this style, then I'd try Vangone. The 2015 is a dream now. They may still sell them at the winery -- haven't caught on commercially yet (Sam Kaplan makes it).

Red
2016 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
12/17/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
94 points
PnP and opened up nicely in the glass. Wonderful body, mouthfeel and finish. Smooth with dark red and blue fruit with nice complimentary oak flavors.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/23/21, 2:03 PM - I think if I had decanted for a couple of hours, it would have been even better but it was an impulse open after some brunellos missed the mark. 2013's are tricky with all their structure.

White
2019 Rhys Chenin Blanc Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains
12/14/2021 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine:
92 points
12.35% abv. Pale straw in color, good aromatics. Lemon, orchard fruit and minty spice. Very mineral-driven and tense. A delicious, refreshing Chenin.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/14/21, 4:25 PM - Mike - is this Chenin dry or off-dry? Haven't bough Chenin from US before and trying to get a sense of this wine. Thanks! Happy Holidays!

Red
2018 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Romeo Napa Valley
Much better on second day as it fills out and gets more flavorful. Nothing amazing and not as good as older vintages.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/10/21, 5:37 AM - Hi FB! Yeah, Beau Vigne has been going through a lot of changes. I think they've been sold twice since 2018 or 2019. I think the last vintage that Ed and Kirk Venge were involved in were 2017? They were holding fire sales on that vintage, which has turned out decently well. I think the latest owners (Seven Apart label) use Erickson and he was involved in 2018+ BV and does the Seven Apart. I buy the Seven Apart Expedition -- really good and fair pricing for Napa. They are using the prior BV vineyard sources for Seven Apart I believe. I'll be interested to see if they keep making the BV label.

Red
2018 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
12/8/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
This got really nice on day #2 -- a bit muted and weak on PnP. Second day it filled out, added depth and added tons of flavor, especially after an hour or so. Really enjoyed it on 2nd day.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/8/21, 9:27 AM - Hi AGELVIS! I had staged the bottle upstairs at room temperature (65 or so) for a couple of days (Bring up 3-6 at a time as we drink wine every night 😇). The first night, it was a PnP. Only drank about 6 oz. but it sat in the glass each time for about 30+ minutes. I just recorked the bottle and left it on the counter. I didn't decant the 2nd day. Guess you could consider this a 24 he. slow ox! 🤔 So I guess a healthy multi hour decant upon opening could provide similar results!?!?

Red
2017 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
12/4/2021 - iamandyc Does not like this wine:
80 points
Thin, lacking flavor, blah over 3 days. Couldn't coax much out of it. Ripped off at $60 -- there are better cabs at $20.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/5/21, 6:28 AM - Hi Grateful! I had bought two from the winery and tried them both. I had enjoyed previous vintages but their 2017 just didn't perform, especially for a $60 bottle. Probably a vintage thing as I usually enjoy Pott wines including those he makes for others.

Red
2018 Cardano Cabernet Sauvignon Black Fruit Atlas Peak
11/25/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
91 points
A touch better than my previous bottle earlier this year - still too young. Did get much fuller and riper with 2 hours in the decanter -- nicer yet on day #2. Definitely tobacco and herbs show up but the fruit is front and center. Hoping layers of flavor and nuance show up in the years ahead.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/3/21, 5:03 AM - Hello FB! Ed announced he is not selling any of the 2020 vintage. I received my 2019's but haven't drank any yet. From 2018, I have sampled each but only drank a bottle or 2 of each. Broken Shale is my favorite so far. Haven't tried the reserve. Also a bit tough since my experience with '18s in general make me believe they'll get better with another year or 2 in the bottle.

Red
2013 Decades 5 Petit Verdot Stagecoach Vineyard Napa Valley
4/1/2020 - mflesh wrote:
Somehow I managed to stay away from the second bottle of this for almost 9 months. It's a miracle! Drinking a little better than the last one did. Definitely seems more consolidated, more dense. Went well with teriyaki honey shrimp and herbed quinoa. Youthful fig, sweet plums, dense, compact, was a 93 the last time and closer to a 94 this time. Finishes with great density. Some tannin but nice mature rounded finish. Can hold another 5-7 years but ripe drinking probably now until about 2024.
  • iamandyc commented:

    12/1/21, 8:00 AM - Hi MFLESH! I just had my 2nd bottle of the 2012 vintage and both were amazing. Stumbled upon these at an auction site. Saw your notes on the 2013 (which they are selling online at their site). Looks like I should dive in given your notes. Do you have experience with any other vintages? How did you learn about this winery? Seems interesting with a great winemaker...

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/2/21, 4:51 AM - Thanks! I have contacted Decades and they say they have more vintages available. Waiting for their sales director to email me with details. Is AO, Alpha Omega? Are there other PV makers you like? Looks like a new obsession is setting in ;)

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/2/21, 6:50 AM - The only other Napa PV I've had is from Young Inglewood (2013). Good but seemed pricey. Had 2 Washington State PV's which were good -- 2014 Terro Estates and 2015 B. Leighton. Both were better 2nd day and earthier than NV. I'll check out your suggestions.

  • iamandyc commented:

    12/3/21, 4:53 AM - Thanks for the referral. Rod at WH was very responsive. He said they only made the PV once - in 2013! Their 5 rows all gets used for blending. He suggested trying Davis and St Supery. I decided to buy some AO as they had 2018 and 2019. Guess I'll monitor the auction sites for older stuff. Love a challenge!

Red
2013 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese
11/17/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
90 points
It is bright with vibrant red fruit. Darkens and deepens with air but keeps its red fruited focus. Some earthiness and spice on the finish. Nice and light but nothing memorable here.
  • iamandyc commented:

    11/25/21, 6:50 AM - Thanks! I still have memories of great Brunellos from the late 90's!

Red
2012 Kinsella Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Tamara Vineyard Dry Creek Valley
11/19/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
90 points
Not sure if on the downhill slide or just bottle variation. It is a pretty, delicate wine with faded red fruit, nice balance, smooth finish and notes of leather and light spice. Could have mistaken for a pinot if tasting blind. Its a good pre-dinner sipper and could complement spicy food. Just not very exciting.
  • iamandyc commented:

    11/20/21, 6:35 AM - Hi Rich. I'm hoping just bottle variation as I have another as well. 🤞🏻

Red
2016 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley
11/18/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
95 points
Wow! This is a great QPR and can battle wines costing 2-3 times as much. Started silky smooth with great fruit, balance and mouthfeel. With a couple of hours in the decanter developed many layers (chocolate, coffee, vanilla bean, earthiness) that accented the fruit, fragrant nose and a long energetic finish. All the goodness of the 2016 vintage! A stellar performance by this bottle!
  • iamandyc commented:

    11/19/21, 5:35 AM - It does get embarrassing at my house at this time of year as boxes arrive every day! UPS and FedEx folks always shaking their heads as they delivery box after box. The I get all the looks at the recycle center as I drop off the boxes and styrofoam! Yes, I have a wine addiction! No wonder I can't get my 30-ish year old kids and significant others out of my house!!

Red
2018 Band of Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
11/10/2021 - iamandyc wrote:
88 points
Decent $30 bottle of cab -- more refined than many at this price. Decent stuff.
  • iamandyc commented:

    11/10/21, 10:22 AM - Hi Doug. I'll give that a try with my last bottle. Thanks for the advice!

Red
2014 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon The Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard Oakville
7/23/2021 - iamandyc wrote:
90 points
I was underwhelmed by this. Tried over 2 nights. At moments flashed that great To Kalon fruit but at other times got tight or had a bitter note on the finish. Not the quality I've come to expect from this wine.
  • iamandyc commented:

    7/23/21, 3:31 PM - Hi. Sorry I have no idea really. The style is very different from the older stuff I have from the late 80"s, 90's and 00's. I've stopped buying too many of these since I've gotten into the smaller Napa labels for the relationships they offer vs. corporate labels. This was my first post 2011 bottle. If I had to guess, I'd say give the 2014 another couple of years.

  • iamandyc commented:

    10/19/21, 8:15 AM - Haha. Probably so! I have a friend who really scours the PLCB inventory and closeouts and found a closeout on the 2016 Le Petit Vice for $49 and bought all six remaining bottles!!

Red
2018 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon DI CO Napa Valley
9/13/2021 - iamandyc Does not like this wine:
85 points
Major disappointment for me -- dark, bitter tannins, rather thin and difficult to keep drinking. No real signs of taint for me - just severely closed down. Tried over two days but never opened up. Score reflects hope that my bottle was just way too young. There are potentially nice elements to it but I never saw them step up.
  • iamandyc commented:

    9/14/21, 12:57 PM - Hmmm.... Yet Vinous and other CT folks loved it! I only had one bottle so I'll never know! ;)

Red
2018 Cardano Cabernet Sauvignon Broken Shale Atlas Peak
9/5/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine:
93 points
This has improved since my last bottle. It is full of black fruit and has a wonderfully glassy mouthfeel. The structure has rounded out and is in better balance than previously. Improves with air. Has some tobacco, milk chocolate and coffee grind notes but the fruit dominates. Should age well. Really good QPR
  • iamandyc commented:

    9/8/21, 12:26 PM - I always liked Beau Vigne and even the Edward Lewis wines he made. I did buy the 2018 and 2019 Cardano lineup. The only knock I have is that the wines don't taste drastically different (haven't tried the Reserve yet).

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