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Tasting Notes for Tannic Monster

(300 notes on 269 wines)

1 - 50 of 300 Sort order
Red
11/26/2023 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
91 points
I would have thought this was a petite sirah based on the color in the glass...this is a huge inky wine. The nose has mushroom, baking spices, stewed plums and dried oak leaf. On the palate there is dried cherry, graphite, leather, pomegranate, and rutabaga. Not much fruit but still an interesting wine.
Red
Popped and poured through a venturi. I don't see the need for a long decant with this one as it came to life immediately. Lovely nose with black cherry, moss, and red licorice. The tannins are silky and subdued offering a lush and soft mouth feel. There are a lot of earthy secondary characteristics showing on the palate, but enough red and blue fruit to make it delicious and complex. IMHO this won't be better in 10 years...drink up!
3 people found this helpful Comment
Red
7/16/2022 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
91 points
We loved this...simple but delicious and quaffable with ripe cherries on the nose and silky tannins. Great QPR.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
7/3/2022 - Tannic Monster wrote:
89 points
Based on the CT scores I expected much more. Perhaps this is over the hill or in a dumb phase...not sure which. The fruit was retrained behind some earthy tertiary components and never really came forward. I will wait another five years on the other two bottles in the cellar.
Red
2005 Château Branon Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
2/13/2022 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
Gorgeous Bordeaux drinking well. Still relatively young, but hard to imagine it any better in the future. 1.5 hour decant seemed just right. red fruit forward with lush cherries dominating the palate and nose. Just a touch of barnyard on the bouquet and plenty of tertiary flavors blending in harmony. I didn't log what I paid for this but it has to be a real bargain.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
5/30/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
Everyone loved this last night. This was a great expression of merlot with a silky and plush mouth feel, ample fruit, and well balanced. Drinking well now.
Red
5/9/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
A wonderful wine. Gobs of red and blue fruit, pencil lead, and vanilla notes. This wine has a beautiful ruby color with no signs of ageing. Every component is balanced and in good proportion.
This, for me, is a quintessential example of a great Cali cabernet drinking near its peak.
4 people found this helpful Comment
Red
5/4/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
This is the kind of bottle that makes you remember why you love Barolo so much. It seems to be in a great place...some signs of aging with the slightly brick edges, but fresh and vibrant with balanced acidity, fruit, and tannins. Has all the classic Barolo taste profiles in spades. Just a great bottle of wine.
Red
4/24/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
This is delicious. It has a mix of candied apple and sour cherry going on that is highly addictive. It has a bright acidity that is very stimulating on the palate as the red fruits attack at the same time. This is not an elegant wine but it is young, vibrant, and enticing. You just can't keep your hands off of it.
3 people found this helpful Comment
Red
3/29/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
91 points
Not drinking/buying much PS these days and haven't had one in quite a while. The oak monster is definitely there on the nose blended with some cherry pie and a slight whiff of smoke. This is about as rich and inky as they come in the glass...still haven't tasted it. Okay here I go. I am somewhat surprised that the tannins are so mellowed out giving way to a silky feel on the palate. There are some tart cherry notes, vanilla, oak, and a slight cola finish. Just enough acidity to hold it all together. Very nice PS. A little heavy on the oak but otherwise a great effort and in its prime.
Red
3/19/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
95 points
My experience with this wine is very different from many others. This is exactly what I was hoping for in a 2007 Sonoma Cabernet. I feel like I opened it at its absolute peak of perfection. Bright cherry notes, cassis, fresh tobacco, peeled bark, blueberry, and roasted red fruit. The fruit is forward and amazing with just the right amount of other tertiary influence in perfect harmony. No signs of age in terms of color so it may have some life left but I just can't imagine it being any better. I wish I had more.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2010 Quilceda Creek Palengat Red Wine Horse Heaven Hills Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
3/13/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
This is a muscular wine, especially considering it is 64% merlot. Dark and meaty with cherry, raspberry, tar, and cocoa on the nose. Chewy tannins and some acidity on the front end suggest it has a ways to go.
This is a classic right bank blend but there is no doubt it's new world all the way. It needs red meat...a bit of a monster on its own. There is a long finish with cherry cola and malted milk balls. Flirting with the edge of what I can handle stylistically but not quite rocket fuel.
Red
2/27/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
This is a big, inky, luscious wine which I feel is at its peak. The powerful bouquet offers up singed cherry, pencil shavings, pine bark, and vanilla bean. On the palate, it offers a plush mouth feel with chewy tannins, cherry cola, crushed pomegranate, rhubarb pie, with a little tartness on the finish.
1 person found this helpful Comments (1)
Red
2/27/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
This is my kind of Pinot Noir. Before I even tasted it, I smiled when I saw the 12.8% alcohol on the label. Beautiful red cherry and strawberry on the nose, with silky tannins on the palate. There is a nice earthiness to balance with the fruit and along with just a touch of acidity. This is my first Rhys and now I see why it gets consistently excellent reviews.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2/23/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
Wow. I absolutely love this wine. It is like a perfect marriage between a great Barolo and a great Pinot Noir. Beautiful fruit forward red cherry with floral notes and saddle leather and tar. Crisp acidity and vibrant mouthfeel with cherry tart on the long finish. This is an impressive wine worth three times the cost.
Red
2005 Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette Spring Mountain District Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
2/15/2021 - Tannic Monster wrote:
Ever so slightly corked but nonetheless drinkable somehow. This would be a very good wine if not for the funkiness on the front end.
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend (view label images)
2/14/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
Interesting wine. There are apricots here but they have been grilled...never experienced that before. Perhaps it is just this bottle, but the fruits have taken a back seat to tertiary flavors. On the palate this is thick and unctuous almost like a syrup.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
Smoked meats and tar on the nose. On the palate, it feels a bit hot and this bottle is devoid of any fruit, dark or otherwise. I don't think this is corked, but all I really get is flat cola notes, tar, mushroom, and singed green bell pepper. Not sure if we will be finishing the bottle.
2 people found this helpful Comments (1)
White - Sweet/Dessert
1/30/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
95 points
I love this wine. Beautiful bright yellow in color, with a viscous palate coating medium body that balances fruit and acidity in perfect harmony. Apricot is the dominant character upon the palate immediately followed by pear, mango, honeysuckle, and peach. No toasted or singed fruit skin like you might see in an older Sauterne, just a delightful fruit party in your mouth with a perfectly balanced tangy finish.
4 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2011 Château Troplong Mondot St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
1/30/2021 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
This is in a good place right now. May improve but probably in the sweet spot now. Black and blue fruits more in the background with pencil lead, leather, and tertiary components hitting the palate first. Medium to heavy body, good balance, slightly tannic, and coloration showing no signs of aging. Thoroughly enjoyable.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
12/31/2020 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
This wine is ready to drink. Unlike 2005 Bordeaux...many of which are not yet even approachable , this is just slightly over the drinking window hump but well within the window. The tannins are almost nonexistent but in a good way. There are mounds of crushed ripe fruit, tar and leather, with a hint of root beer on the finish. Delicious though not terribly complex. I might have preferred it a few years ago but still delivering yet in a more decadent style.
Red
2005 Château Langoa Barton St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
12/19/2020 - Tannic Monster wrote:
92 points
This is in a perfect place. I have coravined other 2005 Bordeaux that are still too young but this one is ready. Plenty of luscious red fruits, cassis, and tertiary components working well together. Not sure I would decant this as it was great out of the gate and may have lost just a little charm after being opened several hours.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2012 Château Le Dome St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
12/6/2020 - Tannic Monster wrote:
93 points
This is in a nice place right now. Very fruit forward with red fruit and mellow tannins. Plush and silky on the palate. More new world in style but thoroughly delicious.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
5/30/2020 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
97 points
This is one of the best Pinots I have ever had. Cherry and strawberry are front and center on the palate with a silky lush mouth feel. It is a great wine in a perfect place at six years in. So glad I have one more.
Red
3/15/2020 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
96 points
My last bottle! This is firing on all cylinders. Gorgeous CA meritage at its best. Blueberry and cherry on the nose with vanilla and leather notes. Plush soft mouth feel with a long finish. The best wine from this winery I have ever had to date. You might be able to wait...but why?
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
3/14/2020 - Tannic Monster wrote:
89 points
This was not at all what I was expecting based on experience with other vintages. It is dark, dense, and chewy with chocolate and plum and just felt slightly hot. No red or blue fruit. I don't know if it is just past its prime or if this was a slightly bad bottle. It was drinkable but not my style of wine as other vintages have been.
Red
3/12/2020 - Tannic Monster wrote:
88 points
I think this is an example of a wine that was very good a few years ago but has wilted and fallen apart. The red and blue fruits have vanished along with the tannins. It is not off putting in any way, but exhibits a bit of heat, and a bland plummy jam component and an abrupt finish. RIP.
Red
2005 Château Monbousquet St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
2/16/2020 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
This is probably at it's best. A very good right back Bordeaux, but not destined for greatness. Soft supple mouth feel with tame tannins. Some nice red fruit, dried mushroom, and peat moss on the palate. Low acidity and a medium finish.
Red
1/11/2020 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
I coravined from this bottle over a year ago and have now opened it.
More proof for me that the coravin does not have any negative effect on wine over time. This seems still somewhat youthful with some bright acidity and zesty tannins. Very mainstream CDP in character.
Not a big fan od CDP in general but I am enjoying this more than most.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
11/28/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
This is in a great spot now. I wouldn't wait too long on this one as the tannins are soft and the wine still has some fruit though ripening I would presume. Inky and plush with dark fruits, chocolate, current, and plum. I had the 2004 not long ago which is a step better, but this is a really nice cab probably at it's peak.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2005 Château Léoville Barton St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
11/17/2019 - Tannic Monster wrote:
95 points
I was worried that this might be still too tannic to tame based on reviews, but with a 1.5 hour decant this came to life pretty quickly. The tannins were soft and supple, and beautiful red fruits dominated the palate. The nose is simply sublime. This may have years of life ahead, but I like where it is now with the tertiary components in the background and the fruit still vibrant and young. This wine confirms why Bordeaux is my favorite juice category. Don't be afraid to open one of these now.
8 people found this helpful Comment
Red
9/2/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
This looks like a Petite Sirah in the glass...dark and inky. On the nose is toasted vanilla and stewed cherries. On the palate there is some vibrant acidity which balances well with the fruit. Blue fruits and tart cherry come to mind. There is a hint of oak which is well integrated. Just a simple, luscious, pleasing Rioja in so many ways. It seems there are years of life ahead here.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
5/28/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
This bottle was singing. No signs of age and still full of fruit with amazing complexity along with plush silky tannins. We did not decant and it was ready to please, but it did gain even more character as it opened up. Just a wonderful wine.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
5/4/2019 - Tannic Monster wrote:
93 points
Dark and rich in the glass and thick and juicy with soft tannins with red fruits, berries, chocolate, and dry wood on the palate. A good example of what a fruit bomb should be all about IMHO.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
4/21/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
This has to be right in the sweet spot. A beautiful fruit forward nose with cherries and leather with a hint of creme brulee and nutmeg.
On the palate the tannins are soft and silky in perfect balance with the acids. cherry pie, frozen daiquiri, and strawberry jam come to mind. This is just wonderful. A perfect balance between an over extracted and wimpy pinot with just the right amount of punch. Love it.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
4/20/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
consistent with previous notes.
Red
4/13/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
Just entering drinking window...will wait on the rest. Beautiful fruit with a slightly tart finish but not off putting. Will settle down with more time. Enjoyable now but will get better.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
4/13/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
95 points
From magnum. absolutely amazing wine. Balanced, fruit forward, silky, plush. Soft and supple but no clear signs of age such as bricking. This is a great example of what wine can become with bottle age...this is confirmation of and justification for why we have cellars.
Red
2006 Château Monbousquet St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
4/13/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
92 points
Classic Bordeaux nose with still gripping tannins, leather, cassis, muted cranberry, stone, and tar. better than expected given the so so vintage.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
3/30/2019 - Tannic Monster wrote:
92 points
This lower to mid-level Barolo has consistently impressed me. The 2004 is no exception. Probably in a perfect spot with classic black cherry and floral notes with polished tannins. I just ordered 3 bottles of the 2013 due to this experience. Great QPR in the Barolo world.
Red
2/27/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
91 points
Dark and inky in the glass. On the nose: Sandal wood, black cherry, red licorice, and fruit cake. On the palate: silky tannins with a medium to full body and vibrant acidity...cherry cola notes, mild cedar, stewed blackberries, and baking spices with a hint of ginger snap on the finish. Given the challenging vintage a solid effort.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2/2/2019 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
Wow. This is a young buck no where near ready for riding. You would think it was bottles yesterday. I enjoyed it but know that it will be far better in 5-10 years. these reserves seem to be built for aging. he 1989 I drank in 2015 was in a perfect spot as I remember. Really good wine now but will be great in a few years.
Red
1/11/2019 - Tannic Monster wrote:
88 points
This was very disappointing. Dried ripe fruit character and mostly secondary elements, with some leather and soil. Kept trying to enjoy it but just unable to.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
12/29/2018 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
94 points
This opens up nicely after a short decant delivering a delicate bouquet of berries, cherries, and a hint of vanilla. Very enticing nose to say the least. It drinks like a well rested left bank Bordeaux and does not disappoint.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
12/29/2018 - Tannic Monster wrote:
89 points
Eh
Red
12/16/2018 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
90 points
This wine is at best "good" but not as nice as other vintages I have had. On the nose there is tar, over-ripe cherries, and a hint of new car. I think the fruit has begun to fade and secondary components are taking over. On the palate there is some good acidity and pronounced tannins, with leather, dried leaves, and tonic with a slightly bitter note on the finish.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
12/13/2018 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
93 points
This is way better than I expected. Stewed cherries and toasted vanilla on the nose. A tempting tart cherry note hits the palate on impact then black fruit, cola, and red licorice are revealed. A fruit bomb for sure but not like some of the rocket fuel coming out of Paso these days. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this so much, but this is a delicious wine.
Red
2001 Château Pavie St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
12/11/2018 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine:
96 points
This is an amazing wine drinking beautifully. It shows no signs of age and seemingly has years of life ahead. 2001 is an often overlooked vintage and this is a prime example of why you shouldn't.
2 people found this helpful Comment
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