11/3/2018 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Wow. I had very high expectations for this wine and it delivered. Incredibly drinkable with a smooth, silky texture. Luscious fruit tones like blackberry & plum, and an undercurrent of woody notes. Had three bottles of this during a dinner with several other high-end wines like Caymus. I, and most others, much preferred this Pinotage.

11/3/2018 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

This is a big, in-your-face wine. Definately Californian style. Heavy, velvety mouthfeel. Bursting with fruit but a touch on the sweet side. I paired it with smoked pork tenderloin in a smoked blackberry bourbon sauce. This wine handled the smoky and spicy flavors well.

11/3/2018 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Big and fruity. Lots of plum, almost prune. Paired well with Beef Tenderloin and a rich risotto.

8/28/2017 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Always a favorite Pinotage of mine. This year had a strong wood note that spiked the flavors and really made it interesting.

8/28/2017 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Very quality wine that has hit its stride. Big and juicy and not overly fruity. Great mouthfeel and very mellow tannins. Paired great with steak.

10/1/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Decent Stags Leap district cab suav that might benefit from another year or two in the bottle. It took awhile to open up and never quite lost a bit of sharpness on the tongue. Drank along side a Stags Leap Wine Cellars Artemis and we all preferred the Artemis.

10/1/2016 - lmerriner wrote:

These are consistently good. Drank it along side the Stags Leap Cab Sauv 2013 (different winery) and we all preferred the Artemis. The Stags Leap district's earthy and loamy notes are present and the finish is big and wet.

8/1/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Very big wine with an enormous bouquet in the glass. Lots of fruit, particularly cherry. Paired great with New York Strip steak, but would probably overpower subtler meals. Would have rated higher but the wine had bled through to the top of the cork. Surprised it hadn't gone bad, although it did have a touch of a bite that shouldn't have been there.

7/26/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Very nice red with hints of plum, wet mouthfeel and a smooth finish. Easy drinker that is well rounded with mellow tannins. Might be overpowered with a heavy dinner.

7/13/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Deep, complex wine with spice notes. Not the best choice for such a hot day but very enjoyable none-the-less.

7/17/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Incredible sweet wine with strong apricot, honey and pear. Wonderful finish without any hint of being too sweet or syrupy. One guest commented, "I believe this is the greatest alcohol every made". Made for a great finish to a great night.

7/17/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

After reading reviews I had low expectations for this wine. Not sure why the criticism because this wine drank exceptionally well. Big fruity notes and velvety smooth finish. Lush, rich and complex. Excited to see how this ages.

7/17/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Excellent wine that everyone enjoyed. The Paul Sauer never disappoints.

7/4/2016 - lmerriner wrote:

Nice smooth blend that never fails to disappoint. Not much chocolate in this year but big, fruity overtones with mellow tannins. Definitely ready to drink.

4/11/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Excellent wine that has aged splendidly. Extremely big flavored with distinctive earthly tones. Wet finish that lingers. I was saddened to hear about their recent fire. Let's hope they bounce back quickly.

2/13/2016 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Wonderful big red from Thelema. Complex earthy notes with a nice blend of fruit and spice. Very similar to their Cab Sav varietal. Paired great with a grilled Ribeye.

11/7/2015 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Another solid wine and good value from BV. Strong red color with full body. Lots of berries on the nose. A touch sweet but may benefit from a few years.

11/11/2015 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Dark ruby with strong legs. Good mouthfeel with tannins that have mellowed into rich complexity. Oak, pepper, mint, blackberry and banana on the tongue, with a smooth wet finish. Everyone really enjoyed this wine and commented on how well it complemented the steak dinner.

8/15/2015 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Enjoyable wine that didn't wow. Wasn't expecting much but for the price point it delivers nicely. Fruity, smooth and even with a moderate finish.

8/17/2015 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Excellent Cdp for the price. Subdued grass and wet earth under dark fruits like blackberry. Hopefully will get bigger with time as it still needs to develop its punch.

12/28/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Excellent wine with powerful yet balanced spicy notes. Paired very well with yellow curry. Last of my bottles and I would recommend drinking it soon.

12/1/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Nice Shiraz that that benefited from several years in the cellar. Fruity notes that blended well with the spice.

12/25/2014 - lmerriner wrote:

Mediocre Napa Cab Sauv. Very weak and timid on the front, but does get stronger with the finish. Left me wanting more out of the wine.

12/25/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Very good CDP for the price. Earthy tone with a mineral finish. Will benefit from a few more years in the cellar.

12/17/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Enjoyable South African wine that has had plenty of time to mellow. Good spice notes that really bring out the character. Bought from the winery and if you ever get a chance to visit it's worth the trip. Great memories.

12/5/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Well-balanced and should develop into a nice, drinkable wine. Isn't overly sweet and fruity, but has a full body that works very well together. Definitely a bit young and the finish presents with crush gravel and a dry graphite bite. Should mellow with a few years of storage and really become a great value.

11/26/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Probably past its prime and should have drank earlier. Still a nice wine.

11/8/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Wonderful. Not overly sweet with lots of apricot. Easily won our blind tasting of 25 dessert wines and was universally liked by the entire group.

10/12/2014 - lmerriner Likes this wine:

Ruby red color that lightens at the edges. Nose has hints of flower and green banana, but a touch sharp. Great feel and warming in the mouth. Good character. Couldn't discern many flavors except a bit of cherry. A little dry on the finish but that should smooth with time. Overall a very enjoyable and drinkable wine for the price.