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Tasting Notes for valecnik

(2,050 notes on 1,485 wines)

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White
3/28/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
89 points
White gamay, what a crazy concept. I *might* be able to discern this is the same grape that makes Beaujolais rouge, perhaps in the subtle earthiness on the nose. But I'd have no clue if I didn't already know it. The palate is steely dry, with buckets of stoney minerality. A bit of citrus, a dash of pear, but this is all about the stone.
White
3/26/2024 - valecnik wrote:
87 points
Fresh linen on the nose. Loaded with tropical fruits such as pineapple, coconut, and papaya. Has a slight bitter note that hits at the back of the mouth. Agree with the note that this lacks acidity, but it's a decent little Alsatian wine nonetheless.
Red
3/25/2024 - valecnik wrote:
86 points
This picked up a lot of flesh and fruit (very plummy) on night two. Acidity seemed more vibrant then too, which is a bit odd. But in the end, kind of a boring wine with no real standout character. Solid enough.
Rosé
3/22/2024 - valecnik wrote:
87 points
That slight musty corked note is present in this bottle as well, and to the exact same degree, so I now think it's just part of the profile. In that respect and others, this bottle is consistent with prior.
White
3/18/2024 - valecnik wrote:
flawed
Badly oxidized. Think I lost track of this one in the cellar because it didn't have drink dates on it until recently.
Red
3/20/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
91 points
Two and a half years ago I commented on how tannic this wine still was, but it's now drinking beautifully. Love the woodsy nose that trends toward cedar. Spent six months is oak, which is evident from the nose and rounded/toasty character on the palate, but its main strength is in its balance. Dusty red and blue fruits are delivered in just the right proportion. Drinks a bit like a perfumed Syrah or Cab Sauv. Really nice.
Red
2014 Caduceus Cellars Anubis Cochise County Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
3/15/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
92 points
Not a style I gravitate toward, but unquestionably made with impressive skill. The depth of the red and blue fruits is rather amazing and radiates from the core out to the very edges. Great acidity and nice, refined grip. I found it a little boozy on the nose, but the palate couples elegance with intensity and never stops giving. Any fan of big reds would do well to seek this out.
Rosé
3/14/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
88 points
Completely forgot this was in my cellar, but it held up just fine. In fact, it's surprisingly good. Soft-bodied, with gentle strawberry fruit, good acidity, and a delicious stoney minerality.
Rosé
3/12/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
What a fascinating and truly unique rosé. Bridges the gap between red and pink in a way I've never experienced. Smooth body, bright cranberry on the palate, and prickly acidity. And tannins! Based upon the Kermit Lynch description of how it was made, it will likely never taste this way again.
White - Sparkling
3/10/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
89 points
Quite sweet (only fermented to 7% ABV), yet absolutely delightful. Elderflower, pear, and peach make for a delicious, lip-smacking beverage that amounts to adult soda pop, but with added elegance and minerality. Dangerously drinkable.
Red
3/8/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
91 points
The funky side of Pinot. Had a lot of sulfur on it the first night. Hazy and murky in the glass, with a slightly sour tang. Could almost be a Beaujolais from one of the great natural producers, but it has distinct Pinot character. The rough and tumble country cousin of a fine Burgundy, but super delicious nonetheless.
Red
2012 Château Aney Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
3/6/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
After being less impressed by the last bottle, I'm coming back around on this wine. I'm again struck by the tasty core of dark red and blue fruits, the subtle hints of vanilla, and the light but nicely balanced structure.
Rosé
2021 Corte Gardoni Nichesole Bardolino Chiaretto Corvina Blend, Corvina (view label images)
3/5/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
This has a fascinating gunflint minerality that was unexpected and pleasing. Pretty dry, with moderate strawberry fruit and moderate acid, but the mineral streak really drives it and makes it a tasty, expressive rosé.
Red
3/2/2024 - valecnik wrote:
89 points
This is more Cab Franc-y than the 2020, which I praised for its youthful exuberance. Darker flavors here, with black cherry, blackberry, and clay. Refined tannins and good structure. Bit of cedar on the finish. Still more vivacious than other Loire Cab Francs, to its credit.
Red
2/29/2024 - valecnik wrote:
89 points
Super fruity but not over the top. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it with a chill on it. That juicy red and blue berry fruit still comes through but it's sleeker and smoother. Leans sweet, but again, that works for it when the temp is lower.
Rosé
2/27/2024 - valecnik wrote:
88 points
A mélange of citrus, red berries, and stone fruits. Rather enticing just for the fruit, but rather lacks standout character. Fairly tangy acidity, but overall made of mostly soft edges and needs more spine, more definition. Perfectly passable, but not outstanding.
White
2/25/2024 - valecnik wrote:
87 points
Has a flavor profile very similar to the 2020, but unfortunately rather washed out in all aspects. Peachy/lemony/waxy to a degree, but more muted. Still a nice, clean wine, just lacks the wow factor.
Red
2/24/2024 - valecnik wrote:
90 points
Glorious nose that I probably sniffed ten times before I took the first sip. Redolent of rich dark fruit and oak; so new world that it took me back to a trip tasting California Syrahs in the Central Valley. That sunny ripeness carries through to the palate, making for a wine that borders on decadent. If the ABV had been any higher, it might have entered cloying territory. As it is, it holds together well, expressing some elegance along with all that fruit. If you like your wines bigger and fruit-forward, I expect you will find this delicious. I'm more partial to the reserved Northern Rhône style of this varietal.
Red
2/21/2024 - valecnik wrote:
88 points
This was very austere and reticent the first night, such that I detected no standout characteristics at all. After a night in half bottle, I can now detect dark berry jam and toast on the nose, with a similar fruit profile on the palate. Still very dry, quite tannic, and has good acidity. I have found that these volcanic Etna wines can be very stern indeed but this one is even more so than others I've had. There might be something great underneath, but it's very challenging to reach.
White
2/19/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
Plush, medium body and potent acidity. Pineapple, melon, almond, and petrol are dominant on the palate. Finish has some nice mineral that emerges. This isn't an especially complex Riesling, but it's well-knit and plenty tasty.
Red
2/18/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
Similar to the 2019. Still maintain there are parallels to Pinot Noir here in the woodsy notes. Has an herbaceous freshness that complements the black and red berry fruit. Tasty and goes down easy, while also being nicely structured.
Red
2/15/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
91 points
A delight as always. Super hazy/murky from the natural production. Lots of juicy strawberry and raspberry to coat the palate, with good acid, a pleasing tang, and luscious earth.
Red
2/13/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
This is deeply concentrated, with blackberry, back currant, and black licorice notes. Smooth but grippy tannins and good acidity. Powerful, juicy, and tasty. Grew on me more as I drank it.
Red
2/4/2024 - valecnik wrote:
88 points
The enamel-stripping tannins have subsided, so I'll take that as a win. Intensely fruity, bursting with bright raspberry. It's almost TOO fruity, really, like that one aspect of its personality has been amped to the Nth degree. Feels a bit out of balance as a result. Nice mineral underpinning though.
White
2/3/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
My first "orange" wine. Pale sunset orange color, almost more pink. Orange citrus on the nose. Incredibly tangy on the palate, with excellent acidity and bright citrus/tropical flavors, and a tasty mineral anchor. Vivid and intense, yet still pretty easy to drink. Fun and delicious.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2008 Château Moulin Pey-Labrie Canon-Fronsac Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
2/1/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
Tannins and acid are still kicking. Big nose of leather, dark berry, chocolate, and coffee. On the palate it's more subtle, and requires some contemplative sipping to realize the roundness and depth of the black and blue fruit are impressive. This wine reinforces that I'm not a big Bordeaux or Cab guy, but it surely exudes quality and class.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
1/31/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
This is exploding with aromas and flavors -- peach, green apple, pineapple, pear, kiwi, orange, lemon zest, and more. Great acidity. Delicious and an incredible value.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
1/29/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
91 points
Candied pineapple and a hint of petrol on the nose. Round and luscious mouthfeel; slightly unctuous. The palate brings waves of cream, tropical fruit, and citrus. Acidity is moderate but sufficient and there's a gentle tang that provides lift. Third vintage of this bottling I've tried and by far the best, with more complexity and pure deliciousness. A pleasure to drink.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
1/26/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
92 points
Beguiling right out of the gate, with a distinct woodsy/sprucey note. Lean and refreshing without being stern or hard-edged. After a night in half bottle, it integrated beautifully and showed amazing balance. Sweet dark berry, good acidity, a round and lithe mouthfeel, and still finishing with that woodsy note. A brilliant little wine with staggering QPR.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Rosé
1/24/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
93 points
Intense peachy strawberry and excellent acidity, but the real clincher here is the superb minerality. It's like they filtered the wine through river rock. Fantastic.
White
1/22/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
93 points
On both nose and palate, this drinks like a still Champagne. And actually it isn't quite still -- there was a spritz of effervescence on the first pour, with fine bubbles lingering in the glass. Floral, honeyed, with notes of peach, tropical fruit, and lychee. Has a bready anchor to it, and a spray of sea salt. Huge QPR here. Delicious.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
1/21/2024 - valecnik Does not like this wine:
85 points
Still very primary, with that sweet, dark fruit leading the charge. I don't think this has settled down at all. Acid and tannins remain potent. I'm dubious that it will improve much in bottle, but there's ample stuffing to give it the opportunity. Lacks balance.
Red
1/18/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
Consistent with prior vintage. Lots of tart cranberry on the palate, coupled with great acidity. Earthy, hazy, unadulterated, and delicious.
Red
1/17/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
88 points
A nose redolent of dark berry pie. Moderate acid, firm tannins. Palate brings more dark berry, red apple peel, and lots of stony mineral. Solid though unremarkable.
Red
1/14/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
Had a sulphury nose that blew off after the first night. Lots of bricking in the color but you wouldn't know it from the palate. This wine remains high-toned, with acid and tannins in spades. I was dubious of the drinking window noted here, but it's for real -- I see no reason why this can't go another five years. Still has a lot of nice cherry and spice notes as well. Not a stunner, but very good and the energy/longevity are impressive.
Red
2012 Château Aney Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
1/12/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
89 points
Not as impressed this time, though the highlight was definitely the complex and heady nose. Quickly morphed from cedar to sweet berries to flowers to cola. Has ample tannins and acid, so still no rush to drink. Seems a little leaner with less depth of fruit. Still nice, but more what I expect from budget Bordeaux rather than a standout.
Rosé
1/10/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
88 points
Consistent with prior.
Red - Fortified
1/6/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
91 points
Drank over the course of two weeks, and it remained steadfast to the end. Presents as merely sweet at first, with date and overripe strawberry flavors, but with due consideration it reveals more complexity. The woodsy, spicy, forest floor character of Pinot Noir is detectable, though ultra subtle. A delicious dessert wine that encourages thought and savoring.
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
1/5/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
93 points
Hint of lemon at the front, then a wash of mineral, beeswax, and saline. Has an almost Alpine crispness akin to a Savoie white. Elegant, classy, sophisticated, and truly delicious.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
1/3/2024 - valecnik Likes this wine:
88 points
Plenty of acid and tannins to keep this one sailing on for a while. Palate is a bit woodsy, with dark berries and a dry minerality. This is elegant and rather nice, but not especially delicious or distinct.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Rosé - Sparkling
12/31/2023 - valecnik wrote:
88 points
Four years since the last one? Hard to believe. Not sure that time has done it any favors. It still has those buttery almond and orange notes, and I also get icing sugar and maple syrup. Feels heavy, really, and sweeter than I'd like.
Red
12/29/2023 - valecnik Likes this wine:
90 points
In retrospect I'm now sure that the 2019 I had was flawed, as this wine is back to its usual deliciousness here. Red berries ride along an earthy base, with enough funk to remind you that what you're drinking is unaltered and unfettered. Has really nice acidity that creeps in slowly. A perennial favorite.
White
12/28/2023 - valecnik Likes this wine:
91 points
Delicious Alpine white. Peachy and lemony, with a nice dose of beeswax. Good acidity and crisp minerality. Lovely.
Red
12/25/2023 - valecnik wrote:
flawed
Pickled. Overrun by tangy acid.
Red
12/22/2023 - valecnik wrote:
87 points
Has a pretty intense core of black and blue fruit compote. Brisk but fairly refined tannins. Reasonably balanced despite the sweet fruit. Not the kind of wine I drink much anymore, but solid enough.
Red
12/20/2023 - valecnik wrote:
84 points
Has a rather sulfury nose that never fully blows off. Skews tannic and sharp, and lacks typicity. There's an overall diluted feel to the palate. It's drinkable and not offensive, but not especially likeable.
Red
12/18/2023 - valecnik Likes this wine:
88 points
Lean and earthy, with the cherry fruit being almost secondary and blossoming more on the finish. At that point it becomes almost perfumed, with notes of cedar creeping in. There's some nice elegance here, but for an expensive wine it doesn't deliver much bang for the buck. If you want to try Italian Pinot, drink Cuna instead.
Rosé
12/17/2023 - valecnik Likes this wine:
92 points
Offers an array of watermelon, clementine, and peach, with nice acidity and a mouthwatering mineral underpinning. Complex and delicious.
White
12/14/2023 - valecnik wrote:
87 points
Delicate and complex nose of clean linen, herb, flowers, and mandarin orange. The palate is a little washed out, however. I adore Vermentino for it's waxy/salty notes and hints of almond, but this one is more citrus-forward than anything and doesn't deliver all the layers I crave. Solid but unremarkable.
Red
12/11/2023 - valecnik wrote:
84 points
I look back on my last note quizzically. Yes, this is still lean and restrained, but it doesn't feel like that was a stylistic choice. It feels like it's just a result of a cheap and passable Pinot. There's no soul here, no depth. It drinks like a $10 Chilean Pinot or something in that vein. It's not even very Pinot-like, frankly. Rather odd that I changed my mind so drastically.
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  • Tasting Notes: 2,050 notes on 1,485 wines
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