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Tasting Notes for Haltermr

(555 notes on 507 wines)

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White
11/7/2021 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
No formal notes here, but some advice. I did a slow O on this for about 14h, and it wasn't nearly enough. It took another 2-3 hours of open decant to reach its potential. Extremely good. I enjoy Blankiet for its red fruit, acid, and minerality.
White - Sparkling
1989 S. Anderson Diva Napa Valley Champagne Blend (view label images)
1/1/2018 - Haltermr wrote:
94 points
Opened this with little expectations. What a surprise. The nose was a bit reticent, but whoa, the palate was extraordinary. This had an amazing balance of creaminess with appropriate balancing acid. The palate was marked by turbinado sugar and fig. Really an amazing drinking experience, and one that makes me nostalgic of my trips to Napa in the late 90's.
Red
8/15/2014 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Suave nose of dusty dried red fruit, sweet mushroom notes, rose petals, crushed rock, and background aglianico-like notes of liquorice and herbs. Very pretty and sweet midweight midpalate, with relatively fine tannins on the finish. This is extremely pretty, and really competes with many other high end old world pinots and sangios.
Red
8/6/2014 - Haltermr wrote:
85 points
Drank this a year ago..
Disappointing, quite dominated by smokey oak and oak tannins. Short on the finish.
Red
7/30/2014 - Haltermr wrote:
92 points
This keeps getting better. Gorgeous pure red cherries and strawberry with rose petal, toasted earth and oolong tea. Beautiful sweet palate and nice finish.
White
7/28/2014 - Haltermr Likes this wine:
90 points
Perfect gruner nose of peach, creamed corn, snap pea, lime, mineral and pepper. Good entry and midpalate, the palate reflecting the nose with added saline notes, but the power wanes a bit past the midpalate. Really a great example of good gruner and an excellent QPR. No danger of this fading anytime soon.
Red
7/12/2014 - Haltermr Likes this wine:
93 points
I purchased this wine at the winery, and can say it wasn't stored well at times. Still, it was spectacular, and has outdone many older burgundies of the same age. Gorgeous sweet and fresh cherries, mushroom, orange citrus, and cedar with beautiful palate texture and sweetness. Still some bite on the long finish. Quite a surprise.
Red
6/1/2014 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Moderately bricked. Lively nose of pomegranate, tart red cherry, tar, and baked earth. Nice fruit, long acidic palate that slightly overshadowed the fruit and sweetness. Very nice bottle, and a great experience.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
6/1/2014 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
A remarkable experience. Evolved continually, and stayed lively over the course of an hour. Interestingly not that bricked. Elegant and lively nose of morel cherries, mushrooms, and brown sugar. Nice energy on the palate, nice finish. Amazingly fresh for a 50YO wine! Clearly has been stored well.
Red
7/18/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Formal notes not taken, popped and poured. Classic cab dark fruits, very open and inviting on nose and front of palate, but plenty of energy and tension through midpalate and finish. Drink now, or later....
White - Sparkling
7/15/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
89 points
Very nice and pleasant nose of apple pie and spices, vanilla, pie crust, lemon zest, and some mineral underpinning. Not complex, but very pleasing balance of acid and fruit sweetness. Opened up as the evening progressed, though the carbonation here is on the low end, and didn't keep pace with the progression of flavors in the wine. Received this as a gift. Liked it very much, but wouldn't trade over a well selected $45 grower champagne.
Red
7/11/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
94 points
I pulled this assuming I had waited too late. Instead, it was sublime. Beautiful blackberry preserve was framed by forest floor, minty notes, and bay leaf in a wine that showed perfect balance and complexity. The palate was gorgeous, with silky entry, lovely sweet fruit, and fine tannins extending into a long finish. Blew away a Fuligni 97 brunello also opened tonight...
Red
7/11/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
flawed
This wine disappointed. Nose had a nutty note of oak, along with horehound, liquorice, some cherries, tar, and dusty earth notes. The nose was pretty and understated, but the palate really disappointed.No real fruit appeared, and drying tannins were present on the finish. This underwent an 8 hour slow O. Either this was not enough, or I waited too long for this particular bottle. Will check in again tomorrow.
Red
7/7/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
92 points
Stunning nose of pipe tobacco, unfinished leather, cocoa powder, sweet dark cherry, violet and some green herbal/spice notes. The entry is gorgeous, with velvety mid weight texture eventually giving way to a nice acid snap on the finish. Hardens with time in the glass. Tannins are refined, but still present, will try my next one in several years if I can keep my hands off of this.
Red
6/22/2013 - Haltermr Does not like this wine:
86 points
Way acidic, some fruit and weight came out on day two, but not enough to ever really make this a happy experience. Meh.
White - Off-dry
6/22/2013 - Haltermr Likes this wine:
92 points
Initially dull and overly carmelly on the nose, with about 30 minutes air time this cleaned up and was fresh and lively, with abundant fruit and fresh acidity. I really don't have much experience with these types of wines, but this was very good.
Red
6/22/2013 - Haltermr Likes this wine:
93 points
Gorgeous black cherry aromatics with abundant rose petal and mineral. Suave entry, nice midpalate, and good acid tannin balance. Just entering its drinking window. Very impressive.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2002 Nicolas Potel Clos de la Roche Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir (view label images)
6/16/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
Candied cherry and strawberry, paraffin, chamomile tea and a hit of herbaceousness on the nose. Nice lively acidity and red fruit on the palate, medium short finish. A lovely village wine, but not worthy of an 02 Grand Cru.
Red
6/16/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
94 points
Tasted over two days. Initally so compact, but there was a sense of freshness that suggested the wine hadn't turned, but rather was tight. Then in the glass, this blossomed into a masculine, brooding, beautiful Barolo. True dark and clean neb notes of black cherry, liquorice, tar, and roses with a nice aged sweetness rose in layers, with a depth that kept inviting repeated swirling and sniffing. Much less weight on the palate, where it felt more medium bodied. Initially still very grippy on the finish, the tannins became more refined with air providing a pleasing and complex palate. Could have gone another 10.
Red
6/16/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
92 points
What a surprising treat. Nose was rich sweet leather, mushroom, graphite, with a hint of cherry and beautiful spice. Palate was also rich but with strong acidity that held it together. True varietal characteristics here. Wish I had more.
Red
6/8/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Dense with strong purple color. The nose is striking for its lift given the density and power of this wine. First whiffs give energetic impressions of roses and violets, bay leaf, blue and red fruits, along with underlying mourvedre notes of meatiness. There is a nice graphite spine here. Juicy acidity hits the palate first, with a smooth broad midpalate that pumps evenly to a long finish. Tannins are very fine. Alcohol makes its presence known on the midpalate and finish, which mars it a bit for me, but I'm a little more sensitive to this than the average bear. I still prefer my wines with a little less body than this, but the quality is undeniable. Not sure, though, that I would like this wine from a warmer vintage.
Day two, the heat is gone, and the Grenache is singing. The wine has firmed up further in a really nice way.
Red
5/31/2013 - Haltermr Likes this wine:
93 points
This bottle was a stunner. Pours very pale, but the crystalline Rabaja like cherry, strawberry, and rhubarb fruit leaps out of the glass, with nice mineral, rose, and just a touch of earth. Deceptively mid bodied and consistent across the palate. It carries some weight, with plenty of fruit and tannin, and has a pleasing persistent finish. Wish I had much more of this.
Red
5/31/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
Expressive nose of black cherry, polished leather, violets, roasted earth and chocolate, with a nice sweetness. The palate had a nice entry, with good acidity, but was devoid of fruit and finished astringent and with a bitter herbal note. Really wasn't able to drink this. Didn't think that storage was an issue here. Could some of the bottles be past their peak, and losing fruit? NR
Red
5/29/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
89 points
Nose shows nice sweetness, with asphalt, dark fruits, violets, some green herbs. Nice smooth entry, tannins at this point well resolved. Very nice for what it is. Loses its appeal with extended air time, becoming leaner and harder.
Red
5/29/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Like previous notes, nose is a bit subdued, but lifts with a nice swirl. Really nice bouquet of tobacco, candied cherry, orange liqueur, mint, cinnamon, clove, and mineral. The palate shined here. Very nice fruit with smooth broad entry, strong midpalate, and pleasing finish. The flavors on the finish mirror those of the nose. Clearly shows the warmth of the year with its expressive fruit and body, but never comes across as rich or heavy.
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Red
5/19/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
89 points
Nice translucent ruby. Very pretty pure cherry notes with mineral backbone and a touch of Asian spice. On day one, the palate was flat and dull, seemed to lack acidity, which was very suprising knowing Kelley's style.. Didn't care for it at all.

Day two, nose remains fresh and lovely, but now the palate has a bit more snap. Extremely odd evolution. Seems a previous taster had the same experience on the palate. Give a a day of air, and it shows more promise.
Red
5/16/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
This has put on considerable weight since I last had it 2 years ago. Savory and floral nose with rose petals and geranium, mushroom, and leather fronting a faint background of sweet ripe cherry. The entry is the star; it caresses like a rose petal, finishing floral on the palate. Midpalate is rather delicate and simple. Still, this is right in my wheelhouse, but it wouldn't please the Carlisle crowd...
White
5/8/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Lovely, balanced, floral, herbal, and citrus notes play a background role to the round core of white peach. Lovely balance and fullness through the midpalate, with nice sweet fruit balancing the savory and acid hallmarks of SB.
Red
5/7/2013 - Haltermr wrote:
94 points
Balanced nose matching savory and sweet, with high toned florals, including rose petal, bay leaf and herbs overlying red and black berry fruits. There is a touch of mineral in the background, with a nice core of roasted earth and espresso. Medium bodied with a hint of sweet fruit and abundant but finely textured tannins on a long finish. The wine seems very complete, and the only thing it is lacking is age..
Day two showed less floral notes but more dark fruits, mainly cassis, along with garrigue. More like a cool climate cab. Liked it better on day one.
Red
9/16/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
Took about 12 hours or so to blossom. Nice purity of fruit, red and plum, along with dried herbs, mineral/ash. Palate picked up weight with time after being quite angular at the start.
I like this expression of cabernet which is medium bodied, low alcohol, and with minimal oak. Finish is long and clean. Still quite youthful. If opening, give a long slow O.
Red
9/3/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Really beautiful with sweet red fruit overlying hints of tobacco, smoke, and oak spices. Lovely mid palate perfume and texture, with throng but balanced acidity heading into a long finish. Wish this weren't my last bottle!
Red
9/1/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Very pretty, youthful, and lively. Nice floral and tea notes, bright red fruits, with plenty of spice. Dehlinger like acidity and oak use. This could have gone another 5 to 10 years. but drinking beautifully.
Red
7/29/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Expressive nose of blue and purple fruits, smoke/ash/mineral, nice touch of cocoa powder, cedar, and a touch of herbs/mint with nice oak accent. Round fruits on the palate are held taught by snappy acidity and minerals, and the finish has abundant tannins that, to this nebbiolo drinker, are very fine grained. Nice.
Red
7/29/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
Fragrant but not flamboyant nose of cherries, raspberries, iron, mineral and loam. Nice midweight palate. Finish doesn't feel hot, but there is a definite alcohol burn that's not my favorite sensation, but pretty excusable for 06. This wine doesn't come off overly rich or alcoholic for the vintage. Also, the oak on this wine is definitely tucked into the background, and less present than the 02 that I recently tried. (Is this due to the higher alcohol level of this wine?)
Red
7/23/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
92 points
Pretty. brilliant brick red. Effusive nose of sweet blue and red fruits, asphalt, mineral, tea, sweet loamy earth, pepper, and oak spices. Palate has sweet fruit, and is round, full, but tautened by good acidity. My only quibble is that there is a touch more oak than I like, and a bit of coarseness on the finish that may be oak tannins. Really nice stuff.
Red
7/11/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
92 points
Popped and poured. Very unique nose and palate. The nose was marked by very energetic tart red cherry, mineral, and tart apple (yes, apple). Immediately upon hitting the palate, the impression is of biting into a cherry flavored Granny Smith apple; there is tart, mouth watering acidity, but it is somehow balanced by a bright fruit and lovely finish that makes the whole package work.
Vacuum sealed overnight. On day two, the nose was much more traditional sangiovese, with lower toned cherries, leather, and mushrooms. Palate still is bright and energetic with bright acid and suave tannins. I think this will be great in 10 years. Quaff the 05 while waiting....
Red
7/9/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
The nose is marked exhuberant bright cherry and rhubarb notes over a mineral base. Marked by extremely clean and precise flavors, very high toned on the palate. Like a crystal mountain stream of nebbiolo. Not a lot of complexity here. Would give this time to settle down.
Red
7/9/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Slow O'd, then placed into decanter. Interesting nose with strong medicinal notes overlying pretty blue and red fruits, violets and geranium notes, with a balanced touch of oak sweetness. Energetic and juicy over the midpalate, with lovely fruits, and a long finish that was tannic but never drying. Continued to improve over hours. Will wait a couple of years for the next bottle. Interesting and very good.
Red
7/9/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
96 points
Popped and poured, to replace the cooked 97 Pianpolvere. Right out of the gate, truly an astounding nebbiolo perfume with beatiful sweetness, very Giacosa like. Gradually put on weight, with dark plum and tar notes adding some roundness and bass notes. Sublime over the palate, with plenty of verve and tannins to live for many years, though I'm not sure it could ever be loved more than I loved it this evening. Thanks Uncle Rico!
Red
7/9/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Popped and poured. Initially showed copious fruit, then, within an hour, closed down and became quite course. Vacusealed, came back on day two. Now drinking beautifully. Beautiful blackberries, strawberry preserve, mineral, and blueberries. No real earth or leather notes. Nice body and energy across the palate with refined but abundant tannins and a 25 second finish.
This highlight here was the purity and depth of fruit and mouthfeel. Not extremely complex.
Red
7/7/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Dusty cherries, plum, cedar,a touch of tar, and warm spices on the nose, portray just the right balance of sap without overt sweetness. Palate is pretty extraordinary, with brisk attack, powerful but lightweight midpalate, and long fiinish. Though my palate consistently is turning toward burgs, this is first class all the way. Still plenty of ripe tannins, this could easily go another 5 years. Unfortunately, my last bottle.
Red
4/9/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
A nice core of minerality supports pretty cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and indian spices. Palate is defined by finesse, with a silky entry, satisfying midpalate, and a nice 20 second finish. On the tongue, there is just a hint of sweet sappiness that balances nice acidity. Equivalent to a top flight burgundy villages, at a fraction of the price. Gone is the heaviness of 2009; if this is a hint of what the 10's are like, I'm ecstatic. Wine reminds me a little bit of the 07 MSR, with less body.
Red
1/8/2012 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
Blue and red fruits, roasted earth, with nice mineral underpinnings. The money is in the palate, which is silky elegant with nice fruit and minerality. Wish it were a bit less expensive, but I am buying more.
Red
12/25/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Phenomenal, powerful. Deep dark cherry fruit, molten rock, asphalt, cedar, and floral notes on the nose. Palate is a continuous wall of power, albeit well balanced. Wine closed down over the evening; suspect it is in the beginning stages of shutting down for a lengthy hibernation. I want more of this in my cellar.
Red
11/14/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
Wow. After a beautiful showing earlier in the year, this wine has shut down hard. 24 hrs of slow O did nothing to budge it. A little bit of sweetness on the nose, but the palate is completely mute except for acid and tannin. Won't even look to touch another for 5 years. Will give a 90 for knowing what it was, and what I expect it to be.
Red
9/8/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
93 points
Lively but classy nose of black tea, rose petal, bitter orange, sweet plumb, cinnamon and clove. Good acid attack on entry, broadens across midpalate with nice texture and weight, with 30 second black tea like finish. Really combines "wow" like elements with elegance.
Red
8/19/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Quite good, holds its high alchohol well, but still a bit on the sweet side. Nice tertiary characteristics.
Red
7/12/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Crazy viscous purple black juice. Legs remain on the side of the glass for 20 minutes. Huge blast of oak on opening, that fortunately blew off after 15 minutes. Blackberry liqueur that is tempered with mocha, mineral, liquorice, violets and herbs on the nose. Surprisingly coherent over the palate, with good acidity and very interesting finish, the alcohol masked by a good dose of residual sugar. Needs rich food. Ultimately became cloying. Not my cup of tea, but still quite good. You'll still be ok if you wait 50 years to open the next bottle...
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
6/19/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
90 points
Very nice chablis nose and flavors. Only criticism is that it lacked a bit of complexity and cut.
Rosé
6/19/2011 - Haltermr wrote:
91 points
Wild stuff. Dark pink, viscous. Nose shows dusty cherry and tea like a pinot, then explodes with bitter orange, nectarine, floral and grassy notes. High alchohol, but held together with good acidity and minerality. Fun to blind taste people on this one. I really like this, but others in the group were more mixed.
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