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Comments on my notes

(36 comments on 25 notes)

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Red
2009 Luce della Vite Lucente Toscana IGT SuperTuscan Blend
11/4/2012 - Genghis88 wrote:
87 points
Some petulance on the pour
Dark, black, full bodied
Ripping tannins, medium metallic finish
Dry, a little thin, medium- finish

Food pairing wine for sure. Not really a good representation of the better wine they produce
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:17 AM - I hear you, but isn't this their entry level one?

  • RATER commented:

    12/19/12, 1:19 PM - I knew, but the reason I asked was because I don't understand if this is very distinct from their highest line, if how so? Thank you!

Red
2006 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
12/9/2012 - dkhale4 Likes this wine:
94 points
Just a wonderful bottle of wine to enjoy all night long. Took to dinner in Bellevue, WA, sipped on it through a pork stew appetizer, New York strip entree, and molten chocolate dessert. Black fruit dominated early on, and they softened through the night and the fat from the steak complimented the wine to achieve a very long and creamy finish. It probably gets better than this, but not at this price point. Great wine, great night.
  • RATER commented:

    12/13/12, 10:59 AM - I enjoyed your note.....I have a bottle! This has been my best ever wine experience so far....

Red
2005 Achával-Ferrer Quimera Lujan de Cuyo Red Bordeaux Blend
11/20/2012 - vinomex wrote:
90 points
Decanted for 30 mins. Pleasant not memorable. Aged has helped this wine smooth out its tannins, beautiful mineral and earthy core. I would not wait much longer as the fruit seems to faded a little.
  • RATER commented:

    12/4/12, 9:12 AM - Good to read from you. Since we have a bottle of this, then wonder what is your take in terms of tasting it before it dies? Thanks....

  • RATER commented:

    12/7/12, 12:10 PM - Thank you, I would make this my Xmas bottle then; how about that?

Red
2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
11/29/2012 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:
88 points
This deep-to-opaque ruby wine was splash-decanted and enjoyed over then ensuing two hours. The nose shows moderately intense aromas of tree bark, black currants and minerals. Full-bodied and round on the palate, with medium sweet tannins and well-integrated alcohol (despite being listed as 14.5%). The flavors mirror the nose and the middle is solid. The finish is medium-length, albeit a bit dry on the back end. This winery is delivering the goods...excellent price point here! Drink now-12/22.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 8:14 AM - I am glad to read your note on this, since I have 3/4 of a case at home, and wonder if you have tried prior vintages on this and how does this compare?

  • RATER commented:

    12/3/12, 8:26 AM - I am happy to share, we tasted this yesterday in celebration of my 3 year princess who was born in 2009...what an exquisite wine this is, right now. And we wonder how long can we cellar it, I want to say 2-3 years, any guess?

  • RATER commented:

    12/7/12, 12:09 PM - Thanks D, ....will do either way!

Red
2007 Ruffino Modus Toscana IGT Sangiovese Blend, Sangiovese
11/18/2012 - hudamang wrote:
Much better than when I had it in 2011. The metallic taste has gone away. Still not a lot on the nose but a pretty good value. I still think this is more of a B+/A- vs a 96 pt wine. Suckling scores minus 6 or 7 points = normal.
  • RATER commented:

    12/4/12, 12:57 PM - I agree with you, but I still continue to see people rating this very, very high; wonder what did we miss?

Red
2009 Achával-Ferrer Quimera Lujan de Cuyo Red Bordeaux Blend
10/12/2012 - Garbots wrote:
94 points
Elegant finish, nice dark fruit forward
  • RATER commented:

    12/4/12, 9:20 AM - WOW, you rate this quite high! It really got my attention since I have a case and wonder what qualities you found on this that made you rate it that high.

Red
2004 Achával-Ferrer Quimera Lujan de Cuyo Red Bordeaux Blend
11/22/2012 - Leigh Johnson wrote:
89 points
Opaque, inky purple. Pronounced ose of black fruits, a floral violet note amd a whif of oak. On the palate, sweet, black fruits, a touch of pepper, blkack olive. Soft integrated tannins and noderate acidity. O long finish. A lovely wine very much in its drinking wndow. Deceanted an hour in advance and this wine needs this to fully open out and becuase it has quite a sediment.
  • RATER commented:

    12/4/12, 9:11 AM - This vintage really got me interested in this producer. My wife and I tasted back in 2007 for our 3rd anniversary at Delmonico, Las Vegas, and what a fascinating and memorable wine experience that was. From then on, we've buying and enjoying year after year....we have a case of 2009 not yet tasted though.

Red
2009 Luce della Vite Lucente Toscana IGT SuperTuscan Blend
10/14/2012 - adehoop wrote:
92 points
solid super tuscan! I've had this wine twice and its been a hit both times. Nice dark cherry, mocha, and spice on the nose. Firm tannin structure, big mouth feel but nice balance but does have more fruit and cocoa then earthiness.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:28 AM - I wonder if you note reflects two different vintages of this or just two instances of the same? Thank you!

  • RATER commented:

    12/3/12, 8:23 AM - Good to know, thanks!

Red
2007 Franciscan Estate Merlot Napa Valley
10/11/2012 - RATER wrote:
Incredibly very good wine now, with great potential!
I came across this one last month, in particular the 2007 vintage, and got ¾ of a case. This was our four bottle so far my wife and I enjoy. Not to replicate my previous note on this, but I could only add that we are very pleased with it: neat appearance, enticing nose, bold enough structure, harmonious balance, and an elegant taste and after taste; at an unquestionable price. Definitely recommended! We only regret not have gotten more on this…five more bottles to go, though.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 8:34 AM - And our fifth and sixth bottles were any different, loved it to the last drop (3 more to go, just regret not having more)!

Red
2007 Franciscan Estate Merlot Napa Valley
2/20/2012 - RussK wrote:
91 points
RussK. 1 hr decant. Nice nose. Pleasant dusty chalk finish. Buy more.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 8:27 AM - Simple, right on the mark note, and I did exactly that: I bought 3/4 of a case, which we have enjoyed to the last drop....3 more bottle to go and we love the consistency on this wine. A very good and well made wine, Thanks....

Red
2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
7/27/2012 - Jobu wrote:
86 points
Red fruit, red bell pepper, marjoram. Not bad, but not really my cup of tea.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 8:22 AM - I have to agree with you, this tasted a great deal vegetable like....

Red
2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
8/28/2012 - bmartz1 wrote:
84 points
Good weekday Cab.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 8:19 AM - at $20+, I don't think so.....

Red
2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
11/2/2012 - swayzeeee wrote:
83 points
Dominated by a strange minerality that runs through the palette. Not an attractive characteristic for this wine, rather a flaw I would think.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 8:17 AM - I agreed with your on the minerality here, I also noticed some vegetable taste, despite I like this wine.....I thought it was mainly my palate, Thanks.

Red
2009 Luce della Vite Lucente Toscana IGT SuperTuscan Blend
11/3/2012 - InternationalWineReport wrote:
91 points
The 2009 Lucente offers up a hefty dosage of fresh blackberries, black cherry, leather, sandalwood, licorice, mocha and even some spicy molasses notes. This is full-bodied with rich layers leading up to the beautiful long chewy finish. Composed of 75% Merlot an d 25% Sangiovese, this is the best Lucente I have had to date. (Best 2013-2022)
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:19 AM - Then, what other did you taste so far? For instance, I have tasted this particular one since the 2005 vintage; but never the other lines.....

  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:35 AM - Good to know; also isn't this their entry level one? Do you happen to know?

  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:45 AM - I knew, just wanted to confirm because someone notes states this does not compare to the other from the same line....

Red
2009 Concha y Toro Merlot Marqués de Casa Concha Peumo
8/26/2012 - SmoothPalate wrote:
86 points
Very dark crimson colour. Nose is dominated by coffee and vanilla tones; there is dark, plummy fruit underneath, not yet fully emerging to the surface. Palate is almost full bodied and is well balanced; it also has that New World type of sweetness that I am not a big fan of. Good length. Well made wine, tastes good, but it is just so predictable and lacks originality. Almost like drinking perfume.
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:14 AM - Your note seems to suggest there are a great deal of good qualities on this wine. However, you ended out saying you did not like it...but if you agree it was well made, how come it lacks originality? Thank you!

  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 6:10 AM - Thanks also for your response....It might have to do with your own liking too. For instance, I preferably enjoy and like well-made Napa Cab kind of wines, but after they have mellowed or aged a bit. On the other hand, my wife like them too but young. RATER

  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:12 AM - Interesting, most of my wine experience is with NW, Tough, my OW experiences so far are Spanish and Italian wines, which in my opinion tend to need more time to open....Again I prefer wines that are at their peak, which is very tricky to guess and find, don't you think? Thank you, RATER

Red
2005 Bodegas Ondarre Rioja Reserva Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo
Very good wine one third of the time, despite the 3-1 bottle variation (per case)!
After tasting and enjoying this wine at EL PORRON, NYC, back in April this year, we went ahead to get a case. However, there is clearly a bottle variation here…good thing it is not an expensive wine, but the ratio seems to be at 3-1, which in the end costs us a great deal to finally enjoy a good bottle within our case. I have to say, even the other ones are not bad, but the ones that taste better are so far distant in terms of quality. For Instance, 1/3 of a case (in our case) can be qualified as very good, while the other 2/3 are just above average; but not bad though.
  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 7:01 AM - Degustamos este espectacular vino de un color rojo intenso, con una textura espesa pero docil al paladar. Que decir de los encantadores aromas que despedia a lo largo de una hora, perfumados de especias, frutas rojas, y minerales. Tenia un gusto encantador y progresivo, con un balance incomparable.

Red
2009 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Blend Napa / Sonoma
10/9/2012 - YWG Wine Guy Likes this wine:
88 points
Ya, i like this, great low price and hence perfect QPR. Reminded that this is lighter style than i expected. Nice balance of fruit/tannin/acid, but perhaps is lacking a little backbone. Fruit is nice and subtly complex. Great without food and mix with variety of fare. Drinking fine just now, would be nice house wine, but would not cellar any. Will likely last at least 2-5 more years, but again is smooth and drinks fine now.
  • RATER commented:

    10/26/12, 6:52 AM - DWE, I totally agree on your accurate description of this wine, just that I don't think this is a low price wine for its quality. For instance, for what it delivers I believe this should be sold at less than $15 a bottle, I have only been able to find it at $17 and up....In other words, one can find the same quality wine for about $10 or so!!!

  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 6:13 AM - Hi, thanks for the inside! we also experience the same when traveling to our country, HNDRS; there wine is a bit expensive. I have to say, the price of wine here in the US cannot be beaten...RATER

Red
2009 Achával-Ferrer Quimera Lujan de Cuyo Red Bordeaux Blend
7/23/2012 - InternationalWineReport wrote:
92 points
Opaque deep purple appearance. Delivering mixed black fruits, ripe plums, graphite, spices, toast, floral and subtle hints of mint leaf. This is full-bodied and very well structured, developing a beautiful fresh character after some exposure to air. The finish is mouth-coating and very long. There is no rush on this, it still could use a bit of time and your patience will be rewarded. The final blend is composed of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot (Drink 2014-2023)
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:06 AM - Hi, I am glad to read your note on this, which makes me optimistic about what to expect from the case I have bought. However, by your note I am guessing you are saying this is right to drink now....but you give a window of about 10 years. So I wonder if you imply this my improve a great deal after cellaring time or just remain to be as is for the years to come? Thank you!

  • RATER commented:

    11/30/12, 6:05 AM - Hey Joe, I greatly appreciate your thorough explanation on this....I am big fan of this wine since their 2004 vintage. One other reason I asked is because I bought a case of the 2009, since my little girl was born that year. Additionally, I am trying to see if buying/cellaring more of this would make good sense....Really thank you, RATER

    PS. It really was/is helpful, thanks!

Red
2006 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
4/1/2012 - pdemaio wrote:
93 points
Big,but not humungous california cab with great balance and integration. Tannins are smooth and sweet. Very easy wine to like. PD93
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:32 AM - I agree, is it because is a great wine?

Red
2006 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
11/15/2012 - folsomarndt wrote:
92 points
Popped and poured at a dinner party with friends. Lovely wine, nice balance and lengthy pleasant finish. My choice for WOTN among many different wines we had that night... and looking forward to the next one.
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:29 AM - Likewise, I look forward to try my next and last bottle on this. My experience on this has been my best ever....so far.

Red
2006 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
11/23/2012 - DTWOB Likes this wine:
95 points
Remarkable!
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:27 AM - If I have to used only one word to describe this wine, I would have said exactly that: REMARKABLE!

Red
2008 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Terrunyo Block Las Terrazas Pirque
11/26/2012 - woodap wrote:
88 points
Typical cab with nicely integrated oak. Improved 1-2 hrs after opening - smoother texture and less warm finish. Will be even better in 2-3 years
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:22 AM - In your opinion, what does make a typical cab; the reason I ask is because despite a cab, one can not compare a cab from Chile with one from CA, or WA, etc. All might be wonderful cabs but different at the same time.... Thank you!

Red
2009 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Blend Napa / Sonoma
11/19/2012 - dwarren wrote:
80 points
Drank to early
  • RATER commented:

    11/29/12, 9:15 AM - I wonder there was anything wrong you found on this wine...I believe is just an OK wine!

Red
2008 Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Reserve Alexander Valley
8/17/2012 - donash.com wrote:
88 points
Great taste with blackberry, coffee, and slight oak. Good Sonoma Cab
  • RATER commented:

    10/24/12, 8:16 AM - I agree with you...

Red
2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
10/11/2012 - Z1nnfull wrote:
89 points
This had a lot of complexity one would desire from Napa Valley Cab, and it had the usual taste. What kept this from being over the top (90 +) was that it just was not all that robust. It lacked much in the way of tannins or more than a medium finish. Did not stand up as well to a fairly robust dish as I wanted. Would be awesome as a Cab sipping wine, with either no food accompanying or rather light appetizers. Did love the complexity, the fruit, touch of wood..ah, that Napa Valley taste. Just don't fool yourself into believing that for $20 you are getting Big Boy Napa Valley juice that runs $40 and way up for a discount price. Bottom line, given the market for Napa Valley Cabs, this is a solid value at $20, just don't expect to be blown away.
  • RATER commented:

    10/17/12, 1:52 PM - You could not have best described this wine, as of now!
    Look forward to tasting it and your review on it later on....

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