5/6/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 21 of #50in2024

"Highest Beauty" aka To Kalon

It's been two years since I lasted tasted this 2014 AO Beckstoffer to Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon. It again blew me away...

The color of the wine is deep and dark with some ruby on the rim -- which implies this could age much longer! Initial swirls reveal legs hanging on to the glass for dear life (14+ % alcohol)

The nose took some time to develop in the glass -- 30-45 minutes minimum - and revealed dried flowers, deep dark fruit and a bit of spiciness. The nose is big, the kind you can just keep swirling and smelling. Its heaven.

Initial sip revealed low acid and solid tannins for a nice balance. Tones of leather, coffee and DEFINITELY dark chocolate for me! The spiciness of the nose continued on the tongue but not peppery more like baking spices. There's nothing sweet about this wine...its big, bold and beautiful. I find this BIG big - even for a Napa cab. The finish resolves to a tannic fruitiness to a welcomed linger. With time, each sip seems to get better.

This is a wine that makes a statement...A Napa Valley expression of cab that leaves no doubt where its from. It is exactly what it is supposed to be. Wonderful.

I tasted this while preparing Mexican Chicken and rice bowls for dinner -- NOT the pairing I would recommend as its boldness competes with the Mexican flavors and heat.

If you want to make statement and/or enjoy the boldest and one of the best cabernet sauvignon single vineyard wines from Napa -- this is it.

Going to Napa in couple weeks and will buy more!!

4/29/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 20 of #50in2024

Never tasted a Hilt wine before now. From the owner of screaming eagle and in a small ava of Santa Rita hills in California, I am intrigued by its story. So here goes...

The pouring into the glass revealed what I would suggest the classic or typical color of pinot noir (at least from California!) Medium in color, strawberry/raspberry in hue and not completely opaque.

The nose is consistent with the producer's tasting notes of cherry fruit but accompanied by something more floral/herbal, for me perhaps hints of violets. The nose is strong, in a good way, not led by alcohol but solid aromas previously described.

My initial taste wasn't great. Doesn't taste well integrated/balanced. Perhaps the wine is still a bit too cold in the glass having removed from 55 degree cellar. Patience is difficult...

After 30 minutes in the glass the acidity is more apparent on the tongue and definitely more integrated overall. Medium-level acid accompanies the red/purple fruit flavors. The tannic level is low in my opinion, contrary to some reviews I read prior.

The taste doesn't linger long, lacks a little bit of body for me. Tasted fades quickly among a bit of dryness from the tannins but also a little hot (alcohol).

All the elements of really solid Pinot Noir -- but I think maybe just drinking it a bit earlier than at its prime.

I'm left with very good.. Not great. At least for now....

4/25/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 19 of #50in2024

My first introduction to this wine was approximately 12 years ago. I recall it being opened by a friend and I was taken in by the instant aromas from the bottle, not yet poured into my glass...

Not much has changed! This wine pours with a deep, luxurious dark red color and the aromas are instant. It is classic dark fruit but with all the lovely aromas imparted by 18 months in new french oak..cedar, vanilla and even bay leaf type spices. But that color! Petit Verdot just adds a deepness that makes it more velvety all around.

Upon initial taste, the acid level is medium...really secondary to the flavors of dark berries and a real gentle spiciness - herbal perhaps. The tannins are medium and the alcohol feels a bit high.

As the wine has some time in the glass, it it settling in even more. Coming into true drinking temperature and benefiting from some air. The nose becomes more prominent with the fruit tast so nicely integrated with the herbal spiceness. The tannins seem to be lasting a bit longer now with each taste, and its very welcome.

My only criticism might be "is this what Carmenere is supposed to taste like? " I mean I could easily mistake this for a Napa Cab blend or even a Merlot. I mean it really stands up to be heard.

As for pairing, its currently accompanied by Charcuterie of various salami and cheese. Perfecto. I would not hesitate in the least to serve this with a steak from the grill.

This is a bigger wine than I expected, and much better than when I had just a couple years ago (same vintage). I think this is the time to drink this vintage. Good thing because its my last one...

Im going with a solid 91 -- nah, 92. Better hit save now before I drink more...

4/22/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 18 of #50in2024

Most wines I drink (and write about) are from wineries I have visited/toured, tasted, held etc. This is an exception. Bought on reputation alone and curiosity for Pinot Noirs in different parts of Sonoma Coast, This Gary Farrell Single Vineyard wine did NOT disappoint.

On the pour the color is a beautiful strawberry color, hint of raspberry red to deepen it. It is really pretty in the glass. just a bit opaque in the swirl it is most definitely inviting.

The nose is supportive of its looks, red fruit but perhaps just a bit deeper like cranberries. The wine is pulling me in.

Wooa! I did not expect that taste. It is beautifully fruit-forward -- bright, tart red fruit is undeniable. Acid is high, low tannin. I cannot discern earthy or spicy notes of any kind but there is something grounding this wine given the initial tart, high acid profile. by the end, there is a silkiness to the expression. It's really excellent. The brightness lingers between sips but I find myself wanting another sip. And another.

This is a fresh, bright expression of pinot noir which I am really enjoying. Given its light-medium body, it is easy to drink, and endlessly pairable with food. I want to pair this with Thai Red Curry Chicken. I think this would appeal to a myriad of wine drinkers anywhere in their journey and would compliment BBQ, Asian food and much, much more.

I am very excited to taste other Gary Farrell wines from other vineyards that I have in the cellar.

4/15/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 17 of #50in2024

This week's tasting is a side by side of two very different Rosé wines. The 2021 Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 26% Cinsault, 12% Syrah, and 12% Carignan grapes.

2022 Lynmar Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir. I will post a tasting note for each of the wines individually.

Removed each Rose from 55 degree storage and placed in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.

The Olema Rosé looks a bit orange in the glass (compared to the Lynmar Rosé). The smell, its a little funky - maybe wet stone smelling. Earthy in a Rosé? I get very little if any fruit in the nose, maybe some watermelon It is not overly welcoming on the nose.

The initial taste is blast of acid, nice tartness but again not accompanied by discernible fruit. The after taste lingers a bit heavier than I like in a Rosé. It leans on mineral tones and is just ok for me.

Is this the common difference in a traditional Provencal Rosé blend and more targets RRV Pinot Noir Rosé?

I just re-read my previous tasting notes of the Olema Rosé I did in 2023...it wasn't all that favorable. This time, I am likeling a bit more but still which it had a little more fruit forwardness or maybe even a touch of sweetness against the high acid. Perhaps the Olema Rosé is a bit more refined of a Rosé...as such I think it would appeal to a more discerning Rosé drinker.

In the end, I prefer the RRV Pinot Noir Rosé over the Olema Provencial Rosé Blend. However, I am increasing my rating from the last tasting.

I will be serving both Rosé wines with Chicken Caesar Salad at dinner tonight, on the patio on a beautiful 80 degree in Charlotte, NC.

4/15/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 16 of #50in2024

This week's tasting is a side by side of two very different Rosé wines. The 2021 Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 26% Cinsault, 12% Syrah, and 12% Carignan grapes.

2022 Lynmar Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir. I will post a tasting note for each of the wines individually.

Removed each Rose from 55 degree storage and placed in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.

The pour of the Lynmar looks classic. Look light pink as you would expect. Not too light, not too dark.

The smell is of citrus but more tropical and strawberries. The taste is tart like not fully ripened strawberry, maybe raspberry. maybe not quite as acidic as I expected, but has a little body to it. medium all around and balanced. The taste finished with a little minerality at the back but the lingering taste is of the strawberry/raspberry tones. I don't get much sweetness which I like. This tastes like a smaller, crafted Rosé and not some mass produced, sweet for the masses style.

This is a really pretty wine to look at in the glass, it is right up the middle on taste.

Made from Pinot Noir in RFV, really hints at those flavors. One of the best Rosé wines I have had in while.

Giving it a strong 89...was tempted to go slightly higher.

Now on to the Olema Rosé ..... see separate review.

4/12/2024 - Roman Empire wrote:

Tasting Note 15 of #50in2024

First time I ever tasted Daou Cab Sav from Paso Robles.. I was disappointed.

I approached it open-minded - having heard of Daou before but not knowing much about its production, reputation or price.

I looks like deep purple in the glass. The aromas were pretty strong ...almost perfumed (unnaturally strong?) But it still smelled good.

I wasn't performing a tasting per se, so I just jumped in to have a sip in a social setting. The first thing I thought of was "sweet". The wine tasted so sweet to me. Almost all the cabs I drink are from napa and I am not deeply familiar with paso robles wines, but this was not a traditional cab taste in my opinion.

I drank the glass, and it tasted like ok red wine but was too sweet for me. One glass and done. I was left like it was wine served at a wedding or a bottle from the grocery store.

I had been talking with a friend who asked me what I thought it cost based on taste and I said $30 -- pretty close after we googled the cost.

This is not a wine I would choose again. Its ok, and perhaps even a step up for those early in their wine journey moving on from Apothic Red.

This just isn't a good expression of cab sav. at 77% cab sav and blend of others, I think it misses the mark.

4/9/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 14 of #50in2024

A trusted producer in Napa for clean Chardonnay I have grown to really enjoy. This 2019 Reserve Chard is from a cooler vintage which is inflating my expectations!

Removed from storage at 55 degrees and Coravinned a glass. The color is light gold, appears to have some body. Quite inviting really.

I have to say, the nose is dominated by cantaloupe for me! The fruit is deeper than say apple, or lemon or really anything I normally seek in the nose. I don't get much else, maybe just a slight bit of grassy element. Tasting notes said lemon-grass -- yea, that'll work.

Tasting brings immediate sense of wonderful, medium acid and medium-body to the wine And the taste is wonderful, a bit of butternut and more of that cantaloupe tones. As it warms up in the glass, additional sips are bringing increased creaminess to the profile. For me, I really don't like to drink Chardonnay too cold for that reason. It really changes.

I think this Chardonnay will age well too! I have several bottles so I think I'll hold on to a couple for years and confirm. (I opened a 2009 AO Chard last year and it was awesome!)

My go to wine is NOT an oaked chardonnay -- However, AO Chardonnays appear to be my exception. Clean, with clear tastes that are just the right weight. Pair this with nothing. or a little something (cheese?) or alot of something (chicken, seafood and more!).

easy 92 rating. Love it.

4/4/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 13 of #50in2024

Ordered this Chianti Classico at a small family owned Italian eatery in Connecticut. It seemed right given the pasta Bolognese that was to follow.

The wine poured to a medium red in color and smelled fresh, bright.
Given 90% Sangiovese, I expected that. The other 10% is Syrah and Merlot I believe so it did have some color and a little extra body.

The taste was equally bright and young. It had a nice freshness, but not weakness to the wine. Cherries, red plums, riper strawberries. It was medium all around perhaps low-medium tannins. Alcohol on the low-medium side at 13% ish. All and all a nice pairing with the traditional Italian meal that accompanied it.

At $20-$25 retail, I think this would make for a real nice choice to have around as you cook your homemade tomato sauce and want to share a nice, classic pairing.

Good wine, good value.

4/4/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 12 of #50in2024

Revisiting this bottle from a Coravin tasting in Dec 2023 (Logged Tasting Notes here on cellar tracker).

Well again, the nose presents beautifully as I am pouring into the glass. Its a fairly dark wine, and together with the aromas is quite inviting. Some really nice dark fruit aromas, are reinforced on the first sip and the acid is medium for sure. This tasting I am getting more tartness along the red fruit. There is a more savory component that I can't put my finger on until it resolves with the tannic dryness that is really nice. I am again not tasting this wine with food (big mistake). Its a big wine, begging for something to pair with and I wont make that mistake next time.

Remains one of my favorite wines in my modest inventory of ~250 wines. I think this can get even better with more time. I'll do my best to keep my hands of the couple bottles that remain..but more importantly will look to source some more!!

4/3/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 11 of #50in2024

No surprises here, this is a Russian River Valley Pinot and is on the bolder, fuller side of pinot noir. Apparently this vineyard is above the fog line and warmer and as a result, the pinot tastes bigger, riper than some others but with the clear aromas and taste of this varietal. Ripe plum, baking spice. Medium acide and a little tannins. A good California style Pinot Noir but it is not delicate...it wants to be front and center.

I gave it an 89 mostly because of price...$75 ish. I think you can get same tasting profile in RRV for less. However, this is a nice wine and 90-91 on taste alone. ** note: I don't often figure price into my tasting notes and ratings but for some reason I did today. Comment on this tasting if you think price (or QPR) should be considered in the rating!

Undeniably a RRV Pinot and enjoyable.

4/2/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 10 of #50in2024

Not your typical sauvignon blanc! This pours light in color and smells far more of tropical fruit like pineapple than it does grapefruit. I get some lemon perhaps but far more tropical. One person in the tasting suggestion banana... which by the power of suggestion may be true!

It tastes the same. Light but not too light, has some high acid and is bright and refreshing having served pretty cold. it goes down (too) easy and would be wonderful with a seafood paella or even with some spicy asian rice bowl.

I rate this highly for a sav blanc at 90 because its like no other I have had. The problem is this is quite expensive ~$100 for a sauv blanc.

I love this wine and I love this winery -- grown to know them for years, but this is not a value purchase. Let's consider this a "special occasion" sauvignon blanc :-)

If you drink this, do it for the unique profile and consider the purchase price sunk cost.

4/2/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 9 of #50in2024

I bought this CDP on auction given reputation of producer and for the vintage as a good year.

Nice looking bottle, looks very "French" - whatever that means. The wine pours as deep red/purple and glass swirls leave medium length legs on the glass -- says 14% alcohol. Looks very inviting in the glass

The nose is undeniable. It has big aroma and presents complex to me.
To me it seems like mixed red and black fruits but has more complexity than that. I want to say some baking spice and/or pepper. Maybe like spiced cherries is the way to describe it best. Definitely a welcome sense of earthiness too. Hard to decipher as it is really multi-dimensional as would hope for in a CDP blend of 13 varietals.

Medium acid on the tongue from the initial sip, tannins are relatively high with sustained dryness and lingering on the tongue. The tasting profile is equally complex as the nose. The taste supports the nose, some deep red fruit but quickly resolves to more herbal and earthy tones. I read one review that said bay leaf which I think is directionally correct. The dryness of the wine takes over quickly. The after taste is driven by a return of fruit briefly and then just lingers enjoyably. I sense a little heat (alcohol) which leads me to either aging this a bit more or decanting longer it before tasting.

This is one of best CDP I have had, admittedly many more to taste, but I think this is a solid representation of the signature appellation in the southern rhone valley that is CDP.

Lastly, I tasted this side by side with a northern rhone Cote-Rotie and the distinct difference of the Syrah in the Cote-Rotie vs the Grenache led CDP was certainly apparent.

Oh this would be wonderful with a nice meat, starch and vegetable dinner. I will taste in that context next time.

3/20/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 8 of #50in2024

I am a fan of the Palmaz winery in Napa. Beautiful winery, views and technology applied to wine making. Visit if you can! Though I like their Red wines most, this tasting is of the 2018 Amalia Chardonnay.

Coravinned a glass for this tasting straight from storage at 55 degrees. I like Chardonnay about that temperature not much colder.

On the pour, the color is fairly light -- straw-like. Doesn't look like a heavy chardonnay oak bomb. The nose definitely has some apple tones to it but there is something a bit deeper there too. I would know its not a sav blanc or Riesling if blind tasting.

On the tongue the acidity is clear and clean and the taste resolves to more traditional chardonnay elements of honey. While tasting the aroma seems more complex, a bit more floral and its very refreshing.

I am left with a clean, light, acidic white wine with a touch of minerality lingering in the finish.

I really like the that this isn't too heavy. It would be nice on its own on a spring day, or pair nicely with chicken and vegetables, or simply light hors d'oeuvres

3/19/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 7 of #50in2024

The 2013 Del Dotto Cabernet Franc is near the end of its tasting window...or so they say. I reviewed its appearance in the glass as I waited for it to come up to a pleasant drinking temperature from storage temp of 55.

It poured a beautiful, deep purple color with little to no indication by color of its 10+ years in the bottle. I've red that the color can intensify with age which I think is the case here. When younger, I think it looked a bit lighter. After a swirl, the legs aren't that fast on the glass, so I am expecting a medium alcohol level ...less full bodied than the Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon's that I love.

The nose is light, not getting the floral elements I would expect from Cab Franc. Nothing special, but nice.

Initial taste brings medium-level acidity and medium tannins. I am having trouble identifying distinct elements of taste. yes, red fruit but not very bright. Really tastes like right down the middle, like a wine that doesn't want to make waves. Could be a crowd pleaser as it doesn't venture off too far from expectations of a medium-bodied red wine. I will say the tannins/dryness lingers long after the sip is complete. After multiple tastes, I am getting some herbal tones but not bell pepper as might expect from franc, I want to say mushrooms/earthiness but again not strong. The most distinct characteristic is the lingering dryness for me.

OK, I'm going sub 90 on this...lets say 89. Its a good wine, I would be happy to serve it and drink it. Given its medium-body it would pair well with a lot. I don't think this gets any better with age...so its time to move from coravin to pulling the cork and enjoying this bottle.

Last thought: I purchased this years ago during a barrell tasting at Del Dotto - which is almost entirely Cabernet Sauvignon heavy (and great). When you taste the Cab Franc in that context its different, brighter and unique. Its relief from Cab Sav fatigue (is there such a thing?!).

3/14/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 6 of #50in2024

This is the oldest bottle of wine that I have personally possessed and opened. I opened it with great anticipation and high expectations given the legendary reputation of the Hermitage appellation. I pulled the bottle from storage about an hour before opening, to allow an sediment to settle before opening.

I used an Ah-So style opener to remove the 25 year old cork which went surprising easily. The cork almost slid down the bottle neck but with a twist was easily removed. No signs of cork damage, or other concerns. I was greeted with a nice aroma immediately.

I went straight to the pour, and as expected there color of the wine indicated the age. Brick color, with some hints of brown although still some redness throughout. It looked like an old wine. Based on all my research, I was concerned that this might be past its drinking window. Spoiler Alert: I don't think so now.

The nose was pleasant, surprisingly still some darker fruits, although a peppery earthiness was present.

The first taste surprised me, it was more acidic than I expected. Some tartness on the tongue followed by a bit of pepper and hint of smoke/bbq. I think this was classic (old) Syrah and it was enjoyable. Over the next hour, it did change but only slightly. The earthiness became a bit more prominent and it was even more enjoyable in my opinion. It begged for food, meat specifically although the best I had on hand was meat lovers pizza -- which did the trick. No need to be fancy about this! By the end of the bottle I was craving more.

For comparison I opened a 2015 Cote Rotie for a side-by-side tasting and the Cote Rotie Syrah was significantly bolder, bigger -- which is generally the style I drink in most reds like Napa cabs. It was nice to enjoy a balanced, somewhat quiet expression of 1998 Hermitage Syrah.

The bottle was acquired by auction for less than $100 and was from a known strong vintage in 1998. They are known for drinking best with some age. I can't wait to acquire some more.

1/25/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 5 of #50in2024

Full Disclosure: I have been enjoying AO wines since the 2008 vintage (they started in 2006) and I visit AO in napa at least 1-2 times per year. The atmosphere is great, the people are wonderful and their wines are great across the board. Their single-vineyard Cabs are some of my favorites. This prop. red is a blend with cabernet across several of those vineyards (70%) and cab franc, merlot and petit verdot.

Now to keep things balanced, I will admit that the price of their wines (especially single vineyard, AO ERA and the like) have gotten very high. When I bought my first bottle of AO Prop Red I recall it was approximately $50. Current release is more than double that at $129.
OK, Enough of that stuff - lets taste this wine.

2014 was a solid vintage in Napa, not the best, but solid so I have high expectations.

In the glass, the wine is quite dark but still retaining some red ruby color...I thought I would see some discoloration around the rim after ~10 years. But not the case, it looks younger than it is. With a swirl, the legs cling to the glass firmly and are very slow to fall. The 15.5% alcohol shows.

The aromas are big and hits me well before my nose is in the glass. While I normally sense fruit aroma first, here I am struck by some floral aromas. The AO tasting notes say violets, lets go with that. Beyond that there is the classic dark cherry fruit aromas, and fairly bright too! I also get some spices from mostly new French oak aging for 20 months. While the tasting notes say paprika...I can't get there. But I can get to cinnamon perhaps which I have never written before! I give this a 9-10 for its nose. I have probably smelled it 10 times and haven't tasted it yet. It could second as nice cologne and its cheaper that many colognes! shut up and drink it already you say....

Wow, medium level acid apparent right at the start, with fruit as fast follower. Medium+ tannins provides for a nice finish. No surprises really in the taste, real nice reinforcement of the pre-sip aromas. Perhaps one exception, some vegetal tastes (from cab franc at 17%). Very pleasing. The high alcohol is not a major force in the taste. While there, I think its fading with age and honestly I think this could age longer for sure.

In the end, I'm most impressed with the nose and the tannins in the finish. Wonderful, somewhat mellow/balance taste a real treat.

Being honest, for $129 in current release this could stand up to some napa valley 100% cabs that cost more. Extremely pleased.

I'll be visiting AO again in May and I'm guessing AO prop red will be purchased.

1/18/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 4 of #50in2024

Appearance: This wine is very dark. Some purple around rim and when I swirl. Looks like its going to be a big, bold California Cab. Legs are long and slow on glass. Alcohol 15% I believe.

Aromas: Fairly full nose, with multiple aromas. Dark berry fruit as expected. Definite notes of oak, caramel. After a healthy swirl I get some earthy notes like smoke or tobacco but not strong. Lastly, the alcohol is present in the nose. So far right on course...

Taste: Medium-Low acid on the tongue, clear burst of slightly brighter fruit, like cherry but quickly displaced by medium-high tannin. Leaving gums dry and a long lasting finish. Getting just a touch of vegetal flavor in the finish perhaps from the cab franc blend of approximately 25%

Overall, this is a good wine. There some fruit but what is most prominent are the tannins and the long finish. Makes me think this could age longer and might achieve a little more balance.

If you are looking for big, bold expression of Napa cab and the nuisance of a splash of cab franc, this fits the bill.

I am finding it hard to drink by itself, but imagine this paired with protein and fat (yes, steak) or maybe even roasted lamb. If the goal is to match intensity of food and wine, this needs some bold meat!

I am off to go find some cheese... Cheers.

1/11/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting Note 3 of#50in2024

My food choices have been driving me toward white wines of late. This Alsace Riesling should be great with the Greek Meatballs with Feta Yogurt Sauce it paired with! Excited to taste it...here goes.

On pour I notice it has some color to it, lighter straw color. Maybe from a bit age at 7 years. Can't deny lemon on the nose. But its not a sweet, pure lemon, it seems muted (in a good way) by a little spice. Very interesting. The aromas are pretty big too, a small swirl and it rushes to your nose. Initial taste reveals some residual sugar (I've read it should be about 3.3g/L -- which is still dry but approach off-dry. If you sense sweetness its quickly tackled by distinct high acid on the mid tongue and my cheeks. I'm left with a deeper, bigger Riesling than I normally have. The tastes are consistent with the nose but more driven by minerality than citrus. subsequent sips make me think this could be an unoaked light chardonnay, however the finish reveals more lemon again. Its a confusing wine for me. Good thing its not a blind tasting, I'd get it wrong.

Ok just to confuse everyone more, I thought to look for aromas of "flowery petrol" as a well known sign of a good Riesling...and in fact, I get that...some..if I just smell the wine. But as soon as I taste it, I brought back to lemon, some spice and minerality. High acid and longer finish than expected. I'd suggest this is a good value wine -- Grand Cru level Riesling for $30 with further aging potential I am told. I would buy again for sure.

Final rating 90

1/6/2024 - Roman Empire wrote:

Tasting Note 2 of #50in2024

Deep ruby color had me hoping for more. I decanted for more than an hour and the nose really wasn't very prominent. Red cherries and plum but faint. It tasted mellow of red fruit and a bit vegetal - another tasting mentioned sage perhaps. not strong, but present. I will say the tannins are medium+ and helps to linger in the finish...which I am enjoying. I think I would have enjoyed this much more with food as I could see it complementing a hearty chicken dish with balsamic glaze for example. I wouldn't serve this wine to others on its own, I think its meant for a meal for which I think it would show nicely.

1/4/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Tasting 1 of #50in2024

I am fairly new to Chablis, though I do enjoy unoaked Chardonnay. I was excited to taste this wine and it did not disappoint. My first taste was simply delicious.

It’s a beautiful color, medium gold very nice with accompanied aromas of peaches and cream. Really nice acid along side taste of honey and apple and touch of sweetness on tip of my tongue. I love the finish on this wine, and despite my description it not sweet. It quite balanced. Overall, This looks and tastes elegant to me. I am going to let some of this age and compare to this tasting...if I can wait.

This is exactly what I has hoping to taste from Chablis -- harvested by hand, indigenous yeast, and no new oak so you get the taste of the grape and terroir like you are supposed to.

I just upped my rating from 90 to 91 and its going higher with every sip.

12/19/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

I coravined a glass and tasted a little too quickly. But after 90 minutes in the glass the wine settled in. The color is medium or slightly lighter. The nose is really nice delicate strawberries. Also some floral notes. I don’t smell much earthy tones. Tasting is medium body, acid medium low , tannic medium, nice tannins. The taste reinforces the nose. Good fruit and a bit vegetal. Nothing too deep like tobacco or earth or leather. I do think the alcohol (14.9) lingers at the finish just a touch more than I want. I think it will continue to open up while I sip it with home made lasagna. Should pair nicely. Not an award winning Sangiovese but solid for pairing with food. Will be interested how other bottles of same vintage more time.

12/15/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

I coravined this wine as I was putting a few into my cellar. The color is a beautiful dark ruby and the aromas filled the glass instantly. It smells like black currant and hit of smoked meat (bacon?) and tasted of fig, and dark fruits. Medium acidity brough balance to the medium-high tannins. I think this is 100% Syrah (no viognier added) which I thought would bring less of a nose, but I was wrong. Perhaps not as floral some other Roties with Vignier added but just incredible Syrah. I loved this wine -- one of my favorites in my entire cellar. While just a tasting today, this wine is begging to be paired with food. meat. smoked meat. I cannot wait to plan a food paiting with this wine! I plan to leave a couple bottles to age for a while as I can only imagine that much better. Not sure I can wait.

12/15/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Enjoyed this White Burgundy for exactly what its supposed to be. Its pleasant on color and nose typical of chardonnay albeit lighter-bodied. Its taste is bright, clean and hint of the tertiary flavors from oak, I suspect aged in neutral oak or limited new oak. The finish was minerally to me, river rock stone which intrigued me. I had the glass with home made chicken stew on cold day and it complimented nicely. Perhaps for the food pairing I could used a little more acid from the wine but all in all, enjoyable. And affordable! I couldn't it rate it higher given comparison to some full, big chardonnays I drink from napa for example...but those are pricey.

12/9/2023 - Roman Empire Does not like this wine:

This wine tasted flat and far too heavy of wet stone / flint. I had it over some time but did it change. I don’t think it was a good expression of the pinot noir grape. I wasn’t expecting a RRV pinot but this didn’t bring much. I’ll stick to Alsace whites.

12/9/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Second tasting of this and haven’t looked at what I previously wrote. It’s a nice color, deeper than I expected. young red fruit in nose and mild earthy tones as well. No real sweetness in the tongue. Medium acid. Medium tannins? The overall body is medium and the wine finishes with that earthy taste at the finish. Although it’s lower alcohol it doesn’t seem it. The takeaway for me is an initial tartness but the earthy finish is most lasting. It tastes of a wine from its terroir and less from overuse of oak. I enjoy it, with cheese and crackers. I don’t think it’s going to blow away your guests nor is it a special occasion wine. Good bottle from the wine road less traveled by this American.

12/5/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

OK, third and last note on this bottle. The tasting notes remain the same, nice up front fruit, light/medium body and not-so-long finish. Enjoyable, easy and very versatile. This is what I expected from a Bourgogne wine and it was priced accordingly. I have the village and premier cru by the same producer where I am expecting a bit more structure and body and will post tasting notes relative to this one. If you like lighter style pinot noir (vs the US west coast style), I would recommend this as a compliment to any gathering that included food (Thanksgiving , bbq etc.)

11/22/2023 - Roman Empire wrote:

My first Beaujalais at this level. It opened with less nose than I expected at first. Tasted of red berries m, strawberry. Not sweet medium acid and just a h in t if tannins. After an hour or so it changed and got better a little more open. Really nice light wine with prominent berry tones. Would drink again

11/19/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

The last time I had this wine I had a distinct hint of sweetness and spice that was hard to identify. This current vintage had some of the same but much less present. I wonder if that comes from time in the barrel and I’ll get more of it as the wine ages. It’s a really good zin, alcohol high but acid level helps. Committed to keeping the law for some years as before opening another.

11/19/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

I mean it’s A0 ERA…. I have enjoyed ERA in vintages from 2013 to present and this is no different. Just a beautiful expression in Bordeaux style. The nose is big upon opening, no need to stick nose in the glass but when you do you are rewarded with beautiful, mature fruit which surprised me just a little given it’s relatively young. Drank wonderfully with a creamy finish , good acid and medium + tannins. I have not had the high end BORDEAUXs (yet) but can’t imagine this being too far off. We enjoyed this bottle on its own with charcuterie but I have paired with a classic steak dinner many times in the past. It’s a nearly perfect wine. I want to let the others age but I just can’t keep my hands off the ERA. YES TO ERA every time

11/16/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Revisiting from a Coravin tasting a couple weeks ago.
The wine looks rosy colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like strawberry, cranberry, fig, forest floor, light toast and basil. It tastes like cranberry, forest floor and mushroom. The body is light/medium. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity.

11/15/2023 - Roman Empire wrote:

Nice nose, smelled brighter and better than it tasted. Acid level medium-low and finish is very mineral to me and lasts a little longer than I expected. The after taste is not what I want or expect from a Rose'..I wanted more brightness (or even sweetness...and I dont drink sweet wines). I suppose the best way to describe it overall would be somewhat flat in taste. Nice color and aromas, so-so taste.

11/8/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Admittedly, the last time I had Chateau Montelena Riesling was around 2012... I recall from that time sampling a less sweet Riesling that I had had prior and was pleasantly surprised. more than 10 years later I purchased current release and experience was similar, but slightly less exciting.

I'd suggest this is what you should expect. I light, high-acid wine with aromas for me of lemon, apricot and maybe a hint of spice in the tast -- as in nutmeg or cinnamon but very faint. I get more sweetness in this bottle than I expected. I liked the smell and the taste as a easy patio wine with good flavor. however, I think the sweetness level was a little higher than I had hoped. I have a few bottles and will enjoy a glass or two with friends. Its not wine that I'll need to think about much...and thats kind of a nice change from trying to disect big napa blends..

11/5/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

I did a side by side tasting of this burgundy against a Amici Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley. They were significantly different. This regional burgundy is light in color, very nice albeit delicate nose and nice bright initial taste. I got more red fruit than say dark fruit, but I would still say in a blind tasting. I would’ve guessed this as a Pinot Noir. The finish was short, so by no means is this full body, it’s quite light. However, I really enjoyed its taste and found myself quickly going back for more. I may bring some of this to Thanksgiving as it would be a nice compliment to virtually any food not overpowering just enhancing. I think this could be a crowd pleaser no matter where the wine drinker is in thier journey. Lastly, a nice value.

11/4/2023 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

Dark red pinot from Russian River valley. Aromas are not sweet , more spice. Fuller bodied pinot compared to the burgundy tasted along side it ! For me there is black fruit present but the baking spice was front and center. I liked it but in a blind tasting I might have considered it a Zinfandel given the spice. I enjoyed the $25 burgundy more than this $40 RRV pinot. However it shows the variability in Pinots from different areas. Perhaps typical of big California vs more delicate from burgundy.

11/2/2023 - Roman Empire wrote:

Well I conavined The 2013 because it was my last one. And I’m rating it slightly higher than I did seven years ago. It’s really a nicely balanced wine with a surprising level of fruit. It is dark, but not overly full. Not sure why I kept hesitating to open this last bottle, it’s really quite good

1/23/2023 - Roman Empire wrote:

Wow! I had 1886 before of same vintage but a couple years ago I was not expecting this. Was really balanced and screamed napa cab. Nice fruit up front with and even and long finish. On a 3 bottle night with friends this one stood out !

1/23/2023 - Roman Empire wrote:

Held this 2013 Del Dotto 100-pointer as long as I could. Opened to a beautiful nose. I tasted before decanting and it as fruitier than expected and tight. However after decanting for 90 minutes, it changed dramatically. Pre dinner glass was silky and full bodied, a beautiful representation of Napa cab. Second glass with filet mignon ofr the grill sealed the deal. Truly an great wine. Now I have to wait for the 2019 in my cellar to get there too. I don’t think I’ll make it 10 years for that one.

11/13/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

Wow. Amazing I tasted at AO and purchased 3 immediately. Just arrived and opened one and did not disappoint. Really top 3 all time favorite wines from Napa It’s that good. Don’t hesitate.

9/24/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

High rating well deserved here. Really an elegant NV blend that I felt was unique. Agree with other tasting notes here. I could wait to decant long enough but drank slowly and definitely opened up more over the couple hours. I don’t think it was premature to drink it , it was excellent. Will (try) to hold my others for a while to see how it ages No promises. Oh , and I purchase ls this afternoon an opus one tasting. And while I did buy the opus one flagship , it’s overpriced in my opinion (albeit a beautiful wine ). This overture has unique tones and stands on its own at half the price although still Some where around $160 if I recall.

Really good wine. Moderate value

9/4/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

Decanted for about an hour and served with dinner. The smell of this wine is heaven, inviting you to drink it sooner than you should. I was surprised how bright this 12 year old wine was at the front Clear dark cherries then a longer dry finish. So nicely balanced. A wonderful wine. I didn’t want the bottle to end. I’ve not found Boudreauxs that I love ( so much more to try) but this bourdeaux style wine is in my top 3 Napa wines of all time. Thank you quintessa

8/12/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

Fantastic! I get buttered popcorn and even some lemon on the finish. Love alpha omega chardonnay, this 1 is different than regular chardonnay or reserve. It was great.

7/30/2022 - Roman Empire Likes this wine:

I have wanted to like this for years. Last of my 3 bottles opened last night. I placed in a blind wine tasting of all red blends All others were California based blends (not all we’re cab heavy). While I am better versed in California wines than French wines , It just doesn’t stand up as special. It’s just ok with tasting less complex and a bit flat. For $45 maybe that’s ok. I’ll continue to expand into old world wines with Bordeaux’ wines but this just isn’t the one.

5/28/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

I was a little disappointed or maybe just surprised with this Chardonnay. It didn’t taste as I remembered it from the winery. To the nose it was almost musty, cellar like. Tasted minerals too. Friends thought was a bit like sav blanc in parts and moving toward Chardonnay. It tasted fine and crisp It was not heavy. I wondered if it was a bad bottle ? But it wasn’t bad enough to accept that We drank the bottle and it was enjoyed Just not what I expected I have more and will see if next bottle offers the same experience.

5/28/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

So have had this before and loved it. For some reason this one tasted sweet at the front …distinctly. It finished nicely and I enjoyed the bottle with friend (who l thought the same thing). Now this was after a bottle of del dotto Cabernet (corona dragon) and that is certainly fuller bodied like all del dotto cabs. Enjoyed this bottle just didn’t wow me like previous. Have more and will revisit this tasting note when I open it again.

3/21/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

Weak taste as it appears in color. Disappointed big time wasn’t expecting 100 pt wine but just very little taste at all.

3/11/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

So easy. Patio wine perhaps a little sweeter than I remembers at the winery. Real crowd pleaser pool side

3/11/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

Great nose and even better taste. Not really pepper more earth and smoke. Maybe some Cabernet elements but really great. And what a value. Big Napa taste and modest cost. They could charge a lot more. This is a solid wine paired with grilled food. Tempted to rate above 90.

3/4/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

Wow. The nose on this is perfect full but not sharp. With some time out of the bittle it mellowed so beautifully. Really a classic Napa cab with a unique finish. Just truly enjoyable. I have to imagine this is near peak drinking window. Maybe not , but opening my last bottle of this vintage won’t be long from now. Raelly fantastic.

2/11/2022 - Roman Empire wrote:

So I don’t drink a ton of Sauvignon Blanc, however when I do it’s often from California. This is different. And refreshing. I don’t get any grapefruit at all. I do get fruit maybe lemon and lemon grass. It is very refreshing and crisp and really nice and a near 70° day here in Charlotte North Carolina. This is a really nice patio wine served cold with friends