4/27/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Fermented and aged for six months in concrete, this light-to-medium ruby-colored wine is a blend of 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d'Avola. Laden with cranberry and strawberry fruit, it adds notes of rose petals, bay leaf, coriander and black tea. Light-to-medium-bodied, crisply acidic, softly tannic and with unnoticeable alcohol (11%), it stays solid in the middle and finishes with medium length. Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over 2-3 hours, this was immediately expressive. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2027.

4/21/2024 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine:

Popped/poured. Glass-staining purple-ruby. Young, but clearly showing its class and quality. Loads of fruit, tannin and alcohol and little finesse now, but showing real potential for greatness. In ten years this should be magnificent. 5-13-16-9: 93/100. Room for a higher mark with more bottle age. Great value.

2/7/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Sourced from two north-facing parcels that are in close proximity to the Premier Cru Montmains vineyard, Piuze's 2020 Terroir de Chablis is a light-to-medium golden Chardonnay that offers an attractive aromatic profile of pit fruits, quince, jasmine, wet stones and chamomile. Medium-bodied, crisply acidic and without noticeable wood or alcohol (12%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. Long and vibrant on the back end, this is an excellent young Chablis that performs well above its pedigree. It will last longer than most would predict. Drink now-2035.

3/10/2024 - Jeff Leve wrote:

Elegant, forward, vivacious, and floral, the wine instantly focuses you on its wealth of spicy, kirsch, black raspberry, pepper, and herbs. There is depth, concentration, and a long supple, polished finish that ends with another layer of sweet, ripe, kirsch. Drink from 2024-2038.

1/7/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

The 2019 iteration of Larrivet-Haut-Brion is a deep ruby blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak barriques (40% new). This particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted and allowed one hour in carafe prior to serially tasting over the ensuing three hours. Intensely aromatic and flavorful, it delivers a ripe package of black currant and dark bramble fruit, framed with notes of licorice, mulling spices, bittersweet chocolate, pipe tobacco and loamy earth. Medium-to-full-bodied and with excellent freshness, it is integrating its alcohol (14.5%), wood and medium-weight tannins fairly well at this early stage. Layered in the middle and lengthy on the back end, this is a well-crafted Bordeaux with plenty of life ahead. If you can resist, give it a couple of more years in the cellar. If not, give it at least an hour of air after decanting. Enclosed with a Diam 30 cork. Drink 2026-2044.

12/29/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

La Couspaude's 1999 offering is a deep garnet blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Sampled over a three-hour interval from a pristinely-cellared bottle that had been decanted off of its heavy sediment, it flaunts an aromatic profile of dark plums, fig, mulling spices, violets, tobacco and loam. Medium-bodied, energetic and with well-integrated alcohol (13%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. The melted tannins and fully assimilated oak have resulted in a wine with no rough edges from start through lengthy finish. This is more elegant and harmonious than when last tasted 1/6/2016. Give it at least an hour in carafe after decantation. Comparably cellared bottles will last longer than previously projected. Drink now-2027.

11/17/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Comprised of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre, this deep ruby Southern Rhone has lots to offer. Loaded with dark bramble fruits, pepper-laced black cherries, bittersweet chocolate, Provençal herbs and loamy earth, it is medium-bodied, fresh, minimally oaked red with soft tannins and seamless alcohol (despite being listed as 15%). Dense in the middle and lengthy on the back end, this is a modern version of the appellation that should show well throughout the remainder of this decade. Sampled over three hours from a bottle that had been decanted through a Vinturi aerator, this showed best after the first two hours in carafe. Drink now-2030.

11/30/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Ordered from a restaurant's wine list, this deep-to-opaque ruby Cabernet was popped, poured and serially tasted over the ensuing two hours. Flush with black currant and dark cherry fruit, it adds notes of tobacco, licorice, mulling spices and dried herbs on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.2%), proportionately oaked and with lively acids, it is layered in the middle and has a lengthy finish that carries a fair amount of tannic grip. Give this a couple of more years in the cellar if you can resist popping the cork now. If you can't resist, give it plenty of air (as this bottle continued to improve throughout the tasting interval). Drink 2025-2038.

7/27/2019 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Celebrating at the Marine Room (Marine Room Restaurant, La Jolla, CA): This wine was last tasted from a 750 cc bottle 12/6/17, at which time it showed very well. Now nearly 50 years old, the vagaries of any particular bottle cause trepidation whenever a cork is pulled. This sampling was from a well-cellared magnum that was remarkably youthful. Medium-to-deep garnet in color, it delivers a generous core of red plum and currant fruit, accented with notes of cocoa, leather, loamy earth, baking spices, lavender and cigar tobacco. Full-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic and with melted tannins, it is dense and layered on the middle palate. The smooth finish lingers beautifully. Magnums such as this will hold steady for several more years on plateau, but the unpredictability of wines this age would make it wise to pop the cork sooner rather than later. Drink now.

11/4/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Château Barde-Haut's 2020 iteration is an opaque ruby blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Sampled from a bottle that had been decanted through a Vinturi aerator and allowed six hours in carafe, it aromatically oozes black and blue fruits that are accented with lavender potpourri, tobacco, licorice, exotic spices and graphite. Medium-bodied and without noticeable heat from its 15% alcohol, it delivers flavors that are congruent with the aromas. At this early stage, the wood and tannins have not fully integrated, but they undoubtedly will meld over the next few years. Despite this, the textures are already supple. Beautifully dense on the mid-palate and lengthy on the back end, this is a top-notch expression of the vintage and is a wine that belongs in any oenophile's cellar (if he or she is lucky enough to be around over the next couple of decades). Enclosed with a DIAM 30 cork. Drink 2027-2045.

3/31/2023 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

This label is a side project of Beringer winemaker Ryan Rech, with the name paying homage to Frederick and Jacob Beringer. Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over 2-3 hours, it is a young Cabernet offering lots of ripe black fruit that is accented with fig, baking spices, cocoa and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, low in acidity, proportionately oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it delivers its flavor payload with medium-weight, silky tannins. Dense on the mid-palate and closing with a medium-length, smooth finish, this is an "easy drinker" that will have broad appeal by virtue of its soft textures. If you can Vinturi or splash-decant the wine, it will require minimal aeration thereafter in order to fully strut its stuff. Drink now-2029.

7/27/2023 - thesternowl wrote:

When a bottle of wine is this old, one can never have too high of expectations. There are far too many variables to consider when it comes to whether it will even be drinkable, let alone enjoyable. Particularly when it’s a wine from an unheralded vintage like 1953. As someone who has been fortunate enough to have tried many old bottles over the last ten or so years, I have had my share of duds; even bottles from a good vintage with strong provenance. However, every now and again, a bottle will surprise and this 1953 Barolo from Pio Cesare went way beyond my expectations. It had many stories to tell.

There was a tremendous amount of sediment but I had allowed that to settle to the bottom by leaving it upright for a couple of days. We pulled the cork few hours before service and decanted. The cork was very typical of wines from the region at the time; short and stubby. With the help of a Durand, we were able to extract in one piece and, to my astonishment, the cork was only 1/3 saturated. And then, whoa…what a lovely perfume. It was alive! The ’53 pours a light copper color and has a largely transparent core. On the nose, the fruit is still playing a major role however it was almost completly desiccated now: cherry, apricot, prune, tar, dried roses, dried leather, and mushrooms. On the palate the tannins are almost imperceptible and completely resolved. The acid is lovely; the preserver of life. The notes from the nose were confirmed and there was a long, satisfying finish. There was substance and a real energy about it. Old…and yet so full of life! I want to be absolutely clear, this wasn’t just a novel experience. This was a practical one as well as it paired perfectly with tajarin tossed with shiitake mushrooms as well as a bit of bone-in Wagyu New York Strip from Morgan Ranch. Everyone at the table was smitten by this septuagenarian of a Barolo; even those who had no prior experience with old wines. Drink now.

For what it’s worth, I’ve had this bottle in my cellar for a little over a year, when I was fortunate to have come across one with decent provenance. This is a wine I will very likely never see again but it was so wonderful to have had the experience and I’ll cherish this memory forever.

5/15/2023 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Bottled under screwcap, this rosé of Pinot Noir was unsealed and poured. Immediately expressive and without reductive notes, it offers a pleasant aromatic profile of strawberries, clementines, cantaloupe and coriander. Light-bodied, off-dry, unoaked and without any heat from its 13% alcohol, it delivers flavors in line with the nose. Those same flavors are supported with just enough acidity, which becomes apparent on the mid-palate and medium-length finish. This is an enjoyable summertime sipper that should be at its best over the next couple of years. Drink now-2025.

7/17/2023 - Vinnut Likes this wine:

Dark reddish-purple garnet in color. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe fruits aromas of dark cherries, blueberries & cassis with overtones of floral notes of violets & dusty/earthy notes, spices, cocoa, coffee, tobacco, minerals & a good measure of vanilla/oak. Full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blackberries & plums with herbs, graphite, minerals, spices & vanilla/oak. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & extended airing but should develop further with additional aging at which time it may merit a higher score. Very good QPR especially when compared to the prices of Napa Cabs.

6/28/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Although I have had the pleasure of sampling many vintages from this fine producer, Brane-Cantenac's 2019 is (hands down) the finest that I have ever tasted. Vinturi-decanted and allowed five hours in carafe prior to tasting over the ensuing two hours, it is impressive from the first sip. An opaque crimson blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère that was aged for 18 months in French oak barriques (100% new), it is an intensely aromatic and flavorful Margaux. Loaded with black currants, Santa Rosa plums, red bramble fruits, lavender, baking spices, lead pencil and loamy earth on both the nose and palate, it is a full-bodied red with fresh acidity, seamless alcohol (14%), proportionate wood and an abundance of silky tannins. Dense on the mid-palate, it has one of the longest and smoothest finishes that I have ever experienced from a Bordeaux at such an early stage. Believe it or not, this may merit an even higher score in the future. I cannot recommend against drinking it now, but I know that it will get better and is very unlikely to shut down. If you do choose to pop the cork now, give it a commensurate amount of air. Drink now-2059.

6/16/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Last tasted 2/7/2022, Amici's 2019 Napa Cab remains a youthful opaque crimson in color. Comprised of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, it was sourced from five esteemed Napa Valley vineyards (Hudson, Morisoli, Spring Mountain, Hyde and Van Winden), fermented entirely in stainless steel and subsequently aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (75% new). Flush with ripe black and blue fruits that are flanked with tobacco, baking spices, bittersweet chocolate and toasted oak, it is a full-bodied red with low-to-medium acidity, well-integrated alcohol, (14.5%), seamless wood and velvety tannins. Solid in the middle and lengthy on the back end, this is an impressive young Cabernet that should have plenty of longevity. This particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted and serially sampled over three hours. Give it an hour or two of air if you can. Drink now-2034.

5/1/2023 - Eric Likes this wine:

Opening the first bottle out of an unopened case purchased on release 20 years ago. This is supposed to be the wine dream. I hope it’s good. I don’t find myself drinking as much Bordeaux lately.

Jeff Leve wrote a “drink up” note which made me go “oh shit…”

But this thing is just warming up. Tons of fruit. Plenty of tannin. Very deep and pretty. Great aromatics. It’s a baby still.

Smoke, tobacco, truffle, just explosive on the nose. Fine, fine tannins on a palate that still drips with gorgeous and lithe fruit. Cherry and chocolate. So pure and pretty. Wonderfully long and mineral on the finish.

Fantastic!

3/10/2023 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

This light golden Chardonnay was 80% barrel fermented and 20% stainless steel tank fermented, subsequently aged for eight months in French oak (19% new) and allowed to undergo 100% malolactic conversion. It offers aromas and flavors of Meyer lemons, stone fruits, baked apples, vanilla and spicy oak. Medium-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity and without any heat from its 13.9% alcohol, it retains good mid-palate density and closes with a medium-length, woody finish. Bottled unders screwcap, this showed no reductive notes upon opening. It represents good value for those who enjoy the oaky style. Drink now-2025.

1/25/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Château Fombrauge's 2028 iteration is an opaque ruby blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. From a bottle that was decanted through a Vinturi aerator, it serves up a plentiful load of black currant and dark cherry fruit that is accented with allspice, loamy earth, pipe tobacco and sorrel. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), judiciously oaked and with plentiful fine-grained tannins, it stays dense on the mid-palate and finishes long. This is a beautiful reflection of the vintage and the appellation. Allow an hour or more in decanter if possible. Drink now-2038.

8/30/2022 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

The 2017 version of Tour Saint-Christophe is an opaque ruby blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. From a bottle that was Vinturi-decanted, it was serially tasted over a three-hour period. Loaded with black and red currant fruit, it adds notes of mulling spices, graphite, tobacco and lavender. Full-bodied, fresh, proportionately oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it supports its flavors with stealth tannins that are plentiful but very fine-grained. Layered and dense on the mid-palate, it moves on to a lengthy, mineral-driven finish. This Right Bank offering demonstrates the value that still exists in Bordeaux. Give it another couple of years in the cellar if you can resist popping the cork. If you can't resist, at least be kind enough to give it a couple of hours in decanter. Drink 2024-2037.

12/2/2022 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Quilceda Creek's 2020 CVR was sourced from the Champoux, Galitzine and Mach One vineyards. A deep ruby blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, it is quite possibly the best CVR that the winery has produced to date. Loaded with dark bramble fruits, red currants, bittersweet chocolate, licorice, savory herbs and baking spices, it is a full-bodied, freshly acidic wine with well-integrated alcohol (14.8%) and plentiful polished tannins. Although the oak has not yet fully integrated, it is still a treat to enjoy this outstanding red in its infancy, as the dense mid-palate portends its lengthy finish. This particular bottle was decanted through a Vinturi aerator and serially tasted over three hours. If you choose to pop the cork at this early stage, give it at least an hour in carafe if possible. A couple more years in the cellar would be preferable. Drink 2025-2040.

12/2/2022 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Turley's 2020 Old Vines Zinfandel is a definite "miss" in comparison to its siblings. Deep ruby in color, it serves up an aromatic profile of dark cherries, blackberries, graphite and licorice. Full-bodied, tart, proportionately oaked and with fairly well-integrated alcohol (listed as 15.2%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. Unfortunately, the medium-weight tannins are quite astringent. Those same tannins dominate the mid-palate and the acerbic, medium-length finish. Despite the difficulties of the vintage, this is an uncharacteristically underperforming Old Vines. Vinturi-decanting and tasting over three hours did not seem to make much of a difference, although I have not tasted it from a popped-and-poured bottle. Drink 2024-2027.

11/13/2022 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

An opaque crimson blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Prieuré-Lichine is one of the poster children for this fabulous vintage. Loaded with cassis, blackberry and dark plum fruit, it adds a supporting cast of violets, sandalwood, baking spices, espresso and bittersweet chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied, energetic and without any heat from its 14% alcohol, it wraps its flavors with a judicious amount of oak and a deceivingly plentiful aliquot of fine-grained tannins. Dense in the middle and long on the back end, this is a terrific Margaux that will easily reach its thirtieth birthday. While it will improve with more time in the cellar, it is a joy to drink now. If you desire to pop the cork at this early stage, give it plenty of air. This particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over a three-hour period, during which time it seemed to get better and better. Drink 2025-2048.

8/30/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Visiting Vancouver and the Willamette Valley; 8/26/2021-8/30/2021 (Vancouver, WA and the Willamette Valley, OR): Holloran's estate vineyard, Le Pavillon, is the source of this old vine Pinot Noir. The medium ruby robe belies the wine's depth and concentration of red and black fruit that is accented with notes of black tea, orange zest, coriander and cocoa. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it buttresses the flavors with sweet tannins and a well-calibrated amount of spicy oak. Dense on the mid-palate and finishing long, this is an impressive wine that should easily reach its tenth birthday. Drink now-2025.

2/15/2022 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Tensley's 2020 Colson Canyon Syrah is an opaque ruby wine that is impressive from the get-go. Loaded with blackberry and boysenberry fruit that is accented with milk chocolate, baking spices and savory herbs, it is a full-bodied red that, despite its ripeness, is beautifully fresh. Everything is in balance here, including the sweet tannins, seamless alcohol (15%) and well-proportioned oak. Layered and dense on the mid-palate, it concludes with a lengthy, energetic finish. Classic in quality, this should reach its fifteenth birthday with grace. Although this particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted, its immediate expression suggests that popping the cork and pouring is likely just fine at this point. Drink now-2035.

6/16/2022 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Brusset's 2020 Les Boudalles is a Grenache-dominated blend that also includes substantial aliquots of Carignan, Mourvèdre, Clairette and Syrah. Medium-to-deep ruby in color, it offers aromas and flavors of red bramble fruits, pressed flowers and Provençal herbs. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, softly tannic, seamlessly alcoholic (13%) and without detectable wood, it drops off a bit on the mid-palate and is somewhat clipped on the finish. This is enjoyable for the price, but would best be consumed in its youth. Vinturi-decanted, this particular bottle seemed to fully open after the first hour in carafe. Drink now-2025.

6/13/2022 - Vinnut Likes this wine:

Deep, dark, reddish-purple garnet; essentially opaque in color. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe fruit aromas of dark cherries, blackberries & cassis with overtones of floral notes of violets & earthy/dusty notes, spices, herbs, minerals, iron, mint, dark cocoa/coffee & a hint of oak/vanilla & a slight hint of VA in the background. Full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe fruit flavors of dark cherries, blackberries & plums with spices, herbs, earthy, dark cocoa, minerals & a hint of oak/vanilla. Long lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting and extended airing but still needs time as it will continue to develop further with additional aging at which time, it may merit a higher score (95+).

I would like to dedicate this bottle to SRH, a frequent commentator here who recently passed away. He would have thoroughly enjoyed this wine. Stanley, my dear friend, we will all miss you very much!

8/14/2020 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Cellar & Al Fresco Dinner Party (La Jolla, CA): Tasted from a pristinely cellared bottle, Screaming Eagle's 2008 is showing beautifully. An opaque ruby blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, it opens within one hour in decanter to reveal a bouquet of cassis, black cherries, melted licorice, mulling spices, espresso and lavender. Full-bodied, fresh and without any heat from its 14.8% alcohol (when served at 60-65°F), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and stays impressively dense on the mid-palate. The wine's tannins are plentiful but fine-grained and the oak is well-woven. Finishing with magnificent length, this is classic-quality in every respect. The "stuffing" is clearly in place for well-cellared bottles to have significant longevity. Drink now-2033.

3/18/2022 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Bollinger's Special Cuvée Brut is comprised predominantly of reserve wines (over 85% Grand and Premier crus) that have been aged in magnum for 5-15 years. The typical blend is 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. This particular tasting was from a 375 cc bottle with a lot identifier of L2100450. Popped and poured, it is a straw-colored, highly aromatic sparkler with a brisk tiny bead. Delivering a core of lemon and white peach fruit, it adds attractive notes of bread dough, pine nuts, jasmine and toasted almonds. Medium-bodied, vibrantly acidic and dense in the middle, it concludes with a lengthy, energetic finish. This is not your ordinary nonvintage Champagne, as it possesses much more complexity and harmony than most of its peers. Half-bottles from this lot should provide pleasure for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2026.

12/24/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

An opaque crimson blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged for 16 months in French oak (60% new), La Dominique's 2015 grand vin is a tremendous effort. Oozing with black and blue fruit that is accented with licorice, Asian spices, violets, bittersweet chocolate and savory herbs, it is a full-bodied, energetic red with plentiful fine-grained tannins. Listed as 15%, the wine's alcohol lurks quietly at a serving temperature of 60-65°F. Solid on the mid-palate, it moves on to a lengthy finish that flashes some spicy oak. As good as this is now, it has clearly not yet reached its plateau. Additional time in the cellar will be rewarded. If you choose to pop the cork now, give it plenty of air. This particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted and did not fully reveal its aromatics until it had been in decanter for a couple of hours. Drink 2025-2035.

1/10/2022 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

An opaque ruby blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, Clos Floridène's 2018 offers a lot of bang for the buck. From a bottle that was Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over the ensuing three hours, it delivers a generous payload of red fruit that is flanked with savory herbs, tobacco, violets and earth. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with alcohol (14%) that has assimilated better than the oak and tannins at this young stage, it retains good presence in the middle and concludes with a lengthy, albeit grippy finish. This will benefit from short-term cellaring and may merit a higher score if it fleshes out as anticipated. If you choose to pop the cork now, give it plenty of air. Drink 2024-2033.

1/21/2022 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This opaque ruby blend of 55% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec was Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over the ensuing three hours. Beautifully aromatic and equally flavorful, it delivers a luscious package of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit that is flanked with licorice, exotic spices, graphite and cocoa. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it deftly weaves its silky tannins and toasted oak into the milieu. The middle palate is layered and the finish is impressively long. This is an excellent example of how a great vintage in Bordeaux floats all boats, even the more humble châteaux. This is already drinkable when given an hour in decanter, and it should easily reach its fifteenth birthday with grace. Drink now-2033.

4/3/2016 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This deep ruby wine (a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% other allowable grapes) is enticing from the get-go. Lavender, blackberry, black olive, bacon and earth scents are mirrored with similar flavors. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it has beautiful mid-palate presence, excellent depth and plentiful silky tannins. The finish is long and smooth. This outstanding-quality Châteauneuf is fairly available and is priced quite reasonably. It can be enjoyed now, but I suspect that it will become something even more special with time in the cellar. Drink now-2025.

12/20/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Treana's 2019 Paso Robles Cab (a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot) is an opaque crimson wine with virtually no rough edges. Uncorked and poured, it requires minimal aeration in order to unfurl an aromatic profile of dark bramble fruits, black cherries, mulling spices, licorice and bittersweet chocolate. Full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), judiciously oaked and with beautiful purity of fruit, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and is impressively dense on the mid-palate. The tannins are plentiful but very fine-grained, making for a medium-to-long finish that is silky in texture. This is a hedonistic Cab that performs well above its pay grade. Enjoy it throughout the decade. Drink now-2030.

12/19/2021 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

From a bottle with the identifier of "L63DF131616," a side cork code of C81KY and a top cork code of "Y10" (assumed to be the predominant vintage in the bottle), this light golden sparkler is a very enjoyable nonvintage Brut. A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier, it is a light-to-medium-bodied wine with a brisk small bead and aromas of quince, white peaches, jasmine and cardamom. Crisply acidic and flavorful, it delivers a gustatory payload that is congruent with the aromas, adding additional citrus and pear elements. Solid in the middle and medium length on the back end, this particular bottling can be used for holiday toasting over the next three years. Drink now-2024.

10/20/2017 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

2017 New York Wine Experience Trip; 10/16/2017-10/25/2017 (New York City, NY): Dusty red cherries, red currants, licorice, earth and pickling spice adorn the nose and palate of this medium ruby, medium-bodied wine. Fresh, seamlessly alcoholic and with plentiful silky tannins, it delivers a solid impression on the mid-palate and finishes medium-to-long. This won't require too much more cellaring, but should benefit from a couple more years of hibernation. Drink 2020-2032.

12/15/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This well-cellared bottle was double-decanted, allowing three hours in decanter prior to funneling back into the rinsed bottle. It was then served to guests over the ensuing two hours. A blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier, it is a medium-to-deep garnet wine with an inviting bouquet of dark bramble fruits, violets, lavender, Asian spices, cured meats and cocoa. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (13%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, narrowing the cured meat component down to a delicious note of smoky bacon. The tannins are silky in texture at this point and the oak has fully assimilated. Dense on the mid-palate and long on the finish, this has entered its drinking window but has the structure to sail through the decade with grace. Be sure to decant it off of its sediment and give it at least an hour of aeration if possible. Drink now-2030.

10/22/2015 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

2015 New York Wine Experience Trip; 10/19/2015-10/27/2015 (New York City, NY): Floral and blue fruit elements permeate the nose and palate of this deep ruby, full-bodied red. Supported by fresh acidity, seamless alcohol and medium-weight, sweet tannins, the fruit and flowers are accented with melted licorice, coriander and dried herbs. Layered and solid in the middle, it concludes with a lengthy, structured finish. Many great Châteauneuf offerings will drink well for the first 2-3 years of their life, go dormant, then re-emerge after 7-10 years. I suspect that this will be one of them. That said, my drinking window will begin immediately. Drink now-2030.

11/2/2021 - srh Likes this wine:

2 Qba, 2019 Trocken Rieslings (Home): Should you be interested, I’ve uploaded info for this vintage which you can peruse at your leisure. (Check wine-searcher’s Vendors & Reviews pgs for “pro” input.) 😉

Private Preserve used after Day 1.

N: Closed, hints of peaches with almost a creaminess, poss a bit of earthiness? Intensity lurking?

P: Rndish entry; Med body with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by a very slightly spritzy, counterbalancing acidity which slowly, SEAMLESSLY evolves into a very LONG, beautifully balanced, tangy/swt finish.

// Day 2: MOST served too cold 😊 , & while tough to say for sure, SEEMS to have held adequately.

// Day 3: While the frt has definitely decreased, it was not an issue with food given the wine's acidity.

∑: My EXC- (90,91/100 using that metric), arguably towards the higher end of that given the QPR of the $19.95 pd. Should drink into '23 (poss longer) w/o difficulty

3/4/2011 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Mourvedre 44%, Grenache 29%, Syrah 21%, Counoise 6%, alcohol 14.5%. This wine was tasted in double-blind fashion at Vintage Wines, Ltd. The bottle was kindly provided by Don Shapiro. Opaque black/purple in color, it shows an intense nose of ripe black fruit, black pepper, vanilla and animal fur. Full-bodied on the palate, with big ripe tannins and a slight spritz. The alcohol is not subtle. The flavors are black fruit-dominated and very ripe. The middle palate is solid and the finish is long, albeit hot. This is, to my palate, a decent "Rhone Ranger" which would in no way be confused with anything from the Southern Rhone. It is over-extracted and (given the spritz) this particular bottle has probably had a secondary bacterial fermentation from unfermented residual sugar. Perhaps a bad bottle, but I suspect that it is simply just another over-extracted Paso Robles Rhone-style blend which may appeal to the masses but holds little for me. My score is generous. Drink now-12/13.

10/21/2017 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

2017 New York Wine Experience Trip; 10/16/2017-10/25/2017 (New York City, NY): Intensely aromatic, this straw-colored, dry Riesling offers a beautiful bouquet of pit fruits, citrus, wet stones and chamomile. Light-bodied, crisply acidic, seamlessly alcoholic and with flavors mirroring the nose, it is solid in the middle and finishes with impressive length. This should be at its best over the next five years. Drink now-2022.

10/16/2021 - thesternowl wrote:

Opened to celebrate my son’s 15th birthday and poured alongside the 2006 Eagle’s Trace “Latitude 38”. The 2006 Seavey Caravina pours a deep garnet color with a completely opaque core. No obvious signs of age in the glass. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, medium+ intensity, with strong pipe tobacco notes, currants, black cherry, figs, some green bell pepper and leather. On the palate dark fruits dominate with black cherry, black currants and blackberries. The tobacco and leather is also there accompanied by semi-sweet baking chocolate, baking spice and some anise. The wine finishes dry with medium tannins, most of which are well integrated at this point. Medium+ acid. Medium plus alcohol. The finish is long. Another very lovely vintage of Caravina, aging gracefully.

11/30/2019 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Deep-to-opaque crimson in color, this Syrah is packed with black and blue fruit that is accented with savory herbs, smoked meat, dry earth, cedar and black olives. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and with nicely woven alcohol (listed as 13.5%), it wraps its flavors with silky tannins and a modicum of spicy oak. Dense on the middle palate and concluding with impressive length, this Crozes stands high above most of its peers. The fruit and structure are in place to ensure that this well-priced wine will reach its 20th birthday with grace. Drink now-2035.

1/26/2019 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux 2016 Vintage Tasting (Las Vegas, NV): Château Kirwan's 2016 iteration flaunts attractive aromas of black fruit, lavender, pickling spice and bay leaf. Medium-to-full-bodied, fresh and with copious sweet tannins, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose. The wine's alcohol and oak are nicely integrated and the middle palate is dense. Concluding with a medium-to-long, grippy finish, this is an excellent Kirwan that will benefit from a few years in the cellar. Drink 2024-2041.

10/2/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This recently-purchased bottle carries the lot number of L904TR0274BT and was crafted with nearly equal proportions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Medium pink/salmon in color and with a brisk small bead, it flaunts an aromatic profile of white peaches, apricots, tangerines, red licorice and almonds. Medium-bodied and vibrantly acidic, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, supported by an underpinning of chalky minerality. With a creamy mousse that is pervasive on the mid-palate and racy, medium-length finish, this is a delightful non-vintage rosé. Bottles with the same lot number should be at their best over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2024.

9/7/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Château Bourdieu's 2019 is a deep ruby/crimson blend of 87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. This particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over the ensuing three hours, fully expressing itself after the first hour in decanter. Ripe and rich, it is loaded with intoxicating black, red and blue fruit on both the nose and palate. With a supporting cast of baking spices, lavender, mocha and licorice, it is hard to put down the glass. Despite its ripeness, this medium-bodied red stays in check, with restrained alcohol (listed as 14.5%), excellent freshness, judicious oak and medium-weight, fine-grained tannins. Plump on the mid-palate and lingering nicely on the finish, this Right Bank Bordeaux is a joy to drink. That said, if tasted blind, I would have guessed it to be a New World Merlot or Merlot/Cabernet blend. With its broad appeal and attractive price in mind, this would be one to purchase by the case and serve as the red wine option at a cocktail party. I suspect that this precocious wine will be at its best during its first decade. Drink now-2029.

7/19/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This opaque crimson wine was Vinturi-decanted and consumed over a three-hour period. A blend of 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 12% Carignane and 4% Mataro (Mourvèdre) that was aged for 10 months in American oak (12% new), it delivers an intense package of dark bramble fruits, Bing cherries, black pepper, licorice and eucalyptus. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic and with nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it wraps its flavors with sweet oak and medium-weight, fine-grained tannins. Dense on the mid-palate and medium-to-long on the back end, this is a quality red that should show well throughout the decade. Give it at least an hour in decanter. Drink now-2030.

10/21/2017 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

2017 New York Wine Experience Trip; 10/16/2017-10/25/2017 (New York City, NY): This medium ruby wine is comprised of 92% Sangiovese, with the remainder split between Malvasia Nera and Colorino. Offering bright raspberry and cherry fruit with a supporting cast of baking spices, tobacco and loamy earth, it is medium-bodied, freshly acidic and has nicely integrated alcohol (listed as 13.5%). While deceivingly approachable from the attack through the solid middle palate, it flashes some gritty tannins on the lengthy finish. Give this one some time. Drink 2019-2030.

5/3/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Comprised of 100% Cabernet that is sourced (as grapes and finished wine) from esteemed Napa Valley sites, Royal Prince's 2019 is an opaque crimson wine that delivers on the Napa Valley experience, but does so in a fashion that is a little bit rough around the edges at this point. This particular bottle was splash-decanted and serially tasted over three hours, hitting its contemporaneous plateau after two hours in decanter. Lush, packed with black fruit, licorice, truffle, savory herbs, loamy earth and dark chocolate, it is a full-bodied bruiser with fresh acidity, abundant edgy tannins, seamless alcohol (listed as 14.8%) and well-integrated oak. With a solid mid-palate and somewhat coarse but lengthy back end, this is a well-priced Napa Cab that would benefit from a couple more years in the cellar, thereafter providing enjoyment for at least another decade. A higher score will likely be merited if the tannins integrate as anticipated. Drink 2023-2023.

8/27/2021 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Visiting Vancouver and the Willamette Valley; 8/26/2021-8/30/2021 (Vancouver, WA and the Willamette Valley, OR): Comprised of 58% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre, 4% Counoise and 3% Cinsault, Brian Carter's 2016 Byzance is a bit more structured when compared with its 2015 sibling. Deep ruby and impressively aromatic, it flaunts an olfactory profile of dark bramble fruits, blueberries, Provençal herbs, licorice and black pepper. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.7%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, wrapping them with fine-grained tannins and a modicum of oak. Layered on the mid-palate and lengthy on the back end, this is a delicious Southern Rhone-style blend that can be paired with a variety of meats and sauces. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. Drink now-2027.