7/28/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

Color: Pale Lemon
Aromas: Medium(+) intense aromas of grapefruit, lemon-lime, lemon zest, citrus blossom, acacia, lemon verbana, lemongrass, wet stones, cream cheese.
Palate: Dry, high acidity, medium alcohol, medium(-) bodied with a crisp, clean texture with dry extract, medium(+) flavor intensity of grapefruit, lemon-lime, lemon zest, citrus blossom, acacia, lemongrass, melon, wet stones, chalk, cream cheese, sourdough. The wine has a medium(+) finish of citrus, wet rocks and chalk.
Quality: The wine is of GOOD quality. There is sufficient fruit concentration to balance the high acidity. The primary flavors of citrus, floral, and herbs are well-delineated, and there are signs of secondary flavors of cream cheese and sourdough. The intensity of the nose and palate are in unison. The wine has a medium(+) length finish. The wine needs more concentration, complexity, pronounced flavors, and a lengthier finish to be of Very Good quality.
Bottle Aging: The wine is NOT SUITABLE for bottle aging. While high in acidity, the wine is produced to be consumed when the fruit and floral flavors are fresh and well-defined. With bottle aging, the intensity will decline, and the wine will become unbalanced.

3/20/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

Truly enjoyable fuller-bodied Pinot Noir that has one foot in the New World and one foot in the Old World. Cherry cola, smoked incense, and scrub brush on the nose. Ripe strawberry, pomegranate, clove cigarette, and dried rose flavors complement the tangy acid. The tannins are young, tight, and greenish (perhaps some whole cluster) but should resolve over the next five years, providing the palate with the needed depth. Very good. Fun wine with loads of character.

3/20/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

Critics must have been enamored with Laura Catena’s story about this wine because the wine itself does not drink like a $300 wine. Tasty, precise, and intense it is. Beyond that… kinda meh. Pronounced flavors of cranberry, strawberry jelly, raspberry, and black cherry complement the floral, dried herb, sage, clove, and green stems. Limestone soils brighten and intensify the palate. Long, minerally finish. But, beyond that I just don’t get the complexity or depth of what I would expect from a $300 pinot.

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

Medium Lemon

Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of lemon, lemon-lime, lemon balm, saline, minerals, white peach, lees, cheese rind, brioche, key lime, lemon oil.

Dry, high acid, medium alcohol, medium(+) body, pronounced intense flavors of lemon, lemon-lime, lemon balm, saline, minerals, white peach, lees, cheese rind, brioche, key lime, lemon oil. The wine has a long finish.

Outstanding; tremendous preservation of freshness after one year in large oak and 11 years aging on lees. The wine shows complex, evolving flavors and an epic, 10-minute finish that showcases unparalleled richness and elegance.

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of black cherry, bell pepper, black currant, coffee, espresso, leather, blackberry, toasted oak, dried herb, mint.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of black cherry, bell pepper, black currant, coffee, espresso, leather, blackberry, toasted oak, dried herb, mint. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of cassis, cherry, prune, heavily stewed red currant and black currant, spice, smoke, toasted oak, vanilla, chocolate.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, chewy high tannins, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of cassis, cherry, prune, heavily stewed red currant and black currant, spice, smoke, toasted oak, vanilla, chocolate. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of cherry, ripe unripe and over-ripe cherry, cocoa, baking spices, raspberry, cranberry, bramble, vanilla, pepper.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium ripe tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of cherry, ripe unripe and over-ripe cherry, cocoa, baking spices, raspberry, cranberry, bramble, vanilla, pepper. The wine has a medium finish

Good; finish drops off as does the fruit and intensity.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of cranberry, cola, red cherry, black cherry, candied/jammy strawberry and raspberry, violet, vanilla, spice, pepper.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high alcohol, medium tannin, medium(+) body, medium(+) intense flavors of cranberry, cola, red cherry, black cherry, candied/jammy strawberry and raspberry, violet, vanilla, spice, pepper. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good; lacks precision and is hollow, lacks complexity, fruit is too jammy with noticeably high alcohol

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium purple

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of confected berries, kool-aid, powdered sugar, sweet tart, raspberry, ink, clove, mocha, vanilla.

P: Off-dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol but tastes high, medium body, medium coarse tannin, medium intense flavors of confected berries, kool-aid, powdered sugar, sweet tart, raspberry, ink, clove, mocha, vanilla, chemical. The wine has a medium finish.

Poor; distinctive chemical flavors on the finish, over-ripe fruit, lack of complexity.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Pink

N: Medium intensity, youthful aromas of strawberry, red apple, watermelon, cotton candy, jolly rancher, white cherry, orange julius. Simple.

P: Medium-sweet, medium(+) acidity, medium body, low alcohol, medium intense flavors of strawberry, red apple, watermelon, cotton candy, jolly rancher, white cherry, orange julius. Simple. The wine has a short finish.

Acceptable

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of asparagus, bell pepper, grapefruit, vegetal, guava, passion fruit, pine resin, cheese rind, lees, grapefruit pith.

P: Dry, high acid, medium alcohol, medium body, medium(+) intense flavors of asparagus, bell pepper, grapefruit, vegetal, guava, passion fruit, pine resin, cheese rind, lees, grapefruit pith. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good; Disjointed with resinous quality, lacks delineated flavors.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of lees, cheese, vanilla bean, dried lemon, ripe pear, butter, smoke, citrus blossom, cream, pineapple, pineapple chips, butterscotch, caramel, baking spices.

P: Dry, medium acidity, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of lees, cheese, vanilla bean, dried lemon, ripe pear, butter, smoke, citrus blossom, cream, pineapple, pineapple chips, butterscotch, caramel, baking spices. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good; A sound argument could be made for Very Good. Alcohol is too prevalent on the finish.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/18/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Lemon

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of banana chip, pineapple, butter, pie crust, chlorine, wood chip. Simple.

P: Medium-dry, medium(+) acid (acidified), medium alcohol, medium bodied, medium intense flavors of banana chip, pineapple, butter, pie crust, chlorine, wood chip. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Acceptable; poorly delineated fruit, excessive butter flavor, and presence of chemical flavors.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of pungent pepper, roasted red bell pepper, green bell pepper, jalapeno, black currant bud, cassis, spice, blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium tannin, high alcohol, full body, medium(+) intense flavors of of pungent pepper, roasted red bell pepper, green bell pepper, jalapeno, black currant bud, cassis, spice, blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging; needs time

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of spiced berries, bramble, black plum, cranberry, juniper berry, red currant, cinnamon, vanilla, meat, volatile acidity (VA), wet paint.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium(+) chewy ripe tannin, high alcohol, full body, medium(+) intense flavors of spiced berries, bramble, black plum, cranberry, juniper berry, red currant, cinnamon, vanilla, meat, volatile acidity (VA). The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Very Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Lemon

N: Pronounce intensity, youthful aromas of apple, pear, banana, applesauce, apple pie, caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, lemon, mineral, flint, popcorn, pineapple chip, mineral, flint.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, full creamy and fat body, pronounced intense flavors apple, pear, banana, applesauce, apple pie, caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, lemon, mineral, flint, popcorn, pineapple chip, mineral, flint. The wine has a long finish.

Outstanding

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of grapefruit, bell pepper, black currant bud, elderflower, St. Germain, lime, kiwi, biscuit, cheese rind, grass, fig, blossom, gooseberry, lime yogurt, stone, minerals.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, medium or medium(+) body, pronounce intense flavors of grapefruit, bell pepper, black currant bud, elderflower, St. Germain, lime, kiwi, biscuit, cheese rind, grass, fig, blossom, gooseberry, lime yogurt, stone, minerals. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Very Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Lemon

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of golden apple, chamomile, beeswax, lees, cheese rind, dried honey, linden, hawthorn, lemon, lemon oil, cream, dried apricot, peach, golden apple.

P: Dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol, full body with dry extract, pronounced intense flavors of of golden apple, chamomile, beeswax, lees, cheese rind, dried honey, linden, hawthorn, lemon, lemon oil, cream, dried apricot, peach, golden apple. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, developing aromas of black currant, violets, blackberry, cassis, vanilla, mocha, spice box, cinnamon, toast, smoke, tobacco, earth.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, high chewy and drying tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of of black currant, violets, blackberry, cassis, vanilla, mocha, spice box, cinnamon, toast, smoke, tobacco, earth. The wine has a long finish.

Outstanding

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of cooked red cherry, black cherry, meaty, clove, brown sugar, hibiscus, pie crust, baking spices, smoke.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium(+) chewy ripe and grapey tannin, medium alcohol, medium(+) body, medium(+) intense flavors of cooked red cherry, black cherry, meaty, clove, brown sugar, hibiscus, pie crust, baking spices, smoke. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Very Good; balanced and fruity

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of black plum, earth, chocolate, smoke, blueberry, blackberry, toast, boysenberry, vanilla, violets, huckleberry.

P: Dry, medium acidity, medium smooth ripe and velvety tannins, full body, medium alcohol, pronounced intense flavors of black plum, earth, chocolate, smoke, blueberry, blackberry, toast, boysenberry, vanilla, violets, huckleberry. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good; good sense of proportion of oak, fruit ripeness, acidity, and tannin.

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounce intensity, youthful aromas of blueberry, black plum, vegetal, red cherry, twiggy, roasted bell pepper, vanilla syrup, green peppercorn, tobacco.

P: Dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium body, medium chewy tannins, medium intense flavors of blueberry, black plum, vegetal, red cherry, twiggy, roasted bell pepper, vanilla syrup, green peppercorn, tobacco. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Acceptable

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of grape, salt, saline, anise, white pepper, soap, white flowers, honeysuckle, jasmine, acacia, orange peel, lime, lemon verbena, fruit loops, perfume, rose, lily of the valley.

P: Off dry, medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, medium(-) body with phenolic bitterness, pronounced intense flavors of grape, salt, saline, anise, white pepper, soap, white flowers, honeysuckle, jasmine, acacia, orange peel, lime, lemon verbena, fruit loops, perfume, rose, lily of the valley. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of black currant, blackberry, black currant leaf, lead pencil, smoke, clove, bitter dark chocolate, dark cherry, tar, spice.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high chalky and grippy tannin, full body, high alcohol, pronounced intense flavors of black currant, blackberry, black currant leaf, lead pencil, smoke, clove, bitter dark chocolate, dark cherry, tar, spice. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good; the tannin is slightly too excessive

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of red cherry, black cherry, black plum, bell pepper, black currant bud, curry, cumin, clove, toast, smoke, licorice, anise, cardamom.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high grippy and drying tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of red cherry, black cherry, black plum, bell pepper, black currant bud, curry, cumin, clove, toast, smoke, licorice, anise, cardamom. The wine has a long finish.

Good; imbalance of excessive tannins

Suitable for Bottle Aging; but will the fruit still be there when the tannins soften?

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Med Lemon

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of lemon, lemon curd, lemon oil, cheese rind, lees, pineapple, banana, golden apple, biscuit, apple blossom, pear, phenolic bitterness.

P: Dry, Medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, medium(+) body, medium(+) intense flavors of lemon, lemon curd, lemon oil, cheese rind, lees, pineapple, banana, golden apple, biscuit, apple blossom, pear, phenolic bitterness. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/11/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Medium intensity, youthful aromas of grapefruit, grass, gooseberry, black currant bud, lemon, tarragon. Simple.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium body, medium alcohol, medium intense flavors of grapefruit, grass, gooseberry, black currant bud, lemon, tarragon. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Acceptable, just too simple

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of tobacco, red currant, black currant, black cherry, yogurt, bell pepper, currant bud, medicinal, syrupy red fruit, toast, oak, cassis.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, medium(+) chewy tannins, high alcohol, medium(+) body, pronounced intense flavors of tobacco, red currant, black currant, black cherry, yogurt, bell pepper, currant bud, medicinal, syrupy red fruit, toast, oak, cassis. The wine has a long finish.

Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Ruby

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of earth, tilled soil, savory herbs, beet root, raspberry, red currant, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, smoke, char, smoked fruit, smoked pepper.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, medium tannins, medium chewy body, pronounced intense flavors of earth, tilled soil, savory herbs, beet root, raspberry, red currant, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, smoke, char, smoked fruit, smoked pepper. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Very Good; elegant, plush mouthfeel

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of melon, toast, vanilla, butterscotch, pineapple, peach, lemon curd, dough, cheese rind, candied lemon, saline, mineral, butter, stone.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high alcohol, full creamy body, pronounced intense flavors of melon, toast, vanilla, butterscotch, pineapple, peach, lemon curd, dough, cheese rind, candied lemon, saline, mineral, butter, stone. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of guava, green bean, pea pod, bell pepper, grapefruit, lemon, passion fruit, pineapple, lemongrass, cream, saline, mineral.

P: Dry, high acid, medium alcohol, medium body, pronounced intense flavors of guava, green bean, pea pod, bell pepper, grapefruit, lemon, passion fruit, pineapple, lemongrass, cream, saline, mineral. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Very Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of grapefruit, bell pepper, passion fruit, pineapple, lemongrass, citrus blossom, pungent body odor. Simple.

P: Off-dry, high acidity, medium alcohol, medium(-) body, medium(+) intense flavors of grapefruit, bell pepper, passion fruit, pineapple, lemongrass, citrus blossom, pungent body odor. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Acceptable; acid dominates, unbalanced, lacks complexity, watery palate.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Pronounced intensity, developing flavors of red currant, bell pepper, baked cherry, eucalyptus, mint, bay leaf, dried fruit, black currant, dark chocolate, espresso bean, cedar.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high ripe and fine-grain tannins, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of red currant, bell pepper, baked cherry, eucalyptus, mint, bay leaf, dried fruit, black currant, dark chocolate, espresso bean, cedar. The wine has a long finish.

Outstanding

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of blueberry pie, boysenberry syrup, blackberry, graham cracker, pie crust, menthol, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, pepper, mineral, five spice, anise, cinnamon, clove, toast, vanilla.

P: Dry, medium acidity, medium(+) chewy and ripe tannins, high alcohol, full body, pronounced flavors of blueberry pie, boysenberry syrup, blackberry, graham cracker, pie crust, menthol, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, pepper, mineral, five spice, anise, cinnamon, clove, toast, vanilla. The wine has a long finish.

Outstanding; depth, balance, dry extract

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, developing aromas of over-ripe red plum, red cherry, bramble, pink peppercorns, mint, meat, eucalyptus, rose, honeysuckle, pepper, violets, earth.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, high alcohol, medium(+) fine-grained tannins, medium(+) elegant body, pronounced flavors of over-ripe red plum, red cherry, bramble, pink peppercorns, mint, meat, eucalyptus, rose, honeysuckle, pepper, violets, earth. The wine has a long finish.

Outstanding; elegant and well balanced.

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Ruby

N: Medium intensity, youthful aromas of chemicals, robitussin, cherry cough syrup. Simple.

P: Off-dry, medium acidity, medium tannin, medium body, high alcohol, medium intense flavors of chemicals, robitussin, cherry cough syrup. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Acceptable

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of strawberry, white pepper, clove, licorice, leather, violets, eucalyptus, mint, clove, rose, strawberry jelly.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium(+) gritty tannins, medium(+) body, high alcohol, medium(+) intense flavors of strawberry, white pepper, clove, licorice, leather, violets, eucalyptus, mint, clove, rose, strawberry jelly. The wine has a medium finish.

Good; expected more mouthfeel; hollow mid-palate.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Garnet

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of candied cherry, cinnamon, raspberry, beet root, rose, peony, vanilla, toast, turned earth, potting soil, red cherry, dried red cherry, red currant, clove.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, medium chewy and well-integrated tannins, medium alcohol, medium body, pronounced flavors of candied cherry, cinnamon, raspberry, beet root, rose, peony, vanilla, toast, turned earth, potting soil, red cherry, dried red cherry, red currant, clove. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of lime, lemon-lime, citrus blossoms, white flowers, apple, stones, petrol, sour lime, mandarin orange.

P: Dry, high acidity, medium alcohol, medium or medium(-) body, pronounced intense flavors of lime, lemon-lime, citrus blossoms, white flowers, apple, stones, petrol, sour lime, mandarin orange. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Good

Suitable for Bottle Aging; high acidity

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Medium intensity, developing aromas of wax, sandalwood, marshmallow, acacia, lemon, pine nut, lemon peel, candied lemon, mineral, biscuit, grass.

P: Dry, high acid, low alcohol, medium body, pronounced intense flavors of wax, sandalwood, marshmallow, acacia, lemon, pine nut, lemon peel, candied lemon, mineral, biscuit, grass. The wine has a long, mineral finish.

Very Good; lots of textural complexity

Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of baked pear, apple pie, pie crust, toasted oak, cream, cream cheese, cheese rind, candied lemon, dough, mineral, green apple, tart lemon, candied lemon, candied ginger, sweet spice.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, medium(+) body, pronounced intense flavors of baked pear, apple pie, pie crust, toasted oak, cream, cream cheese, cheese rind, candied lemon, dough, mineral, green apple, tart lemon, candied lemon, candied ginger, sweet spice. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good; Balance of fruit concentration to acidity, complex notes from barrel fermentation and oak maturation, varietal typicity

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

3/4/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Lemon

N: Medium intensity, youthful aromas of lemon, pineapple, melon, vanilla, smoke, butter, pear. Simple.

P: Off-dry, medium acid, medium alcohol, medium body, medium intense flavors of lemon, pineapple, melon, vanilla, smoke, butter, pear. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Acceptable; The wine lacks complexity

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of black currant, black cherry, blackberry, grape, graphite, cedar, vanilla, green peppercorns, raisin, violet, fennel, toast, smoke, black olive, tobacco.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, high grippy tannins, full body, high alcohol, pronounced intense flavors of black currant, black cherry, blackberry, grape, graphite, cedar, vanilla, green peppercorns, raisin, violet, fennel, toast, smoke, black olive, tobacco. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good; nearly Outstanding; balance of all components.

Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Medium Purple

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of confected grape, kirsch, red cherry, black cherry, orange peel, orange bergamot tea, metallic/iodine. Simple.

P: Dry, medium acid, medium tannin, medium alcohol, medium body, medium(+) intense flavors of confected grape, kirsch, red cherry, black cherry, orange peel, orange bergamot tea, metallic/iodine. Simple. The wine has a medium finish.

Good

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of cooked black plums, blackberry, grape, blueberry, ink, sugar plum, violet, smoke, char, wet soil, black olive, wet stones, tobacco, prune.

P: Dry, medium acid, medium silky tannin, high alcohol, full body, medium(+) intense flavors of of cooked black plums, blackberry, grape, blueberry, ink, sugar plum, violet, smoke, char, wet soil, black olive, wet stones, tobacco, prune. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

This is a Very Good wine; ripe and round that is well-balanced.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging; lacks tannins

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Pale Lemon

N: Medium(+) intensity, youthful aromas of lemon, lime, orange, perfume, acacia, laurel, lemongrass, basil, lemon verbena, granite, mineral, pineapple.

P: Dry, high acid, low alcohol, light body, medium(+) intensity flavors of lemon, lime, orange, perfume, acacia, laurel, lemongrass, basil, lemon verbena, granite, mineral, pineapple. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

This is a good wine; though a sound argument could be made for Very Good.

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Pronounced intensity, youthful aromas of black fruit, beef jerky, italian sausage, smoke paprika, black pepper, black plum, blackberry, tar, smoke, black olive.

P: Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium(+) chewy grape tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intense flavors of black fruit, beef jerky, italian sausage, smoked paprika, black pepper, black plum, blackberry, tar, smoke, black olive. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good; high complexity; high fruit concentration; high extract

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Ruby

N: Medium(+) intensity, developing aromas of plum, dusty, red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, candied fruit, licorice, dried orange peel, currant, kirsch, blueberry, rose petal, cinnamon gum, vanilla, toast, minerals, fresh herbs.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, medium(+) round tannin, medium(+) body, high alcohol, medium(+) intense flavors of plum, dusty, red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, candied fruit, licorice, dried orange peel, currant, kirsch, blueberry, rose petal, cinnamon gum, vanilla, toast, minerals, fresh herbs. The wine has a medium(+) finish.

Very Good; good balance of all parts.

Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): Deep Purple

N: Pronounced intensity, developing aromas of black cherry, dried fruits, cedar, smoke, cinnamon, toast, nutmeg, vanilla, earth, baked plum, blackberry, violet, cocoa, tar, mineral, chalk, rocks.

P: Dry, medium(+) acid, high alcohol, high tannins, full body, pronounced intense flavors of black cherry, dried fruits, cedar, smoke, cinnamon, toast, nutmeg, vanilla, earth, baked plum, blackberry, violet, cocoa, tar, mineral, chalk, rocks. The wine has a long finish.

Very Good; lot of fruit to match the high alcohol

Suitable for Bottle Aging

2/25/2023 - R2-D2 wrote:

WSET Diploma Class Tasting with Peter Neptune; 2/4/2023-3/31/2023 (Costa Mesa, CA): N: Pronounced intensity, fully developed aromas of leather, mushroom, tilled earth, dried fruits, dried herbs, dill, nutty, toasty, clove, cardamom, tart cherry.

P: Dry, high acid, high integrated and chewy tannin, medium alcohol, full body, pronounced intensity of leather, mushroom, tilled earth, dried fruits, dried herbs, dill, nutty, toasty, clove, cardamom, tart cherry. The wine has a long, chewy finish.

Very Good, nearly Outstanding

Not Suitable for Bottle Aging; will hold but not improve or develop additional tertiary.