4/12/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Consistent with earlier tastings of this wine back in 2018 and 2020, this was Dark inky blackish purple, full bodied, structured concentrated rich tongue coating black fruits, hints of clove spice and earth, with tongue puckering chalky tannins that form distinct 'legs' on the glass.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/04/whitehall-lane-petit-verdot-with-pasta.html

4/7/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Dark ruby/garnet colored, full bodied, tightly structured, complex concentrated black berry fruits laced with notes of anise, spice, hints of toasted oak with moderate tannins on the lingering finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/04/hill-family-and-hawk-horse-cabernets.html

4/7/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

This was extraordinary with bright notes of sweetness yet dry at the same time - dark ruby/garnet colored, full bodied with bright vibrant sweet black berry and black cherry fruit flavors with sprites of spice, sweet cotton candy, violets, oak and vanilla with a tangy tongue puckering lingering tannins on the finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/04/hill-family-and-hawk-horse-cabernets.html

12/12/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Consistent with other recent tasting …
This was bright garnet/ruby colored, medium to full bodied with a complex rich round core blackberry, black raspberry and red currant fruits with notes of licorice, savory spices, dark mocha chocolate and hints of graphite and earth, ending with a long and complex finish with gripping tannins.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/long-shadows-chester-kidder-with-beef.html

3/10/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

This was bright garnet/ruby colored, medium to full bodied with a complex rich round core blackberry, black raspberry and red currant fruits with notes of licorice, savory spices, dark mocha chocolate and hints of graphite and earth, ending with a long and complex finish with gripping tannins.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/03/long-shadows-chester-kidder-with-filet.html

4/6/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

At twenty-two years, the fill level, label, foil and cork were in perfect pristine condition. Still life, in the drinking window, but will undoubtably start to diminish from here forward so best to drink in the next year or so.
Dark ruby/garnet colored, a very slight tinge of brownish rust is starting to appear on the rim, medium-full bodied, the complex full round brambly black berry fruits are accented by nots of earthy leather, cinnamon and herbal spices and tobacco box, perhaps akin to what the winemaker referred to as ‘biscuity notes’, with a lingering moderate tannin laced finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/04/marco-diguilio-napa-valley-progeny.html

3/29/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Totally consistent, replay of previous tasting dinner experience two years ago. Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, bright lively concentrated black berry and black currant fruits with a layer of cedar accented by tobacco, earth, hints of licorice and mint with a moderate tannins and tangy acidity on the finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/03/paradigm-napa-valley-oakville-cabernet.html

4/1/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

This was dark plum/ruby colored, medium bodied, full round black berry and plum fruits are accented by notes of bitter dark mocha chocolate and hints of anise, elegant spices and cedar with notes of tobacco on a moderate tannin laced lingering smooth polished finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/04/robert-craig-affinity-with-comfort-food.html

4/2/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Golden silver straw colored, light bodied, crisp bright acidity with notes of stone fruit, ripe apple and hints of pear and citrus on a tangy finish.
Nice complement to Sole Meunière Almondine.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/04/sole-munierre-amandine-with-rrv.html

3/14/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Good value. Nice every day sipping… best with food … drank with blue cheese, pears and almonds .. medium bodied, dark fruits with notes of black tea, tobacco leaf and hint of cedar.

3/3/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Delightful with lobster tail in buttered bread crusts.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/02/spring-valley-uriah-with-valentines-day.html

3/3/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Consistent with earlier tastings.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/destiny-neighborhood-beef-tenderloin.html

2/14/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Consistent with earlier tasting note … even better perhaps due to ideal pairing with seared tuna salad.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2017/12/day-wines-willamette-valley-cancilla.html

2/14/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Consistent with earlier tastings.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/destiny-neighborhood-beef-tenderloin.html

2/7/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Tea copper colored, full bodied, complex sweet notes of figs, hints of honey, raisins almonds and sweet tea on a smooth pleasant finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/destiny-neighborhood-beef-tenderloin.html

1/31/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Found this 'novelty' wine buried in my cellar. This exceeded my expectations, which admittedly were very low. I was open minded and opened it prepared to dump it, but while simple and uninspiring, it was okay for casual sipping with some cheeses before dinner. Actually served at a dinner party and several guests, albeit not our wine group, found it enjoyable and suitable, even when offered several options.

Dark ruby colored, medium bodied, dark berry fruit, notes of tobacco, black tea and hint of creosote with an abrupt finish.

1/18/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Drank from wine list at Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen, Naperville (IL).
Dark ruby colored, a cacophony of bright, vibrant expressive, full round ripe red and black brambly fruit flavors accented by sweet spices, clove and cinnamon, full tannins on the finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html

9/9/2022 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Drank BYOB at Angeli's Italian restaurant, Naperville, (IL)
Garnet colored, medium bodied, bright acidity, expressive plum, cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with notes of pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and hints of cola, caramel and sweet oak with moderate tannins on a moderate finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2022/09/round-lake-vineyards-sangiovese.html

1/14/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

A great 'pizza' wine. Garnet colored, medium bodied, bright acidity, expressive plum, cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with notes of pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and hints of cola, caramel and sweet oak with moderate tannins on a moderate finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/round-lake-vineyards-sangiovese-with.html

1/16/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Bright garnet-purple in color, medium full bodied, expressive ripe blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with floral, cassis, tobacco, licorice, cedar and earthy notes with a hint of clove spice turning to tight crisp acidity and grainy tannins on the finish. Still young at five years, this might benefit from a little more time to settle and integrate.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/grgich-hills-napa-valley-cabernet.html

1/3/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Drank at home with artisan cheese and bacon wrapped dates.
Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, full round with a silky smooth texture, ripe dark blackberry fruits with notes of spice, tar, mocha chocolate, herbs and hints of cherry with toasty oak on a lingering finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/spring-valley-katherine-cabernet-franc.html

1/12/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Tasted BTG from winelist at Victory Restaurant, Elmhurst (IL)
Golden straw colored, medium bodied, rich round complex, ripe apple and pear fruits with notes of sweet papaya or mango, and lemon citrus and tropical fruit notes with hints of oak and medium acidity on the finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/elmhurst-fine-dining-caps-day-of.html

1/12/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Tasted BTG from winelist at Victory Restaurant, Elmhurst (IL)
Light straw colored, light medium bodied, notes of golden apple, pear and hints of peach fruits with wet stone and mineral with a crisp abrupt finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/elmhurst-fine-dining-caps-day-of.html

1/11/2024 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Probably at its peak, tasted at home from our cellar with beef bourgogne for an ideal food wine pairing. Double decanted for an hour to open.
Dark garnet inky purple color, medium full bodied, elegant, bright vibrant expressive but soft ripe plum, cherry and blackberry fruits with floral, spice and earth notes, hints of lavender, black tea and licorice with a long smooth silky finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/chateau-la-dominique-saint-emilion.html

12/31/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Drank New Year's Eve at home with beef tenderloin. Exceeded my expectations for a wonderful pairing.
Dark garnet colored, medium to full bodied, rich concentrated full round but approachable balanced and integrated dark berry and plum fruit accented by floral, smokey vanilla, clove spice and notes of camphor with a long tangy acidic silky tannin laced lingering finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/cloudview-1999-with-beef-tenderloin-for.html

1/9/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Tasted from wine list at Italian Village Chicago for a fabulous, perfect food and wine pairing.
Dark Ruby colored, medium-to full-bodied, full round balanced blackberry, black cherry and black currant fruits with savory baking and clove spices with hints of licorice, tobacco and leather with smooth silky tannins on the lingering finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/pour-boys-wine-dinner-at-italian.html

1/9/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Tasted from wine list at Italian Village Chicago for a fabulous, perfect food and wine pairing.
Dark ruby colored, full-bodied, concentrated and complex yet smooth, elegant and balanced, rich forward vibrant ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruits with notes of black tea, clove spice, earth, tobacco and leather with hints of anise and dark mocha on a smooth polished ultra fine tannin finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/pour-boys-wine-dinner-at-italian.html

1/9/2024 - rmcnees wrote:

Pleasant smooth sipping - ideal with tangy tomato and marsala sauces with pasta at Italian Village Chicago.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/01/pour-boys-wine-dinner-at-italian.html

12/28/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Tasted from winelist at Entourage Restaurant, Naperville, (IL).
Light straw colored, light medium bodied, crisp, tangy citrus with notes of apple and pear with bright acidity on the lingering finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/plumpjack-reserve-napa-chardonnay-at.html

12/22/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Dark garnet colored, full bodied, intense, powerful and rich layers of dark red and black fruits with notes of mocha, cinnamon, cassis, earthy cedar and tobacco with hints of tar and graphite on a firm grippijng tannin laced lingering finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/boys-night-features-flight-of-ultra.html

12/31/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/boys-night-features-flight-of-ultra.html

12/31/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Garnet colored, medium full bodied bright expressive blackberry fruits accented by clove spice, oak, tobacco leaf, graphite with hints of sweet mocha and vanilla.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/boys-night-features-flight-of-ultra.html

12/29/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

At thirty-four years, the fill level, label, foil and importantly the cork, were all in pristine condition - the cork showing slight saturation but still integrally intact. This was past its apex but pleasant and still within its acceptable drinking window, but at a point where it will no doubt diminish from age here forward.

Garnet colored, medium to full-bodied, balanced, smooth but relatively simple blackberry fruits with notes of mushroom, tobacco, dusty rose and hints of milk chocolate with soft fine tannins and elegant texture on the moderate finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html

12/29/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Garnet colored with a slight tinge of brown rust bricking, medium full bodied, complex, concentrated, rich black berry and black cherry fruits with notes of leather, tobacco, coffee, herbs, spice and hints of cedar with lush tannins and crisp acidity on a long aromatic finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html

12/29/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

At twenty years, the label, foil and most importantly, the fill level and cork were in ideal condition. This was likely at its apex although not likely to improve with further cellar aging.
Bright ruby colored, medium-full bodied, full round bright vibrant flavors of sweet plum, blackberry and black currants with notes of mocha, caramel and violets with hints of creosote on a smooth polished fine tannin laced lingering finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html

12/29/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

At twenty-four years, the label, foil and most importantly the cork were all in pristine condition. The wine was likely at its peak, but not likely to improve further with more age.

Garnet colored, medium bodied, complex yet balanced, integrated, elegant and polished, soft and smooth black and red currant and plum fruits highlighted with notes of cedar, tobacco, expresso and hints of leather and forest floor turning to smooth fine and mildly sweet tannin.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html

12/29/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Light crisp and refreshing.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html

12/24/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Had lost its effervescence but was still tasty none-the-less.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-dinner-offers-medley-of.html

12/18/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

This was the most expressive, distinctive, bright and vibrant of any of several recent ultra-premium Chardonnay selections, so up-front that it was almost obtuse and perhaps needing some settling time, but was delicious none-the-less.

Light golden straw colored, medium bodied, rich, dense, concentrated and forward, notes of citrus laced pear with notes of honey flavor but without residual sweetness, smooth and polished on the finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/12/wayfarer-chardonnay-byob-at-carnivore.html

11/14/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Spectacular delicious wine food pairing with beef bourguignon enhancing both for one of the best Affinity's I've had ever!
Dark garnet colored, medium bodied, well-balanced, full round rich intense flavors of black currant and black cherry fruits with notes of cinnamon spice, sweet cassis, toasty oak, graphite, and hints of cedar.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/robert-craig-affinity-and-beef.html

At eighteen years the fill level was ideal as was the foil, the label was slightly torn, and most importantly, the cork was slightly saturated and a bit soft from some past seepage, but still intact.

11/14/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Served at service social wine tasting . superbly paired with medley of artisan cheeses and turkey breast.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/peo-social-wine-tasting.html

11/9/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Served at service social wine tasting - superbly paired with beef tenderloin with coffee rub preparation.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/peo-social-wine-tasting.html

11/9/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Served at social group tasting. Consistent with earlier tastings.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/peo-social-wine-tasting.html

11/12/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Served at The James Restaurant "Cab is King" wine dinner.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/james-restaurant-cab-is-king-wine.html

11/12/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Served at The James Restaurant "Cab is King" wine dinner.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/james-restaurant-cab-is-king-wine.html

11/12/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Served at The James Restaurant "Cab is King" wine dinner. WOTN for me.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/james-restaurant-cab-is-king-wine.html

11/12/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Served at The James Restaurant "Cab is King" wine dinner.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/james-restaurant-cab-is-king-wine.html

11/8/2023 - rmcnees wrote:

Ideal pairing with pan seared walleye with meunière sauce at Hugo's Frogbar Naperville (Chicago). Pale straw colored, medium bodied, complex expressive rich sprites of minerality, acidity and hazelnut overshadow the subdued honeydew fruit notes.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/far-niente-chardonnay-highlights.html

11/4/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

At twenty-one years, the fill level, label (slightly stained and soiled), foil, and most importantly the cork were all still in ideal condition.

Paired wonderfully with beef bourgogne.

While still very much in its drinking window, this was showing some diminution from age with the vibrant fruits just starting to give way to non-fruit flavors of earth and wood.

Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, full round plum, black cherry and black currant fruits with notes of cassis, cedar, spice and toasted oak with a hint of dark mocha chocolate, on a moderate firm tannins finish.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/11/bv-tapestry-with-beef-bourgogne.html

11/2/2023 - rmcnees Likes this wine:

Golden straw colored, medium bodied, full round concentrated pear and apple notes with expressive sprites of mineral and roasted nut with hints of toasted oak on a full lingering bright acidic finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/10/nickel-nickel-truchard-vineyard.html