6/15/2022 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Gorgeous floral nose with bright red fruit. I was surprised by how expansive the nose was at this stage. Palate is still tight but had wonderful red fruits. The only thing holding this back was a massively tannic finish that needs time to settle down. I expect this to be stunning in about 10 years once the tannins mellow.

12/21/2021 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

This was at or just past it's peak. The fruit was starting to fade but there was just enough still present to balance out the high acid. Really nice sous bois and earth aromas dominating the palate with a firm acid backbone. Long finish for a wine of this level.

9/19/2021 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Had this with a great meal at La Nonna in Vail. A tannic dark cherry oak bomb at this stage. I really enjoy this wine with some age on it but this is not a pleasurable experience at this stage. The 2010 I had in 2020 was superb but still young so maybe 10-15 years is the sweet spot for the Marcenasco.

9/19/2021 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This is an extraordinary nice Barolo that is surprisingly open already. Very little tannic structure save for a tiny bit of astringency on the finish. Flora but somewhat earthy on the nose. Dried dark cherries, sandalwood, and forest floor. Velvety and texturally impressive. You can open one now without hesitation but this probably peak in 5+ years.

9/19/2021 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

On the list at Sweet Basil whose wine service is always top notch. This was my first Acclivi and I found it to be quite a bit brawnier than the Monviglieros I've had. it could have just been the vintage though as I haven't had '15 Monvig yet. It still has the hallmark Burlotto whole cluster strawberry fruit nose with some earthy undertones. On the palate it was unfortunately fairly shut down and unyielding. Big tannic bright cherry fruit that didn't expand much over dinner. We followed it up with an '18 Pegau that was incredibly complex and open for business by comparison. I don't think I'll go for another Acclivi young after this experience. I have high hopes for this wine but, unlike Monvig, it clearly shuts down.

7/25/2021 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

This is excellent. Color is starting to take on a slightly browner hue but nothing smells or tastes out of place here. Really intriguing nose of ripe red cherry, sweet cocoa, black tea, and some gaminess. It's just starting to pick up secondary complexity but the fruit is still dominant. Cameron's signature to me, aside from the funk, is always the perfect balance of ripe red fruit and almost searing acidity. That's certainly on display here. Intense, ripe red fruit that's just so enjoyable to drink.

This is entering its drinking window and will probably improve over the next few years. No rush to open it but the fruit is fantastic right now.

5/29/2021 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

I've been itching to try the '16 Burlotto Monvigliero since release and luckily March, Houston's wonderful new Michelin-level Mediterranean-themed restaurant, had it on their list this past Saturday. This lived up to the hype big time. A wow wine no doubt. Such a unique, singular wine that seemingly straddles the line between being Barolo and Chambolle Musigny. Huge whole cluster nose with ripe strawberries, roses, and tons of spice. Remarkably ethereal and lithe for having such flavor intensity. The floral components give it away as Nebbiolo but it's in a league of its own in terms of expression of the grape. That pitch perfect sweet Nebbiolo fruit in 2016 underlied by the whole cluster spice intensity here really creates some magic. It's so expressive now yet I can't wait to try it in 15-20 years. Wow

2/23/2021 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Popped this in honor of La Festa del Piemonte a few weeks ago. A true wow wine and an example of why I love this hobby - the insatiable, neverending quest to learn more. My first Nebbiolo Rose. Purchased as a library wine via WD, this is still young and only beginning to show secondary characteristics. Beautiful aromatics of dark cherry, licorice, roses, cinnamon, and some forest floor. The palate is intense, concentrated, and layered with moderate, fine tannins. Roses, ripe dark red cherries, tar, leather, and some black tea. So fantastic and probably five years from peak.

2/18/2021 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

After a looong, cold week in Houston, this was much needed. My first of the 2018 Walter Scott Pinots. What I find interesting about WS Pinots is that they are relatively approachable when young while the Chards need a ton of time or air.

Limpid reddish purple in color. Nose is textbook Eola Amity. It has bright red raspberry, ripe strawberry, some lavender, and deep but refreshing minerality. It also has a mild saline quality that's hard to describe. The palate is elegant yet shows a lot of concentration driven by zippy acidity. Ripe raspberries and lots of spices. This will no doubt develop complexity over the next few years but it's really enjoyable now.

2/22/2020 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Big, deep, and concentrated but slightly clumsy at this stage. Fairly soft tannins and decent acidity. Dark raspberry fruit profile, dense palate weight, and subtle floral notes. Some spice and cigar box as well. Minimal overt oakiness. This needs a lot of time to develop complexity but was still very good overall.

2/22/2020 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This wowed me right off the bat. Tasted over six hours with slow ox. From the first sip, it was clear that this is a serious wine with major upside. Incredible density with only medium weight. Initially it had super concentrated, bright cherry fruit. Great acidity. After some air, the oak became more prominent but remained impressively well integrated for this stage. It picked up weight and showed black cherry, sweet oak, and gaminess with moderate tannins. This is surprisingly enjoyable now but has so much future potential.

2/8/2020 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Ordered off a list and not decanted. Nose of fino sherry, lemon oil, almonds, smoke, cloves, and a tiny hint of citrus. Light to medium body with nice acidity and balance. Loads of yellow fruits with a salty, nutty overlay. Flavor profile aside, this had the verve of a much younger wine but also had that textbook LdH blanco waxiness. Not as weighty as some other LdH whites I've had. This has a long way to go before it gets tired. A perfect pairing for our seafood and chicken paella.

2/9/2020 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Initially so earthy and tannic with mouthwatering acidity. After an hour, the fruit picked up major weight. Nose began with damp soil and minerality but shifted to primarily ripe sour cherry then earth. The palate has linear, tart cherry fruit and incredible transparency of site. Still fairly tannic as well. One of the most mineral and earthy (but not funky) red burgs I’ve had in a while. Although it lacks the concentration of the best vintages, this should be excellent in five years if the fruit holds on.

2/4/2020 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

This has lots of potential but the oak is just too prominent right now. Pretty high-toned ripe red fruit and Vosne spice on the nose. Tons of oak though. Nice acid-driven structure with fine tannins. Assuming the oak integrates over the next few years, this will be excellent in 7-10.

2/8/2020 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Consistently shut down hard across several bottles at a group dinner unfortunately. Deep, concentrated, and structured with lots of potential. I can see why this received so much hype early on. Will wait another five years before opening one again.

2/8/2019 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

This was interesting - the polar opposite of the bottle I had last year (both purchased directly from the winery). Whereas the first bottle was somewhat advanced and fat, this bottle had slight matchstick aromas from reduction. This bottle is excellent cool-climate Chardonnay. Lemon oil, lemongrass, faint matchstick, wet rocks, cinnamon apple, and faint tropical fruits on the nose. Palate has great acidity and balance. Ripe lemon, Granny Smith apple, minerality. Both of my bottles had partially saturated corks and tartrate crystals in the wine. Makes me wonder about storage or maybe their corks? Bottles singing like this will drink well for another 5-7 years easily.

10/6/2018 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This is lean and mean at 12% alc. Needs a lot of air to start showing its stuff. Very N. Rhone-like nose with smoked meats and tart red fruit. You have to love the style to enjoy this young and I'd recommend drinking it with food right now. Tart cranberry and strawberry fruit, smokiness, and some savory flavors with mouthwatering acidity. I plan to hold my others for at least five more years. These will probably go another 15 years and reward the patience.

10/6/2018 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Surprisingly soft and developed. I got a ton of cranberries and high toned dark red fruits with a streak of salinity on the finish. Great velvety mouthfeel but this is pretty young to be so soft. Not overly complex but very delicious. I would not hold this much longer but it was a great drink now.

10/6/2018 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Cooked unfortunately.

10/6/2018 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Decanted for 4 hours. Ripe nose and darker fruit profile on the nose - licorice, black cherry, blackcurrant, and a touch of oak. Palate is medium-bodied with nice acidity.I get black cherry, cough syrup, and some wood. Still very primary but tasty nonetheless. Moderate tannins allow the wine to be enjoyed now with a decant. I see this being best in 5-7 years.

7/11/2018 - D@vidsWine Likes this wine:

Nose of matchstick, lemons, pears, and herbs to start. The matchstick blew off somewhat to let the tart yellow fruit, herbaceousness, and, of course, the mint show through. On the palate the fruit is somewhat subdued and dominated by very linear acidity. I still loved it for its precision and purity though. It's always a real treat to drink a wine this singular and racy. Hold until 2020 at least.

6/21/2018 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This wine is deep purple in the glass. The nose was faint at first but with air it really expanded with aromas of fresh ground coffee, smoke, sweet red fruits, and cotton candy. The palate is medium to full bodied with quite a bit of tannin. It's still very tight but I get some elegant red fruit and salinity through the mid palate. This is still so young and I won't open another for 3-4 years. Lots of potential.

1/3/2011 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Specs had this on sale for $10 so I thought I'd give it a shot. I've seen a lot of good notes on '04 white burgs and thought it might have some life left. Ended up being very nice.

At first this smelled slightly sherried but it blew off quickly. The color is dark yellow but certainly not a golden, oxidized color. Perfumed nose of lime blossoms, lemon, a hint of oak, and minerals. Tons of acidity on the palate. Ample acidity and solid fruit. I'd drink this soon if you have it because it's at its peak. Glad to see it isn't premoxed. ***

12/4/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Picked this up to go with my Thai food tonight. Awesome pairing. On the nose, lots of minerals, lotion (?), and lemon oil. This is in no way over-the-top or fruit-driven. I get tart lemon fruit with searing acidity (in a good way) and excellent minerality. I love this style of Riesling. This is what I wish Kabinett-level Germans tasted like today. It has an essence of sweetness but is not a sweet wine. Too many Kabinetts have gone too far. The Art Series Riesling is a perfect food wine as well. Superb Riesling. ****

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Served blind. Great nose of orange peel, cedar, black pepper and red fruits. Pretty good acidity with raspberries and blackberries on the palate. Odd but very pleasant. A nice QPR as well. ***1/2

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

I forgot to write down the vintage but I'm pretty sure it was '06. Odd wine. Meaty as hell and smells like adobo chiles. A big wine but soft. Meaty fruits on the palate. This is just not varietally correct. ***

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Insane QPR. Soaring nose of lemon oil, melon and pleasant oak. The wine's oak influence is balanced so well with the excellent acidity on the palate. I get lemon, marzipan, and a lot of minerality. Fantastic wine. I bought the last bottle at Spec's unfortunately. ****

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Big, beautiful nose of pine needles, soy sauce, pretty young Pinot fruit. The whole cluster usage is certainly apparent. Strong acidity that makes this zip through the mouth. Very very pretty wine that will only get better. ****

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Coconut oak, raspberries on the nose. Moderate acidity. HUGE and expansive. I couldn't drink this everyday.

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Apple, pears and honey on the nose. Moderate acidity but very long finish. I just don't care too much for this oxidative style.

8/29/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

On the nose- pine needles, oak, orange peel. Very velvety mouthfeel and pure red fruits. Obviously very young but will be excellent with time.

5/14/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

I really love Holdredge's sweet wines. I've been sitting here with this on a rainy day and it keeps getting better and better. On the nose there are pears, grapefruit and wax. On the palate, medium viscosity with pears, apples, grapefruits and a long finish. There is just enough acidity here to keep the wine in balance. Very nice and a great QPR. ****

5/14/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

I really loved this wine. Tons of cherries, nutmeg and spices on the nose. On the palate, the wine is so velvety and pretty. The acidity isn't particularly bright but maybe that's because this was just so balanced. My sister, not a wine enthusiast, asked what I meant when I called it pretty. She then tasted it and understood immediately. Class in a glass. I think this will hit it's prime drinking window in about two years. ****

5/14/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Really typical left bank Bordeaux. This wasn't a blockbuster but showed very well I thought. Nice nose of graphite, tobacco and slight red fruits. On the palate, it was medium bodied with solid acidity, earthiness, and pure tart red fruits. This is classic left bank Bordeaux which is surprising coming from '03. ****

4/30/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

PSA- Don't open one of these unless you plan to decant for a few hours. At first it was tight and overly acidic with little fruit showing. After a few hours, this became much more harmonious and balanced. There are aromas of dark cherries and a darker fruit profile in general here with, of course, that great earthy Siduri funk that I love. There is a little bit of heat on the nose but I can tolerate it. Vibrant, piercing acidity on the palate that balances well with the juicy, ripe, dark fruits. There is a nice long finish that exceeds a wine of this classification. Great stuff but I'm going to wait a few years to open another. ****

4/16/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Decided to open a half bottle to see how this was doing. At first, the nose was all earth and tobacco. After a bit of air, aromas of tart cherry and caramel appeared. This has high acidity that dominates the fruit at this point.I get sour cherries, minerals and tobacco on the palate. I popped and poured but probably should have decanted for a few hours.There is potential here as long as you aren't looking for a fruit bomb. A decent classically-styled Pomerol. ***

3/25/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Popped and drunk over a few hours. The nose has creamy, toasty oak but not to the point of being offensive. It also shows banana and lemon with subtlety yet focus. Not particularly complex in the mouth, the acidity allows the more tropical fruit to show through. The finish is lingering and has significant zip. This is a nice whit burg if the price is right. ***1/2

3/21/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Opened and slow-oxed for about an hour. This has a great nose of earth, raspberries and cherries. The color is fairly dark but it doesn't drink or smell of dark fruits. On the palate, the wine has great structure and strong acidity (in a good way). I get a lot of raspberries and cherries again that are so well-balanced with the tannin and acid. Just such a great velvety mouthfeel. ****

3/11/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Really great Burg, especially for the price! At first, this was really light but I found it to have power without weight (as someone else mentioned here). After a few hours in the decanter, it really put on weight. The expressive nose shows high-toned red fruits, cotton candy, earth and a bit of orange peel. On the palate, this has fantastic acidity and the sweet red fruit is really showing well. Smooth and velvety with delicate tannins, this wine is one of which I'm happy to own multiples. I wish I'd bought more at this price ($15 closeout). ****

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This was a pleasant surprise as another table sent us a few glasses of this from magnum. A good call on his part because he unexpectedly got a glass of the 1962 in return! It had a big right bank nose of crushed rocks, plums, red fruits etc. The palate just seemed so young compared to the Burgs. I wish I could have spent more time with this but I love right bank bordeaux so this was a treat. ***1/2

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Also purchased on release. I feel like this suffered since it came after the RC. It was surprisingly young and I wasn't the only one at the table who thought so. It was definitely much younger than the RC. The nose was a little more muted but I got dried cranberries, mushrooms, tart berries, and tea. The wine still had a lot of tension and if you have a well-stored bottle, it isn't time for this beautiful wine. The palate had the tension I mentioned but the fruit was pleasant. It had many of the nice aged burg characteristics of the RC but was more subtle. I loved it but it didn't permeate the room like the RC or really move me. Amazing nonetheless. ****1/2

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This was purchased on release and cellared since. WOW. Huge nose of porcini mushrooms, black tea and so much more. The wine was fully resolved and the finish is still on my tongue I think. I literally have been smelling the bottle for a few hours now and the rhubard and red fruit (yes still fruit!) are amazing. Can I say this is the best wine I've ever had? I'm not sure. It was the most unique and certainly had the longest finish. I'm not sure I'll ever forget that finish. What an incredible wine!!!! *****

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Nice strawberries and bing cherries on the nose. Had heavy acidity which was fine with the food but I'm not sure this is a wine to drink by itself as it was fairly simple. The tannins are almost fully resolved and the wine is plush and velvety in the mouth. I have to admit I had higher hopes for this due to the asking price but it was pleasant with dinner. I'd drink bottles within the next year. ***

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This is interesting juice. Sourced mostly from the Arbre Vert Vineyard, this wine possesses one of the most interesting colors I've seen- it's almost bronze and this darker color doesn't seem like it's due to age or a flaw. The nose is muted but I get melons, a little tropical fruit and nice minerality. On the palate, the wine has solid acidity and abundant fruit. Grapefruit, lemon, peach and some pepper are most prominent. This is just a solid wine for the money and really well balanced.

A very well made wine from Adam Lee. I wish I had a lot more of this. ***1/2

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Popped and poured. This had a nice dark purple coloring which became a more ruby color toward the edges. Tannic and young but possessing great fruit, this wine should be decanted for a few hours or given more time to age. It has solid tannins and ample acidity but a long finish. I don't mind my right bankers having this level of fruit as long as the acid and tannin are in balance. All of these are certainly present here. At this point it's a bit monolithic but since it's still very tight, I think it could be great in the future. ***

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

This is pretty huge but so delicious to drink. This is the second bottle I've had in the past week and, not to ignite debate, but I definitely think Sauternes should be slightly chilled rather than served room temp. The first bottle I had was room temp and just didn't bring out the richness and complexity that this wine possesses. This bottle, served at about 55 degrees, shows so much more. Honeysuckle, tons of tropical fruit, and starting to pick up a little bit of caramel. Also, this wine had nice acidity which I know is contrary to many people's opinion of the vintage. If you love the decadent, rich Sauternes fruit that approaches the border of cloying but doesn't quite make it, this is one to enjoy. I think it has a lot of time left as well. Very enjoyable to my palate. ****

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

I enjoyed this wine on my 24th birthday at Mirabelle and it was surprisingly open and expressive. I didn't take notes but it screamed Pauillac on the nose and was extremely concentrated on the palate. Big, dark fruits but great tannins and acidity. This was just a great, well balanced blockbuster wine that has a ton of potential. It's going to be fantastic someday and I'd pick it up if you can find it. It's still available under $50. ***1/2

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Grace's Cuvee is a very well balanced wine with great acidity and also nice body. What is great about this wine is that it is rich and opulent without being fat at all. The acidity allows it to zing across the palate while the great richness coats the mouth at the same time. On the nose it has apricots, a little peach, and a certain toastiness. In the mouth, honey and apricots again with a distinctive yogurt note on the finish. **** especially for the cost.

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

I popped and poured this from 375 last night( I recommend a long decant though). Right off the bat, the nose was awesome showing sweet, dark fruits and some toasty notes. Over time, it developed prominent espresso and smoke aromas as well. The palate took more time to develop however. Initially it was light and the finish short but as this picked up weight, it became truly excellent. Smoke, dark fruits, and coffee were there along with big tannins and medium acidity. This wine has power yet grace. It was the best of my 05 Bordeaux QPRs so far. It's definitely a wine to be taken seriously in my opinion. ****

3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:

Insane value for the money. An awesome second wine. I can't imagine how great the 2005 Climens must be. I need to find more of this. ****