4/20/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Rich and powerful. Still prefer this to Voyage 8. Not extracted. Notes of mint, blueberry and blackberry on the nose. Soft tannins, ripe acidity and a touch of residual sugar will make this a crowd pleaser. Flavours of blueberry, cedar, menthol and tobacco. Good length. Not sure this is the style that will show improvement in time. Drink in the next few years.

4/18/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Bold, rich Cab dominant blend. At nine years of age this is showing few signs of evolution. Aged 24 months in new French oak. Deep, inky purple in the glass. Nose dominated by blueberry syrup, menthol, new leather and smoke. Firm tannins, powerful acidity and lovely alcohol integration. Flavours are rich and sweet and well matched to the nose. Ripe blueberry, black cherry and blackberry. Excellent length. Probably better in 5 years.

4/15/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

So far this was our favourite from a six pack of RR81 wines. 20% whole cluster. Aged a year in neutral French oak. A different take on Syrah. Juicy, gamey nose bursting with red berries and red cherry. Medium bodied, robust acidity and lovely alcohol integration. Palate adds a tart cranberry. Quite pleasant overall. Would happily drink again on a warm evening.

4/11/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Really fine wine in a great spot a decade on. Faded ruby and bricked rim showing signs of age. The nose is full and complex with notes of new leather, bacon fat and tobacco. Palate is dominated by the 16% alcohol. Even after ten years this shows no sign of being tamed. Flavours add sweet fig and stewed black cherry with a hint of black licorice. Excellent length once the alcohol fades. I don’t think this gets much better but drink to 2029.

4/5/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

This is a lovely wine in a good spot that just begs for a salty protein. Still plenty of life and evolution ahead. On the nose there is a wild mix of eucalyptus, pot pourri, red florals, sweet tobacco and a blend of blue, black and red berries. This wine is powerful and structured with grippy tannins and persistent acidity. Flavours of tart blueberry, herbs, blackcurrant and even hints of spicy black pepper. Excellent length. May continue to improve through 2029.

4/4/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Rich, fleshy, powerful Chardonnay. Powerful, ripe aromatics with nutty, yeasty and zesty lemon / lime notes. The palate is full and deep with creamy texture and persistent acids. Alcohol will take some time to integrate. Flavours of cashew, creamy lemon meringue and bruised green apple. Exceptionally long finish with a creamy tartness. Drink through 2029.

3/29/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Much preferred this younger vintage to the 2019 tasted a couple of weeks ago. Wonderful, full and complex aromas of white flowers, smoked honey, apricot and green apple. Textural palate with truly wild, mouthwatering and persistent acidity. Flavours add a soft stone minerality and tart citrus before a long, creamy butter filled finish.

3/24/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

I’m not sure if this was meant to age but we’ve left it in bottle for 4 years since our visit to PEC. Holding up well. Subtle nose reminds me of orange pekoe tea. Mouth tingling acidity. Flavours of unsweetened iced tea, lemon and orange. Interesting wine

3/23/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

A few years in bottle have really improved this wine. Powerful but not over the top or overoaked. Rich notes of cedar, leather and chocolate with an earthy, black fruit undertone. Tannins are smooth and fine with juicy acidity and delicately integrated alcohol. Flavours of ripe black cherry and menthol. Long finish. Drinking well now.

3/17/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Really coming into its own after 7 years. We were worried we held this too long but the age has only improved this mid-priced PEC Pinot. Aromas are soft and elegant with notes of red cherry, truffle, strawberry, worn leather and oregano. On the palate the warm alcohol has softened to create a delicate, balanced wine. Flavours are well matched to the nose with the addition of sweet and tart cranberry. Really enjoyed this. If we had another bottle I’d drink it by 2026.

3/12/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Just an absolute stunner with so much potential ahead. Pretty wine. Lifted floral notes on the nose with a potpourri of tart cranberry, sour red cherry and spice. Elegant mouthfeel with very fine tannins, ripe acids and perfect alcohol integration and balance. The palate is tart and spicy with sour red cherries dominant. A lovely, long finish. Will try again in 2-3 years.

3/8/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Thoroughly enjoyed this young Bourgogne blanc. Probably will improve over the next few years but it’s drinking nicely with complexity and vibrancy in its youth.

Nose is beguiling bouncing back and forth from cream, custard and pineapple to zesty lemon and lime.

Palate is dominated by a riveting, powerful and persistent vein of acidity.

Flavours are quite tart. Tangy lime and stone minerality.

Would happily drink again.

3/2/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Nice wine but disappointing given the price and high ratings here. This wine pours a deep gold, more commonly found in wines with more age. Sweet aromas of ginger, smoked honey, stone and lime. Waxy texture, robust acidity and generous alcohol. Flavours are white sweet with candied pear and candied lemon, pronounced oak, honey and quince. Excellent length. I bet this is better in 2027.

3/1/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

We love Burrowing Owl wines, though this one is a bit disappointing, even with a few years of bottle age. Quite juicy and lacking in elegance. Powerful on the nose with notes of cedar, leather and juice berry candies and cherry blasters. Some sweet vanilla and milk chocolate too. Palate shows surprisingly soft tannins and warm alcohol. Perhaps out of balance. Flavours of jammy black fruits, candied red berries and milk chocolate. Good length. I don’t think this improves with more time.

2/24/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

This is a fantastic wine - so good we ordered another online before this one was finished. Juicy and rich like a young Pinot but the 50% CS / 50% Carmenere blend could never be mistaken for Pinot.

Expressive nose of ripe strawberry, oregano, chocolate and pepper.

Full bodied with balance and structure. Firm, young tannins, persistent acids and plenty of alcoholic warmth suggest this wine will improve in time.

Flavours add plenty of cooking spices and a complex blend of black fruit and chocolate / tobacco.

Try again in a few years.

2/23/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Enjoyable, rich and young. Deep ruby in the glass. Nose is subdued and oak dominant with notes of cigar box, menthol, black plum and blueberry. Full bodied with lovely alcohol integration and vibrant, persistent acids to mellow the chalky tannins. Flavours of melted dark chocolate and jammy blue and black fruits. Excellent length. Better in a few years.

2/17/2024 - MS86 wrote:

My favourite of the three RR81 wines we’ve opened, though the other two set a fairly low bar. A typical, linear Riesling with a slight effervescence. Delicate aromas of white flowers, green orchard apple, apple juice and plastic. Medium bodied, soft alcohol and robust acidity. Flavours are muted and surprisingly tart. Decent length. Overall, disappointing.

2/14/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Still young. Quite primary and oak dominant. Sweet tobacco, new leather, black plum and blackberry. Chalky, unresolved tannins. Persistent but moderate acids. Lovely alcohol integration. Flavours add sweet black fruit, rosemary and hints of milk chocolate. Really quite sweet on the palate. Good length. Better in 5 years.

2/13/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

At 8 years of age, and 4 years since our purchase, this wine is in a great spot and is not tired at all.

Nose is juicy and earthy with notes of spiced gingerbread, cherry cola candy and cedar.

Tannins have softened and there is a ripe, pronounced acidic backbone.

Flavours add some spiced tobacco and blood orange citrus. A really interesting and complex diversity.

Drinking well. Drink to 2027

2/10/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Stunning, young Sauvignon Blanc. Not your average cat pee and gooseberry SB. Rich, textural, complex and built to cellar.

Robust, fresh and mineral on the nose with notes of wet stone, smoked honey and vanilla bean.

Palate is round and textured with remarkably powerful acidity and some alcoholic warmth.

Flavours add grilled pineapple, green apple and creamy honey.

Exceptional length. Drink to 2029+

2/7/2024 - MS86 wrote:

Cork taint. After holding this for five years to see it mature this was quite disappointing. Oh well, on to the next one!

2/3/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Remarkably underrated. Traditional, fresh Rioja at peak. Powerful and complex.

Nose is robust and yet subtle. Notes of worn leather, dark chocolate, oregano, dill and earthy black cherry.

Palate is full and balanced with fine tannins and persistent acidity. Alcoholic presence is nicely integrated given the 14% abv.

Flavours complete the old oak and savoury notes with cedar, vanilla and pepper front and centre. Very long finish. Drinking beautifully now and should stay there for another five years or more.

1/29/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Very nice. Nearing peak but no tertiary notes yet. Robust blackberry and black plum, milk chocolate and worn leather. Tannins are chalky, with modest acidity and beautifully soft alcohol. Flavours add sweet tobacco. Drinking well but will likely still improve. Drink to 2029

1/27/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Nine years of age and going strong with plenty of life ahead showing few signs of evolution. Delicate nose of worn leather, dusty black cherry and baking spices. Smooth tannins and robust acidity. Palate ends with a lovely, black pepper finish.

1/19/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Nearly decades old and still showing well. Complex. Nose is powerful showing smoked honey, ginger, spiced apple and chamomile tea. Full and balanced palate with surprisingly fresh and youthful acidity. Flavours add a buttery note to the honey and grilled pineapple backbone. Delicious wine. Drink now.

1/17/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

We bought this four years ago and let it rest. Decanted for 60 minutes. Attractive and fresh on the nose with juicy red cherry and black plum. On the palate the tannins are firm and gritty with soft acidity and powerful alcohol. Flavours add tobacco and chocolate covered raspberry. Drinking well now but probably improves through 2030.

1/13/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Great value. On the lighter, juicier side. Reminds me of Gamay. Tart red cherry, red licorice, juice berry candy and leather. Mellow tannins, bright and persistent acidity. Addition of tart cranberry on the palate. Fun wine. Would buy again.

1/12/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Surprised by the mediocre reviews, though perhaps this has improved with time in bottle. Expressive and attractive aromas of tobacco, menthol, leather and rich black cherry. Mellow tannins and pronounced, persistent acidity. Flavours add some bitter dark chocolate. Excellent length. Drink now.

1/6/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

2 years beyond the end of the suggested drinking window. Showing clear signs of age. Honeyed, waxy. Ripe pear, ginger. Textural. Powerful acids. Hot alcohol - something I wish wasn’t there. One more bottle in the cellar, I’m curious to try it in a few years.

1/5/2024 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Incredible value from the second wine of Tenuta Sette Ponti. Pure black fruit, menthol, tobacco and leather. Deep and complex. Medium bodied, well integrated, piercing acidity. Flavours of bay leaf, tobacco and rich black fruit. Concentrated wine. Better in time but lovely right now. Drink through 2030.

1/3/2024 - MS86 wrote:

Extremely fruity and floral. Powerful aromatics. Stone, gooseberry and lime. Medium bodied with pronounced acids. Tart citrus on the palate. Not exceptional for the price.

12/24/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Fantastic Christmas Eve wine. Complex and concentrated. Lovely mix of pear, green apple, stone, grass and peas on the nose. Surprisingly lush and full on the palate with vibrant acids and beautifully integrated alcohol. Flavours of sprite lemon / lime and smoked honey last through a long finish.

12/20/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Incredible value. Plenty of spice and layered complexity with notes of candy apple, honey, apricot and ripe red apple. Juicy acidity and a touch of alcoholic warmth. Flavours have that oaky, ginger spice to pair with the butterscotch and apricot. Slightly creamy. Excellent length. Will be better in a year or two.

12/15/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Big, ripe fruit, oak driven wine. Chocolate, blackberry jam and mint on the nose. Modest tannins, medium acidity and gentle warmth from the alcohol. Flavours are slightly sweet, continuing from the nose with jammy black fruit, leather and vanilla. Not a wine meant for aging. Disappointing for the price. Drink now.

12/9/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Rich, juicy oak bomb. Not my favourite style and wouldn’t re-buy at this price. Deep ruby in the glass.

Extravagant nose with notes of peppercorn, violet, menthol, cigar box and blackberry jam.

Palate is full bodied with chewy tannins and hot alcohol.

Flavours are long and rich, almost sweet and extracted. Mint chocolate and cedar leather. Very good length.

I don’t think this improves. Great if you like this style. Similar to Caymus Zinfandel, though perhaps a touch more sophisticated.

12/8/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Incredible Chardonnay, distinctly Napa. Rich and powerful but complex and integrated. At nearly nine years of age this wine is at peak. Attractive gold in the glass.

Nose shows rich cream and baked apple pie but also pear, smoked honey, butterscotch.

On the palate this wine is full bodied with pronounced acidity and wonderfully mellow 14.5% alcohol.

Flavours add banana cream pie and hints of fresh lemon / lime citrus.

Truly exceptional length. Wish I had more of this.

11/6/2023 - MS86 wrote:

Reviews said this is great value - at $41 I’m not sure I see that. This is a deeply floral wine complete with herbal spices (think Oregano and Basil), chocolate, soil and ripe black cherry. Tannins are young and chalky, alcohol and acidity is robust. Flavours add menthol, tobacco leaf and tart field berries. Drinkable now but really needs some time. Drink 2024+

11/3/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Great value here. Very young but comes alive after a few hours. Intoxicating aromas of raspberry, red plum, leather, chocolate and tobacco. Pronounced alcohol on the palate. Chewy tannins and balanced acidity. Flavours add black pepper through an alcohol filled spicy finish. Good now but this really should be laid down. Drink 2026+

10/29/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Cool bottle, very good wine. But let’s be honest, it’s hard to go wrong with a volcanic Etna wine. Light, savoury, smoky. Enchanting aromas of red cherry, smoke, raspberry and black pepper. Wild acidity, tangy tannins and ever so slightly warm alcohol. Flavours trend quite tart with cranberry and savoury red currant. Very good length. I’d be curious to try again in 2027.

10/28/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Great value, great vintage. Plenty of stuffing to age. Lifted aromas of violet, cedar, truffle, earth, cherry cola and mint chocolate. Remarkable complexity, especially for the price point. Surprisingly full on the palate with gritty tannins and warm alcohol. Flavours are quite typical and more tart than the nose. Tangy, sour cherry and peppery oak. Very good length. Worth buying a few and seeing how this develops.

10/27/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Lovely, soft wine. Give it a few hours to open as it’s still early in its drinking window.

Lifted aromas of violet, milk chocolate, mint, cedar and blueberry jam.

Medium bodied with pronounced acidity and young, tangy tannins.

Flavours add hints of earthy tobacco and black pepper but on the whole are well matched to the nose.

No doubt better in a few years.

9/15/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Three years post purchase this is starting to show signs of age. Honeyed, candied lemon. Weight on the palate. Powerful acidity. Very hot alcohol. spicy and tart finish.

9/10/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

A few years of evolution and a few hours in a decanter have done wonders for this wine. I expected this would have plenty of life of ahead but it’s at peak now.

Lovely Bordeaux blend with notes of cinnamon, ripe blackberry and tobacco leaf.

On the palate there is fine balance and structure with well integrated tannins and persistent acidity.

Flavours add toasted marshmallow, sweet black cherry and cassis. Excellent length to a very spicy black pepper finish.

Drink now.

9/6/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

A recent re-release from Stratus, this 14 year old Viognier is drinking wonderfully. Deep honey, stone minerality and candied lemon on the nose. Lovely round Viognier texture, mouthwatering acidity and just a hint of alcoholic warmth. Flavours add ripe melon and cantaloupe and pineapple juice. Fascinating wine in a great spot.

8/30/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Quite an intense wine that softened after a few hours. Distinct merlot notes.

Plush, oak filled aromas of chocolate, leather, blackberry and pepper.

Palate shows tight, firm tannins and warm alcohol.

Flavours add some oxidized fruit with prune and raisin, soft florals and an earthiness not found on the nose.

I think holding this wine to see the tannins and alcohol soften would mean losing the bit of fruit that is still hanging on.

Drink now

8/25/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Trying this again three years after our last bottle. In my previous review I asked if this had the stuffing to age — the answer is a resounding yes! Now at peak this wine is refined, integrated and evolved.

Elegant nose of dark chocolate, thyme, oregano, blackberry and menthol. Complex and deep.

Palate shows fully resolved tannins, medium acids and fully integrated alcohol.

Flavours are full of ripe plum, tart dark chocolate and blackberry.

Excellent length. At peak, drink now.

8/18/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Maybe infanticide but this seemed like a fitting pick for Pinot Noir Day. Our first of a dozer or so Bachelder Pinots bought from the 2020 vintage. No doubt these wines have the stuffing to cellar but if this bottle is representative — wow are they good now.

Deeply concentrated and bursting with red fruit on the nose with expressive notes of strawberry and red cherry.

On the palate the wine is medium bodied with modest tannins and robust acidity.

Flavour balance the sweet red fruit with a tart cranberry, overall landing on the tart side. Really quite juicy.

Wonderful length. Very fresh on the finish.

No real reason not to open a bottle now but I’m sure this drinks well for another 5 or 7 years.

8/12/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Much improved after a couple of hours this is a traditional Rioja from a very good vintage.

Expressive aromas are dominated by oak with notes of menthol, tobacco leaf and black pepper.

On the palate this wine is medium bodied with chewy tannins and modest acidity. Alcohol is quite warm through the finish.

Flavours trend slightly tarter with the addition of red cherry and cranberry. Very good length.

Many years of life ahead and probably best to hold a few years before opening.

8/7/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Absolutely fantastic cab franc nearing peak. Still requires a couple of hours of air to come alive.

Explosive notes of cocoa, worn leather, earth and black cherry.

Fully integrated tannins and bright acidity. Lovely soft alcohol on the finish.

Flavours are full and complex ranging from chocolate, Leather and pepper to black cherry and tart cranberry.

Excellent length. Drinking well through 2028.

8/5/2023 - MS86 Likes this wine:

Two years on from first trying this Riesling there is little in the way of evolution. Fairly straightforward, linear wine. Tart green apple, apple juice, ginger. Wild acidity. Flavours of white peach and wet stone. I think this will be better in 2027.