3/18/24, 11:01 AM - Almost sounds like you got an off bottle.
3/18/24, 11:16 AM - Colgin that's green, bitter and high acid does not compute. Lol. Certainly something amiss.
3/13/24, 12:41 PM - I wouldn't worry at all about too much air. You're probably fine with 6-8 hours double decant beforehand, but it's not going to start falling apart by any stretch.
3/13/24, 2:20 PM - Not sure which Impensata, but mountain sites are always a bit trickier...
11/6/23, 1:23 PM - Yeah, I needed to create a new wine and forgot to ask Shae if she has a name yet. Certainly a treat to try, and I assume only Coterie will get it first time around but we shall see. Since you are customer #1, you'll probably get 20 mags and 5 3.0L. Lol.
11/6/23, 1:51 PM - Hahaha. Hey, I mean you posted the pic of your wine so...:)
11/6/23, 2:40 PM - Photo 3: 2018 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon La Voleuse Du Chagrin Geeslin Vineyard. Haha. Too bad I can't imbed the picture here.
2/27/24, 6:23 PM - Coterie letters just went out and the rest in a couple weeks from what I understand.
8/6/20, 7:54 AM - Hi Winelover - yeah, that is a reasonable description of what it was like. Although, having to next to the MacDonald showed just how lacking it was and there was certainly some question about manipulation etc. All I know is this one was not what I've come to expect from Realm.
12/22/23, 7:40 AM - Hi B&B - I haven't checked back in, but that's because with a few exceptions, I don't have any 2017's in there!
11/28/23, 7:20 AM - Yeah, 2021 is not like 2019 in my experience. Way more tannic and closed off. I think you have to treat them like 2018 or even 2010/2013. Both Realm TK and Crane were amazing once they hit their stride, but it took a lot of O2. The vintage itself looks strong.
11/28/23, 2:52 PM - I had a 2021 Bard right out of the chute but didn't take notes. It certainly isn't going to be vinegar in 4 hours. I wasn't overly impressed, and it's really trailing these awesome SVDs (not surprising, given the 8000 cases or whatever they make of it), but it was tight and not ready for a PnP. Everyone has their own experiences, but no way it's gonna be dead with 4 hours of O2 unless it is an off bottle.
11/6/23, 3:25 PM - You should've told me you were there. I am on the wine committee and Shae hosted our table. Thanks for attending!
11/6/23, 3:50 PM - Extremely worthy cause. Always appreciate the support.
11/6/23, 2:41 PM - I see you've been on another rough trip. Not sure how you do it. :)
10/29/23, 7:22 AM - Nice lineup MJP! I seem to remember something similar...:)
10/29/23, 7:39 AM - I'm glad you got some notes up. Work has just taken me out of the game for a bit. Hopefully get back to it soon.
10/29/23, 12:20 PM - Yeah, we have the big charity even this Sat. Shae will be at our table, so should be fun times!
9/19/23, 8:47 PM - I've got the Georgia. I certainly enjoy it, despite the price.
4/4/23, 4:05 PM - MJP: I didn't get a chance to go to VHR on this trip.
4/5/23, 9:19 AM - MJP: Many of the top wineries decided to make a 2020. No chance I am spending $500+ for the vintage however, unless they have some crazy aftermarket like Screaming Eagle where you can unload it if necessary.
4/5/23, 9:42 AM - Lol. To each their own. I think AG gave Harlan 92-94 which may be right if they really had the fruit in before the most significant fires. I had the 2020 Promontory and to my palate, definitely not close to 100. But hey, no qualms with others thinking differently.
8/26/23, 8:30 AM - Hi Shay - yes, last I heard the plan was 1-2 bottle allocations. The production was very small. Cheers!
8/18/23, 2:15 PM - Lol, absolutely! Ask Chris or Brian for it, so I don't have to post for the public.
5/20/22, 4:52 PM - I don't foresee myself passing their loyalty test in 2020. Just can't father spending $700+ on a 2020 wine. Kind of absurd to expect people to do it.
5/20/22, 9:29 PM - Lol. There you go. That's quite a hypothesis. I still cannot believe they are releasing 2020. It seems like a crazy risk. All is well here. I hope for you too!
5/21/22, 9:39 AM - I also had two 2020 Bond samples on this trip, just haven't had time to get to those reviews. Suffice it to say, they were sketchy at best.
5/21/22, 10:04 AM - An easy offramp there it seems.
7/16/23, 3:26 PM - Gents - overall, the reality is none of these wines is exclusive enough for them to be in a position to kick many people off for skipping a vintage. Harlan is only a "deal" on the list in the very best vintages. Promontory was a decent buy 4-5 years ago, but with their price increases it's now about where Harlan is with value. And Bond is already above auction all the time, and sometimes I find it cheaper retail. I will say Lisa complicated matters buy throwing 100pt scores on both 2020 Harlan and Promontory. She put her reputation on there line there, so it now makes me curious to see how they turn out. That said, I already turned down Harlan, but they did let me buy 2021 instead so that was fine with me. Turned down Bond. Next year, I will almost certainly skip Promontory, which is the hardest because it's my favorite of them all. Since I wrote this note, Eisele, Dalla Valle, Screaming Eagle etc. have all decided to release a 2020. So some of my comments need to be updated on who was taking this chance. At the end of the day it's a business, and I think there's just too much at stake for these folks. Harlan has the ability to hold massive inventory instead of flood the market with it, so that's a definite advantage. Everyone is going to buy Screaming Eagle. Very curious on the other two I mentioned, since they will likely distribute the bulk of it and it will be cheaper retail by quite a lot I think. All in all, I think it's important to remember that very few wines are truly hard to get in Napa and convey significant value to their list. Forcing us to buy 2020 in my mind is a violation of that agreement with their loyal wine base, so I'd be inclined to let them go if they pulled that on me.
7/16/23, 7:06 PM - IDRBW: I would invest in some nice metal straws to be sure you have a chance to experience the 2021 when you finally decide to pop the cork! Lol. Look, even in August there had been plenty of smoke. And BTW, you know what kind of fruit you are picking in August...somewhat unripe. No matter the tag line. But like you said, the sky was covered for months with fire and smoke, so even without taint, it just wasn't a great year. I am sure Harlan will come up with a drinkable wine, but at over $1000, it's got to be amazing for me to pay up. But to each their own. If people have it on auto-pilot and the 2020 is in their cellar, I hope it's good.
1/16/23, 10:27 AM - Hi B&B: I ordered some of the 2020's, but mainly for friends. I am more comfortable with the 2019, although I am sure 2020 will be good, just not amazing.
7/10/23, 9:33 PM - Hey B&B: If there is one 2020 I would potentially buy, it would be the Rocket Block. I may go ahead with one or two, but likely won't load up. 2021 appears to be a nice vintage that is perhaps a bit more austere than 2019. Definitely curious, since I haven't had it yet. G2 is certainly one to target. Good luck! I seem to have a lot of Saxum in the cellar these days - time to pop corks! :)
7/11/23, 7:26 AM - I haven't had a chance to taste the 21's yet. Time has been hard to come by and when I've had some, I've gone to Napa. In Napa, it appears 21 will be a great vintage and one to target since 22 will be very hit and miss given the heat spikes.I am on the FC list. I enjoy those wines and I think they compare favorably to Paso. I dropped Andremily because it was just too over the top extracted for me. I do like Turtle Rock and Saxum, but that is about where I leave it in Paso, aside from the occasional in person purchases.
6/26/23, 10:35 PM - The Absurd is truly a conundrum. The price is super high, but the aftermarket is higher, so it retains value. I don’t think it’s any better than the Scarecrow’s of the world, perhaps a notch lower, but that’s mostly because it has so much oak influence. It can be overbearing. So it’s more of a stylistic thing for us as consumers. Some love it, I am hit and miss depending on how much vanilla and oak is showing. Hope that helps a little!
6/7/23, 4:58 PM - How did I know IRBDW would be commenting on your note...:)
6/8/23, 4:26 PM - IRBDW's friends are also 90, so what are they waiting for? :)
6/9/23, 11:54 AM - I am a very hardened wine snob...
5/30/23, 8:27 PM - 2019 was better, just sayin'. :)
5/31/23, 9:08 AM - IRBDW loves 'em older MJP, so that probably fits your profile as well. The 10 was awesome, and in a great window. I was kidding a bit, although I do think 19 will be as good if not better at the same age. When you pop the cork on all these wines clearly just depends on what you like in wine, and for me the energy plays a significant role. The 19 is far too young (despite an off the chain nose), but I adore it even at this early and unresolved stage. One thing for sure is the 2010 was an amazing vintage and produced an amazing wine. We had other BDX wines from lesser vintages that didn't do as well. Just like in Napa, it's vintage to vintage.
5/31/23, 9:35 AM - Lol. The 2010 CB was definitely not too old. It was in a great spot. Now the 1983 Margaux on the other hand...I would rather pull the cork too early than too late, but that is just me! I still enjoy the young things. :)
6/1/23, 3:29 PM - Nothing like helping your palate with more wine/champ. Lol. Controlling intake and going oldest to youngest is the best thing I do. Small pours are always a must. Prison King out.
6/2/23, 8:02 AM - That is a story that can only be explained over a few hours with multiple bottles of wine. If you see Alex MacDonald, he may be able to provide the short version. Lol.
6/1/23, 10:32 AM - This should have been opened day 1. Love PK.
5/31/23, 9:44 AM - Yep, and that isn't ever going to stop with Harlan sadly...
5/31/23, 9:10 AM - If you like older wines, I'd give this at least another 5 years, although it will probably go another 20. These wines are made for age, so that shouldn't be an issue. Just a matter of what you want when you pop the cork!
5/18/23, 10:16 AM - Nope, neither of them. :)
5/18/23, 4:47 PM - IRBDW: the only thing I'll say is blinding wines is eye opening. Removing your inherent bias is humbling, even for people who make wine for a living. Always a good gauge of whether you like a wine due to some factor other than the wine itself. What was amazing is that we had 9 people with very different preferences in wine, and yet the top wine was virtually universally selected, along with the next 3-4.
5/11/23, 7:16 AM - I couldn't tell you offhand. I picked up a bunch for Abreu up off auction recently so beginning the journey. I do remember the excellent one we had at your place. Otherwise, little experience with the winery. This is the only LP I bought - possibly for the best, although I do enjoy the bruiser.
5/11/23, 9:38 AM - I find the potential mesmerizing, but it would be hard to wait as long as necessary for ideal timing.
5/11/23, 9:56 AM - Yeah, I got it for a bit over $300. Most all Abreu wines are cheaper aftermarket, aside from monumental vintages and scores on Thorevilos or Madrona, although even then, it just touches direct.
5/4/23, 11:37 AM - B: it's a rough life. Not sure how we do it...
5/4/23, 4:36 PM - FYI, threw in a little day 2 update
5/4/23, 4:44 PM - Then I have achieved my goal :)
5/5/23, 7:16 AM - If I'm not mistaken, the Syrah's from Aberro are one and done, and they only made like 80 cases, so I doubt there will be any tasting of them.
5/5/23, 7:37 AM - I think the Chenin is the only one, but certainly that may have changed.
5/10/23, 7:11 PM - Hi IRBDW: I'd say stylistically it was more Rhone than Paso, and not in the Shiraz ballpark. It was more energetic and less opulent than a great Paso wine, with some of those old school peppery notes to go along with excellent building length. Not quite as reserved as a young Rhone and showed more fruit, so it spanned that old and new world gap fairly well.
5/10/23, 7:12 PM - Now that I think about it, the most direct comparison I can think of is a Paul Lato Il Padrino from the same source.
5/6/23, 8:32 AM - Absolute Kinsman FANBOY! Lol. Nice short story as always!
2/14/22, 7:22 PM - You should have no problem getting the regular VHR. He makes a lot of it, and it goes widely to distribution at release price and often times less. The extended age obviously is harder to find. In general, I think that's Bruce's biggest issue with a direct list - why do you need to buy it from him when he distributes it all around and you can just pick it up at the local store? And it is also bothersome when you find it cheaper there after paying list price. Not to mention that he sells it for 35% off plus to all those distributors...but don't get me started. Lol :)
2/14/22, 7:42 PM - Wren460: That is a recent development, and it's also because the 2016 was such a highly acclaimed vintage. Even right now, you can get the 2015 for $199 and 2017 for $179 (in CA no less), but many were even less not long ago. That is actually how I picked up some 14 and 15 a while back. Inflation is hitting everything of course, but I have always seen these wines at release price, and many times under. I'd guess 50% goes to distribution, and I'm sure Bruce tells them to keep it all at least at release price, but often times the economics of it won't allow compliance. Now if the wine is getting 100's all over the place, sure, perhaps it'll be at par or even rise over the years. But in other less fabulous vintages, I am sure you'll see it for less.
2/14/22, 8:00 PM - Yeah, that's understandable. In your situation I understand why you would buy direct. And to be honest, I will probably grab at least a 3-pk tomorrow so long as the price doesn't go up. It's a good vintage and I always like to make sure I have some before tasting and then possibly getting more. Man I hope after raising the price on the 2018 release it doesn't happen again in 2019. I would think just due to how much wine he makes, Bruce wouldn't do that...but not having a 2020 to sell could definitely influence things. I still can't really believe I bought the 18 Extended Age for $300 - guess was just curious.
2/16/22, 7:08 PM - I'm glad you all are as deluded as I am regarding "cutting back" on wine buying. :) Us crack...I mean wine addicts will ALWAYS find something to buy. Napa's having a down year? But look over here, I am really into champagne, or burgundy or Bordeaux....it's a nasty habit. I thought I was going to really be good, and I can already see I am not. Ugh...wine...
2/18/22, 10:44 AM - I'm sure all us addicts are at different phases of acceptance. I am happy to take the blame for you IRBDW. I am not sure if you're married, but I can imagine you telling your spouse "it's ALL Cristal2000's fault!" and where that would get you...:)
2/19/22, 7:35 AM - I'm done buying wine at least twice a year. Doesn't seem to stick...
4/19/23, 8:29 PM - Man, you didn't let her open the Bond?!?! Finders keepers my friend. Lol.
4/20/23, 2:58 PM - I mean not PnP, but hey, if you tell your niece to pick something you deal with the consequence! Lol.
4/20/23, 6:47 PM - It's kind of funny that we tend to think age allows us to get the value out of wine. Sometimes, especially in Napa, those thoughts can betray us. I've had plenty of over the hill or just plain dead wines at age 12-15 from Napa. I also personally tend to like the energy and concentration of younger wines, so for me more age doesn't always mean better. That said, often times it does in the early years. A lot depends on your preference. It's also harder to pop a bottle knowing it costs $750 than other wines that are seemingly more disposable, at least in my case.
4/6/23, 9:59 AM - I took at run at the Merlot, because I need more Cab like a hole in the head. It won't be an automatic purchase by any means at this price, so vintage to vintage. I am very curious about the upcoming 19 Las Posadas Cab.
4/4/23, 7:51 PM - Hi FB: Yes, that is accurate, although Patrice would say he is trying to be precise in style vs just pushing all the leftover juice together in a wine. It seems like he accomplished that mission. There is also a huge ramp up in case production similar to what Realm did with Bard. So far, so good.
4/4/23, 2:06 PM - Bill!!!! I echo all CSIMM's comments. That was super generous of you. We definitely need to find time to hang out again!
4/2/23, 2:26 PM - That would have been a good question to ask. Lol. I've heard in the mid-200's but we shall see with all this price inflation in Napa.
4/3/23, 6:24 PM - I believe he said around August of this year.
3/27/23, 9:52 AM - Lol. I'm sure I am just saying what most everyone was feeling. I know the people that read these mostly own the bottles, so there's some implicit bias towards wanting to read good things. Thankfully this was very good, just kind of crazy they priced it so high. Guess that's why I only bought 2! Cheers.
2/19/23, 8:50 AM - My age is showing...
1/16/23, 2:34 PM - Yeah, I thought about throwing the AB in the mix (also the VV), but a lot of it would've gone to waste. From experience, the AB generally doesn't win these blinds, but it has been more solidly middle of the pack in recent years. I think the 19 edition my be the best one yet, so it should be fun to follow. That said, I really believe what I said about the vineyard (Crane) - it's not a 15+ year source with development, and the best years are early, even if for AB that is a bit longer down the line than Myriad etc.
1/17/23, 7:26 AM - Hi DQ: I don't think the Realm is ready to go. I'd give in a couple years in bottle. It will develop for a while, it's just not a 15+ year positive trend development in my opinion. I do have a 2012 of it, so I will have to test my own theory.
1/17/23, 7:29 AM - Hi CC: Young definitely depends on the wine, vineyard and producer for me. In the case of Dr Crane, I think young is in the first 7 years. Now for Elysian, I think you should get to in in the first 3-5 years. I am not saying they will be over the hill completely after 10 years, but I just think they will be less interesting and past their peak for the most part.
1/16/23, 2:31 PM - Cheers!
1/16/23, 7:55 PM - I'm skeptical, but it would be very interesting to see what a decade has done to Dr. Crane. Not sure many have made a Crane for that long, especially at a high level, but let me know if you get it done. Love to hear the results!
12/16/22, 7:54 AM - Ummm...look who's drinking Rose? I think I recall a conversation with someone saying that isn't a style they enjoy. Hmmmm...
12/13/22, 7:01 PM - Thanks. I try my best to tell the real story. I also realize most reviews are viewed by folks who own the wine, and they want to hear good things. I get it, but this one was a big disappointment, especially considering the vintage.
12/13/22, 7:08 PM - Yeah, not sure what was up with it. I've had that happen before with wines, especially Realm, where the wine tastes fantastic young without super noticeable oak, and then a few years later its caked in it. Not sure why that happens, but I am super sensitive to oak, and this is a bottle where I dumped 3/4 of it.
12/13/22, 8:10 PM - No doubt. Most all these Napa Cabs are heavy on oak, some just carry it much better and get the integration right. I will likely be offloading my Insignia. Got plenty of other cabs to take its place.
5/18/22, 2:46 PM - It ain't cheap, but these a no brainers for me.
11/27/22, 7:53 AM - Hi B&B: these are $540 now direct, a huge jump from $450 for the 18 vintage. At that price, you can usually go retail and get them. I was not thrilled with the raise. Price aside, these are tremendous wines.
11/5/22, 8:52 AM - DQ: It can definitely use a little time in the bottle. I've just gotten to the point where I just drink some as they come in, because there's no room!
11/6/22, 7:35 AM - I feel your pain. Sometimes I give up hunting through the wine racks. I've always loved trying out new wines. Kind of like Xmas for me. So this time of year there are a lot of presents to open! :)
11/3/22, 12:54 PM - I was definitely in a mood for that note. Then again, I am not on here to make people happy. :) And straw would not have cut it my friend. This was dense dark yellow. This is definitely a wine to hold. It needs some time. I'd treat it similarly to their reds. If drinking, make sure it has a long decant and you'll want it very cold because it is so dense.
11/3/22, 1:24 PM - It's clearly a strategy for SQN, their alums (Andremily) and family members (Fingers Crossed) to ruin our ability to store wine!
11/4/22, 11:39 AM - Hi B&B: It was $85 direct. I didn't buy the reds in 2020. The style is just a bit too huge for me these days, and with the vintage figured I'd sit it out. Only so much room. Did take a flier on the white here obviously.
11/4/22, 12:55 PM - Yeah, so far there are no 2020 Napa reds in my inventory. Even with Saxum, I am likely to only buy the 2019. I have an inventory problem anyway, so a questionable vintage just makes it an easier pass. It's fairly well known now that some of Paso also suffered from smoke, and even if not, it just wasn't as amazing a vintage as 18-19.
11/4/22, 1:07 PM - Everyone always promotes the next vintage, but I do think 2021 is shaping up to be pretty great in Napa. Haven't heard much about Paso. 2022 is going to be a real challenge for some in Napa given the massive heat spike right before harvest, and then the rain afterward. Paso is usually more resilient to an extent, but I imagine they had some of the same issues with that heat wave. I think you'll have to be quite a bit more selective in 2022 overall.
10/24/22, 1:20 PM - Let me know what you find on availability and pricing. I'd definitely be interested in getting more familiar with Abreu.
10/25/22, 9:15 AM - Certainly a fun visit. We'll have to get that BDX dinner done soon!
10/24/22, 1:06 PM - Hey MJP: bringing this was the easy part! Thanks for hosting, making food and opening two great bottles. For Pappas, I assume you're referring to reviewing the wines we had there? The Dauvvissat would probably have been right up your alley!
10/24/22, 1:23 PM - The service was exceptional. We had no less than 5 people waiting on us at once. The food was also great, but perhaps didn't stand out as much as the service. Loved the ambiance. We met a couple Somms, can't remember their names offhand. That was a terrific restaurant recommendation. Thanks.
10/25/22, 7:52 AM - They only had one bottle left. I asked...
10/25/22, 8:26 AM - I mean they do have another location in downtown Houston that has it on the list. So perhaps they have some remaining...
10/24/22, 1:19 PM - We really enjoyed the visit. Thanks so much for doing all the heavy lifting with food, stemware, wine etc. Great meeting you both and we hope to return the favor sometime when you come to CA.
9/22/22, 9:52 AM - Thanks. I absolutely adore the 19 vintage from Bordeaux. This was fabulous!
9/22/22, 3:33 PM - I'm doing it just for you LIOF.
9/22/22, 8:10 PM - I am totally polarized by BDX. I've had many older versions in great vintages I hate, like literally dirt water with lots of acidity. And then 2019 came around and I love this vintage. So I'm not sure what to make of it all, but certainly a big vertical would help set me straight. Don't get any ideas however - I don't give it up on the first date.
9/16/22, 11:42 AM - Definitely looking forward to that event!
6/5/22, 7:37 AM - Lite: Thanks for the suggestions. I already have a love/hate relationship with BDX, so no telling how long this little run will last, but I have appreciated the right bank's lack of "funk". You have to really get used to and enjoy those super drying tannins. I understand why all BDX drinkers seem to say wines are too young - because otherwise they are just a shut down wall of tannin! Anyway, I'm on a little exploration and perhaps I've gone a little deep with heavy hitters like VCC, Cheval Blanc, Pavie, etc. Good to have some more moderate priced suggestions. Cheers!
9/16/22, 7:36 AM - If you're opening the 19, my experience would suggest PnP is best. The air tended to shut things down. It's almost like you need to PnP, judge it, and then decide, but that is hard given the timing of drinking the wine.
3/21/22, 10:38 PM - Yeah, I've got two more bottles. I'd love to think this will improve. Sure hope so. The main issue is there's no acidity to it, so it makes it hard to see improvement. Andremily wines always super extracted, so even at their best they are sweet and rich. The texture is always what's really special. This one just lost the guideposts.
3/22/22, 7:46 AM - DQ: I'd definitely take that approach. Who knows - maybe it will come together. I mean it will always be insanely modern, extracted and sweet, but that is to be expected. I still have about 3/4 of a bottle from the tasting. I will see if anything good has happened to it.
3/24/22, 7:42 AM - Sadly it was still a vanilla, oak and sugar smoothie. I hope you have better luck, but I can pretty much guarantee you the TR G2 will smoke the Andremily, even if it improves. :)
3/24/22, 1:25 PM - Sure. I received it about a week prior to opening (maybe week and a half). It sat in my cellar at 54 degrees. All the wines were opened approximately 4 hours before serving, double decanted, back to the bottle and back to the cellar. Right before consumption they were all poured into decanters (done by my daughter so it was truly blind). Service began around 55 degrees and warmed up over time.
3/24/22, 4:56 PM - No doubt. Andremily wines are always super ripe, sweet and pushing the line on extraction, but I was expecting a healthy competition, especially from this vineyard source. Interestingly, Saxum used to be more in this style, but the last few years they've really moderated the ripeness. I've had other wines from them, like EABA, that is wild early and gets better, so that is definitely possible here. I don't think I will ever like the style as much as Saxum/Turtle Rock based on my palate, but I've never shied away from fruit. It's the vanilla and oak that really get me these days.
6/6/22, 8:12 PM - Hi B&B: I have had them all now. The G2 was the only one that was discombobulated, so it may have just been that bottle. Or perhaps because it was next to some fantastic wines it showed poorly. The Mourvèdre was far more contained and focused, and the regular Syrah was still super extracted and rich, but the texture, depth of flavor and opulence wasn’t disturbed by huge vanilla and oak. These are massive, extracted, plush and hedonistic wines at their best, so there’s not much room when things go a bit sideways. Not really my style anymore, but can be very good.
6/6/22, 8:36 PM - The Mouvedre is probably their best wine. Unless you don't like that profile, I would start there.
6/7/22, 11:01 PM - B&B: You'll find pricing has flatlined a bit with the Andremily Syrah. It's $110 on the list, and you can often get it for $120 or so retail. Same with the Mouvedre really. So you aren't doing too badly just picking it up aftermarket.
9/4/22, 9:45 AM - DQ: Thanks for the update. I was hoping it was bottle shock or some other outlier issue, since I generally enjoy Andremily, even if it is a bit sweet for my tastes. One thing I am finding is I buy too many different wines, so in Paso/SB I've cut it down to Saxum, Fingers Crossed, TR (at times) and Next of Kyn. Napa is harder. No room left!
8/26/22, 8:55 AM - Without a doubt the most "napa like" BDX I have had. If it was blind on the aromas I would have never guessed BDX, but of course the palate gives it away with the tannin profile.
8/30/22, 11:53 AM - So this is where I get stalled on BDX. I had an 09 Chateau Malescot St Exupery Margaux and 10 Duhart-Milon over the weekend. The Malescot was essentially undrinkable and the DM was barely better. Just high toned, funky white peppery, boring juice. Not sure if that is what all these BDX wines will become in time, or if somehow things have just changed that much...or if despite good scores, those just are a totally different profile from the start?
8/27/22, 3:17 PM - At last check, they were $250.
8/20/22, 1:43 PM - Thanks WBW. It was fun, that's for sure!
8/20/22, 6:10 PM - Nick: I'm all about hurting feelings on CT. :) It was quite an experiment with the wines so young. I am still not 100% sold on heavy BDX buying, but there are a number of gems out there. This was one of them. It's really a challenge to figure out how to open and decant them...not only with super young vintages, but with most. That part can be annoying, because you can just waste a bottle pretty easily.
8/20/22, 6:12 PM - Lite: I was surprised by the opulence of both these wines. It certainly is more compelling than the overly structured, acidic and downright austere vintages that I am familiar with from previous failed attempts at enjoying BDX.
8/21/22, 7:57 AM - Thanks for the advice Hendmo. I was definitely aware these wines were too young, but that was part of the fun!
8/22/22, 8:58 AM - I am old hat with Napa cabs, a bit newer to the scene with BDX. These wines are a lot more tricky to get in the right spot. I tend to prefer energy and depth of fruit over old and perfectly integrated, so for my palate taking a shot early is half the fun. I guess it just depends on what you like, but I will always try to get in a taste before they close down. Cheers!
8/21/22, 7:58 AM - Not getting any younger!
8/16/22, 4:12 PM - For the last vintage, they were all $225.
8/16/22, 5:46 PM - I'd go with the SVD's, probably in the order of Crane, LPV and then VHR. But I also can't recommend you buy 2020 vintage, if that is what you are contemplating.
8/16/22, 6:05 PM - Exactly zero from Napa other than MacDonald if they release one. A few here and there from Paso and Santa Barbara, plus Sonoma and RRV.
8/16/22, 8:45 PM - I haven't. When I was at L'Aventure last year, Chloe was luke warm on the vintage, saying it would be good but not near 18 or 19. I appreciated the honestly. I am sure most will make a decent wine, but it will be very hard to compare vs 19.
8/16/22, 9:01 PM - If Jeb doesn't give it 100, it's shit. Lol. That dude inflates scores like no one else, but I do enjoy his notes.
8/3/22, 7:22 AM - I've never really known the Bard to shutdown. Sometimes it isn't in a good spot to drink for a while after release, but it's not an ultra serious brick house wine that has that type of slumber. This 2019 edition is ready to go already with a little air, and I wouldn't hesitate to open it.
8/3/22, 3:42 PM - Hi Mark - I hear you. I've floated between looking for those QPR "deals" and trying to buy less overall, but the absolute best wines regardless of the price over the years. The longer I've been around Napa, the more jaded I've become on pricing. There's a ton of collusion and pressure to raise each year. The vast majority of $200 or now $300 bottles won't be as good as this 7000 case blend by Realm. But when you have a superstar wine, it makes this Realm seem like crap by comparison. :) There's no winning in this game. All that said, I think this wine is exactly what is supposed to be: a high production, high profit wine for Realm that hits above its weight and price point and will satisfy the vast majority of cab buyers.
8/3/22, 4:38 PM - You don't get those invites? What a shame. :) Kidding. Really, it's the land owners and wineries that have been in Napa for decades that make out like bandits. The new entrants are usually losing money, some just to have a label and wine to show their friends. The billionaire class. Napa being adult Disneyland certainly doesn't help things for the Napa aficionado looking for reasonable prices and high quality. What personally offends me is when, without naming names, wineries release a 2020 wine, raise the price and then lie about when the grapes were picked or in some amazing cases, don't mention it at all and compare the vintage to 2016! They really do take us for fools at times. I guess the smart money is moving towards Paso. I buy less Napa these days, more French, but that ain't cheap either. Now it's more about supporting the people I like who also happen to make amazing wine. But hey, who am I to complain? This isn't a rough life drinking these wines and going the places they take you.
8/3/22, 5:17 PM - No doubt. There's a very small fraction of the wine universe that buys expensive wine...and I mean very small fraction. It's why Napa can't produce more wine and sell it unless they draw in the international crowd. Realm is making some headway there, but generally it's only names like Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Opus One that are known throughout the world. Most money in wine is made at the $10-30 price point. Meiomi was bought by Constellation because they are a cash machine, churning out and selling over 1 million cases a year. I think they sold for over $300 million, which is way more than most Napa wineries are worth. The average consumer of wine opens it within 2 days, which is why they oxidize and add sugar. All those vines in the central valley of CA? Where the bunnies, rubber tires and arsenic show up in the harvest? Yep, that's Meiomi. There's no hand picking grapes when you make a million cases. Additives galore, but you are absolutely right in that the average person wouldn't really be able to tell the difference. Give them enough sugar and sweetness and they are happy. That's where the money is at, even if it's super disturbing to those of us very into wine. Even a winery like Realm needs a high production money maker, and that's Bard. Vice Versa is now copying that model with "Spinning Plates". You start with the best possible wine you can blend, losing money on it, and then once it gets critical acclaim and traction you blend in less expensive grapes and make more. Ah...wine. Such a love/hate relationship.
8/3/22, 8:16 PM - Lol. You guys crack me up! We all have so many hard and fast opinions on wine and love to rant about it all. It's part of what makes wine fun. Naturally we are all entitled, spoiled...you name it. That's what comes from people spending $300 on a bottle of wine. Opinions are not in short supply. Let me pile on in LIOF format: 1. VV has lost money, but they aren't now. When you source you have to be able to sell the bottle for a price that is greater than production cost. That usually takes time, but is definitely possible. When you buy the land at $1mm a planted acre, you better have a lot of cash flow and hope the land gains value because the wine isn't going to cover it. 2. Harlan has had their land for like 40 years. They mint money. They are also releasing a 2020 at all their properties and raising their price. That lost me. 3. Wine has become crazy popular but most people still don't know anything about it. When we meet new friends, we will often blind wine at different price points to see what they think. The sweeter the better for most. Now, if we take away the blind and spend time going side by side and describing why one wine is a higher quality than the other, they tend to catch on. It's a process for everyone, but most never get a chance to experience it. And many don't give a crap either. 4. LIOF - you have like 6000 bottles of high end wine. You buy everything!5. The wine business isn't easy, and I don't begrudge those who endeavor into it profits. There's a difference between running a good business and making good money and gouging people. There are very few wineries that don't have to distribute their wines to retailers, and where I can't find them list price or cheaper, so that's really the measure of a good DTC model. Otherwise, why pay $300 when they sell it to a retailer for $150 and you pay $300 or less from a local store? No loyalty in that model. 6. Alex is unlikely to break the pattern of modest price increases, since his cost of grapes is so low and he really believes in keeping the price reasonable for his loyal base of clients. Done! Sorry!
Thanks for letting us know about this problem. We will review your comments and be in touch soon with an update.
Search