9/19/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Not sure why I waited to open this? It's a Woot Wine purchase from 2017, performing well considering its age and QPR. At the suggestion of others I decanted with aerator. First hour not much on the nose, which is surprising for a Sonoma Cabernet. It's dry and acidic and I am tasting the herbaceous notes and light fruit. It may be muted due to its age. No complaints here, going to enjoy with a grilled steak and it will suit us for a mid week cab. 90 might be generous, though I'm impressed with the structure some 12 years later.

9/18/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

This was a gift from our neighbors in 2017, thank you Bob and Sherry! I actually forgot all about it! Decided to pull it out and WOW! Beautiful ruby red, with a nose of cherry and raspberry. I decanted for one hour due to its age and glad I did. Chewy tannins, some peppery notes, nice acidity, blueberry and plum. Nice long finish, too.

It's 2023 so I moved the drink by date to this year, honestly believe it still has some life to it, thanks to the 14.9% ABV.

9/12/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

September 12, 2023 - This has withstood the test of time.I posted the pic with the inky stained cork. Dark fruit, stewed prunes and pepper with nice acidity and a long finish.The fruit has held up well. It's my only bottle(sadness). I'm going to suggest there's still life in this vintage, so don't fear giving it another year or two, if you can stand it!? 😉

A Woot wine purchase from a Dec 2016 Wellington "mystery case" of 6; the average cost was $25/750ml. What a bargain 11 years later! I enjoy a syrah as a departure from my day to day CDP, Cabs, Brunello, Amarone...

9/11/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Clark Smith has done it again! I'm so glad I waited. My wife asked me how long I had these?? I blew the dust off and popped the cork, WOW! Dark fruit, black pepper and a beautiful nose. Nice acidity and a long finish.

The 2 remaining bottles of a woot wine 4 bottle purchase in August of 2016! I'm wishing I had more now. Patience is a virtue 😉💕🍇 talk about QPR $18.75/750ml

9/8/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Decanted, waited an hour, lovely nose of dark fruits. There's nothing complex here, still a nice balance of vanilla bean, malt, boysenberry, and light acidity. I like what Beau Vigne has done here. I'm curious if time improves? I bought two 750ml. I might give the next one a year to see what evolves. I am a fan of Beau Vigne and I know the winery has changed hands and the former wine makers have moved on.

9/2/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Smooth and subtle, PNP was 55F and I decanted. Beautiful garnet red as viewed through the aerator. Fruity, nothing over powering, nice finish albeit short. It improved after 2 hours. Not a complex CDP, but very enjoyable sipping with a fruity delicate nose. Not sure how much life is left here so I suggest drinking sooner than later. I think 2030 is "out there", more like drink by 2025.

8/29/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

(97%) Clone 337 Cabernet combined with (3%) Petite Verdot. Decanted and first sip at 52F, blueberry and cassis are evident. Delicious fruit with a touch of acidity. It has the typical Napa fruit background but with a quality finish. It reminds me of a refined, plush Caymus. I consumed 2 glasses over 3 hours and it was better as it approached 68F and had time to breathe. Looking forward to part 2 tomorrow! I pump sealed the remainder but it still had some "air time".

8/24/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Nice cab franc. I ordered this online and the bottles were stained(no biggie to me). Then as I removed the foil I notice the top has red wine stain? uh oh! My first thought, it's corked. I proceed to open and the cork slides out without much resistance and then I see the streaking on the cork(see my pic). The nose was fine, currant with a hint of blackberry. I decant and waited an hour. Drinks fine, however I believe it's risky keeping this wine long term due to the cork streak. Perhaps it was not stored properly prior to my receiving, so we decided to consume both bottles now. Again, nice cab franc, hints of black pepper, balanced fruit. Definitely decant for an hour.

I was not dissatisfied, just a heads up. I use a pump vacuum seal(not coravin) and even it fit loosely into the neck. Anyone else experience this?

8/21/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

PNP it's wonderful! 55F and the nose is beautiful; sour cherry and coffee. Nice acidity, tasting some oak and vanilla, almost like a toasted marshmallow aftertaste. A hint of cranberries and plums with ever so slight pepper.

Nice lingering finish that hits the back of the pallette. I'm moving this up 2 notches from my last tasting based on the long finish. I hope I can wait another year or two on remaining bottles!

8/8/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Decanted for one hour, has dark fruit on pallette with a hint of vanilla and some oak, which has a bitterness, not off putting though. Nice nose and the color is a dark cherry red. It lacks complexity and the finish is somewhat short, still enjoyable sipping. May wait a little longer for next glass to see if it opens up more.

8/5/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Nose is nice, smelling the black fruits. Atypical brunello, heavy acidity but enjoyable. There is a long finish, that tang you get mid palate. Decanted for an hour after using aerator. If it changes over the next hour, I'll post more comments. I'm tasting currants, some cherry.

8/1/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Beautiful nose, opening is very jammy, full of fruit. There is a lot going on here, very complex so I understand the scores. For me, it doesn't suit my taste profile. I'll give it an hour or so and add any notes.

8/1/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

At 16%+ alcohol, this will lay down nicely through 2029, maybe longer? Who can wait that long? Dark fruits, velvety finish and even though the ABV was high it doesn't show. Definitely serve at 55F and decant for about an hour. Nice finish and the nose is a bouquet of boysenberry.

7/31/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Not much to add from notes in February of this year. Still drinking beautifully after 1.5 hour decant through aerator. The cork broke in half but good seal nonetheless. The bottle has been laid down and no signs of streaking. Ink staining on the cork end, this vintage still has some life. I love the old world Bordeaux hints. This is not a California fruit bomb, but a subtle, silky although medium finish. The nose is lovely and it's such a pleasure to sip. Sticking with 94, I would score higher if it were more complex and longer finish.

7/29/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Good dark fruit on the nose. It was PNP and while I am enjoying it, I hope it's complexity improves after decant and aeration. Hints of spices and veggies.

7/21/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

I love it when I stumble across a bottle like this one in my cellar. Purchased several years ago and tucked away. Opened it last night but was finishing an Amarone, so I pumped it and set back until this afternoon. Love the nose of cherry and a hint of chocolate. I suspect this will open up after a decant so sipping right now until it blows off a bit, still delightful, nice mouthfeel.

Day 2: softened up a bit, nice smooth black cherries with a slight tart. I would definitely decant about 2 or 3 hours. I have one more of this vintage, think I'll give it another year. Will only improve IMHO.

6/30/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

On the initial pour, no air other than aerator, it's a bit oaky and has a bitter aftertaste. The nose is quite nice with floral notes and vanilla, however the acidity is a bit much and overpowering the flavors. I'm going to give this some time and try again in an hour or so.

Update, after 2 hours some of the bitterness has blown off. There's a note of tobacco and this old world after taste. I'm going to give this an 89 based on improvement. The QPR is simply not there for me. I expect more refinement for a $45 bottle of wine. Perhaps another 2 or 3 years in the cellar will improve the taste profile.I expect more complexity.

6/15/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

I'm becoming a fan of AB Astris. Love to see a Texas wine that shows great fruit with a nice finish. This is a blend of Cab Franc and Merlot(see pic). The nose is black fruit, the color is inky purple and there is a tart taste that is satisfying to your mid taste glands. Has a medium finish decanted with aerator on the PNP. Just opened so thinking this might develop with some air. About to indulge in some pasta and red sauce.
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Description from AB Astris web site:
2019 Dextra
"This right bank Bordeaux style Texas red blend is full bodied with high tannin and medium acidity. Baking spice, cherry, cigar box and an herbaceous quality on the nose. The palate is velvety with notes of blueberry, plum and chocolate covered cherry."

6/12/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Picked up at winery today from Spring 2023 club allotment and I'm going to try to get more! The nose is wonderful with cherries and red fruit, the taste reminded me of a Chateaunuef du pape. The color is a red purple and there's a medium finish. Temperature was about 55F but drank well as bottle was opened and warming too.

Consumed alone without food. This is a perfect summer wine and I think would go well with chicken or pork for those who typically drink white with this pairing.

6/9/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Must decant! On the pop and pour it was good but tannins are pretty strong. An hour later the cab franc tones down and now there's a nice cherry flavor showing through. I'm drinking this without food and enjoy the nice subtle finish. I'm guessing this could lay down for several more years and get better and better. I'm afraid I'm not that patient 😉

5/27/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

I'm a big fan of Mazzi Amarone and this vintage doesn't disappoint! PnP at restaurant with pasta and veal marsala. Nice crisp cherry and hint of anise, very refreshing sips. Medium finish and this one is a hot one folks at 17% abv, but you don't taste it. So I would say this vintage should develop nicely over the coming years and don't let the high alcohol content scare you off, very balanced in my opinion.

5/19/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Wonderful Tuscan wine. Had the pleasure of visiting Torciano several years ago and loved the flight of wines. The Bartolomeo is one of their main line offerings. Great fruit, nice mouth feel with a long finish. I recommend a 1 hour decant to open up the black fruit flavors. Drink alone or with pasta and tomato sauces.

5/11/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Note from Black Stallion Winery:
The 2020 Limited Release Calistoga Tempranillo begins with aromas of bramble fruit, black and red plum, strawberry jam, purple prickly pear fruit and pomegranate. This full-bodied wine exhibits broad and fleshy palate, with a lingering finish

5/6/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

65% Syrah / 35% Grenache, lovely wine PNP, reminds me of pinot noir. Excellent finish even at 15.5% alcohol it doesn't taste like it. I am hoping this continues to evolve. Forest floor, nice inky purple with some veggie undertone and peppery currants.

5/2/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

WOW, this is 13 years old, it's drinking fantastically! On the nose I smell fruit, but there's a nice dry finish that lingers. Nice old world wine Bordeaux, you can't go wrong. I bought 4 bottles, wish I had a case!

5/2/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Lovely 10 year old blend, decanted and drank within 30 minutes. Nice mouth feel with a medium finish. I'm tasting the cab franc here, bold with nice currants and some spice. I believe this continues to improve and will hold my other bottles... patiently.

4/28/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Unusual is my first reaction; blend of Cab Franc, Merlot and a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon. My wife commented, "taste like magic marker", I laughed and asked her did she mean in a chemical way? I noticed the eucalyptus comment and was curious if that's what she intended. No, magic marker. I think this is typical of the Jeannie in the bottle after 17 years.Its definitely an old world feel. It's likely past its prime, but I'm still enjoying. Chalky, earth tones, and some tobacco. Not much fruit.

4/27/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Always a favorite, although this vintage is not as developed as previous years. I loaded up with a case(12) so I'll sit on this for a few more months/years. I'm tasting the cherry and raisin as most Amarone, nice finish, some chocolate mocha, too. Love the mouth feel and the nose!

4/26/2023 - SawgrassSteve Does not like this wine:

Nothing spectacular, it came as a multipack buy several years ago. I'm not a big Zin drinker, so maybe it's me, yet there are no fruity notes, more mushroom floor and earth tones. It may be past its prime.

4/25/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Great QPR, not many $20 bottles will stand up to this malbec. It took a full hour to open up. I popped and poured and was not impressed and today was a "fruit day" according to Wine When app 😉. Sipping slowly it moves closer to room temperature from 54F and now I'm tasting more complexity, dark fruit, stewed fruit, and some herbaceous notes. The finish is decent. There is a nice floral nose to this wine, too. Some acidity and on the dry side based on previous malbec tastings. I have 4 more bottles, bought this in 2021, I think this may improve as time passes.

4/25/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

PnP, sipped before meal, taste of tart cherry, pretty, red and purple hue. Had a nice finish, on the dry side. We enjoyed with our meal, roast rib eye with a garlic, pepper and salt rub. It was a perfect pairing and as others mentioned, really opens up after an hour. Will definitely buy more, thanks to Philipe for recommending!!

4/24/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

For 17 years old, it's reaching its prime. It's silky smooth, dark, inky purple. The cork crumbled so I strained it through cheesecloth. Lots of sediment and I think it's served it's time. Mushroom floor, earth tones, nice berry flavor with some pepper. No sense in waiting any longer, drink now

3/2/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

I'm going to "up the ante" and call 94pts. I love the nose of this and it's on the PNP! I was anxious to try it as it arrived today. I ordered more knowing this will evolve over time and only get better! I smell boysenberry and plum with a hint of floral lIke lavender on the nose. There are grippy tannins I believe will evolve and only improve this wine in the next several years. Oh the temptation and patience required to wait! The finish is long and I'm enjoying the peppery taste!

2/20/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

My wife will suggest we have "too much wine", until I pop open an older vintage like this 2011. I'm enjoying this without food, sipping, and sniffing. This has evolved nicely from when I purchased it several years ago. Glad I waited. This is when I remind my wife how difficult it is to find a wine as refined in the current offerings. *smile* Bold, nice fruit but not sweet, some oak, in a dark inky purple. Absolutely no bricking and the tannins have resolved. I love the peppery finish.

2/18/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

This wine improved with time and I suppose the 14.8% ABV and 22% blend of Graciano helped 12 years later? Heavy tannins have softened with time and now it's developed a nice peppery blackberry taste, not bitter or astringent in the least with a hint of smoke. I used an aerator and decanted. Couldn't wait but it's wonderful on the PnP. I'm guessing this opens up even more over next few hours. Nice finish, too.

I'll update with more notes if something changes.

2/18/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Colorful description from our friends at Invino, had to post>

"90% nerello mascalese and 10% nerello cappuccio – both local varieties that essentially don’t exist off the island. The wines made there are like nowhere else… the red floral notes of Burgundy, the savory meatiness and black and blue fruits of Northern Rhone, underscored by the inky iron and graphite minerality of Bordeaux...all in perfect, supple harmony."

none in my cellar but considering at $20, good QPR?

2/15/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

I'm going to be generous and rate this as 90, higher than the other review. My first Tannat/Tempranillo blend, very approachable, with a good acidity and balanced. Enjoyed a bottle at dinner with quail and ribeye. I would definitely buy again. Going to check out their winery today in Stonewall, TX.

2/10/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

It's amazing, soft cabernet, atypical of Napa cabs, excellent nose and mouthful. I tasted plums, currants and a slight hint of olives. I'm impressed this wine has withstood the test of time. There's nothing complicated here, just smooth subtle sexy wine. I'd go so far as to say this will hold up for another 4 years, although my cork crumbled upon removal, still tight seal. No bricking, dark purple and resolved tannins. Wish I had more, 2 bottles remaining!

2/6/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

If you enjoy heavy fruit forward Cab such as Caymus, then you'll likely enjoy this "Distinction" series. It very fruity, chalky, with a hint of vanilla, nice mouth feel, but I do think a score above 90 might be a stretch. I'm only seeing 2 reviews for the 2018 vintage.

I bought 2 bottles, I'll sit on the other for a few years to see how it develops. The gnat that landed in my glass seemed to like it...went home intoxicated(wink,wink). I did say it was fruity!

2/4/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Upon opening I wasn't tasting any depth, beautiful smell of cherries and some oak. An hour later and I'm literally blown away! This is atypical California Cab, this reminds me of a cross between a sophisticated burgundy and a CDP. No fruit bomb here(thankfully). I bought these from Clark back in the days of Wine Woot. I've cellared for over 7 years awaiting this moment. It pairs nicely with ribeye, medium rare. Am I in Heaven?

2/3/2023 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

If you consider the cost, I would say the wine is over priced. Now, with that said it is very delicious on the PNP. Decant didn't seem to cause any other flavor(s) to evolve. Did we enjoy it? Yes. Would I buy again? Under $30, maybe. Some oak, nice fruit, like cranberry compote, kind of tart. Decent finish, tight cork, no bricking, dark purple color. Would likely last to 2030 but with 2 more bottles remaining, I won't wait that long (wink,wink). Sometimes it is fun to pull out a 16 year old wine for friends.

2/1/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

May be past its prime. I tasted very little fruit, mostly earthy, pencil lead and oaky. Has that old world taste. The bottle was not flawed, the cork was tight and it had not turned, this juice has just not held up to the test of time. I have one more bottle and I won't invest time in it expecting it to improve. As others have mentioned I expected more based on some ratings. DO NOT HOLD any longer.

1/27/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Decent cabernet, a bit unconventional for Rutherford Napa. Cherry, cassis and a non dimensional taste, very middle of the road and not as bold as most Napa cabs. I would drink again, but I would not pay more than $25, there's better out there for the money in my opinion.

12/19/2022 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Classic bordeaux, oaky but not excessive, leather and nice finish. A bargain at $27

1/26/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

This is not your typical Amarone, it has an old world Bordeaux flair to it. You can taste the earthiness and pencil lead, its dark plum color and there some currant taste in my mouth. It's different, not off putting, but was not what we expected upon opening. Perhaps a decant over night will render different flavors? 2017 and no stain on the cork which was surprising. The cork was tight, too.

1/25/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Bought this in 2021 just now opening and it taste soft, nice mouth feel. Dark purple, although simple and not too complex it's a good stand alone Cab Franc. Well worth the price point. Guessing you could drink through 2025.

1/24/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

From winery; 100% French Oak, 18 months, hand picked. 14.8% alcohol
Intriguing nose of red currant, rose petals, raspberry, vanilla, black tea and dried flowers. A bright cherry attack leads to a juicy mouth of plum, blueberry, red currant, boysenberry and mocha."

1/16/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

2020 is a nice smooth Barbera. Some have said too jammy, I personally think it's well integrated; caramel, vanilla and a hint of plum. Nice finish, not lingering but good mouth feel. Easy to drink alone, would be good with lamb I suspect.

1/16/2023 - SawgrassSteve wrote:

Decent blend, peppery with some oakiness. Nothing complex but for $13 price point no complaints. Been cellared for 5 years, thought it was time to try it again. I honestly don't recall the first time I tried it, but based on how long I waited it must not have had a wow factor since 2018 purchase date.

6/21/2022 - SawgrassSteve Likes this wine:

Cherry at the nose, ruby color, excellent with veal marsala. It was PNP at the restaurant. It seems a little drier than most Amarone, yet very enjoyable. Loved it so much, bought 3 bottles from the sommelier. Paid $55/750ml x3, feel like I got a deal. I'll give it a decant once I get home and see what happens after an hour. Still cannot believe the restaurant sold this to me for $55 for a 2014 Amarone, $65 at their establishment!