11/5/2022 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dense dark core with garnet hue, aromas of blackcurrant, blackcherry, forest floor, earth and hints of liquorice.
Smooth and approachable entry, showing mix of black and red fruits along with earth, leather and spices. Finishes well with soft grippy tannins. Decent wine, drinking nicely with freshness and medium acidity.

7/15/2022 - hkm520240 wrote:

Deep ruby core with vivid crimson hues. Aromas of dusty earth along with blackcurrant, plum, leather, herbs and hints of toasty oak.
Soft and smooth entry, light to medium bodied, showing blackcherry, earth and tart acidity. Medium finish with soft tannins.,
A simple and approachable wine, lacking intensity and structure to age. Drink now.

1/7/2022 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark ruby red, showing aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, spice and eucalyptus. Medium bodied, pretty simple on palate, exhibit black currant, mulberry and mint. Medium finish and soft drying tannins. Granted it is better than some supermarket wine but overall not impressive and a bit boring.

11/25/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark brooding core with brick red rim. Aromas of plum and blueberry intermix with dusty earth, dried herbs and cedar.
Dark fruited entry along with black cherry, dried herbs, chocolate, olive and earthy tones. Fruit gradually faded at mid palate and left with dry secondary notes. Medium+ finish with soft drying tannins.
Still holding with good acidity and structure and showing secondary notes. But it lacks the complexity of the Cru class Bordeaux to merit higher points.

12/1/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Fresh lifted aromas of floral, pink guava, tropical fruits, mineral, saline and hints of smoke. Remind me of a nose of Sauvignon Blanc.
But it has a distinctive palate, rich and supple entry, slightly creamy palate, plenty of ripe tropical fruits, melon, lychee, grapefruit and hints of white flowers. Lively midpalate and racy acidity. Lingering finish with ginger spice aftertaste.
It is an easy white and showing better when pair with food.

12/8/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dense and almost opaque core with slight brick red rims showing the age.
Some initial toasty oak follow by dusty earth, dark fruits, olive and liquorice.
Initial entry of sour plum, the palate smoothen out to show blueberry, black cherry and dark plum intermix with spice, dried herbs, black olive and rustic earth. Long lingering finish with soft grippy tannins.
It has moved away from vibrant primary fruits to more secondary and complex notes.

11/3/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

After 9 years from my last bottle.
Initial nose showing surprisingly well, dark fruits, cassis, chocolate, eucalyptus and hints of toasty oak.
Soft and mellow entry, going downhill initially but slowly come back into life and show some coffee and earthy notes. Tart acidity, medium+ finish with tannins almost dissolve. Still drinkable but it has passed its prime.

11/6/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark ruby core with brick red hue.
Aromas of blackcurrant, mix of dark and red berries intermix with earth, leather and cedar notes.
Soft and mellow entry, intensity building up at midpalate with balance acidity. Lingering finish with a fine grip and spicy aftertaste.
Holding well, a simple and pleasant wine to drink tonight. Very good QPR.

7/31/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Previous bottle that shared with friend was flawed so I was uncertain about the condition of this bottle and decided to open to drink it alone. Well it turned out an enjoyable and matured wine.
Medium dark ruby with brick red rims. Elegant and pretty complex aromas of wild red berry, red currant and cherry intermix with cedar, earth, leather and hints of spice. A nice developed nose.
Mellow and tart entry, showing ribena, blackcurrant and sour plum interwoven with herbs and subtle earth. Slowly evolves to show tobacco, dark fruits and hints of mint. Finishes long with soft and velvety tannins.

7/23/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Intense dark garnet core, aromas of blackberry, plum, blackcherry, spice and toasty oak.
It has tart entry on first sip, but gradually improve in the glass. Intensity building up on palate with acidity and structure, showing blueberry, blackberry and spice. It has nice balance, velvety texture and long finish with fine smooth tannins.

9/18/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

A Bordeaux blend with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot.
Deep garnet red and almost opaque core.
Pop n pour, showing an elegant nose of ripe blue fruits, slowly open up with plum, chocolate, vanilla and toasty oak.
Soft and round on entry, it has fresh and primary fruits on palate, along with blackcherry, plum, blackcurrant, blueberry, cedar, some dusty herbal notes and sweet toasty oak. Fine velvety tannins and lingering finish with peppery aftertaste.
This is a nice bottle, drinking lovely tonight and showing complex characters from a blend. Just lack of some wow factor to merit higher rating.

10/1/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Pop n pour, Dark inky core with garnet hue.
Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, red berries and hints of pepper. It Slowly evolves to show dark fruits, plum, earth and tobacco.
Soft dusty entry, medium bodied, exhibits black currant, blackcherry and earth. Simple wine but posses nice balance, not complex but drinking nicely. Long drying finish with sweet and soft chewy tannins.

10/9/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet core and ruby hue. Showing good appearance after 18 years.
On the nose, it has initial attack of eucalyptus, follow by black currant, toasty vanilla, olive, earth, tobacco and leafy notes.
Soft and mellow palate, showing ripe cassis, dried herbs and eucalyptus. It has a sweet entry follow through with dry midpalate, balance acidity, lingering finish and smooth tannins.
This bottle still holding well and show good quality, but still some distance away from the best Cabernet from Margaret River.

9/11/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Showing more aged appearance compared to my last bottle with pale tawny core and brick red hues.
Initial developed nose of brown spice, prune, orange peel and slight nutty notes. Slowly evolve to show cherry, bramble fruits, candy, liqueur and sweet liquorice.
Sweet red berry on entry, supple and mellow mouthfeel, amazing freshness on palate with full flavours of plum, black cherry, candy, pepper and liquorice. Long satisfying finish with soft and Velvety tannins.
Still holding well after 16 years and such a nice bottle that can be enjoyed on its own.

8/27/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

The 2006 Emigre is a blend of four vineyards and six grape varieties (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Muscadelle).
Dark ruby core, rich, ripe and slightly pungent nose, gradually open up to show blueberry jam, plum, black cherry, smoke and sweet cedar notes.
Soft and velvety entry, showing Blackcurrant, blueberry, cherry and liqueur. Intensity slowly build up on palate with a polished mouthfeel.
Smooth and almost dissolve tannins, lingering finish with hints of spicy aftertaste.
Drink over the night. Still holding well and opening up after 2 hours. It has old world touch but with a distinctive new world fruits .

3/10/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Expressive red fruited nose along with floral, black pepper and hints of herbaceous.
Light and juicy palate, showing black cherry, raspberry, plum, smoke meat and peppery notes. Soft and round tannins with medium spicy finish.
Paired well with roast duck and very good value for money.

1/13/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Light straw yellow, it has mineral driven aromas with citrus and honeyed fruits. Clean and off-dry palate, showing lively acidity to lift the weight. Drinking very well after 12 years, fresh and lively, finishes dry and long. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for me.

1/2/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet core with slight brick red hues showing the age.
It has a developed and complex nose, blackcurrant, dark plum, black cherry and sweet prune intermix with mocha, earth and barnyard notes.
Soft and mellow on palate with supple mouthfeel, it has fresh acidity showing a nice balance. Lingering finish with soft and almost dissolve tannins. Aged very well and 15% alcohol hardly notice. It is a wine to drink slowly on a quiet night and appreciate how aging has changed this wine.

1/26/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark inky red, showing aromas of black fruits, cocoa, spice and subtle oak.
Nice juicy entry with tart acidity. Mid weight palate with smooth mouthfeel showing blackberry, plum and blueberry interwoven with black pepper and chocolate notes. Soft drying tannins with sweet lingering finish.
My last bottle of Hedonist Shiraz, still holding well and pretty good for an entry to mid Shiraz.

2/13/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Intense dark brooding red, aromas of blueberry, dark plum along with earthy, spicy and peppery notes.
Rich and supple entry, it has medium bodied and showed some development on palate.
Dry and chewy tannins with spicy finish. It is about time to drink up.

3/13/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dense and almost opaque with crimson hue, showing aromas of dark plum, blackberry, chocolate and hints of herbaceous and pepper notes.
Supple and soft on palate, with structure slowly build up. Still holding well, medium finish with soft grippy tannins.
Good quality and value at this price point

6/25/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

100% Monastrell. 14 months In French barrel.
Deep garnet core. On the nose, raspberry, red and blackberry intermix with smoke, earth and balsamic.
Soft yet rustic entry, intensity slowly build up along with lively acidity. Exhibits dusty earth, raspberry, blueberry, along with liqueur and spice. Medium+ finish with soft chewy tannins.
Aged well and 15% alc well contained.

2/3/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet core, rustic earthy aromas intermix with black cherry, raspberry, garrigue and spice.
Surprisingly Clean but slightly austere entry, showing some meaty, peppery notes on palate. Very Dry and tannic finish.
Holding very well for an entry to mid range wine.

6/20/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah.
Dark ruby red, lifted nose, mix of red and black fruits along with smoke, spice and licorice.
Very nice red fruited juicy entry with raspberry, cherry and plenty of white pepper notes.
It has nice long spicy finish and fine velvety tannins.
This bottle is showing surprisingly well with freshness, balance and structure. Punch above its weight at this price point.

6/14/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet core with slight brick Red rims showing the age.
Rustic, earthy and balsamic nose intermix with dried fruits, black cherry, raspberry and hints of smoky oak.
Soft, mellow entry with austere structure building up, along with black cherry, dusty earth, chocolate and spices on palate.
It has a nice midpalate with balance acidity that extend to a long tannic finish. This wine still demand for a juicy meat to pair.

6/5/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark brooding core, it has an initial nose of animal fur and barnyard, slowly open up to show blueberry, olive, dark plum, black cherry and licorice.
Mellow and supple entry, with smooth and velvety texture on palate. It posses a nice freshness with lively acidity lifted the weight. Soft and silky tannins, long lingering finish.

5/31/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet core, it has a lifted initial nose of vanilla and black cherry follow by black berry, dark plum, olive, licorice and hints of spice.
Soft and Mellow entry, exhibits sweet fruits, plum, mocha, blackcurrant and hints of leather and earth.
Slowly evolves in the glass and getting better, showing lovely balance and acidity to keep it fresh.
It has almost dissolved tannins and spicy finish, long and linger. A nice wine but need to drink up.

6/8/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Deep and almost opaque core, some secondary development on the nose, olive, earth and smoke intermix with black Cherry and raspberry.
Supple and silky mouthfeel, with intensity builds up on palate to show blackcurrant, plum, vanilla and toast. Good structure with balance acidity. Still has plenty of chewy tannins and end with a nice long finish.

Revisit this wine after 9 years and I find it holding very well and above my expectation for a mid-tier label. But at the same time it lacks the complexity. Probably due to the use of stelvin closure, retain the fruits and structure but restraint its development.

5/13/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Pale golden yellow, lifted aromas of honey, pear, scented wood and hints of musk. I like the nose but palate is light and simple in style with racy acidity, tropical fruits and herbs. Nice lingering finish, clean and lean style, gradually growing on me. Not bad.

5/13/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

A nicely developed Chenin Blanc with good complexity. Deep gold colour showing its age, on the nose, orange peel, ginger and honey character. supple entry with intensity and acidity slowly building up. Still fresh and lively, long lingering finish with a touch of herbs.

5/16/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Naturally sweet wine made with raisins from Tinta de Toro. Aged in barrel for 3 months and cab be aged for more than 5 years.
Dark ruby red, fresh lifted floral notes follow by raisin, blueberry jam, licorice and hints of toasty oak. Supple entry and moderately sweet on palate, showing ripe blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry, slowly gaining intensity and showing slight medicinal and herbaceous on midpalate. Dry smoky finish with soft tannins.

It was a pleasant surprise, big with alcohol (16%) yet retain nice freshness and balance. Not overtly sweet and it reminds me of an entry Amarone.

5/22/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Finally open up my last bottle after almost 10 years.
Dark ruby red with slight brick red rims. It has Initial nose of dark plum, blackcurrant, black cherry and sweet toasty oak slowly evolve to show dusty earth, leather and pepper.
Dry, bitter entry, slow open up with some secondary notes, wood, dried herbs, earth, blueberry and spices. Gradually improve over the next 4-5 hours. Still showing plenty of dry tannins and medium finish.
It has a promising nose but disappointing palate. Slowly growing on me with improved palate. But somehow I feel that this bottle should be drunk 3-5 years earlier.

5/25/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Slowly drink over 4-5 hours, holding well and not bad for a CCR from a big producer.
Dark ruby red, showing aromas of black Cherry, red berry, leather, vanilla, smoke and hints of licorice. Supple entry, with structure and acidity slowly kick in along with cherry, raspberry, earth, leather and plenty of spices. End with a nice lingering finish and chewy tannins.
Quite an enjoyable bottle with fresh acidity and red fruits. Very much in contrast of ripe and plump fruits from 2012.

4/2/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

A blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Carrignan, Cinsault and other permitted grapes.
Dark ruby red, showing aromas of black cherries, earth and subtle spice.
Soft and silky entry, exhibits redberries, cherries, garrigues, earth, smoke and spices. Good acidity couple with medium finish and a fine grippy tannins. Aged well and drinking nicely, albeit rather simple and forward.

4/1/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

A blend of 55% Grenache, 38% Shiraz and 7% Mourvèdre.
Dark garnet core with slight brick red hue. Initial red fruited nose opens up to show bramble fruits, black cherries, red berries along with sweet earth, stew fruits and spices.
Soft and supple entry, it has a juicy palate with plenty of peppery spice, follow by blackberries, dark plums and raspberry intermix with earth and mocha. Intensity gradually build up lead to ripe chewy tannins and long lingering finish. Drinking very nicely and slow evolves over the night.

2/26/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Clear straw yellow, it has a lifted floral nose, white flower and chrysanthemum interwoven with honey and yellow fruits.
Rich and smooth entry, exhibits honeysuckle, ginger spice, citrus and mineral. Oily texture, it retains some residual sugar and well balance by lively acidity. Finishes dry and lingering.

Holding well on second day and some lychee notes emerged with sweeter and more concentrated palate.

2/15/2021 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet red, expressive aroma of ripe blackcurrant, plum, black cherry, herbs and hints of cedar.
Mellow and supple entry, with intensity gradually build up on palate, showing ripe blackcurrant, black cherry along with anise, herbs and spices. Drying finish with soft tannins.
Showing development and still pretty new world style with prevalent ripe fruits. Still holding but need to be drank soon.

10/7/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

This bottle has been sitting in my home wine chiller since purchase in 2011 and finally I decided to open to drink.
Clear straw yellow showing the age, it has a well developed and aromatic nose, showing lemon curd, citrus along with smoke and mineral notes.
Rich supple entry, initial notes of kerosene and oily texture open up to exhibit mineral, zesty lime and some complex smoky notes. Acidity has mellowed down, complex and smooth mouthfeel, it doesn’t have the sharp edge from young Riesling. End with a long lingering finish.
This is a fine example of a delicious aged Riesling and kudos to Peter Lehmann for delivered excellent Riesling at entry level.

9/22/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Clear straw yellow, nice smoky mineral driven aromas along with citrus and ginger peel.
Supple entry with acidity slowly build up on palate. Green apple, grape fruits and lime interwoven with flinty mineral and subtle smoke. It has a dry, lingering finish. Age nicely with acidity mellow down.

11/27/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Intense dark garnet red, displaying aromas of Black berry, cherry, dried herbs and spicy oak.
Mellow down but still holding very well on palate, showing dark fruits, black cherry along with licorice and black pepper.
End with fine & soft tannins and satisfying, long spicy finish.

11/24/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark garnet core, it has an initial nose of blackcurrant, vanilla and violet notes. Still quite big and rich on palate, showing black fruits and spice. Soft chewy tannins with nice persistent aftertaste. A good pizza wine.

8/30/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Cork pulled out in good condition signaling the wine is well kept. (Is that a compliment to myself? LoL)
Dark ruby red, showing subtle aroma of blue fruits, barnyard, sweet earth and spice.
Sweet entry with subtle spice, it has dry medium bodied palate along with cherry, blueberry and hints of meatiness. End with a dry and tannic finish. Not a strong wine but holding well with firmer structure. But I am not sure if it will improve further.

8/28/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Another bottle that I opened 10 years later than my first bottle and it was a complete different experience than the Kaiken Ultra Cabernet 2006. Wish I have opened it 3-5 years earlier.
The colour look fine, clear deep ruby red.
On the nose, fruit has faded and left with dry wood, spice and hints of leather.
It was not promising initially, tart and hollow palate. Slowly toned down to be more palatable, showing some cherry and wood spice but the palate remain very dry with fruit drying out. It has spicy finish with dry chewy tannins.
Surprising after few hours more fruit coming up but overall I still find this bottle has past its prime.

8/21/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Finally open up my last bottle 10 years later my first bottle.
Dark garnet red, subtle aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant, licorice, hints of spices and showing developed notes.
Smooth and mellow on palate, exhibits blackcurrant, blueberry and licorice. Medium finish with tannins almost dissolved.
Still holding and slowly grow on me.

8/16/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Had been keeping this bottle for more than 10 years and finally open it tonight
Dark garnet red, rustic nose with some blackcurrant, plum and spicy oak. Dry and earthy entry, slowly built up good intensity on midpalate, showing blackcurrant, cherry, leather and rustic notes. Nice medium finish with grippy tannins.
A decent Bordeaux and still holding after 14 years. I expect more from a Chateau own by Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande at the time 2006 was made (it had been acquired by King Power in 2012) but agree that I cannot complain for the price I paid.

8/1/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Drink up my last bottle which I should have drunk much earlier according to my earlier tasting notes.
Medium ruby with brick red hues. Pop n pour, thankfully the nose is still holding, initially vanilla notes follow by plum, leather, leafy and hints of pepper. More secondary notes emerge after some time.
Mellow on palate with sweet fruits, exhibits Plum, cherry and spices. Finishing improve over time and tannins is almost dissolve. Gradually opening up and grow on me, showing that it is not over yet.

6/27/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

A blend of 40% Sangiovese, 25% Syrah, 25% Alicante and 10% Carignan.
Dark garnet red, showing aromas of plum, black cherry, blueberry, spice and toasty oak. Medium bodied on palate along with black cherry and plenty of spices. Soft grippy tannins and medium finish.
Still holding after 10 years but just another decent quality wine.

6/17/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

100 % Malbec, it has a dense and deep opaque core.
Showing aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, violet and hints of spicy oak.
Full and rich on entry yet supple on palate. Blackcurrant. plum and vanilla coming through in a refine mid palate. Soft tannins and medium finish. Opening was quite promising but it did not improve further.

6/13/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Initial red fruited nose of cherry, strawberry and raspberry open up with herbs and pepper.
Mellow down on palate with dark fruits emerge, showing black berry, black cherry follow by pepper and smoke meat.
Still plenty of dry tannins on finish. Holding well but it has evolved from bright fruity wine to show more peppery spice.

5/31/2020 - hkm520240 wrote:

Dark opaque core, showing nose of blackberry and blueberry intermix with meat, chocolate, smoke and black pepper.
Medium full on palate, a typical rich and jammy Barossa Shiraz but not over the top. Long spicy finish with Soft drying tannins.