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Tasting Notes for Mike Kopanski

(5,260 notes on 5,148 wines)

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Red
10/5/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Quite dark, very fruity, heavily extracted, a strange metallic flavor, starts off well, buts lacks complexity and completeness towards the finish, just a touch manipulated high alcohol.
White
9/6/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
A Vinho Verde with a little extra pep in its step. This offering from Covela has that earthy, saline, wet shale on the lips. Quite golden color. Wide variety of the white fruits like grapefruit, pineapple, peach, and tart apple. Some rustic minerality. Well balanced civilized acid. Even some sassafras leaf. Solid and complete.
Red
3/27/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
91 points
This is really delicious. As we expect from South Africa very distinct aromas and flavors. We have tree bark, eucalyptus, cedar, pine and hot hot road asphalt. Full bodied. Deep purple color. Sandalwood and charcoal. Precise tannins. It’s now about 5 years off the vine so the integration and maturity just raise things a little. Nice balance with the oak, alcohol and acid. Solid, long satisfying finish with an evergreen influence or the plum, cherry and blackberry fruit.
Red
11/28/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
The first impression was oak, possibly excessive on both on the nose and palate. Beside the oak, definitely an early indication of some redeeming qualities. Dark opaque Cabernet color. Nose has eucalyptus, crushed cranberry, kitchen spice, baked strawberry and oak. Nice refined tannins. Lingering deep red fruit. Secondary blackberry jam, cola, and black tea. Even goes to red raspberry on the finish. Superb balance.
Red
3/26/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
84 points
We basically knew what to expect, but really wanted to give this a chance. The point of objection is the residual sugar. It shows up in the enhanced viscosity, the out of balance acidity, the legs and the mouthfeel. Quite likely these were good grapes. It is very fruit forward. Not exactly Pinot purple color. They made it this way, we don’t want to try any more.
Red
12/31/2017 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
Thought this was a touch generic and I think mildly filtered. But, for under ten bucks this mostly delivers what we expect. Lots of unashamed fresh red and dark fruit. Has minimal earthy and secondary nuances. Probably a small amount of residual sugar. Just barely enough acid to balance. Some tannins The filtering diluted the finish but still nice satisfaction for the money.
Red
12/19/2017 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
Quite rich and creamy. Very dark color. One of those Cabernet’s with a hint of eucalyptus. Evergreen and sandalwood. Slightly vegetative. Has that Paso tradition of more red fruit than dark. By the mid palate and finish more blueberry and currant. Some still very young French oak. Serious finish of emerging sweet blue fruit with vanilla, evergreen, tea, tobacco and some heat from alcohol.
Red
This is exactly as I expected. Sharp and spicy. Not very viscous. Actually quite delicate for a Cabernet Sauvignon as only Paso Robles can provide. Moderate red color, just barely opaque. The feeling of ripe sunshine, but not overly done. Typical red fruit first but plenty of blueberry and dark cherry following. The oak is superbly integrated, as is the acid. The sneaky lingering finish leans towards blueberry with tea and graphite.
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Fruit/Vegetable Wine
7/21/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
90 points
This being the third time we have tasted this cherry wine at the winery, it is easily the best around. Sharp, delicate and soft, not cloying. A match made in heaven with the Hersheys kiss they serve with it.
Red
5/23/2016 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
92 points
We tasted at the winery tasting room, a truly enjoyable experience. A big wine with a stellar Napa Valley pedigree. Has some of that earthy, rustic wet tree bark taste. Rich dark purple color. Superb balance. Intense, concentrated, vibrant, plum and blackberry fruit. Precise tannins. Integrated. Even a hint if cocoa with graphite. Gets better with each sip, can only imagine what some cellaring this wine could accomplish.
Red
12/7/2017 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
84 points
By all means a totally acceptable red wine at a discount price from Wal Mart. It probably has a small amount of RS. It does have way more authenticity than expected. Very dark color. Plum and cherry. Some interesting green garden and metallic flavors. Also some obvious oak. Finishes with fresh fruit, graphite and oak.
Red
3/23/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
86 points
Experience has shown us not to judge these ultra value priced, large production red wines on their first night opened. The acid and tannic stuff just overpower the fruit. Air and time really help. This is never going to be an award winning wine, but it is very true to its origins, and price point. On the second day there is gobs of mouth coating, candied red raspberry and dark cherry fruit. There isn’t a whole lot of structure beyond the fruit. Some annoying bitterness. Seems totally dry and adequately balanced.
Red
11/22/2017 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
84 points
We knew what to expect. Thought nothing special, this is a relatively credible Pinot. Despite being a little simple and probably slightly sweet it is not terrible. Noticeable oak on the nose and palate. Some minor mushroom farm Pinot funk. Fairly dark color. Nose is vegetal cherry and blueberry. Mild graphite. Not a lot on the finish.
Red
7/21/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
85 points
This is the third rendition we have tried of this relatively crowd pleasing, not for everybody semi sweet red blend of 5 varietals. They said 3 were of the cool climate French hybrid type. The nose sure smells of Cabernet Franc. It is last on their tasting list. Aside from sweetness, it is a very mild, light red wine. Lots of cherry and cranberry. Adequate acidity.
Red
11/26/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
Took a while for the flavors and aromas to emerge, even though this is three years off the vine. Thought at first it was just tight, but further research reveals that maybe this is one of those Pinot’s designed to be really subtle. The nose is trying to keep most of the secrets hidden, but does reflect some interesting powdered minerals that also play a role with the flavors. The color is dark and almost opaque. The entry shows a rich blackberry that dominates through the finish. The viscosity is on the heavy side for a Pinot. The minerality on the lips continues to enhance a tannin structure pretty high for a Pinot, especially with a couple years of bottle age. A bit of mustiness, with maybe some road tar. Spicy, maybe dill and thyme. Almost enough structure and complexity to break the 90 point glass ceiling. Mildly gritty mulberry, blueberry, and blackberry finish.
White
12/3/2017 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Was expecting a Kiwi grassy, herbaceous citric, fruit monster, but certainly not what I expected. Very much international in style with a throttled back atypical from Kiwi style that actually seems more Bordeaux like. Of course some grass, herbs and citrus but all quite subdued and integrated almost like some Semillon was present. Even shows a touch of nuttiness. Refreshing, but soft acidity maybe even a touch of lees. Civilized finish.
White - Sparkling
5/14/2016 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
90 points
Tasted at the winery with a lively festive crowd, this is where we started. Apple nose with citrus and honeysuckle. Nice body. Really tight little bubbles. Quality fruit that seems to have some vineyard and winemaker care and character. Very thirst quenching acidity. Continuous lemon lime throughout. Slightly bitter, maybe peach pit flavor. Clean, mild finish that features some gun metal metallic flavors.
White
7/20/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
90 points
Starts off with a very dark golden color. On the palate we get a Chablis like sharp, austere minerality that is often also found in Northern Michigan. Relatively light viscosity. As it warms in the glass a soft but quite credible oak influence reveals a welcome buttery, vanilla character. Even a gritty nutty feeling that shows it has the depth and character to age a while.
Red
9/23/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
86 points
Typical red not terribly opaque color. Roses with moderate red fruit especially cherry and raspberry on the nose. Kind of rough and sandy with lots of lead pencil graphite minerality.
White
9/11/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Ripe peach nose. Really deep golden color. Honey with some ginger and peach pit flavor on the opening. Very moderate acid. Once it warms and gets some some air, a wet earth minerality towards the mid palate. Very mild citrus. Elegant. Medium bodied. Complete but not necessarily layered. Also some white pepper spice. Lemon, honey, cinnamon and more spice towards the finish.
Red
12/28/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
A deep sunshine California Pinot with almost opaque purple red color. Solid red raspberry aroma right out of the bottle when the cork was popped. Very nice concentration and viscosity. Some spicy earthy flavors and aromas. Some questionable burnt bark flavors. Not quite enough depth and complexity to break the 90 point glass ceiling, but close. Just needs a little more fresh red fruit on the finish.
Red
3/20/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
86 points
Second chance tasting in the past month or so. This time without food, and no aeration. Very much a solid wine, and especially for the price. There is a nice amount of refined upfront red and dark fruit. Last time I thought it was young and rustic. This time I think the acid is just slightly out of balance, and possibly manipulated. The young tannins leave a dryness on the palate, that almost any bite of food like a cracker or cheese would balance out.
Red
3/20/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Upon opening a solid earthy “poopy” aroma wafted out of the bottle. The first sip was quite viscous for a red wine of this relatively light red color. More surprise from solid, rich cherry and raspberry fruit. Maybe some minor oak. Some interesting white pepper spice. This was only 10 bucks at Aldi, and it gets more impressive with each sip.
White - Sparkling
7/20/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
91 points
Surprisingly expressive nose and entry. Rather rich and almost creamy. Superb. Totally dry. Peach, pear, apple and apricot with some flinty minerality. Lively and well made, even quite exceptional. Opens up even more with time in the glass. Notable bubbles.
Red
3/18/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
86 points
Another value from our friends at Aldi. Picked this up for 5 PM happy hour. Opening and sipping revealed an aromatic Pinot typical roses, cherry and blueberry combination. The rest of the package is not spectacular, but cheese, crackers and a salmon salad were adequately accompanied. Just slightly more than simple and easy drinking, the acidity and mild tannins do their job. There is enough fruit to hold up through the finish.
Red
11/13/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
92 points
Before I even knew the origin of this really nice Pinot, my nose and first sip told me it was a cold climate red wine. It is perfectly ripe and has great color, so we surmise the grapes got a lot of sunshine. It is deep and rich while being almost as lush as a Pinot can be, yet still has an aura of delicacy. It’s full and complete from nose to finish. Totally integrated, but should easily age for years, as the acids and tannins are still sharp and rustic.
Red
7/19/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
In the tradition of red wines produced in Northern Michigan, this 50/50 blend of Cab Franc and Merlot results in relatively light and delicate wine. The leans more toward a Merlot type magenta color. Great job with plenty of mouth coating cherry and other red fruits. It is not intense but really quite balanced. Some Northern Michigan earthy minerality joins the persistent cherry on the finish.
Red
7/21/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
90 points
Leelanau rendition of a Meritage blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, no percentages given. This is really nice. It shows the upward potential of the Leelanau terroir with technical grape growing and inspired winemaking. Perfectly dry. Northern climate light in body and color. Moderate touch of oak. Leans toward the red fruit spectrum of raspberry and cranberry. Sophisticated complete finish.
Red
11/24/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
Has authentic Oregon spicy richness. Quite dark almost opaque color. Big blueberry fruit up front. A little metalic with minerals on the mid palate. Enough going on for a high 80’s score. Mouth coating young dark cherry and fresh blueberry fruit. Balanced with commendably correct acidity and finish
White
3/17/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
86 points
Very adequate thirst quenching, palate cleansing grocery store Sauvignon Blanc, sourced in France. Non vintage. Correct golden color. Lemon and nectarine nose. Nice combination of orchard and citrus fruit like green apple, tangerine and lemon. Plenty of mouth puckering acid. Solid if not complex throughout.
Red
2/13/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
Of course this 2013 is showing some maturity. Still very dark purple color with sone browning at the rim. Mouth coating sweet red fruit. Some real Cabernet flavors. Mature red fruit, oak, smoke and sassafras. Medium plus bodied. Mature caramel meets red raspberry finish. Other, nuanced secondary flavors like licorice and graphite.
Red
2018 Bowers Harbor Red Old Mission Peninsula Red Blend (view label images)
7/20/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Tasted at the winery tasting room outside under the tent where it was much colder than July 20 would usually indicate. This was a very nice surprise. Dark, ripe and rich enough to be from almost any wine producing area. Can barely see my two fingers. Some hard to describe, rustic Old Mission Peninsula terroir with lingering minerality. Probably not completely dry but very balanced never the less.
White
1/23/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
We did not enjoy their rose, but this Pinot Gris gets a thumbs up. My notes say it seems manipulated, which I am going to surmise is the result of some lees treatment. Nice uplifted viscosity. Ore golden than expected. Seems a bit saline on the palate. Nice civilized acid balance. We get lemon rind, yellow apple and light tangerine on the finish.
Red
3/16/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Opened and poured through the aerator and decided to give it an overnight. Much better on day two. Day one exhibited some harsh acidity, overbearing tannins and muted fruit. The nose has that grapey Shiraz blueberry and plum aroma. The color is about as purple as red wine gets. Not quite full bodied. Has a bit of Chilean clove and wet tree bark aroma and flavor. Still quite acidic and tannic. Boysenberry, licorice, graphite finish.
White
10/30/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
86 points
Nice pineapple nose. Medium rich golden color. Relatively light viscosity. More lemon than expected. Broad variety of fruit like honeysuckle, pineapple, orange citrus and green apple. Plenty of cool climate acidity. predictably not layered or complex. Hint of minerality. Some nice leaving of candied peach and pineapple on the finish.
Red
9/26/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
Fruity and upfront on the nose and palate, but quite “Old World” with the spicy, earthy secondary flavors and aromas. Quite dark color. Not quite full bodied. Grippy lingering tannins.
Red
10/14/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
Kind of a Rhône blend Washington State style. 55% Syrah, 32% Cabernet, and 13% Merlot. Comes across quite Syrah in style with a dark grapey color aroma and flavor. Very fruit forward plum and dark cherries. Quite tannic. Real body and character with supporting secondary flavors of tar, cola, tobacco and black tea.
Red
7/19/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Tasted at their magnificent hilltop tasting room, this Cabernet Franc is almost exactly what we have come to expect from a Northern Michigan Cab Franc. Relatively lightish red color, but still medium plus bodied. Not much oak influence except for a bright hit of vanilla. Full mouth feel with cherry everywhere. Some earthy minerals. Nicely balanced finish leaving cherry, red raspberry and plum.
Rosé
7/21/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
Very nice, super crisp Rose made from 100% Pinot Noir kept on the skins for 24 hours. There is a deep undercurrent of all the red fruits just mingling with the crisp acidity. Mouth coating lingering just bitten juicy red raspberry on the finish.
Red
5/23/2016 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
93 points
It is hard to put words on how much I enjoyed tasting this wine. It is really “out of this world”. Fortunately we caught it just at the peak of its maturity. The color is rich almost opaque purple, but maturing obviously browning rim. The dark cherry fruit has an enticing baked quality telling us time to drink up. The secondary and tertiary leather and kitchen spice flavors are exerting themselves equal to the fruit on the finish.
White
10/28/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
85 points
Way better than expected. First opened sent lots of pineapple fruit. Considerable more viscosity and body than expected. Perfect glistening golden color. Very crisp acidity. Lanolin oiliness on mid palate. More complete than the price would indicate. Lemon puckering finish
Red
2/9/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
We have plenty of experience with this value Bordeaux blend. It has always been a go to default choice at Food Lion when nothing else looks interesting. So far this seems to be a premier vintage. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet and 5% Cab Franc. The Merlot is very upfront andshows a wonderful, enjoyable plum meets blueberry flavor from lips to finish. Maybe a little young, there are gritty tannins that may age out. Secondary bark and evergreen flavors and aromas. Just about medium bodied. Dark red but not opaque color. Maybe some root flavors. Long boysenberry finish. Lots going on for a value wine.
Red
3/10/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
Pleasantly surprised. Was expecting a diluted, nondescript Central Coast Pinot. This one is precise, defined and basically correct. The color is dark for a Pinot. No doubt about the Pinot nose with dark cherry and some musty dirt. The fruit is a bit ripe, kind of candied. A touch of oak. Maybe a touch light on the viscosity. But, a credible if not incredible, mouth coating fruity Pinot that didn’t cost much. ripe black cherry finish.
Red
8/23/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
Very deep red color, all the way to the rim. Very ripe dark fruit especially plum. Smooth and easy on the palate with some worthy, but tamed tannins. Not quite full bodied. To my palate some relatively unique hard to describe secondary mineral and other earthy flavors.
Red
3/9/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
91 points
A very pleasant surprise. Really nice rich intensity and mouthfeel. Concentrated black cherry, ripe prune and cranberry. Just a touch of that Chilean burnt wet tree bark and evergreen. More than medium bodied. Good tannin character. Lively expression of fruit from nose to finish.
Red
12/12/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
84 points
An old friend, we have been tasting this one for decades. Always value priced, but not always a decent Pinot value. Trying to give it a chance, i can go both ways with this vintage. It has quite dark color, and quite a bit of richness. But, there is barely enough Pinot type flavors and funk to earn the title. The fruit flavors don’t differentiate themselves very well, and the acid really seems artificial and even abrasive on the palate long after the finish. But, it tasted fine with hamburgers and didn’t cost very much.
Red
2/17/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
88 points
The ultimate kitchen sink blend, this just tastes great. On the palate don’t even attempt to identify the varieties. Just enjoy the raspberry and baked cherry pie fruit. Some nice brown sugar. Typical Lake County pronounced tannins. Not quite full bodied. Big cranberry fruity finish.
Red
5/26/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
89 points
As might be expected from a Northern California Pinot, the color is darker than expected, but with a beautiful magenta rim. The fruit is soft and approachable blueberry, mulberry and plum, with a touch of mint. Some wet earth and mushroom. Very nice balance with the alcohol, acid, fruit and tannins. More viscosity than expected. Just a touch short on the finish.
White
1/12/2024 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
91 points
Lots to like here. My palate says this has some Chablis style crisp austerity underlying the ripe California stuff. They really got this right. Yes some oak, but not really too much. Lemon and citrus. Nicely balanced acid. Viscosity is spot on. Leaves an exquisite tangerine flavor lingering on the finish.
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Red
12/8/2023 - Mike Kopanski wrote:
87 points
An old friend, this shows almost exactly as expected. Upon opening there is plenty of that hemlock/crushed cedar shaving aroma that blows off with the aerator and heavy swirling. This is not typical by world Pinot standards as the vine are grown on original i grafted rootstock. Barely medium bodied. Magenta cranberry color. Barely medium bodied. JCranberry and red raspberry fruit. Mild greenish tannins. A bit of charcoal and maraschino cherry finish.
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