2014 Checkmate Artisanal Winery Merlot Black Rook
Community Tasting Note
KillerJones Likes this wine:
88 Points
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - If you're holding these… I wouldn't wait much longer. Maybe I'm just perceiving it wrong but these feel like they are getting a bit tired.
Still good, mind you & better on Day 2. My tasting notes align with Ottawa below… Obvious oak, coffee cake & licorice.
Little syrupy on the finish – should have opened sooner…
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Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (213 views)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (213 views)
Comment posted by Neecies:
3/22/2024 4:05:00 PM - Coffee cake! Now there's a colorful descriptor. I like it. Haven't had any Checkmates yet and likely never will because the price is a turn-off. And of course, now sadly there are other reasons. Wineries like this will probably be among the first to close.
Comment posted by KillerJones:
3/24/2024 9:32:00 AM - Yes, I agree with you - these monsters are no longer my taste these days either. Think I bought due to the hype at the time, you know?
I would not be sad if they closed - despite being the only winery ever to receive a 100pt score.
One wine that surprised me recently was Costco's Sancerre - '22, i think. Have you tried?
Comment posted by Neecies:
3/24/2024 11:33:00 AM - I get it. I buy a few onesies here and there just to have biblical knowledge to impart in conversation with fellow wine lovers, even when I am sure something is not in my lane. I spent $40 on a Bledsoe Family Cab last week for that purpose. But for $100 I gotta believe I'll love it. No haven't had the Costco Sancerre. But speaking of Costco I was there yesterday and absolutely moaning in pain over the cheap prices of Bordeaux these days, what bargains! I'm trying to work my cellar down not the opposite (alcohol is now a problem with my husband's illness--have I told you he has Parkinsons?), but still I bought four onesies just to taste at some point. Again, biblical knowledge.
Comment posted by KillerJones:
3/28/2024 4:36:00 PM - My apologies...I did not hear the news about your husband. My colleague was diagnosed with that last year and retired due to tremors.
I'm really sorry to hear you two are going through this. I wish I had something smart and helpful to say right now but I’m at a loss.
I am also in the process of drinking down, but only because I will be relocating overseas in 5-7. However, I have seen the Bdx prices drop here too...but not nearly as much as Costco - of course.
Keep in touch, you. (Jimswired@shaw.ca)
Comment posted by Neecies:
3/28/2024 4:40:00 PM - There's nothing anyone can say re this disease. Nothing makes it better. It just IS. All the signs have been there for years, but nobody who knew better put it all together. You know, you see a doctor for this part and another for this other part and where a third who knew the disease would see it immediately, if you're not seeing that kind of doctor you only get diagnosed on the part.
You're moving overseas? Going to retire to France or Portugal or something like that?