Roman Empire
Member #449,992 signed up 3/1/2016
This Member Is a Fan(1)
-
@laurayoungnc
0 Tasting Notes
Friends(3)
-
@laurayoungnc
0 Tasting Notes
-
SweetPete123
11 Tasting Notes
-
TomRizzi
0 Tasting Notes
Profile
Member since March 2016
This member's profile is not public.
2014 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
5/6/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 95 Points
Tasting Note 21 of #50in2024
"Highest Beauty" aka To Kalon
It's been two years since I lasted tasted this 2014 AO Beckstoffer to Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon. It again blew me away...
The color of the wine is deep and dark with some ruby on the rim -- which implies this could age much longer! Initial swirls reveal legs hanging on to the glass for dear life (14+ % alcohol)
The nose took some time to develop in the glass -- 30-45 minutes minimum - and revealed dried flowers, deep dark fruit and a bit of spiciness. The nose is big, the kind you can just keep swirling and smelling. Its heaven.
Initial sip revealed low acid and solid tannins for a nice balance. Tones of leather, coffee and DEFINITELY dark chocolate for me! The spiciness of the nose continued on the tongue but not peppery more like baking spices. There's nothing sweet about this wine...its big, bold and beautiful. I find this BIG big - even for a Napa cab. The finish resolves to a tannic fruitiness to a welcomed linger. With time, each sip seems to get better.
This is a wine that makes a statement...A Napa Valley expression of cab that leaves no doubt where its from. It is exactly what it is supposed to be. Wonderful.
I tasted this while preparing Mexican Chicken and rice bowls for dinner -- NOT the pairing I would recommend as its boldness competes with the Mexican flavors and heat.
If you want to make statement and/or enjoy the boldest and one of the best cabernet sauvignon single vineyard wines from Napa -- this is it.
Going to Napa in couple weeks and will buy more!!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2020 The Hilt Pinot Noir Estate
4/29/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 89 Points
Tasting Note 20 of #50in2024
Never tasted a Hilt wine before now. From the owner of screaming eagle and in a small ava of Santa Rita hills in California, I am intrigued by its story. So here goes...
The pouring into the glass revealed what I would suggest the classic or typical color of pinot noir (at least from California!) Medium in color, strawberry/raspberry in hue and not completely opaque.
The nose is consistent with the producer's tasting notes of cherry fruit but accompanied by something more floral/herbal, for me perhaps hints of violets. The nose is strong, in a good way, not led by alcohol but solid aromas previously described.
My initial taste wasn't great. Doesn't taste well integrated/balanced. Perhaps the wine is still a bit too cold in the glass having removed from 55 degree cellar. Patience is difficult...
After 30 minutes in the glass the acidity is more apparent on the tongue and definitely more integrated overall. Medium-level acid accompanies the red/purple fruit flavors. The tannic level is low in my opinion, contrary to some reviews I read prior.
The taste doesn't linger long, lacks a little bit of body for me. Tasted fades quickly among a bit of dryness from the tannins but also a little hot (alcohol).
All the elements of really solid Pinot Noir -- but I think maybe just drinking it a bit earlier than at its prime.
I'm left with very good.. Not great. At least for now....
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2015 Montes Purple Angel
4/25/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasting Note 19 of #50in2024
My first introduction to this wine was approximately 12 years ago. I recall it being opened by a friend and I was taken in by the instant aromas from the bottle, not yet poured into my glass...
Not much has changed! This wine pours with a deep, luxurious dark red color and the aromas are instant. It is classic dark fruit but with all the lovely aromas imparted by 18 months in new french oak..cedar, vanilla and even bay leaf type spices. But that color! Petit Verdot just adds a deepness that makes it more velvety all around.
Upon initial taste, the acid level is medium...really secondary to the flavors of dark berries and a real gentle spiciness - herbal perhaps. The tannins are medium and the alcohol feels a bit high.
As the wine has some time in the glass, it it settling in even more. Coming into true drinking temperature and benefiting from some air. The nose becomes more prominent with the fruit tast so nicely integrated with the herbal spiceness. The tannins seem to be lasting a bit longer now with each taste, and its very welcome.
My only criticism might be "is this what Carmenere is supposed to taste like? " I mean I could easily mistake this for a Napa Cab blend or even a Merlot. I mean it really stands up to be heard.
As for pairing, its currently accompanied by Charcuterie of various salami and cheese. Perfecto. I would not hesitate in the least to serve this with a steak from the grill.
This is a bigger wine than I expected, and much better than when I had just a couple years ago (same vintage). I think this is the time to drink this vintage. Good thing because its my last one...
Im going with a solid 91 -- nah, 92. Better hit save now before I drink more...
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment