|
|
| |
|
Displaying [51-75] of 1000
|
|
2002 Pride
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
CASES: 5,096
RATED: 08/06/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
We tasted the '02 Pride Cab at the winery this past week, then had a bottle with dinner on another night. Although this vintage isn't quite as hugely tannic as the '01, everything is there that qualifies for a great Cabernet. The nose is ripe and young, as are the flavors of red fruits, cooked cherries and gobs of berries with hints of anise, leather. After an hour, it had mellowed nicely and was drinking very smoothly. This cab is going to be a stunner with a few years in the cellar. I can't wait!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 Paloma
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
|
RATED: 08/06/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
We visited Paloma last week in Napa and Jim Richards was nice enough to barrel sample each of the two Merlot components and the Cab, which they will not bottle separately this vintage. They really could do separate bottlings for each one. Without separating the three samples, they are slightly different, but I could easily see how, once blended, they stacked up to be wine of the year last time around.
The merlot on Spring Mountain is amazing; they have deeply extracted color and flavor that I've never experienced before. Bigger than your standard merlot, the rich berry flavors were accented by cherries, black grapes and an almost syrupy sweetness all-around. The cabernet, which was overshadowed by the merlot, adds structure to this wine and is really going to make for a nice finish. We didn't want to leave. Each barrel he opened seem to outdo the last. If you can get any, go out and invest today. The 2002 vintage will disappoint no one.
***I opened a bottle of '02 Paloma on 12/04/04 with dinner and it was great. I'm not adjusting the score, but it's just like the bottle says, sweet & chocolaty.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 David Arthur
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa)
|
RATED: 08/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
For those of you worried about opening this wine too soon, don't. We had this with dinner at Joel last night and sommelier almost scolded us for opening such a nice young wine. It didn't matter because it's one of the best Cabs I've ever tasted. There's nothing bad about this wine...difficult not to give it a 100, but I think it would be better in another 8-10 years.
The nose was deep black berries and plummy fruit. Concentrated, deeply extracted berries and lightly spicy black fruit swirl in the mouth and finish long and lustrous...even satiny. The only thing that comes close is the 99 Hillside Select, except the DAV had virtually no tannic interference. I'm SO glad I'm on this list. I'm beginning the search today for more...go buy as much as you can!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 Sebastiani
Barbera
(USA / California)
|
RATED: 09/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
It's too bad this wine is only available at the winery, because at $15/bottle, I'd buy cases at my local store. It's ready to drink with no decant; tasted on multiple occasions with a similar experience. Although I've never had a 100% Barbera before, I very much enjoy this one as I venture into Italians more and more.
Aromas included ripe red fruits on the with berries, leather and anise. Classic Merlot and Sangiovese flavors were evident in a pleasant blend; very smooth fruits with a nice tannic structure that made this a very enjoyable wine. I would guess that you could cellar this one, but why bother when it's so cheap?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2000 Lewelling
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.6%
CASES: 908
RATED: 09/16/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I received this bottle in a wine chain and WOW! What a surprise. I didn't decant...it wasn't necessary. Right off the bat, the nose was just beautiful...ripe blueberries, blackberries and syrup. Beautifully spicy; dominated by black fruits, especially plums, and black currant and anise. This is a dark, deeply concentrated wine with extremely smooth Cab flavor. The tannins were evident on the finish, but it just drew me back in for more. David Arthur Long would call this wine 'slammable.' I'm a new fan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1993 Diamond Creek
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Red Rock Terrace
(USA / California / Napa / Diamond Mountain)
|
RATED: 09/16/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Compared with the '93 Volcanic Hill, the RRT was a disappointment. The wine was a bit thin, but all the regular characteristics of a fine Cab-blend were there, this one just didn't blow me away. Nose was similar to a comparable Bordeaux, but a "not quite ripe yet" quality just wouldn't go away. Cooked black cherries and firm tannins held the wine together, but I was expecting more. I suppose that my bar was set too high too early by the VH, but this is the last RRT I'll purchase. Could it be that the '93 needs more cellar-time?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 Pride
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
|
RATED: 09/16/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I opened my only magnum of this wine for a group of six at my birthday dinner at Emeril's. I should have known better, but I had enough to really appreciate the age-worthiness of this outstanding Spring Mountain Cab. After about 90 minutes, the flavors really started to unfold. Dark chocolate, spicy currants, richly concentrated red & black fruits all combined for a wonderful experience. The nose fit the Pride profile, signaling high tannins, but loads of berries and sweet fruits. The finish was something like a minute. A friend looked over and asked if I was OK (eyes were closed enjoying the moment.) I wish I had more of this vintage, but the memory is worth it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 Martinelli
Zinfandel
-
Guiseppe and Louisa
(USA / California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley)
|
RATED: 09/16/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
We did a side-by-side tasting with the '02 Seghesio Sonoma Zin and the Martinelli won hands-down. I'm not sure if you can describe a nose as bright, but this wine's aroma filled my head with all sorts of good things. In classic Martinelli style, this Zin is heavy red fruits in a very 'fruit-forward' medium-bodied wine. Loads of spicy twang like a rhubarb-berry pie with nutmeg. A long finish that just evaporated off my tongue closed us out nicely. Against the Seghesio, the difference was that the Martinelli held up for over two hours open, while the half-price competitor just couldn't hang. I'm very glad I've got five more of these waiting for me. It will likely cellar into the next decade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1996 Paloma
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
|
RATED: 10/31/2004 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Violet.
|
| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Raspberry. Floral. Violets.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Dark Fruits. Red Fruits. Blackberry. Black Currant.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Extracted
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
This new-world style merlot is definitely ready to drink. Except for a recent discovery, this is the best Napa Merlot I've ever had.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 Corte Riva
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.6%
RATED: 11/12/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
This is absolutely the best American Merlot I've ever had. I can't imagine a more perfect expression of terroir or this varietal. I purchased this after several recommendations and comparison to Paloma and what a find! The jammy, floral aromas entice and the full-bodied red & black fruit flavors just don't go away. This is more complex than I could have imagined, with deep extracted flavors of currant, blackberries, cooked black cherries and a sweetness that evaporated into saddle leather and dark chocolate. I kept thinking 'David Arthur' and 'Pride Reserve.' The finish easily lasted over a minute and made for easy-drinking bliss. I could have drunk this for dessert and it would have been fine by itself. I called the next day and ordered another case. Buy as much as you can and enjoy over the next decade.
***Amendment - I've tasted this twice since I first gave a '98' to this ridiculously good merlot, but I'm backing off a few points, as I've noticed a slight degradation in quality. It's still anamazing bottle, just not a 98.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 O'Shaughnessy
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Howell Mountain)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.8%
RATED: 11/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I was automatically reminded of the '01 Pride Cab when I tasted this wine. Aromas were muted at first, but after a few minutes (we did not decant) a plummy dark chocolaty berry essence opened up. There are notes of coffee, tobacco, leather and chocolate encircling a solid core of currant, blackberry pie and other black fruits. Finish lasted for about 30 seconds, but this was the last of five bottles, so our palates were tired. The dark purple color shows the high level of extraction. High fruit concentration and tannins, which tend to block the remarkable taste of this wine, assure that it will age well into the next 10-15 years. I'll give it a couple more before I try it again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 Corte Riva
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
|
ALCOHOL: 15.2%
RATED: 11/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
With under 100 cases of this Cabernet produced, run out today (to the winery) and get whatever they'll sell you. This was my wine of the night up against '01 O'Shaughnessy, '84 Silver Oak Napa and '93 Silver Oak Napa. Just like its merlot counterpart, the floral and berry aromas envelope your senses, but this wasn't quite as massive. I tasted heavy red & black fruits, currant and caramel. Another deeply extracted wine from Spring Mountain...hmmmm, it must be something in the water up there. Or just a bunch of guys that REALLY know what they're doing as winemakers. This lush cab had a little tannic interference at the start, but it was gone before I got to the second glass. Sweet spices and chocolate on the finish make this a winner in my book. A rich, full-bodied wine that's an absolute pleasure to drink is the result of this excellent effort from this fledgling winery. It will age for 10 years no problem, but why wait?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 Neal Family
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa)
|
ALCOHOL: 15.2%
RATED: 11/02/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
This is the second bottle I've had this year and it actually went down better than the first one. Very tannic in the first hour or so, with a strong alcohol smell, but it settled down nicely for dinner and afterward. After the tannins wore off, it gave very forward red & black fruits and berries with spicy leather undertones, with a lightly sweet medium finish that crept down the back of my tongue. A great deal for what you pay and it should cellar for at least 7-10 more years in my opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 Martinelli
Chardonnay
- Woolset Road
(USA / California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley)
|
ALCOHOL: 13.6%
RATED: 11/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
This one is ready to go. Classic oak and honeysuckle aromas. This Chardonnay is crisp with lemon and honey notes on the mid-palate with a general melon-citrus finish. Not quite the typical syrupy butter Chardonnay, this was a beautiful start to the evening. Although, I couldn't help think, 'I wish we could finish this bottle and gets into the Cabs.' I suppose somethings never change. Drink now or hold for up to five years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 Robert Mondavi
Cabernet Sauvignon
-
Reserve
(USA / California / Napa)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
CASES: 7,000
RATED: 11/19/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
This huge Cabernet is indicative of the old school Mondavi Reserves and is worth the high price. Opaque purple color and syrupy-sweet smelling aromas entice, but the high tannins make you want to wait an hour or so to drink. Much like other big Napa cabs (Pride, DAV, etc) this one doesn't disappoint. Berries, black currant, graphite and grilled steak dominate the first few glasses until it mellows, the tannins fade and the next two hours of drinking are smooth and silky with a 40+ second finish. One of the best Mondavi Reserve Cabs to date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 Miner Family
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Oakville Ranch
(USA / California / Napa / Oakville)
|
RATED: 12/03/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I've had several of these bottles now and continue to enjoy this wine. I hope all the Miner Cabs age like this one; each is amazing after 5-6 years in the bottle & I can't wait to try the '01. Beautifully fragrant, this wine is ready to drink right out of the bottle. A traditional 'big cab,' the berries and red & black fruits are abundant, with a little spiciness that I've come to expect from Miner. A nice 30+ second finish that leaves a little syrupy aftertaste. Very nice and it'll keep aging well into the next few years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 David Arthur
-
Meritaggio
(USA / California / Napa / Rutherford)
|
RATED: 12/11/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
We had this with an amazing fettucini carbonara and grilled mushroom pizza at Floataway Cafe last night. The nose at first was a little meaty; I couldn't quite pin down what we were smelling, but that dissipated after about 5 minutes. After an hour, the tannin was completely integrated, and much less distracting. This spicy, almost tangy red went very well with dinner, but would drink very well by itself. The Sangiovese really comes through with big red berries and fruit, and the Cab keeps it even. The waiter was so impressed with how it was drinking for an '02 that he suggested to the manager that they should carry it. A nice long 45+ second finish made for a really enjoyable glass. Drink now or hold for up to 10 years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1995 Far Niente
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Oakville)
|
CASES: 200
RATED: 04/25/2005 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
This is NOT a misprint, Far Niente actually made Merlot in the 1994-1995 vintages, but did not pursue it as a long-term varietal in their portfolio. In my estimation, this was the right choice. Over the course of the evening, the flavor improved greatly, but the quality was never that great in the first place. A huge floral and red fruit/berry nose got me excited, but it was all downhill from there. I would describe the overriding quality of this wine as smooth and creamy, although fairly thin with medium red-fruit flavors. The finish was short...maybe 10 seconds. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it, but I'd never make the investment again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 Fuchs-Jacobus
- Qualitatswein
(Germany / Nahe)
|
ALCOHOL: 12.0%
RATED: 01/20/2008 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Unsere Hand gelesenen Trauben wurden von naturlichen, auf den Rebstock lebenden Hefen vergoren. Ein Duft von Heidelbeer, Brombeere und Krische pragen diesen Regent. GenieSSen Sie ihn zu Pasta, Pizza und gebackenem Fisch sowie leichten Salaten.
Trinktemperatur, 14 bis 16 Grad
Wein aus Demeter Trauben
www.weingut-fuchs-jacobus.de
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 Fuchs-Jacobus
-
Beerenauslese
(Germany)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.0%
RATED: 01/27/2008 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Golden.
|
| AROMA: |
Honey.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Honey.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Voluminous
Body.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
|
| SCORE: 85
|
| BY: 3erPasch
|
| PRICE: $4 |
| DRINK:
In 1-3 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 Beaulieu Vineyard (BV)
Cabernet Sauvignon
-
Georges de Latour
(USA / California / Napa)
|
RATED: 05/15/2006 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Red Purple.
|
| AROMA: |
Plum. Black Currant. Licorice.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Toast. Plum. Chocolate. Black Currant.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Voluminous
Body.
Heavy
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
First Latour I've ever had, heard so much..and I sell it to make matters worse. Finally got a bottle and enjoyed it with dark chocolate.
|
|
| SCORE: 90
+
|
| BY: A.Phillips
|
| PRICE: $79 |
| DRINK:
In 1-3 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NV Krug
-
Grand Cuvee
(France / Champagne)
|
ALCOHOL: 12.0%
RATED: 02/18/2006 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Amber.
|
| AROMA: |
Apple. Pear. Butter.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Pear. Butter.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex.
Effervescent
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I was tasted on about 40 wines when we aquired the Clicquot biz out at Pacific. That tasting included: Dom Perignon, M & C Rose, Nectar; Clicquot NV, Vintage '99, '99 Rose, Grand Dame '96; Krug Grand Cuvee, Krug Vintage Rose, and the Clos Du Mensil '90.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 Domaine Chandon
Chardonnay
-
Reserve
(USA / California / Napa / Carneros)
|
ALCOHOL: 14.1%
RATED: 10/15/2006 |
|
|
|
| AROMA: |
Pear. Toast. Grapefruit.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Woody. Apple. Almonds. Limestone. Pear. Oak. Grapefruit.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Medium
Finish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 Cantina Zaccagnini
-
Riserva
(Italy / Central / Abruzzi / Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)
|
ALCOHOL: 13.0%
RATED: 09/10/2009 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Ruby.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Medium
Finish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 Kirkland Signature
Syrah
(USA / Washington / Columbia Valley)
|
RATED: 09/13/2009 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
A really, really good Syrah. We really tasted the oak barrel aging.
Nice nose; respectably long finish. My wife and I don't really enjoy white wines, so enjoyed this nice red with homemade chicken pot pie. Both were delicious. Would definitely buy more (if it can still be found).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Displaying [51-75] of 1000
|
|
