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Displaying [151-175] of 1000
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1985 Philipponnat
- Clos Des Goisses
(France / Champagne)
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RATED: 09/13/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Straw Yellow.
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| AROMA: |
Floral. Melon. Cream. Yeast. Lemon. Toast. Citrus. Apple. Mineral. Light Fruits.
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| FLAVOR: |
Floral. Melon. Cream. Yeast. Lemon. Toast. Citrus. Apple. Mineral. Light Fruits.
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PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex. Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Medium
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this south facing Clos is one of the 3 Clos in champagne. This champagne tasted like a Chassagne Montrachet with very fine bubbles. Unlike other champagne, the Clos des Goisses has more weight and higher viscousity, yet it still maintain the elegance and subtlety of a great champagne. It was a great match with the salmon tartare we had.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
Now |
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1979 Jaboulet
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La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
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RATED: 10/02/2003 |
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| AROMA: |
Truffles. Earthy. Jam. Coffee. Fig. Raisin. Black Currant. Raspberry. Vanilla. Nutty. Dark Fruits.
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| FLAVOR: |
Pepper. Truffles. Jam. Coffee. Prune. Caramel. Toffee. Black Currant. Chocolate. Raspberry. Tobacco. Oak. Nutty. Dark Fruits.
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
I drank it at its prime last year. Had it with laughing stock pork at Chez Panisse. Both the food and the wine complement each other very well. The wine could only warrant a lesser score should it be drunk alone. Well, but that is the only bottle I had.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
Now |
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1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 10/02/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
First tasting 1994
Last tasting 2004
This wine has never failed to impress. So profound, so sophisticated, it has a classical Bordeaux ideal structure wrapped around with many layers of anticipated flavors. While it might not be exotic or flamboyant, it is a benchmark of what a great Pauillac would be.
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2002 Max Ferd. Richter
Riesling
- Mulheimer Sonnenlay
(Germany / Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
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ALCOHOL: 11.5%
RATED: 10/03/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Colorless.
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PROFILE: |
Sweet.
Complex.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Finish.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: truist
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| PRICE: $13 |
| DRINK:
Now |
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1998 Domaine de la Mordoree
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La Reine des Bois
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant purple, translucent, tints slightly the glass. Very beautiful nose with dark berries. Full body, very well balanced, velvety tannins. Very long finish. Classic CdP of a great vintage.
Score: 50 + 5 for optic + 14 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 9 for overall = total score of 96.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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1998 Fonsalette
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Cuvee Syrah
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Cotes du Rhone)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant purple, very dense tears. Dark fruity alcoholic nose. Full body, lots of tannins, some acidity, kind of refreshing. Finish slightly tartish, tannins mouth impregnating. Classic Fonsalette Syrah.
Score: 50 + 5 for optic + 15 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 96.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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2002 Rosenblum
Zinfandel
- Rockpile Road Vineyard
(USA / California / Sonoma / Dry Creek Valley)
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RATED: 10/14/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Huge fruit, Mainly dark plum as well as blackberry. This is one of the best "jammy" wines out there right now that has a great body and is well balanced. Medium tanins and a nice finish.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: rystad
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| PRICE: $27 |
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1989 Krug
- Clos du Mesnil
(France / Champagne)
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RATED: 10/26/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Truffle and montrachet like nose with extremely fine and volumnous bubbles. Complex but clean finish balanced by lively acidity, this Krug exhibits an elegant and charming personality.
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1985 Krug
- Clos du Mesnil
(France / Champagne)
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RATED: 10/26/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Great mature aromatics but appeared to be a bit tired as the bubbles were not quite as lively as the 1982. Not sure why...but it can be appreciated more like a very well balanced still wine. Either way, it is a very enjoyable wine, classic and elegant, especially it is a treat from a very generous friend.
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1994 Chateau Latour
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 10/27/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
I am a big fan of the 1994 bordeaux. They are good bargain and the quality is definitely understated by the press (which is a good thing for our consumer.) This classic Latour exhibits an intense textbook nose of pauillac with cassis, pain grille and ceder scents that build in the glass. It is a multi-layered and high power Latour having a precise structure and fleshy glycerin that is drinking very well now. It will certainly improved with age.
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2002 Robert Rue
Zinfandel
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Wood Road
(USA / California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley)
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ALCOHOL: 16.0%
CASES: 425
RATED: 11/03/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Robert Rue and his wife have been growers in the RR Valley for years, and recently hired the legendary Carol Shelton (Carol Shelton Wines) to produce a limited amount of Zin under their own label.
This 2002 (not 2001) Wood Road Zin was one of the deepest, richest and beautiful Zins I have ever tasted.
Immediately impressive on the nose, with ripe red fruit flavors (rasberry, plum, strawberry) jumping right out of the glass.
On the attack, not a bit of heat most Zins exhibit. Smooth and extremely full bodied, fruit flavors expand to blueberry and plum on the mid palate.
Perfectly balanced natural acidity added backbone and structure to the 70-second finish of every fruit flavor listed above.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: djdiv
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| PRICE: $30 |
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1998 Domaine J.L. Chave
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
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RATED: 05/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Clear ruby, black core, fine tears. Dark alcoholic nose, ascending, potential complex. Full body, intense fruit, Kirsch. Massive tannins in the finish. Great wine.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 15 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 9 for overall = total score of 96.
Northern Rhone tasting 20020519. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glasses.
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2001 Argiano
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Solengo - IGT
(Italy / Central / Tuscany)
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RATED: 07/14/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
This was the wine of the night at the July WC Big Italian wine dinner at La Grotta last night. It stood head and shoulders above some very well-known names. The aromas told me right away that this ripe, sweet wine was going to be a big hit. The high extraction, deep black/garnet color and velvety texture in the mouth set the bar very high. No wonder it's $90/bottle. Very smooth and sexy. Hints of berries, cola, cooked cherries and a little vanilla filled the glass with each sip, with a long satisfying finish to boot. Very Nice! I imagine this will age well into the next decade. If you can afford it, go out and get some today!
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2002 Paloma
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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RATED: 08/06/2004 |
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| 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.
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1996 Paloma
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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RATED: 10/31/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Violet.
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| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Raspberry. Floral. Violets.
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| FLAVOR: |
Dark Fruits. Red Fruits. Blackberry. Black Currant.
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PROFILE: |
Complex.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Extracted
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| 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.
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2001 Corte Riva
Merlot
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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ALCOHOL: 14.6%
RATED: 11/12/2004 |
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| 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.
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2002 Corte Riva
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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ALCOHOL: 15.2%
RATED: 11/13/2004 |
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| 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?
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2001 Pride
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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RATED: 05/22/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Opaque Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Oak. Blackberry. Coffee.
intense.
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| FLAVOR: |
Vanilla. Blueberry. Blackberry. Chocolate. Black Currant.
concentrated.
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PROFILE: |
Complex.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Extracted
Body.
Heavy
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Best California cab I have ever had!!!. Wish I had more!!!.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: zinfanman
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| PRICE: $70 |
| DRINK:
In 1-3 years |
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1989 Chateau Leoville Las Cases
(France / Bordeaux / St-Julien)
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RATED: 12/10/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Brick Red.
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| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Nutty. Mineral. Violets. Earthy. Truffles. Rose Petals.
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| FLAVOR: |
Dark Fruits. Nutty. Mineral. Violets. Earthy. Truffles. Rose Petals.
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PROFILE: |
Balanced. Complex.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Beautiful brick red color with no apparent clearing towards the rim. An amazing un-restrained nose of multi layers of sweet black fruit with delicate perfumed aromas of forest fruit and earthy elements. Very concentrated and focus yet never losing its elegance. The wine is well balanced by good acidity and silky tannins add structure to this piece of beauty. With 15 years of aging shreding all possible hard corners, this bordeaux is totally delicious and a great pleasure to drink now.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
Now |
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2001 Clos Du Bois
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Briarcrest
(USA / California / Sonoma / Alexander Valley)
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ALCOHOL: 14.3%
RATED: 12/23/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Brick Red.
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| AROMA: |
Tobacco. Black Currant. Jam. Olive.
red currant, lavander.
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| FLAVOR: |
Strawberry. Blackberry. Chocolate. Black Currant.
lavander.
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PROFILE: |
Balanced.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Very balanced, lots of Alexander Valley piquant character when it warms, but also excellent while at cellar temperature.
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: bramblez
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| DRINK:
In 1-3 years |
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1997 Chateau Montelena
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Estate
(USA / California / Napa)
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ALCOHOL: 13.5%
CASES: 12,000
RATED: 02/04/2005 |
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| COLOR: |
Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Woody. Oak. Blackberry.
French Oak : Forest Floor : Roots.
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| FLAVOR: |
Lychee. Oak. Cedar. Blackberry. Black Currant.
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PROFILE: |
Tart.
Alcoholic
Mouthfeel.
Moderate Heavy
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
A wonderful wine. Montelena's estate cab from the 1997 uber vintage exceeds HIGH expectations. In the decanter, the wine has a dark and inky purple appearance with high viscosity. Its aroma is a triumph with an omnipresence of oak, cedar, and dark fruit. Closer examination of the bouquet picks up notes of a damp forest floor and the inside of the used French oak of barrel. This nose is extraordinary.
In the mouth, an equally wonderful experience awaits. The wine is complex and balanced. The tip of the tongue detects a hint of tart fruit. On the palate, the fruit rapidly evolves into a firm and astringent cab with lots of oak and cedar. The finish reveals cellar-softened tannins and a clean astringent mouthful.
Buy this wine and cherish it!
Score breakdown: Color: 5/5, Aroma: 14/15, Flavor: 18/20, Quality: 9/10
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1989 Gaja
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Sperss
(Italy / Northwest / Piedmont / Barolo)
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RATED: 02/10/2005 |
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| COLOR: |
Red Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Vanilla. Prune. Spice.
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| FLAVOR: |
Vanilla. Plum. Prune. Coffee. Spice.
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PROFILE: |
Balanced.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Voluminous
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Loads of concentration, acidity is smooth and has a very exotic nose. Magnificent wine
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| SCORE: 96
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| BY: Tremaine
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| PRICE: $300 |
| DRINK:
In 1-3 years |
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2004 Fanucchi
- Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard
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Trousseau Gris (100% varietal)
(USA / California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley)
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ALCOHOL: 14.2%
CASES: 598
RATED: 02/06/2007 |
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| COLOR: |
Clear Yellow.
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| AROMA: |
Light Fruits. Pear. Citrus. Grape. Melon. Banana. Peach. Fig. Spice. Cinnamon. Floral. Clove.
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| FLAVOR: |
Light Fruits. Pear. Citrus. Grape. Pineapple. Melon.
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PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Balanced.
Effervescent Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
This RARE wine "Trousseau Gris" (a rare Vinifera Varital)will blow the socks off your "mixed-company" guests! Those who "only drink red" will be pleasantly intrigued with this complex wine. It is full of rich Fruit Character (Nose, Body, & Flavor!) No ML or Oak Just pure, honest,Trousseau Gris! Those who 'prefer' white will be refreshed to savor one with good body from it's natural fruit it's not thin like many Pinot Gris are, & doesn't need Oak & Butter to prop it up. It's cold fermentation occasionally leaves a little effervescence (which actually allows it to age a few years if you forget a bottle or 2 @ the bottom of your cool closet), but upon opening it hits you with Peaches, & the nose keeps giving off a plethora of floral notes. The mouth is rich & full with a balanced amount of spice but very refreshing. A fun Year-round sipping wine & great meal time refreshment that can please ALL!
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1999 Yves Guenard
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Fragance
(France / Loire Valley / Anjour-Saumur / Coteaux du Layon)
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RATED: 03/10/2008 |
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| COLOR: |
Golden.
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| AROMA: |
Raisin. Prune. Honey. Fig. Jam.
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| FLAVOR: |
Raisin. Prune. Fig. Jam.
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PROFILE: |
Sweet.
Balanced.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Voluminous
Body.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Touch of lively attack, well balanced evolution between sweetness, richness and freshness. Nice sweet wine.
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2001 Neal Family
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa)
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ALCOHOL: 15.2%
RATED: 04/25/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Violet.
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| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Chocolate. Black Currant.
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| FLAVOR: |
Dark Fruits. Tobacco. Oak. Chocolate. Blackberry. Black Currant.
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PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Rich Voluminous Full Bodied
Body.
Heavy
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Wow! The 2001 Neal sets THE benchmark for all new Napa wineries. The color of this wine is a deep, reddish-purple. With sufficient decanting (try 4 hrs), perfumes of chocolate, cassis and blackberry leap from the glass. On the palate, the wine teases with opulent dark fruits, tobacco and more chocolate. These flavors eventually give way to a multi-dimensional and harmoniously tannic backbone. Rich, layered and complex this wine is moist and chewy. The finish goes on and on.... A must buy.
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| SCORE: 95
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| BY: iheidt
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| PRICE: $45 |
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
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Displaying [151-175] of 1000
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