Domaine Philemon
Croix d'Azal Gaillac Braucol 2014
Strong earthy nose when opened, which quickly dissipates. Unusual profile - minty, almost plastic notes, berries too. Extremely smooth on the palate, almost too smooth. Well made, easy to drink. — 20 days ago
Meerlust
Meerlust Red Blend 2014
Really stylish South African bordeaux blend. Good nose with earth and fruit, some vegetal notes; great balance on the palate. A steal at $17. — a month ago
Gianni Brunelli
Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese 2015
In Trequanda with family - got this in Montalcino. Medium weight, raspberries and plum on palate. Well balanced - tart and bright, but with good fruit. — a month ago
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Black Label Diamond Collection Claret California Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
I keep wanting to like these Coppola offerings, but I find them completely uninteresting wines crafted to be as inoffensive as possible. This wine is not bad. It's correct, and nothing more. — 11 days ago
Sean Thackrey
Pleiades XXII Old Vines California Red Blend
Nice blend. Mint, herbs, berries, hard candy on the nose. Medium weight on palate, with bright zingy flavors. Really nice warm weather red. The viognier comes through. — 24 days ago
Eclisse
Orcia DOC Rosso 2011
At La Porta in Montichiello with family. An excellent blend from the Val d' Orcia - sangiovese, merlot, syrah (I think). Recommendation by the house, though they neglected to mention that it's the owner's vineyard ... — a month ago
Château Musar
Bekaa Valley Red Blend 1999
Wow. A little closed to start, but after 15 minutes it opens up into a phenomenal bottle. Notes of overripe berries, orange peels, dried flowers and rust. Heavy on the palate, with lasting fruit and good tannins. A 1999, has at least 10 years left. Opened with Dena and Dan; Dana got me the bottle to celebrate nomination. — 13 days ago
Mollydooker
The Maitre D Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
If you want cabernet extracted nearly beyond recognition, drink this. Nose heavy and oddly closed for this kind of wine. Deep black fruit and cinnamon notes. Viscous on palate, nearly syrupy, with some interesting berry and floral flavors, at least until you get bashed over the head with the 15.5% ABV. I can do all this with a shiraz from BJs for half the price.
Sorry - I'm not getting the cult here. Their cheapest bottling (The Boxer) still the best. — a month ago
Prunotto
Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2014
Classic barbaresco. Bright nose with raspberry and lemon. Mid-weight on palate. Fresh and juicy. At Mamma Gina's in Florence. — a month ago
AEL
Raisiny and metallic on the nose, with raspberry notes. Sharp on the palate. Almost like a ripasso. — a day ago