Cathrine Todd

9.0

 100% Vermentino from the oldest vineyards of Argiolas. Vermentino is another variety that has enjoyed a long history in Sardinia, but like Cannonau, the origin of Vermentino is still a mystery. This variety does best on poorly fertile soils and it has a good tolerance for the salty Mediterranean winds. This Sardinian Vermentino really shows a sensational saline minerality that no other Vermentino winemaking area can replicate, with lemon zest and marked acidity while maintaining good flesh on the body. Its salty, stony finishing note is really out of this world. — 8 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.6

Great experience tasting the lineup of wines with new Chief Winemaker, Felipe Stahlschmidt, many gems to talk about but I'll focus on 2013 Magdalena (80% Malbec & 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) 100% French oak. Only 300 cases. This wine incorporates Paul Hobbs' (consultant for Pascual Toso) best 23 Oak Barrel selection of Malbec and is considered "his baby". Nuanced raspberry and blueberry fruit with smoky espresso and dark chocolate notes that are held together with dignified tannins w/ a prodigious finish :-) — 9 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.2

One of my favorite producers, Anne Gros. This 2001 Clos Vougeot was singing with cardamom, dried thyme but overall it sings of pristine red cherry and raspberry fruit that is intense yet focused. — 9 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.3

This wine had a youthful sweetness with blackcurrant jam, cinnamon and plush tannins that Kevin Zraly and some others said was more in their style of preference with more fruit…. but he was quick to note that it is all personal taste. I like to have a wine throughout its life, if given the opportunity, and that is why verticals are so much fun! I will take the sweet and the savory stages and everything in between. — 8 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.0

This 2014 Matthiasson white blend is around 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Ribolla Gialla, 20% Semillon, and 5% Tocai Friulano shows the great potential for white blends in Napa Valley. A decadent white with rich tropical fruit, honeyed covered apples and wild flowers with bright acidity that invites one for another glass.  — 8 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.0

Restrained nose with notes of citrus, hint of honey and mainly minerality. Rich body that seems it is holding a lot more back and so may reveal more with more time. — 9 years ago

Cathrine Todd

10

It doesn't get any better! The 1990 Cheval Blanc was singing when we had it on Sat night. It was rich yet ethereal, which one would assume that these two descriptors cannot coexist in a wine. It had an intoxicating nose of flowers, sandalwood and sweet tobacco with well integrated tannins. A perfect balance of still existing intense lush fruit with a great energy and overall refined quality. — 9 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.3

This outstanding wine is a great homage to the visionary Robert Mondavi with its polished tannins, well-integrated oak and it incrementally increase in flavors on the palate that finishes with a lifted, pristine breath-taking finish. But it will need time! — 8 years ago

Cathrine Todd

8.9

1974 Charles Krug from Napa Valley had a gorgeous silky smooth texture with earthy aromas of dried leaves, forest floor and sweet tobacco. History in a glass! — 8 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.4

Trying my "portable" lightsaber which will make it possible for me to continue to be a Jedi even when I travel. Also, tasting a wonderful 100% Sangiovese "supertuscan" - 2006 Felsina Fontalloro which shows the glory of this beautiful variety. An enticing nose with roasted coffee and sauteed herb notes which take my breath away. The palate is fleshy enough to give satisfaction but holds back making you want to drink more...all the while having a pure black cherry flavor roll around in one's head. Those "tease" wines always get me. — 9 years ago