Regional Sales Manager for Messina Hof winery.. Living and drinking in Houston Texas.
Light bright red berry fruit with elegant floral notes. — 10 years ago
Rich with a deep golden hue. This is in its last few years, but still has life. Enjoyed with seafood (warm octopus potato salad and roasted cauliflower with béchamel.) the acidity held up nicely but this is not trying to be a young fresh wine. Enjoy it for its complexity and character. — 10 years ago
James Brown in a glass .. Funk funk funk.. Typical NZ austerity and concentration. A really distinct and enjoyable wine!
— 10 years ago
Gary had this 10 years ago
Concentrated honeyed tree fruits.. Apple pear and a pleasant oxidized raw honey. — 10 years ago
Gary had this 10 years ago
Surprisingly young fresh and vibrant, tart cranberry, red cherry and red raspberry dominated the palate with touches of the vanilla and cola to compliment. A beautiful Russian River Pinot in the typical Russian River style. — 10 years ago
Complex earthy minerality played a big part of the flavor profile. Deep garnet in color with substantial oak and brambly black and red berries on the palate. — 10 years ago
Solid Volnay style .. Tough year and it shows. Muted fruit and limited depth. The 97' showed mature red/black raspberry but a limited finish. Hoped for more, I think it may just be past it's prime. — 10 years ago
Gary Lapuyade
An iconic California Cab. 2006 maybe isn't a vintage that will keep forever, but today it is showing pretty darn well. Their use or "over use" of Oak is the one aspect that could be toned down. I think this wine has a pretty distinct dark berry fruit profile with near perfect tannin structure and there really was no need to distract from that. I definitely recommend you think short ribs or something with high levels of lipids to pair with it's classic Cabernet style. — 10 years ago