Jim McCusker

9.3

Wow. Was kind of expecting this to be a bit further down the hill, but what a great surprise. Definitely in the “drink now” category, this is an absolutely classic example of what Duckhorn has done so well over the years: making interesting, layered, terrific merlots. No doubt due in part to attention to detail (check out that 15-year-old cork!), this wine has a degree of liveliness on the palate that I never expected given this wine’s age (and after an hour this is still going strong). I haven’t had a Duckhorn wine from a vintage more recent than a decade ago, but if they’re still making wine like this...wow. — 4 days ago

with Vanessa

Jim McCusker

9.3

Terrific wine from Maggie Harrison at Antica Terra. Absolutely classic Oregon pinot nose (which for me is a combination of cool climate pinot aromas coupled with a great earthiness - a hypothetical hybrid between a Central Coast pinot with a Premier Cru burgundy). Has integrated beautifully in the 2-3 years since we last tried it, confirming for me the notion that top-flight Oregon pinots need a few years in the cellar for them to really shine. The ample (but not overwhelming) acidity coupled with the subdued sweetness on the palate paired beautifully with the roasted butternut squash pasta we enjoyed from Chef James at Dusty’s. Great balance through a lingering but lively finish, this wine has several years of evolution left. Way to go, Maggie! — 6 days ago

with Vanessa

Jim McCusker

9.0

Really interesting chard. You can taste the age on it - not sure this has a lot of years left - but it's really drinking well. Nice secondary flavors, great balance, and incredibly well-integrated oak. Very cool. — 13 days ago

Jim McCusker

9.7

I have no idea where the 9.0 “pro” rating is coming from, because this is fantastic. The nose is a bit closed at first, but once it opens up a bit there are great aromas of lemon peel, honey, and white flowers. Medoim-plus bodied with a spectacular mouthfeel - utterly unctuous across the mid-palate - with a great viscosity that just envelops your entire mouth. As with all of Manfred’s wines, the balance is impeccable and seamless through a long, lingering finish. The contrast between this and Resiste (the 2013 incarnation of his roussanne-driven white) is incredible: that one is still really backwards, but this one is going to be one of those wines that’s going to be great if you open it now, 5, or 10 years from now. Awesome. — 4 days ago

with Vanessa

Jim McCusker

9.4

Fantastic sour from Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids. Neither the habanero nor the mango components dominate, but you can smell and taste both of them (so, awesome balance!). Just sour enough to keep it alive. Just a terrific beer across the board. — 11 days ago

with Vanessa

Jim McCusker

8.9

A little better than the ratings suggest, I think this is better due to the age. Difficult to pick out the different components, but I think this has some interesting layers to it. Would have been better with a bit more grenache blanc for my tastes, but a nice wine (absolutely terrible pairing with some terrific scallops, though!). — 13 days ago

Jim McCusker

9.2

Really enjoyable wine from Cris Cherry at Villa Creek. This older version of Onda is actually an equal blend of grenache, tempranillo, and syrah, and is drinking very well given its age. The nose is terrific, but I can’t pinpoint any specific aromatics beyond blue and black fruits. Great balance and persistence through a nice, lingering finish. I was going to say that this should probably be drunk sooner rather than later...but it’s still terrific after more than an hour in the glass. Good stuff! — 5 days ago

with Vanessa

Jim McCusker

9.6

This is actually the Spontanfigs, a sour brewed with figs and aged in oak barrels. Great elegant funk on the nose, impressive flavors of dried figs, hints of dried currants, and terrific balance. Lingering finish. One of the best Mikkeller beers I've ever had. — 11 days ago

with Vanessa

Jim McCusker

8.9

Not Ryan's best effort, but my guess this is WAY too young. Will revist this in a few years... — 13 days ago

Jim McCusker

9.3

Terrific nebbiolo from Palmina. Nice pale garnet color, nose of dried strawberries and a hint of earth. Medium-bodied palate with great acidity and nice balance. Absolutely perfect with the pesto tortellini and Vanessa's awesome homemade pasta sauce. Italian night scores again! — 17 days ago

with Vanessa