Had one more of these in the cellar and decided to see what a few more years in the bottle did to this 50/50 cab/mourvedre blend. NOT disappointed. Definitely has gotten a lot softer, but the fruit is still very much there with persistent (albeit diminished) tannins. Could easily go a few more years but is pretty good right now. Well done, Cris! — a month ago

with Vanessa

Jan, Shay and 5 others liked this

Château Margaux

Pavillon Rouge Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Jim McCusker

9.1

Classic Bordeaux…and pretty impressive for a 25+ year old wine! — 2 months ago

with Vanessa

Eric, Ira and 7 others liked this

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Co-operation Ale

Jim McCusker

9.4

Fantastic new sour from Jolly Pumpkin (new for me, anyway). This is a collaboration between JP and Baston Brewery, it’s a blend of JP’s La Roja and Baston’s Nectar Des Dieux Triple. Super complex with layers of molasses, brown sugar, chocolate, but also the acidity of La Roja. One of the most interesting JPs I’ve had in a while. — 3 months ago

with Vanessa

Eric, Paul and 4 others liked this

Bart Bartlett

This is one of the best J.P. beers I've had. Excellent collaborative effort!

Jim McCusker

@Bart Bartlett Agreed!

Paix Sur Terre

Maison Mason Vineyard Ugni Blanc

Jim McCusker

9.7

The new vintage of Ryan Pease’s flagship white, this is off-scale good. Anthony Yount of Denner/Kinero/Royal Nonesuch told me he thinks Ryan’s ugni blanc is one of if not the best white in Paso…and I’m inclined to agree. Just fantastic! — a month ago

with Vanessa

Shay, Eric and 3 others liked this

Shay A

Quite the compliment. Can it be purchased online? I’ve enjoyed Kinero’s Grenache Blanc.

Shay A

And what is the profile like? Big/rich, or more bright and higher in acidity? I normally love Rhône whites.

Jim McCusker

@Shay A, not sure if you can buy it direct absent being a club member, but the ugni blanc usually sells out from the winery pretty quickly. He also makes a terrific grenache blanc and picpoul blanc. All three are more Alsacian in style rather than Rhone.

Giovanni Dri

Il Roncat Rosso del Monte dei Carpini Schioppettino

Jim McCusker

9.0

Terrific! — 3 months ago

Eric, Paul and 4 others liked this

Jim McCusker

The restaurant was Drago Centro in downtown LA. Fantastic place!

Fattoria Rodáno

Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2018

Jim McCusker

9.0

Yep, it was Italian Night at our house. This Chianti Classico went perfectly with ravioli stuffed with fire-roasted tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and basil with a home-made roasted tomato sauce complete with sauteed ground wild boar. Awesome! — 3 months ago

with Vanessa