Shay A

9.3

The winemaker from Cape Mentelle was touring through TX and stopped by Classic Wine Storage for a quick tasting.

Cool climate Cabernet from Australia. Coastal influence. This felt like a balance between left bank Bordeaux (leather, herbal) and Napa (ripe fruit). It was pretty tannic and one dimensional up front but after an hour it mellowed out and settled in to a nice Cabernet. “Only” 14ABV, which feels like a win from Australia. Plum, dark cocoa, ripe blackberry, cassis and a very “soft”/fuzzy finish that I was struggling to identify. Unique. — 4 hours ago

with Dan and Mark

Shay A

9.2

Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind.

I called this Napa merlot between 2013-2015. Similar to some of the other merlots of the night, I got a dustiness to the fruit. Nicely balanced with good acidity and tannin. Definitely more red and black fruit dominant with bay leaf and a streak of licorice down the middle. I could see this going up in score a little bit over the next couple of years. Thanks @Jack Thompson — 2 days ago

with Jack, Andrew and 3 others

Shay A

9.3

Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind.

My guess was domestic and that it was a 2013-2015. Very surprised this was French. I found it to be a very modern expression. Ripe fruits, licorice, plum, cassis, and just a faint hint of leather at last sip. I imagine its French pedigree would have shown itself more as the night went on. Really enjoyed this. — 2 days ago

with Jack, Andrew and 3 others

Shay A

9.0

The winemaker from Cape Mentelle was touring through TX and stopped by Classic Wine Storage for a quick tasting.

This was served too cold at first. It was like biting in to an underripe Granny Smith Apple. Lots of tartness with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit and melon showed up after it warmed in the glass. Finish rounded out too. — 4 hours ago

with Dan and Mark

Shay A

9.3

Hello whole cluster! Wow, this is so delicious right now. For my palate preference, I enjoy whole cluster pinots with a bit of age on them. Very floral and potpourri dominant aromatics. It’s got that streak of pepper/green stem down the middle of the palate sandwiched between underripe blackberry and sage. — 4 hours ago

with Dan and Mark

Shay A

9.4

Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind.

Probably my WOTN. I guessed Napa merlot between 2012-2014. Really benefited from being decanted as it changed quite a bit. At first, it had some leather and herbal aromatics but after a while, it turned to more dark fruit and nutmeg. Very soft and round on the palate showing mocha and baked plums. Very enjoyable, but give it a decant if popping soon. Thanks @Weston Eidson — 2 days ago

with Jack, Andrew and 3 others

Shay A

9.3

Surprise of the day! Young and powerful. Ripe fruits and baked mixed berry pie aromatics. The sweetness of the fruit falls off pretty quick but it shows savory and smoked charcoal notes with old pipe tobacco like finish. — 4 hours ago

with Dan and Mark

Shay A

9.2

This had a bit of VA to blow off at first. Lot of funk too. Old fig, graham cracker, stewed red and black fruits. A lot of plum and dates in the finish. Tannin structure was strong as was acidity. I’d enjoy these fairly soon. — 4 hours ago

with Dan and Mark

Shay A

9.3

These Walter Hansel wines are incredible buys, especially with some age. At first it was extremely reductive and not wanting to show any sort of fruit. A few hours later, it yielded some grilled lemon and papaya with sea salt. Dense on the palate with smoked honeycomb and savory like pineapple. Pop these soon! — 4 hours ago

with Mark and Dan

Shay A

9.2

Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind.

I called this 2012-2014 Napa merlot. Very balanced. Chalky tannins. Red, blue and black fruit. Aside from the Pedestal, I got more chocolate and dates here than the others. It wasn’t exuberant nor shy, just a nice “down the middle” wine. Thanks @Bill Makens — 2 days ago

with Jack, Andrew and 3 others