30 Degrees

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997

Earthy and not giving away much initially, was worried after 20 mins. By 30 it blossomed, full on cassis and vanilla tannins, undergrowth. Dark red fruit, Rutherford dust. Notwithstanding a Bordeaux vibe there was no mistaking this for anything but a high-end Napa cab. Awesome one at that. I wouldn’t wait much longer… — 5 hours ago

Ira, ESF and 6 others liked this

Chappellet

Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

2021 vintage. Last tasted 4.3.24 (9.4). Medium/medium-heavy body. Über-dark color. Some good graphite and went through the motions but approx 10 degrees too warm. Critical structure in absentia due to said warmth. Still pretty nice. 7.23.24. — 3 months ago

Jan, Ted and 13 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

2000 vintage. Never a fave L-B vintage as it has always seemed a little too much sizzle and not enuff steak. FF two decades and said wine is drinking more like a Napa cab vs a BDX. Chunky and in a state of transition (discombobulated) but still medium-heavy body after two+ decades. The 2005 is more affordable and drinking better, imho, currently. Will this effort will ever round into form for dedicated L-B fans going back to the 1985 vintage? Not tasting it. Storybook fill and cork. Decanted and tasted immediately, after 30 mins and after two hours. Aggressive sed. 7.3.24. — 4 months ago

Ted, Andrew and 18 others liked this

Bodegas El Nido

El Nido Jumilla Cabernet Sauvignon Monastrell 2021

Delectable Wine
9.2

The 2021 El Nido is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell from Jumilla. Aged for 22 months in American and French oak barrels, this garnet-red wine offers forward aromas, with prominent oak followed by notes of tomato leaf and ripe black fruit. Big and rich, the palate is bold and substantial, finishing with ripe fruit flavors. Despite all that ripeness, there are some slightly green notes here. The 2021 is a carefully crafted red that’s both savory and stylish. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, September 2024)
— 2 months ago

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1985

No problems noted despite the age. Very good, but not outstanding. The nose was great at about 30 minutes-1 hour in the glass. The nose seemed to fade over the evening, but still very nice. Acidity is notable. Earthy flavors, tobacco, dried fruit. Great experience trying a 41 year old vintage! — 2 months ago

Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Strong nose with blue and red fruits.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate and easy drinking.

Showing raspberries, blueberries, black plums, cooked cherries, spices, light oak, licorice, tobacco, herbs, light earth, dried tomatoes, chocolates and black pepper.

Medium plus in finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This Gran Reserva from Rioja is always a good choice. Showing nice complexity with a smooth mouthfeel.

Rich and elegant with good balance.

Drinks very young right now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

Needs an hour to open up, but good right out of the bottle too.

I've had many different vintages of this wine, and it always delivers. My favorite so far was the 2004.

14% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$30.
— 5 months ago

Douglas, Ted and 17 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

Nice. 2004 was excellent in Rioja.

Bodegas El Nido

Clio Jumilla Monastrell-Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2020

Delectable Wine
9.3

The 2020 Clio is a blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Zingla Vineyard, which was planted in 1936 in Jumilla. Aged for 22 months in French and American oak barrels, this garnet wine unfolds in the glass with ripe black fruit and dried fruit notes, layered with herbal and oaky nuances and a prominent vanilla tone. Indulgent and bold, the rich palate features a velvety, overwhelming mouthfeel. This is a ripe, concentrated red born under the Mediterranean sun. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, September 2024)
— 2 months ago

Goldeneye (Duckhorn Vineyards)

Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Wife and I cracked this bottle in honor of two friends that we lost yesterday. Strawberry, blood orange, and even light notes of cinnamon. Very good Pinot noir. Never disappointed with Duckhorn. Rest in peace Zach and Chris, hope you’re drinking all the good stuff up in heaven. — 3 months ago

Paul liked this

Beringer Vineyards

Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Lovely balanced cab from one of my favorite vineyards. It used to be my daily drinker until Beringer doubled the price. Got this one at Costco for $14 and it drinks like a classic $30 Napa Cab. Finished the last glass after bottle was open for 3 days and it was highly enjoyable! great bouquet and long aftertaste. — 4 months ago