Bender

Favia

Quarzo Amador Syrah 2008

Shay A
9.4

It’s fitting that my 2,500th wine entry is not only a gorgeous wine, but it’s a wine that was gifted to me by my good friend @Bill Bender . The people I have met, and the people I get to share wine with often, are what make wine such a beautiful experience. Kudos to the @Delectable Wine team for this knowledgeable and wine loving community.

I’m big fan of these wines. Lots of character and beautifully crafted. This wine is no different. At 11-12 years old, this is still on the upslope (though I think it will be there soon). I opened this yesterday with no decant and was greeted by lots of sweet, dark fruit coated in dark chocolate shavings. A condensed and powerful core of dusty currants and plums with some herbs. On day two, this hit full stride...added notes of espresso, savory peppercorns with floral potpourri on a seamless and integrated palate. The fruit is so incredibly pure and juicy without being overly sweet or candied! Delicious.
— 4 years ago

Eric, P and 46 others liked this
Severn Goodwin

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@Shay A Congrats on 2500, I'm sneaking up on 2000 myself.
Mike R

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@Shay A @Bill Bender get a room you two please for the love of God please 😂

Ferren Wines

Frei Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015

Ron R
9.4

An Xmas gift from a close friend @Bill Bender - thank you so much, Bill.
The nose is bright and boisterous, which oozes red currants and cinnamon. On the palate, this presents just like a contemporary burg. Light on its feet. Soft, round tannins with a lovely interplay of relaxed acid. Finishes with delicacy and elegance.
We are really looking forward to securing a 2019 allocation from the winery.
— 5 years ago

Daniel, Jason and 36 others liked this
Shay A

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Very nice, Ron. I’ve got a couple but never tried them. Love the winemaker. Glad to hear you think it’s a winner.
Ron R

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@Shay A, this is a model of restraint and balance. The chard is stylistically very similar.. Loving this...
David T

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Beautiful producer of new world Pinot.

Château Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

Mike R
9.7

@David L and @Bill Bender - man we were drinking like kings - thank God weddings are once in a lifetime — 2 years ago

David LBill Bender
with David and Bill
Mike, David and 58 others liked this
Bill Bender

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Absolutely phenomenal wine
David L

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Everything you could’ve dreamt about. It was that good! 
9.7

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1991

Finest Cab on a night of great Winter Reds. Truly an embarrassment of riches. Many thanks @Bill Bender — 5 years ago

Mark, Shay and 12 others liked this
Bill Bender

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Always a treat to tip glasses with you @Michael Meyer

Paul Lato

"Seabiscuit" Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Shay A
9.5

WNH event number 3...new world Pinot. Such a treat to experience the many different variations of Pinot!

Another surprise of the night for me. I’ve only had their Syrahs before. Lots of crushed potpourri and underripe red fruit on the nose with a darker palate of violets, black cherry and plum. I need to get some of these. Awesome bottle,
@Bill Bender .
— 5 years ago

Mike RDavid LJoe Lucca
with Mike, David and 5 others
Mike, David and 30 others liked this
David L

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Incredible juice!
9.6
Bill Bender

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Who knew the Polish could make such kick ass wine?
9.5

Château Gruaud Larose

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1966

All these from the 1966 vintage. The magnum of Bordeaux in perfect condition. The humans, not so much. With my good friend @Bill Bender — 2 years ago

Juan, Eric and 7 others liked this

Aston Estate

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015

Ron R
9.4

The label was soiled when I received the order. I was immediately concerned regarding the contents. Happily, the wine was in pristine nick. Forest floor and cinnamon nose transitioned to the signature gnarly, textured dark fruit, smoke, and spice box presentation. I’m going to hold some of these Astons and see what happens. Intro’d to this by @Bill Bender, this has become my fave Cali pinot. Every vintage comes correct. — 3 years ago

Brian, Dawn and 42 others liked this
Dawn E.

Dawn E.

@Ron R vintage please sir! 🤔
Ron R

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@Jody Scharf is gangster. He wants to do it on the forest floor! @Dawn E. 2015. I just ordered more from the winery. Sign up, they have the 15 and 16 available.

Penfolds

Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

@Bill Bender recognizes the goods when he sees them. This wine was every thing you’d want from an mature elite Syrah. Very fresh, alive, savory, and powerful. For the record, I said “wine”. 😉 — 5 years ago

Shay, Anthony and 10 others liked this
Mike R

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Bill and wine - prefect - on the other matter he is a knowledgeable judge of talent