Black Velvet

Robert Biale Vineyards

Black Chicken Napa Valley Zinfandel 2022

2022 vintage. A bit lighter than remembered but still delicious. Rose petals, cherry, touch of dust/earth, white chocolate. 10.16.24. — a month ago

Ron, Bob and 10 others liked this

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

First time with this wine. PnP and probably could have used a decant. Great weight. Lots of black olive, herbs. Good but missing something (touch of acidity?) to make it great — 2 days ago

Ira, Jan and 7 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2006

Double decanted two nights before service. The 2006 pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of desiccated fruit and funky umami notes: bruised and desiccated strawberry, red rope licorice, nori, Cherry Dr. Pepper, cracked black pepper and leather. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is forever long and saline; it just hangs around forever. Initially, this came across as bit backward but it really gained power and character the more time it spent in the glass. Drink now with patience and through 2036. — 2 days ago

Bob, Tom and 14 others liked this

Charles Smith

The Velvet Devil Washington State Merlot

Beautiful and very well rounded. Less sweet than I usually like but still so tasty. Very full on the nose- hints of flush red fruit. Nice acidity and tannin balance. — 25 days ago

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2003

Cocoa, leather, black fruit; surprisingly bright with soft tannins. Great to drink with our best friends and a 32 oz. Bone in prime rib. — 18 days ago

Vino, Joe and 4 others liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

Served alongside beef short rib, xo sauce, pickled mustard seed, cumin stir-fried asparagus. Yes, the 2003 Dominus is big. However, it is also balanced and showing classic Napa typicity with beautifully ripe and some slightly wizened black and red fruit, tobacco, cocoa, some purple flowers and baking spices. I found this to be quite balanced after all the air it saw. Wonderful structure for continued aging as well. Drink now through 2043. — 10 days ago

Ira, Jan and 18 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

Youthful that you can approach now showing black fruits, currant, savory spice, licorice, menthol & tobacco — 4 days ago

Tom, Lyle and 10 others liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Black fruits showing currant, berry with sweet, savory spice, earth, cedar, leather & wet tobacco — 17 days ago

Tom, Juan and 9 others liked this

Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

Pf ample aroma spices black currant and fruits. gentle tannin ok to drink. Leoville Poyfeir 20 @20305, sommelier, 241103 — 9 days ago

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001

The 2001 Opus One is a masterful blend that truly embodies the elegance and structure of Napa Valley wines. The deep ruby color is immediately captivating, and the nose opens with rich aromas of black currant, dark cherries, and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, it delivers an impeccably balanced experience, with layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and a touch of dark chocolate, all interwoven with earthy undertones and a refined minerality. — a month ago

Michael Cammarata
with Michael
Bob, Rob and 8 others liked this