Blood Moon

Beta Wine

Montecillo Vineyard Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Opened and poured into a decanter about five hours prior to dinner. Once poured, this was enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2018 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fantastic, winsome notes of black currants, blackberries, Serrano peppers, tobacco, purple Flintstones vitamins, dried herbs, rocky earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and sanguine; laden with ferrous minerals.

The nose alone is sensational but it needs a pile of air to fully appreciate and the monumental structure almost demands it. A wine with a very long life yet ahead. Drink now with an extended decant and through 2058+.
— 17 days ago

Somm, Scott@Mister and 6 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Chaillot Cornas Syrah 2012

Shay A
9.5

Opened for a buddy’s birthday, alongside a 2005 Tatty Comtes, 2015 Cristal, 2018 Realm Falstaff and 2023 Kobayashi M/R.

I still remember my first Allemand seven years ago and how it immediately reeled me in and every bottle since has been the exact same. The rusticity and feral nature of Cornas is why for me, as a Syrah fanboy, it’s the best and most pure region for this wonderful grape.

Removed cork about an hour before pouring. Initial notes of olive, black pepper spice and herbs, some smoked meat and a brief blood-orange citrus aromatic. Deep red/black in the glass. There’s a layer of brett (low level, adds to the intrigue, doesn’t detract) and lavender bouquet before peppered strip, herbs, raspberries and blackberries, and a sanguine tang hit the palate. Not sure of whole cluster use here but seems there’s a little bit (which I love). Wild but civilized. Medium-plus bodied with beautiful acidity and plenty of tannin for this to cruise years. On the early side, but these are so hard to resist in every phase.

I wish I could drink this every day. I need to find a wine of similar style at a better price point.
— 5 months ago

David, Paul and 22 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Sounds fantastic!!

Imada Shuzo

Moon on the Water Fukucho Junmai Ginjo Sake

Fruity bright. Made in a daiquiri like cocktail. — 2 years ago

Karina Wong
with Karina

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1990

And then this happened. Oh my days! Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1990 pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of powerful ripe and desiccated brambles, dried purple flowers, beef blood, leather and mushrooms and earth. On the palate, the wine is dry and structure is still going strong with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, to quote “Squints”, the finish goes on, FOR-EV-ER. A monument. Drink now through 2040. — 2 months ago

Tom, Peter and 12 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Nice treat.
Jay Kline

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@Shay A yeah man…this slapped. I’ve had the good fortune of drinking the ‘88 and ‘89 rouge and all three very special…but the ‘90 takes it to a new place
Jay Kline

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@Peter Sultan @Somm David T I still can hardly believe it.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Bright cherry and blueberry up front. Long smooth finish with a little spice — 7 months ago

Egervin

Egri Bikavér Bulls Blood 2022

“Tastes good to me!” - Jack Cole, Sideways

Also pairs excellently with pierogies.
— 5 months ago

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rosé Blend 2019

Glowing salmon rose gold. Smells like sour peachy-O's and blood orange. Still very full of life, equal parts cream and acid, fruity with herbs on the periphery.

Consistently wonderfully predictable.
— 7 months ago

Paul, ESF and 9 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2011

This was open, ready to go with an amazing perfumed nose displaying an elegant, silky mouthfeel. Notes of blood, iron, black olive tapenade, graphite, licorice, savory spice & black cherry, berry fruit. — 2 years ago

Shay, Ira and 11 others liked this