Central Otago

Edmond Vatan

Clos La Néore Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Thanks to 2 wine store owners that I became good friends with over the years I’ve had the opportunity to have a good stash of Vatan. For me Vatan is one of those wines that adheres to the cliche, “ there are no great wines just great bottles”. In this instance it was a great bottle. Intoxicating aromas of lychee, lime and florals. One of those wines you’re happy just to smell. There is no disappointment on the palate. Beautiful balance and texture, nothing out of place. Layers of concentrated fruit; mango, green almonds, star fruit and lemons. Ripe fruit that is fresh and managed by the wonderful acid. A finish you never want to end. The only flavor missing, which I often find in Vatan, is “spearmint”. — a day ago

Jay, Mike and 8 others liked this
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Need to try and get hold of this!
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Pinotman /// Andreas One major issue, starting in 2018 they bottle in magnum only.

Montes

Purple Angel Colchagua Valley Carménère Petit Verdot

Even at 13 years this is yet as powerful and robust as in its first years.
Loads of blackfruit and chocolate in the nose and some hints of tar.
In the mouth silky, long and a nice acidity to balance. It benefits btw from decanting as it is way better on day 2.
— 22 days ago

Eric, "Odedi" and 3 others liked this

Liquid Farm

Golden Slope Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2019

Paul J
9.8

Totally rocks!!! See last note. — a month ago

Paul, Tom and 5 others liked this

Michael David Winery

Earthquake Lodi Zinfandel 2022

KP
9.4

I would absolutely buy this one again! Especially at the $20-$25 price point.
Delicious blueberry and rhubarb pie on the nose. Silky tannins with low acidity, and a long vanilla finish with mild oak. Well balanced and very enjoyable.
— 4 days ago

J. Lohr

Seven Oaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

This wine is exactly what I think of when I think of a California cab, and this is a compliment. Dark fruit off the bat, I got blackberry and black cherry. I also think this is pretty oaky, which is hit or miss for me, but in this case it gave a night light spiciness. Had a fuller body and good structure. Tannins present but smooth. I feel like this would be a good crowd pleaser as it was good and easy drinking. I bet it would be great with some grilled meats. — 8 days ago

Domaine de la Côte

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021

Deep Ruby color with aromas of black fruits, cedar, citrus, herbs and floral spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, cranberry and blackberry with floral and sweet herb spice notes. Full-bodied, fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, slight oak, herbs and a savory earthy mineral character. Nice, will age but Decant now! — 19 days ago

Paul, Andrew and 1 other liked this

Michael David Winery

Freakshow The Strongest Man on Earth Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon

My review may not be beneficial to all because of my drinking style. I drink the bottle myself over the course of a week. With this Freakshow Cab Sauv, my review changed from the first to last glass. The first glass was strong, thin, and barely enjoyable. With subsequent glasses tasted a developing sweetness and thickness. I realize this is counter intuitive to wines normally being best when being allowed to breathe a bit after opening. Just wasn’t the case for me with this one. Rating was a 6.5 to start and a 9.5 at the end I’m grading with a curve to give it an overall 9. Will buy again based on Freakshow reputation and hope for a better early result. — 19 days ago

Austin Hope

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Jay
9.0

Had with Kim and Eddie Nick’s Delmar

Also Tawny 30 year dessert wine port
— a month ago