Chop Shop

Dominus Estate

Napanook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2014

Somm David T
9.2

Best valve at the duty free shop. This over the 2013 Altagracia that was twice the price.

While this is showing some nice evolution, if I had others, I would wait another 3-5 yrs…I’m leaning 5 yrs as this still has some astringency and has earthy dominance.

The nose reveals wild, dusty blackberries, black currants, black cherries, poached & backed strawberries, some slightly, stewy plums, leathery, dry tobacco, graphite, loamy earth, subtle baking spices, dark spices that show intensity and yet some restraint, dark chocolate baking bar, dry herbs, withering to dry dark flowers and floral violets.

The fruits are ripe but have a dusty coating. Wild blackberries, black currants, black cherries, poached & backed strawberries, black plum skin, plums, notes of boysenberries as it lingers, leathery, dry tobacco, oak barrel to cedar, string graphite, loamy earth, subtle baking spices, soft caramel chews, dark spices, dark chocolate baking bar, dry herbs, sage brush, withering to dry dark flowers and floral violets, good acidity, well made for a selection second, the balance isn’t quite there and still shows big structure/tension, dry, powdery M+ tannins that finishes with dry earth tones and ripe fruits over the top and lasts nearly 90 seconds.

If you have this vintage, it is a hold for another 5 yrs and has 15 yrs ahead.
— 4 days ago

Ceccherini, Bob and 14 others liked this
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

Bring me the Altagracia
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Not at $205. You’d be out too!
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

Ouch!

Danilo Thomain

Enfer D'Arvier Petit Rouge 2021

Some wine shop described as “blackberry, liquorice, smoke, mint”. Usually find these descriptions BS but this one seemed about right. Really enjoyed this with fatty brisket braised with Mexican flavors. Yum. — 2 years ago

Andrew and Adriana liked this

Château Gruaud Larose

Sarget de Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1999

Needs a couple hours of air & a few oz of 🥩
K&L notes as follows,

We sell a lot of this favorite second wine and the 1999 is quite elegant, with intense concentration and complexity. Plus, it is drinking well now. This estate is one of K&L’s veteran Bordeaux expert Ralph Sands’ favorites. I just tasted (July 7) another bottle from this recent shipment. Wonderful Bordeaux to drink tonight with a lamb chop. Some smoky aromas with cola and red fruit undertones. Typical, elegant 1999 Bordeaux with a sweet middle palate and smooth finish.
Drink from 2016 to 2024
— 4 years ago

Ellen, Casey and 19 others liked this
Rob Brobst III

Rob Brobst III Influencer Badge

@Paul T- Huntington Beach did know they had a second label.
Rob Brobst III

Rob Brobst III Influencer Badge

Didn’t know….

Long Shadows Vintners

Poet's Leap Columbia Valley Riesling 2023

Somm David T
9.2

My two-day Pork Chop marinade. I have found the Long Shadows Poet Leap to be the perfect pairing.

Here is the recipe. Try it sometime.

4-6 thick cut bone-in pork chops

- 1 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of Tamari soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 scallions chopped
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of Lee Kim Kee brand chili sauce
-1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger finely chopped (I triple this)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic finely chopped (again.
I double this)
- 3/4 cup of cilantro finely chopped (no stems)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
— 2 months ago

Norman, Shay and 10 others liked this
Norman

Norman Premium Badge

Next level review. Can’t wait to try them both

Caprili

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2018

Really a lovely brunello. In a perfect place. The fruit is quite expressive and gives a lot. Tannins are certainly there but balanced with great acidity on the finish. Nice suggestion from the bartender at I sodi paired with a pork chop and lamb/mushroom pasta. — a year ago

Neil, Ira and 2 others liked this

Ceritas

Old Shop Block Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Notable from the first nose. Super fresh, then come the strawberry and cola. Fruit coming to life as it opens, mid/light body on palette. Best bottle of Ceritas I’ve opened. — 2 years ago

Brandon liked this

Château de Roquefort

Corail Côtes de Provence Grenache Rosé Blend

V
9.1

Purchased at the breck cheese shop — 2 months ago

Château Yvonne

Saumur Champigny Cabernet Franc 2020

Great find at a little wine shop in Colorado Springs — 9 months ago

Ira liked this

Chocolate Shop

Chocolate

Very good, not too sweet — 2 years ago

Valdespino

Manzanilla Deliciosa En Rama Saca de Primavera Palomino Fino 2020

Great new natty bar & shop in Cambridge. 🌰 🥜 — 4 years ago

Eric, Andrew and 3 others liked this