Contentious Character

Hester Creek

Character Red Blend 2021

2021 vintage with Debbie on May 18, 2024 — a month ago

Walter Hansel Winery

Cahill Lane Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

From 100% Wente clones that get max hang time, large and tiny berries packed together, pale lemon with subtle aromas of citrus and stone fruits. On the palate flavors of apple, lemon and lime flavors, crisp acidity, long finish ending with rich mineral character. Perfect now! — 2 months ago

Juan, Paul and 2 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2019

100% tempranillo, aged in oak for 2 years. Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, spice and herb notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with notes of oak and black pepper notes. Fine soft tannins, great balance with acidity, long finish ending with fruit, vanilla, oak and slight earthy spice character. Will age short term! — 3 months ago

Veronika, Juan and 4 others liked this

Château Talbot

Saint-Julien Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2020

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This estate owes its name to Connetable Talbot, the English general & governor of the province of Guyenne who was defeated at the famous Battle of Castillon in 1453. Deep Ruby, purple hues, with aromas of black fruits, herb, tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of plums and black currants with cacao and tobacco spice, on a well balanced frame. Fine tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy spice and cedar character. Nice! — 4 months ago

Martin, Ericsson and 12 others liked this

Domaine Coillot

La Charme aux Prêtres Marsannay Pinot Noir 2017

Established in the village of Marsannay in the 1960's by Bernard Coillot, father of owner Christophe Coillot. Deep Ruby red color with aromas of ripe berry fruit and spice. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry and blackberry with notes of fig, mushroom and spice. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. Very Nice! — 7 days ago

Tom, David and 2 others liked this

Domaine du Pegau

Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015

Oh yes…gimme all them funky cherries and all dat black licorice. There were also Ferrara Red Hots®️and a generous hit of black pepper. I simply adore Pegau; for all of its unapologetic character and authenticity. This 2015 brought the business tonight and was smashing with cassoulet, Toulouse sausage and duck confit. — 3 months ago

Eric, Severn and 13 others liked this

Domaine Drouhin

Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

Medium Ruby with aromas red fruits, black tea and ample floral spice, aged in 20% new French oak for about 10 months. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum with notes of tobacco, cedar, black pepper, tea and vanilla spice. Fine tannins, long finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with fruit, herb, spice and wet stone character. Very Nice! Aging well! — 3 months ago

Paul, Tom and 1 other liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2021

Delectable Wine
9.2

Bottled in June 2023, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ended up slightly below my initial assessment from barrel last year. Nonetheless, it presents a distinctively elegant and refreshing character that’s neatly defined by ripe black cherry, licorice, violet, strawberry and meaty traces. Round tannins neatly frame this savory and polished red that offers highly enjoyable drinking right out of the gate. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2024)
— a day ago

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1989

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — 3 months ago

Severn, Lyle and 8 others liked this

Château Calon-Ségur

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

Blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot that spent 20 months all in new French oak, deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, floral, tobacco and flinty notes. On the palate flavors of rich berry fruits and black currants with cacao and tobacco spice, on a well integrated frame. Fine soft fluffy tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy spice and tobacco cedar mineral character. Impressive! A wow factor wine! Will last for several decades! — 4 months ago

David, Dawn and 11 others liked this