Cork Distilleries Co.
Bedrock Wine Co.
X-Block Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah
Really really nice but needs years. I knew this when I popped the cork but I could not be stopped. — 3 years ago
La Jota Vineyard Co.
Anniversary Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Nose has mashed blackberry, ripe black current, ripe black cherry, wet saddle leather, horse barn, dried mint, fried green herbs, chopped bacon, muddy garden soil, constantly developing...
Palate has mahogany shavings, black cherry 🍒, dried garden soil, day old bacon bacon 🥓, over-ripe black currant, warm dark chocolate, (minor) baking spice with a very long and intense finish. This wine has at least a decade in front of it tonight. Perfect, supple cork on extraction.
Still quite tannic, decanted 4h, needs much more time to reveal it's true self.
My retailer commented this was not a standard CA Cabernet, more Bordeaux-like, and he was fully on point. The stink on the nose really pointed us away from CA right away.
Paired to some expertly grilled, medium-rare Delmonico steaks from my favorite, local farmer in Columbia Co. NY (Kinderhook Farm), well salted (in advance). Finished with Maldon smoked sea salt, best which exists in the world, IMHO. Also roasted beets with goat feta from VT, where I can only image goats listen to Phish and eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream daily, because only a stress free life like that could yield cheese this good.
I'd like to know the blend on this, should anyone know, I can't believe it's 100% Cab based on the stinky nose, which we appreciate. — 4 years ago
Achával-Ferrer
Finca Altamira La Consulta Mendoza Malbec 2003
We recently pulled some cases out of storage, which haven't seen the light of day for nearly 15 years, so I'll have some fun posts in the next several months.
Nose has split oak firewood (barely seasoned), cigar box, moist cedar shavings, blackberry, dried black currant, dried roses, fresh violets, moist leather, dried lavender dark chocolate powder and graphite pencil shavings.
Palate has chocolate covered blackberry, tarry black cherry, cedar sawdust, dark chocolate bark, prune, anise candy, clay pot and leather. Very long finish, subtle tannins exist still, amazing wine!
Cork pulled, 2h rest, then decanted 6h, a perfect bottle, still young, future bottles may be 2023-30, without concern.
100% Malbec (715 cases) | Wine Spectator Top 100: 2005, Rank: 31
Perfect pair to homemade burgers from a local farmer in Columbia Co. NY (Kinderhook Farm), cooked to a beautiful medium-rare served on toasted brioche burger rolls. — 4 years ago
Cork Distilleries Co.
Paddy's Old Irish Whiskey
Some fantastic Irish whiskey for the price!! — 3 years ago
Garage Wine Co.
Lot #81 San Juan de Pirque Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
A touch barnyard on the nose,
Heavier bodied with some great classic SA characteristics, green pepper, garden stalk, cocoa. Bitter acidity, tiny tannins. I love everything about this wine, except the wax encapsulation. I find this closure method rather short sighted, as no sommelier in the world wants to struggle with a wax dipped cork closure during service. Certainly no beverage manager would allow this on the list. — 3 years ago
Enfield Wine Co.
Heron Lake Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013
Had this in fridge with cork and came out tasting even better after 2 days. Rather heavy for a Pinot - a nice surprise — 4 years ago
Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Zinfandel 1981
A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50. — 3 years ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
California Syrah 2018
Completely muted showing mostly its alcohol on night one. Luckily before opening I saw the 14.5% abv and I immediately knew this would take a minute to come alive, especially after arriving in the mail only one month ago. Anyhow, day 2-4 and the wine was ripping. It’s a full on pleasure bomb with all the red and purple and black fruits and just the right amount of savory qualities. This is very bedrock style; pleasure forward with respect to its terroir and California heritage, but mostly pleasure and once open a little over the top slutty but honestly still balanced. I really like this as a food wine too. I had it with pizza, Mexican food, pasta, and a rich vegetable dish and it was just so much fun to drink with all that. Value here but beware; seems like no one here who has reviewed this wine so far has allowed it the ample 12 hours to open up after popping the cork. This wine will need some time before being a pop and pour show. ‘This should slay for the money’ - Morgan Twain Peterson — 4 years ago
Jeremy.Buss
Still in CO and still eating at Bird & Jim’s. This wine has a small cork issue - that was promptly solved by a sieve and decanter. Once we could taste - it was/is exquisite. Use of American oak provides a blended vanilla flavor. Soft tannins, bouquet of dark berries, medium finish and just good. — a year ago