Cow Bell
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1988
Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. The 1988 shows great color and is quite charming with notes of cassis, tobacco, leather some bell pepper and a cinnamon bark sort of thing on the nose. Structure remains firm and this was a little greener than the ‘89 and ‘90. There is no risk of this falling off anytime soon; probably good through 2038. — 4 months ago
Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1981
Opened 24 hours prior and decanted for sediment before returning to the bottle; enjoyed over the course of two days. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of tart brambles and plums, green bell pepper, tobacco, leather, all of the decomposing earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium, mostly integrated tannins with medium+ acid, borderline high. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Overall, a wine that is a reflection upon the vintage and at 43 years of age, that’s a big compliment. The 1981 is very much alive and will likely live for a very long time. However, it is backward, rustic, and somewhat tough to love unless you’re an old-school masochist. But I’m guilty and this wine is charming despite all of its green character. Drink now and over the next 30 years probably. — 6 months ago
Château Léoville-Las Cases
Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1982
Opened earlier in the day and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1982 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) and slightly green compared to the ’82 Mouton that was poured alongside. Cassis, purple Chewy SweeTarts, green bell pepper, old wood, some earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry and has massive structure still. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly bitter. Drink now with a long decant but there are decades of life left. — 2 months ago
Cloudy Bay
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Pale lemon (translucent) hue. Pronounced aromas of bell pepper, gooseberry, grapefruit, with a hint of grass. Medium-minus body with high acid. Citrus and minerals on the palate. Long finish. Exemplar of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. — 6 months ago
Bell Wine Cellars
Sierra Foothills Syrah 2021
This wine was outstanding. I think it was only six dollars at grocery outlet. It had lots of fruit, lots of body and thickness. And a very strong finish. I went back trying to find some more but they were out. I will definitely be looking for it.It went perfectly with the New York steak. We paired it with. Even if the steak itself was actually not that good, kind of tough. — 2 months ago
Château Léoville Barton
Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2005
Bell Hill Vineyards
Old Weka Pass Road Pinot Noir 2016
See several previous Delectable notes on this wine and vintage. A pale crimson colour with tawny garnet shades. Aromatics of red fruits (strawberry) and Sous Bois on the nose. It may be pale in colour but carries a Medium plus palate intensity of good length. A very good 2nd wine from Bell Hill from the Canterbury district (just to the north of Christchurch) which deserves more recognition as a source of high quality Pinot Noir. Also referred to as the Waipara District. — 5 months ago
Tom Garland
Double decant for sediment and pour(some fine sediment). A majestic still dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: beautiful notes of dark berries, planting soil, worn leather, dark chocolate, stewed meat. Taste: energetic, balanced, soft wine with red cherry/plum, clove, orange peel, spice, green bell pepper, and a smoked graphite medium plus finish. YUM! Nice aged old school Napa cab with time to go. — 8 days ago