This may be my favorite K wine to date. I double decanted this for about two hours and then consumed from bottle over the next three.
If I’m looking for a comparison, this reminded me of a Tensley Colson Ranch but with whole cluster/stem inclusion. Deep purple in the glass. There is a perfumed/fragrant nose of sweet fruit (rich and ripe black and blueberries) crusted with dark cocoa, then veers to the herbs de Provence and green/stemmy style. Absolutely gorgeous on the palate with a nervy mineral driven core of acidity. Violets, grilled dark fruits, mocha, and peppercorn covered black currant. Touch of salinity. Finish is really quite integrated already. This may be showing all its got at the moment (which is impressive) but I expect it will hang in this window another 3+yrs before the fruit/savory balance starts tipping toward mostly savory. Enjoy now! — 4 years ago
Vacation kickoff with good friends just off Sucia. Thank you K & J for sharing! — 2 years ago
It’s been a long time since I’ve had an OG, Bill Sorenson made Burgess Cabernet. I’ve always appreciated their classic California sensibility. This double-magnum of the 1998 vintage was generously provided by a buddy to accompany our lunch of Morgan Ranch Wagyu burgers. Initially a bit musty and for a second, I thought it might be slightly corked. However, the bouquet freshened up after about 30min of air the palate was ripe and delicious, no signs of TCA taint at all. Dark berries, black plum, dark cherry, tobacco, leather and loads of damp earth. The structure is still there however the tannins have completely integrated. This was a lovely showing for a wine in the twilight of its life. — 3 years ago
In formidable shape, wrapping up its third decade. The nose is striking. Smooth on the palate, tannins resolved, tertiary characteristics. Still enough fruit and acidity to keep it fresh. Cork was impeccable. Double decanted, modest amount of sediment. Winemaker’s comments: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, Bates’ Ranch. Dusty, earthy, aromatic cedar, berry bouquet. Elegant, rich, bright fruit flavor balanced with soft tannins. Unfined and unfiltered. 774 cases produced. Bottled November, 1993 — 4 years ago
Initially served to me double-blind from a decanter. In the glass, the wine appeared a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core. There was significant sediment but other than that, there were no other potential indications of age since the color was so ruddy. There was moderate staining and viscosity was medium+/high. The nose was fascinating: bright, powerful ripe cherries, plums, dark chocolate, old leather-bound books, earth, anise, exotic spices and tobacco. The leather, color and sediment had me leaning pretty hard towards a Right Bank Bordeaux from an excellent producer, showing 15-20 age. But I wasn’t yet convinced and then, the palate told a different story. It was fresh and full-bodied. Absolutely packed with fruit and spices. It was bone dry with monumental tannin and acid was easily in the medium+ category. The wine was impeccably balance with elevated alcohol and a forever finish. I was now leaning Italy but where? This was not from Piemonte and I couldn’t think of a wine in Tuscany that would be made quite like this. I was stumped…all I knew is that I was in love whatever this was. Then my buddy said it wasn’t fair because the wine wasn’t technically testable…so he revealed the bottle. Of course it’s “Pagliaro” from Paolo Bea. Swoon! This wine has so 👏🏽 much 👏🏽 soul 👏🏽. My first time enjoying the 2012 in many years and this is in a beautiful spot. A wow wine that will continue to deliver well last 2032. Paired with Morgan Ranch Wagyu burgers and bolognese. Bottle No. 3512/9971. Merry Christmas! — 3 years ago
Pooneet K
A preposterously good value in 2021. I always like their wines, from the Troncone up to the Brunello. But this rosso may really hit the middle sweet spot at least at this point 4 years since harvest. Lovely expression of Sangiovese. Perfect pairing with an excellent medium rare prime strip steak from double R ranch. — 4 months ago