This Cabernet Franc wine is dark in color, as well as in smell and taste. The aromas are in the red fruit area, but a bit on the dark side. Cherry, black cherry, raspberry and black pepper come forth persistently. On the palate, the darkness continues. Cherry and cassis are joined by herbs and spices and a firm tannic structure. This is a wine that was made to pair with lamb, or so it seems, anyway. By the way, it was vinified and aged completely in stainless steel. — 3 years ago
This is light on its feet with light body surprising so forth 14.5% alcohol but nice concentration of raspberry cherry herbaceous notes really drinkable with a paprika garlic Aleppo pepper dry rub pork roast — 3 years ago
A producer I’ve had a handful of times, and really find myself wondering why I’m not putting more focus/attention on Paul Lato wines.
Gorgeous translucent ruby color in the glass sporting 13.9ABV. I followed this out of the bottle over the course of a few hours and it showed well from pop all the way to the end. Profile here is restrained richness. I didn’t pick up any whole cluster/stem inclusion spice or greenness. Aromatically it is filled with cranberries, black raspberries, bright floral tones, and cracked peppercorns. Beautifully balanced on the palate with vibrant acidity. A back and forth between dark red spiced fruits and herbal/crunchy flair. Black tea and even some savory iron notes too. Still young and will improve, but this is already excellent. — 5 years ago

Partnership w/Jim Clendenen at Au Bon Climat. Barbara Barham & Richard Mendelsohn planted 5 acres of Pinot on Lala Panzi Ranch in the RRV. They had similar visions on Pinot’s & thus led to this partnership. Aged in predominately new Allier & Vosges wood. Aromas of berry fruits with dusty earthy nose. On the palate, berry flavors come forth with hints of tea & spice. Medium+ length, fine tannins, ending with earthy mushroom character, it was good, lost its luster, at its prime now! — 6 years ago
Today was an absolutely fantastic Friday hosting at the City Club by @Dan Fitzgerald. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert wine. Great job Dan!
The first of four Colgin’s served blind. Youthful notes abound here. More herbal on the nose when compared to the more fruit driven palate. Mostly a mix of black cherries, pomegranate, rhubarb tart and black pepper spice at the finish. I went back and forth with my guesses from Grenache, to pinot, to Syrah and couldn’t land on one. Delicious right now. — 7 years ago
Gorgeous golden color with floral aromas of orange blossom. On the bud, it brings forth candied apricot and a beautiful minerality. Rich and full body. — 3 years ago
This wine pours up with a nice, white froth on top of the salmon pink juice. The nose comes forth with a healthy whiff of cherries. On the palate, the red berries come up alongside the nice yeasty bread flavor. It's a fizzy drink with a great acidity and a lovely finish. — 4 years ago
Pulled this out when I got home. Darker, concerning medium gold color. Has a nose that puts forth some nice sweet fruit, but is one dimensional in its delivery… the acidity is lacking, the structure is messy and the overall quality of the wine is disappointing. I love this producer and this vineyard, but the hot 2006 vintage clearly affected the quality and ageability of this wine. — 5 years ago
When was the last time you had a 100% Petit Verdot? Or have you ever? It’s a grape that can stand on its own. If done right. Deep dark inky black, maybe the darkest wine I can recall, with quite a sheen to it and a purple rim. A nice mix of soft and more muscular notes on the nose. Dried cherries and cedar burst forth with violets, warm spices, and lavender along for the ride. The floral aspects balance out some of the rougher edges.
It goes without saying that this needs plenty of air and time in the decanter. You certainly feel that 15.0 but it blows away after a while. Full bodied and girthy, the delicate balance of huge yet elegant is played well here. Chewy and juicy, very velvety on the tongue. Hefty tannins and a rich streak of tobacco throughout.
On the palate, there’s an initial shout of smoked meat and more cedar. Stewed plums and blackberries abound. There’s a touch of vanilla and cigar there, as well. Spice on the medium to long finish. Yes this a big wine but it ain’t too big. Beautiful fruit and craftsmanship. Outstanding stuff. — 6 years ago
Was a weird one for me. Musty barnyard on the nose. Ripe raspberry and and an orange citrus thing. High acid. Hints of VA. Kept going back and forth. Not hard to see why people are divided. — 7 years ago
Day 2 of Napa in the books!
Seavey’s flagship offering. This is close to 7yrs young and it’s still so youthful! At this point, it’s a back and forth battle between fruit and secondary/herbal notes. Powerful red fruit to the core with cassis & plum with minerality, new leather, and tobacco. A wonderful Napa example of Bordeaux. Long life. — 7 years ago
2012 vintage. Medium body. Subdued nose with just some slightly tart, dark cherry afoot. Some frontal spice box married to that tart, dark cherry and a light muddiness (¿word?). Back end/finishing richness makes an appearance for a spell. Nicely made. Not overwhelming (nor underwhelming) for CA but should go forth and prosper for another 5-7 years at this level. 02.09.25. — a year ago
2013 hoists this producer stratospherically. Great wine with integrated tannins. Meaty nose of cured and sliced roast beef and black pepper; tinged brown-brick from its 10 year slumber; cigar wrap, and roulade, graphite and smoke, and just barely, dried, black mushroom and rose petal. The palate is lush. Cherry soft, raspberry reduction, shows round but pronounced tannic dunes. Our tar is integrated, chicory peeks forth, the pepper submerged in a perfect expression of varietal and vintage. Solid work Arpatin (winks at Mother Nature)!
#2013 #barolo #piemonte #piedmont #barolo #nebbiolo #docg #alba #cuneo — 3 years ago
Wow, this was really special, unexpected and unique. A Nebbiolo and Cab sav blend from Mexico that started off very delicate, with a refined acidity, and evolved into something smooth, silky and velvety. Bold notes of plums burst forth followed by notes of vanilla, leather and smooth tannins, with a bold nose of velvet, dates, VERY light roses and cigar smoke. The body was medium, but man did this evolve into something unique. — 4 years ago
My contribution for a massive Grenache theme wine tasting (being as socially distanced as possible). This was alongside Cayuse God Only Knows, a 2011 No Girls Grenache, SQN Female, Saxum Terry Hogue, Lillian Grenache, 06 and 07 Beaucastel, and others.
Broken record, I know, but these wines are insanely delicious and so well crafted. Very much in the “love it or hate it” style, as typical with Cayuse wines. Much more spice and herbal lift here compared to the 2011. Stemmy, black peppercorn dusted rhubarb, olive, and smoked cherry jerky aromatics. Vibrant, almost nervy, on the palate with beautiful acidity. On the palate, it’s a back and forth between saline, iron driven savory notes and underripe fleshy red fruits. Compared to their Syrah, this is always a bit lighter and more bright. Seems to be drinking at peak. — 6 years ago



Besides its acidity, this Sardinian wine is an especially good pair with seafood because it carries the smell of the ocean. Salinity bursts forth with citrus in tow, both on the nose and the palate. It’s a savory wine with loads of character, and it’s a Vermentino from Sardegna. That’s really all you need to know.
— 7 years ago
This afternoon a good friend and I shared the 2011 Domaine Berrien Cellars Crown of Cab. The wine is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Your classic Bordeaux blend and again from my favorite winery in Southwest Michigan.
On the nose you will find black cherry, black raspberry, black currant, licorice, herbs, spice and a nice earth component.
The palate brings forth the dark fruit, black cherry, black raspberry, black currant, green bell pepper, menthol, black licorice, spice, an herbal note and a nice earthy loam.
The wine is full bodied with medium + acidity and medium + sandy tannins that leads to a long clean dark fruit finish. What a pleasant and surprising experience we enjoyed this afternoon. I loved how this wine has developed over time and given another 5 to 10 years it will continue to gracefully age. This is Domaine Barrien's flagship wine and for the price you can't beat it. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and have a great week ahead. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 7 years ago

Ericsson
Forth growth Margaux. Good wine. WSET3 London. — 7 months ago