Howe Sound Brewing
Gentaz-Dervieux
Côte Brune Cuvée Réservée Côte-Rôtie Syrah 1988
Structurally sound, fruit and elegance underneath, but brett marred purity. — 4 months ago
Domaine A. et P. de Villaine
Les Montots Mercurey Pinot Noir 2015
Cherry liqueur, mineral spine. Vibrant acidity. You can smell the stem inclusion here. Quite nice. The cork smelled of TCA, but the wine was sound. Whew! Got lucky! — 2 years ago
Kosta Browne
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020
Very tasty & well-structured, but at nearly $80-85/btl, I was expecting more. Hate to sound chincy, but there are a lot of surprising $30 btls & I’d gladly try 3 of those for the KB price tag. Had it w/ grilled salmon & grilled squid steak - well matched & held up w/ marinades. — 3 years ago
Caymus Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
When Caymus was Caymus!!!
It is good to remember the style of wine Chuck used to make. His wine from 2011 backwards. The wine I used to collect. I refer to this now as Caymus Classic. I have requested they make this style again every time I see a Caymus representative. Just 500 cases by simply picking earlier at lower brix and applying past winemaking. They under estimate how fast those cases would sellout.
I get they made a business decision to make a sweeter wine that will drink easier young. They get better critic scores and sell to a larger customer base. A customer base that generally drinks it like supermarket buyers…within the first two weeks of purchase.
Of course, 1997 was an epic vintage in Napa and this 97 bought weeks ago has been well stored and in perfect condition. I miss this wine as it has so much more character than their 2012 vintage & forward. So do many former Caymus collectors.
The nose reveals, bright, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries that are just starting to reveal some liqueur notes, raspberries, strawberries & plum. Sandalwood, old, dry tobacco, baking soda, mid berry cola/licorice, some light graphite, dark spice, dry stems, decayed red flowers, red roses and violets.
The palate is exquisite. It is all beauty with nothing bitty or angular. Ripe, juicy, lush; blackberries, cassis, black raspberries, dark cherries with hints of some liqueur notes, raspberries, strawberries, mulberries as it unfurls & plum. Sandalwood, old, dry tobacco with ash, baking soda, mid berry cola/licorice, some light graphite, perfect dark spice with some tongue heat, mocha, dark chocolate baking bar, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & hints of vanillin, dry herbs, baking soda, dry limestone powder, top soil with pebbles, slightly moist volcanic clay, dry stems, decayed red flowers, red roses and violets, excellent, rainfall acidity and an elegant, balanced, nicely tensioned & structured, polished finish that last two-minutes and lands on spice & gentle earthy tones. I miss their distinct spice. Glorious!!!
This bottle is somewhere on the other side of the bell curve and still singing. Still very sound. It won’t improve and recommend if you own, drink them sooner than later but certainly not a rush.
88% Cabernet, 10% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc. 25.95% Paladins, Skruggs, Wright-St. Helena. 52.15% Caymus Estate, Glos, Usibelli-Rutherford, 15.84% Sciambra-Atlas Peak, 6.06% Tambor Vineyards-Mt. Veeder.
Photos of: Caymus tasting room, tasting room courtyard, owner Chuck Wagner and vineyard. — a month ago
Edi Kante
Carso Sauvignon 2018
Remarkable complexity and uniqueness mark this 2018. One thing I love about Sauvignon is it’s ability to adapt to where it is - and terroir comes flying out of this glass. Let’s start with the aromas because… omg I’m overwhelmed with an intimate old sweaty gym bag! Some petrol comes after, but it’s more subtle. Powerfully tight, like it’s poised to spring out of the glass. Tart grapefruit dominates with touches of tomato vine and other herbaceous notes. Long, strong, finish. It doesn’t sound appealing but it is. — 2 years ago
Freek Welter
Not a sound bottle — 12 days ago