I. Brand & Family

Brand

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Should have really decanted it. Seemed bland on the back end at first. Took about 30-40 minutes for it to really open up. — a month ago

Tom, Shay and 3 others liked this

Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend 2015

We had this a few days ago and I misplaced my notes. Citrus mineral and intensity I recall. Probably committing infanticide drinking this now but there were good reasons to. Firstly our son and wife plus our daughter home for Christmas from New York and secondly my retirement after 53 years at McDonald Group. — 9 days ago

Jeroen, Peter and 28 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

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@Bob McDonald Congratulations, go and enjoy the next phase of your life!
Bob McDonald

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@Ira Schwartz Thanks Ira. I have been reading your wine reviews for many years now and I look forward to continuing that.
Ira Schwartz

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@Bob McDonald Kind words, thanks . I will say, now that you have more time on your hands, I expect more reviews😆

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2003

Ron R
9.5

Good god. Peaking right now.
Huge aromatics on the nose. Superb weight, balance and texture. No rush to consume. Cedar and macerated black cherries transition to coffee and hints of maple. Blew me away. In raptures over this. Direct from the winery when I lived in Europe.
— 15 days ago

Mo Salem
with Mo
John, Vin and 45 others liked this
Ron R

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Merry Christmas to you @Jody Scharf. Wanna meet up in Manhattan and tip a glass?
Jody Scharf

Jody Scharf Premium Badge

anytime Ron, would enjoy that
Ron R

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@Jody Scharf, we are ready. Talk to me goose!

Cà dei Frati

I Frati Lugana Turbiana 2024

Got this wonderful bottle of wine from our good friend Lucia — 2 days ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

So good. I need to drink more from this producer — 2 days ago

Shay, Peter and 5 others liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011

It’s 10 years since Serge. Hochar’s death whilst swimming in Acapulco on NYE 2014 and I think it’s appropriate to celebrate his legacy that is the modern Chateau Musar.
I first tasted Lebanese wines in London circa 1986 when I used to go to a couple of Lebanese restaurants in Shepherds Market near Mayfair in London
Al Hamra is still in business
I’ve been to Beirut several times and always stock up at the airport duty free
So a toast to a departed icon of the wine world
Since my last 2011 4.5 years ago (see note) this has aged wonderfully and I’ve up my rating several points
Another few years and it will be further improved
Optimal decant time was around 3.5 to 4 hours
Ethereal stuff
— 3 days ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Drinking a 3L from 2013 in late ‘24. Love the big format bottles and aging potential. This could go a lot longer I think but is also fine to drink now.

Standard Caymus flavors and aromas that made the brand known. Dark inky crimson color. Blueberries and blackberry fruit mixed with vanilla alongside the tell-tale signs of wet band-aid. Great tannins, medium-to-big acidity, good long finish. Really nice.
— 9 days ago

Jillian Varner
with Jillian

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 2008

While not as intense as on release this is no where near a shrinking violet. The nose is starting to strut with scents of apple , brioche and nuts.That first taste still makes you recoil and salivate. Lemons , limes , biscuits, and a touch of butterscotch. Very long finish . Developing into everything I hoped for. — a day ago

Austin, Mike and 31 others liked this
Jan de Weerd

Jan de Weerd

That is fantastic!
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Beautiful!!