Jay Kline

9.3

Celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary on the night of a lunar eclipse, this bottle seemed perfectly appropriate.

Poured into a decanter about 90 minutes prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2005 Eclipse pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core and some rim variation. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of black cherry, licorice, leather, dried red flowers, inorganic earth and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. A rather deft pairing with grilled spiny lobster tail and T-bone steaks.

While this is not my preferred style (16% ABV !!!) there was something about it that kept my total interest. Yes, it was a big boy but it wasn’t some ponderous oaf. It danced across the palate with discipline and sophistication. Drink now, with an hour in the decanter to allow it time to freshen up, and through 2030. — 4 days ago

Doug Powers

8.9

Some petrol/diesel aromas and flavors in this lovely bone dry Australian Riesling, solid acid, some white stonefruits as well, great cut/acidity, medium-long finish, very good! — 6 months ago

with Jim

Vitaly Domnenko

9.1

Bm+. Tm. Am. Fm+. — 8 months ago

em g

9.6

Another delish wags night shared by hayley! She found it at costco for $10 — 9 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

First, if you haven’t had this producers wines at 15-20 years of age, you’re missing some spectacular juice. I bought this at auction for $38-$40 a bottle and because I was unaware of its storage, I was prepared to short decant it. Well…until I pulled the cork, smelled it and saw the color. This nearly 20 year old bottling is still big but with nice integration & evolution. I would say it has another 5-8 years of good life in it.

The palate fruit is ruby, ripe and lush; blackberries, boysenberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum. Mid berry cola, dark chocolate to pudding, mocha powder, wet clay, light, black pepper, Asian spice, dry-ish tobacco, black licorice, some dry herbs-sage dominate, limestone, dry top soil, dry brush, used leather, sandlewood, fresh to slightly withering, dark, purple, red florals set/framed in violets and lavender. The acidity is near perfect. The well balanced, structured, knitted finish is excellent and lingers minutes. Steal for the price. Another excellent gourmet burger wine. Beef Patties from El Salchichero. — 3 years ago

Rhonely Boy

9.1

100% Zibbibo (Muscat), old vines planted in 1945. 13.2% ABV

Muscat done as orange wine in clay Amphora, and some time under Flor. Dried apricot, floral, terra cotta notes & texture. Dry, long finish. Very nice, fun & exciting. — 6 years ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.0

No specific notes but a truly good Douro red in a nice vintage. Lots going on under the hood. — 14 days ago

with Jamie, Jose and 2 others

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

vintage 2015 | — 3 months ago

Nicholas Cotton

10

With Jay and Ted — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A highly awarded Grenache from McLaren Vale made by the talented Peter Fraser. Sweet red earthy fruits but not overly raspberry as Aussie Grenache often is. Has a lovely sweet smooth texture. James Halliday awarded this wine his Wine of the Year in 2020 and 99 points. Vines planted in 1946 in ancient sandy soils ideal for this Grenache. If not Australia’s best Grenache then certainly in the conversation. The main reason we drank this wine a few days ago was to remember Peter Fraser who sadly passed away unexpectedly in a tragic house fire. — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous note from January 2022. Has lost its primary red fruited characters of raspberry and strawberry from its youth. More musky and earthy these days. From 72 year old Grenache vines in the Old McDonald vineyard in McLaren Vale. Steve Pannells winemaking touch still evident with excellent material - a great combination. — 4 years ago

Edward Nelson

9.2

The other steak night bottle at Nolan’s cabin in the Dells. — 5 years ago

Andrew Keenan

9.0

2016 Vintage — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Dense Ruby with a Crimson rim. Aromas of red and black berries, chocolate, and smoked meat. Full bodied and muscular. From a single vineyard in McLaren Vale which was planted 124 years ago. Silky tannins. A great red on a cold night in Winter. Love the old fashioned label which probably hasn’t changed in 100 years showing the two Kay Brothers. Hope to have the patience to drink the last bottle in say 2028 to 2030. — 2 months ago

Diane Heyboer

8.9

Had the 2022 in February of 2026. Blackberry and dark cherry with a barrel forward character on the nose. Not super tannic- berry/cherry throughout. Short finish with hints of tannin on the end. — 7 months ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2016 | Opaque and dark. Multi layered bouquet to dream of: dark pepper, plum, leather, tobacco, Scottish pipe tobacco, everything in a rich, chic style. Chocolate in taste, rondeur as well as some unbending characteristics. A real treat. — 8 months ago

Jeffrey Ritterson

9.2

Touriga Nacional (40%), Touriga Franca (20%), Tinta Roriz (30%), Tinta Barroca (10%). Medium to deep purple. Medium body, medium tannin at most, medium acidity, dry. Some slight funk on the nose, in a very good way. Wet rocks, violets, light baking spices. Better after open for a day. Benchmark Duero for what I can find in the US so far. — a year ago

Fish Tony Fisher

9.5

Never ever disappoints. Beautiful wine. As good as you get for $30. — 5 years ago

George Hesse

9.0

This is another blend. But this time it’s Cab, Syrah and Mourvèdre. — 5 years ago

Ming L

9.4

Seductive nose of blueberry, cassis, cedar, dark roasted coffee bean,, nutmeg, peppery spice, touch of barnyard, and hint of tobacco. Probably the most harmonious palate I’ve had in an Aussie Shiraz. The oak and alcohol are totally integrated, with ample acidity and soft elegant tannins. Powerful and graceful.
What a surprise! — 6 years ago