Ron R

9.3

My new find. Really enjoying the burg GC’s at the moment. No need to spend a kings ransom for excellence, either.
Refer to my prior notes. — 2 years ago

with Anne-marie

Ron R

10

Syrah on another logical level. A pure barnstormer. Never tasted a Syrah like this before! Very atypical for the varietal. Perfectly weighted, and so compact. Sandalwood interplay’s with dark chocolate, blueberries and cinnamon.
WNH NY 2021. I think @Bill Bender coughed up the king’s ransom for this gem. Can’t thank you enuf, Bill! — 3 years ago

with David, Diana and 6 others

Julia Oktawiec

9.8

Really great May entry for Craft & Barrel’s wine club! Light, citrusy, nice minerality. Reminds me of NZ sauvignon blanc :) — 5 years ago

Ron R

9.4

Another cellar experiment of ours. This is showing very well at this stage in its evolution. A hazelnut, nutmeg, brine-like nose gives way to a medium bodied, full-throttle palate. Dense and opulent, this is fruit-forward with pineapples and nectarines. Excellent now, and will stay this way for at least another 3 years, easily.
I was discussing with my wife how I’ve decided to return to my moderate wine roots. I’ve grown weary of spending a “kings ransom” on bottles, and for what exactly?
Ultra expensive wines are becoming like fritterware software, which draws in people like us, with a very disproportionately low gain in tasting experience, relative to cost. This cost me $25 a few years back, and I’ve now decided to drink more frugally. Yes, I have a few “trophy” bottles to get thru, but I’m not wasting any more of my hard-earned on penis extensions.
What are your views in this space (and I don’t mean views on PE’s). — 3 years ago

with Anne-marie

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.6

OMG... Sorry it's my first time...
Visually, this presents as a few years older with a pink to red brick rim. On the nose, the open releases red cherry... With time it mellows to black cherry... If you could elegantly bottle Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia it would start you on the path of creating this wine. The blanket of milk chocolate is like a King's robe. There is a vague hint of baking spices up front. Custardy throughout. Tannins are on on-guard and alert waiting ready, willing, and able to withstand the darkness of the caverns until brighter days. Probably my favorite bottle to date.

96 points — 4 years ago

Sally Neal

9.1

2015. Smooth and velvety for a late August evening in NYC. Pairs well with food or as a sipping wine. A winner. — 5 years ago

Sara S

10

Delicious. Aromatic, deep berry notes. Slight spice towards the finish, which is a pleasant pairing to how sweet the berry notes are. Not a typical dry Merlot. Would pair excellently with many meals, however, it is so flavorful and fruity that it can be sipped on its own. Also recommended to pair with desserts, particularly a dark chocolate. — 3 years ago

Erik Longabardi

9.2

Searing acids. Wow. Hard not to take another sip. Very good — 4 years ago

Ron R

9.2

Yes, another Napa cab.
My wife has taken me as a hostage. But my ransom isn’t too much, hence the Ramey tonight. And she’s not even here to blame for my choice.
The nose presents nice oak treatment, along with spice box. Palate shows ripe, fresh fruits, medium tannins, and moderate acidity. Great extraction, without being overly done. This is a well moderated example of the varietal.
On the 93 pt bubble... — 4 years ago

Martin Augustini

9.7

Till havskräftor och räkor. Bästa vinet hitintills. Känner en hel del aprikos som gifter sig så alldeles särskilt utmärkt till skaldjuren. — 5 years ago

with Martin