Lesson Plan
Penfolds
Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2002
4 left after this one. Following my plan of having one per year until complete. This has not changed much from 12 months ago. At its peak sitting on the plateau. Notes of dark chocolate, mocha and blackberry - the Penfolds DNA in essence. Tastes a lot younger than 20 years of age. Medium plus bodied with a savoury twist at the finish. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz. — 3 years ago
Still enjoy drinking it.
Domaine Saint-Damien
Plan de Dieu Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Vieilles Vignes Red Rhone Blend 2022
On the nose, this is subtle cranberry... On the palate, it's cranberry, cherry, red plum... Dense tannin here but no sharp edges... A tinge on graphite here too, but in the distance... The whole package seems soft... Not so complex overall. Medium-long length on the finish. Nice. — 8 months ago
Domaine Valand
Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhône Blend 2019
A bit creamy — 3 years ago
Tenuta Sette Ponti
Oreno Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2016
First thing I noticed, oddly, is that it created a airy, clearing sensation through my sinuses. It also lingers on the tongue, nettles, white mushroom, fern compost. Drinking it, I get baked red fruit (not jammy), sulfites, and maybe bay leaf. Plan to pet a Bracco Italiano (one of the oldest pointing dog breeds) while drinking. — 3 years ago
El Coto de Rioja
Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2019
It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins are maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 2 years ago
Tenuta San Guido
Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2016
Part of Super Tuscan Horizontal tasting. All 2016 vintage Masseto, Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Solaia, Tignanello, Redigafi, and a mystery bottle (Phelps Insignia). The color of this wine was red, not purple like I was expecting. It was more Burgundian than Bordeaux-like. A bit on the subtle side. Refined. Still had good cherry and other red fruits, not overly tannic or oaky like I was expecting. This was a good wine, but my least favorite of the night. We had 2 bottles at the tasting and both drank the same. Not the typical Sassicaia profile and definitely not a 100 pt wine in my opinion. It was enough different than other Sassicaia I have had over the years that it left me scratching my head. I plan to source another bottle form a different purveyor to see if this was just an off lot. It was sourced from a reputable provider and has been in my cellar settling for a few months. — 5 years ago
John Bratincevic
Nose: cooking spices, peppers, dark berries.
Taste: nice acidity, peppers (dry, not sweet), savoury spices (I do get the paprika claimed on the label!), dark berries, beeswax. Not my preferred style but well made — and paired well with tacos! 89. — a month ago