This is an amazing example of precision new wood finish. Don’t get me wrong, there is a forest of new oak, butIt’s not overwhelmed or undercut, sideswiped or fracked by it. It is a perfect counterbalance to the heat and oak in this instance. Butterscotch and candied lemon bacon-smoked, and coated in Provence chocolates of candied lavender. Tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, baked apple, pepper, baked pear with vanilla bean and toffee sweeping you off in comfort. — 5 years ago
Thank God for cousins with hookups! Cracked this to celebrate my son, Johnny, and his arrival.
A little hot. I suggest one small rock to help release other aromas and flavors that can be overwhelmed by the alcohol. Vanilla, cream, baking spices. Absolutely love it accompanied with a Nicaraguan cigar. Cheers to new life and future endeavors! — 7 years ago
This Rye is for sipping, and is buttery. — 5 years ago
@ADAM STROMFELD i don’t like i ❤️it
What does a NC man do for entertainment- he drives to south jersey to visit a friend - that friend introduces him to a bourbon - solera aged style - so damn smooth - what heat disappears so quick it was shocking leaving an amazing finish - I truly appreciate this recommendation and I am believer Adam - total smiles — 6 years ago
This wine contains fruit from 3 different vineyards; Madder Lake; Liberty Oaks; & Terra Alta. A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged for 11 months in French oak (40% new), 615 cases! Deep crimson with berry and spice aromas. Flavors of red and black berry fruit with gentle sweet notes and vanilla spice. Fine soft tannins on a lingering finish, good balance ending with earthy oak tones. Nice! Tasting Sample. — 8 years ago
I'll start off by saying that I think less-than-ideal storage conditions marred this tasting with Kai. It's a struggle here really because I really like their Malaysian importer. I can understand the difficulties in maintaining an effective cold chain in Malaysia, so I sincerely hope this gets better.
Having said that, this was my favorite in Kai's line-up despite the slightly advanced wine. Good perfume, sporting smokey black fruits, herbs, spices, violets, and wood (which was a touch distracting). I felt the palate should have been livelier - dark-fruited, spicy, and earthy, with heavy charred notes permeating throughout. The finish has a lot fruit sweetness, with a lick of caramel and balsamic. Nice wine, though not one I'd actively seek.
To be frank I think too much oak was used here, but not in the same liberty as in Barossa Shiraz. It's more like Guigal vs Gonon... maybe that's a bit extreme... Jamet vs Gonon... though not quite right still. I like Kai, but I gotta follow my palate at times like this. — 5 years ago
At Eric's in New York — 6 years ago
Tom Garland
Happy New Year! Had to go out with a fun year end wine.
Decant and pour(decent chunky/fine sediment). A majestic dark garnet with bricking. On the nose: Eucalyptus, perfumed red fruit, floral, soil, herbaceous. Taste: silky, creamy, fresh wine with some still there red cherry, tobacco, earthy, shaved graphite, and a peppery cedar long finish. YUM! What a treat to drink as a our final wine this last night of the year.
Cheers!
ELLA Restaurant, New Year's Eve:
Cavier Beignet
Dungeness crab bisque
Roasted Liberty duck breast
72 hour braised short ribs
Chocolate midnight cake — a year ago