Our Daily Wines
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997
Flight #2 of our 1997 Retrospective and these were the thoroughbreds. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 had great color, was developing, and probably the earthiest of the group but still had a lovely fruit profile. A really nice balance of fruit and non-fruits. Robust structure. Notably, this was the only bottle in the flight that had Brettanomyces…and while I found it to quite charming, this is what ultimately got me hung up on whether I thought this was the Dominus or the Monte Bello. Ultimately I called the later. I really dig this and wish I could afford more Dominus in my life. Drink now and through 2035. — 3 months ago
Taittinger
Comtes de Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay 1996
Happy Valentine’s Day! Continuing our tradition of pulling one of these each year - 11 down, only 1 more to go after this! Reminder that we need to choose a new case of something soon.
This is excellent as always but I’m not sure hits quite the same high note as last year’s bottle. Fine mousse, nose a bit more restrained. Palate is explosive and so deep with wonderful candied caramelized lemon peel. Wonderful pairing with carbonara! — 2 months ago
Château de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 1998
Rating refers to the last glass, which was the best. Our foul… upon opening it was almost a little thin and flat. But as we swirled it got better and better until there was quickly none left. Last glass had bramble, earth, caramel. Nice 1998! — 4 months ago
Silver Oak
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Flight #3 of our 1997 Retrospective. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #3 was vinous and in great shape. The only wine in the group that showed stronger notes of coconut and vanilla than the others. Called Silver Oak. Drink now and through 2030. — 3 months ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997
Flight #1 of our 1997 Retrospective. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. This had a really compelling mix of fruit and non-fruit notes; multifaceted, balanced. Superb structure. Bordeaux-like. Called this “Insignia”. This was my favorite of the flight and the most complete wine in the line-up. Drinking well now and should hold that way well through 2027. — 3 months ago
Château Lynch-Bages
Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1994
This 1994 Bordeaux is a pleasant treat and perfect compliment to our assortment of charcuterie and Italian antipasto. Decanted for one hour but could have been longer as the wine continues to open up by every sip. This wine has a beautiful bouquet with earthy flavors including tobacco, leather, and hints of fig. Buon Natale! — 4 months ago
David Walser
At our second special Caymus dinner on Sky Princess serving this wine. I’ve had lots of Caymus wines over the years. This is in line with the brand, but not what I remember from the wines from the late 70’s. As the price increased, I lost interest. It’s ok, but I feel there are better wines at the price point for the Cabernet Sauvignon. — 18 days ago