Out East

Ridge Vineyards

East Bench Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2013

Superb. Unusual example of Zinfandel: 100% Zin. — 16 days ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Drinking well with its dried red fruit, berry, cassis , cedar, leather, earth, graphite & tobacco notes. Sadly my last btl out of 2 owc’s purchased on release — a month ago

Shay, Aaron and 10 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 1999

Gamy, meaty, leathery, dried redfruits as well, fresh and nicely acidic to balance out this middle-aged Beaucastel, medium-long finish, a very good, but not profound, Beaucastel Rouge. — 3 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Ira, Jan and 7 others liked this

Giaconda

Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2015

At my 2015 Chardonnay Challenge the Giaconda was a consensus 3rd. Easily the most smoky, sulphidic, struck match of the 6 wines. I loved it. On the palate a powerful wine. Opulent. This wine is becoming difficult to source and sells out in a flash upon release. — 2 months ago

Ray, Tom and 21 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Bob McDonald, I just purchased some of the 2021 vintage. Any thoughts on the vintage? Drink or hold? Thanks in advance.
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Ron R Ron, Huon Hooke gave this 99 points with a drinking window of 2023 to 2037. “Extraordinary palate length and drive”. Huon is a long time creditable reviewer in Australia.
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Thanks, @Bob McDonald. I’ve never heard of that guy, but your insights I take to the bank.

Gramercy Cellars

Lower East Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Solid Washington State Cab. (Actually mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (84%). There is some Merlot (15%) and Petite Verdot (1%) blended in). Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of cherry, blackberry, black raspberry, rose petals and exotic spices. Same collection of fruits on the palate with additional notes of dark chocolate, fresh herbs, coffee and toasted oak. Nice hint of vanilla on the medium-plus finish. Well balanced, good acidity level and a bit lean and lighter bodied than many Cabs. (Refreshing change) Noticeable alcohol. With more bottle age, this wine should be even better. Thanks for sharing this one, Keith S! — 2 months ago

Tom, Bob and 2 others liked this

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2019

Out with customers. I picked the wines! — 15 days ago

Robin, Andrew and 13 others liked this

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

Baron de Pichon-Longueville Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

2000 vintage. Last tasted 9.25.23 (9.2) after 1.5 hours decanted. Popped and decanted this for lunch. Great fill and solid cork. Throwing a bit of sed but less than anticipated. Meh nose. Medium body initially. Started off on the rich side of the ledger but not plush. Had some smoothness afoot. Tasted after 45 mins open, 1.75 hours open and 8 hours open. First two were unspectacular. After lounging in the decanter 8 hours, wine had firmed up, thinned out, picked up plenty of secondary flavors and had that previously missing grip. If you're gonna open this during the holidays or anytime soon, do it very very early...otherwise, it'll be a total waste. Wine has miles to go. No rush to crush but just air it out in advance properly. 10.16.24. — 22 days ago

Ira, Jan and 20 others liked this
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Nice long description!

Scribe

Scribe Outpost East Napa Valley Syrah 2016

Has the nose of a Brunello right now. Very very good — 2 months ago

Mairead Hickey
with Mairead