Tasty but a little out of age — a month ago
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
Superb. Unusual example of Zinfandel: 100% Zin. — a month ago
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. — a month ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim. Not showing much age.
Gorgeous nose, and dry and fruity on the palate with medium acidity.
Showing blackberries, black currants, black cherries, cedar, cola, licorice, light vanilla, light coffee, chocolates, earth, black pepper and tobacco leaf.
Long finish with fine grained tannins.
What a wonderful surprise. This 23 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is drinking fantastically.
Elegant and fruit forward. Rich and extracted. Soft and smooth.
Good right out of the bottle, and so much better after an hour in the decanter.
Wine Enthusiasts 94 points. Robert Parker 97 points. Wine Spectator 98 points.
Showing great complexity at this point, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.
A great sipping wine. Just gorgeous.
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.
14.1% alcohol by volume.
97 points.
$230. — 10 days ago
Nina Zie
Purple. Sweetish but good. — a month ago