Pick's Pick

The Original Martin's Pick Up

Chardonnay

Good. Had one a year ago. Will need another before another year goes by. — 2 months ago

Azienda Agricola Cirelli (Francesco Cirelli)

Organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021

Great spiced fruit aromas- like a pot of cherries stewing in mulling spices. Good balance. Also carries that pheromone odor that I pick up in many good Italian wines. — 2 years ago

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

Delectable Wine
9.5

The 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of my favourite vintages of this decade and here it outclasses the 2015. Superb delineation, this exudes gorgeous blackberry and earthy scents on the nose, soon overtaken by saline, almost briny aromas wafting from the Gironde estuary. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, layers of black fruit, sweet with blood orange and Asian spices developing towards the finish. Blind, it might pick this as coming from a warmer summer. It’s a great Ducru-Beaucaillou with charm and personality. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2022)
— 2 years ago

The Original Martin's Pick Up

South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon

I was pleasantly surprised on how nice this wine tasted. It was slightly sweeter than I’m used to. I had it with Sheppard’s pie and it was very tasty. — 4 years ago

Cheryl Pierce
with Cheryl

Moss Wood

Moss Wood Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Generally one of the best Cabernets in Margaret River and therefore Australia. Very dark Ruby in colour. Cassis and blackberry, ripe and rich. I would never pick this as Margaret River in a blind tasting. Where are the herbal notes? But still recognisable as a quality Cabernet. The 2009 Moss Wood was given a poor score of only 84 points by Huon Hooke who is one of Australia’s leading wine scribes. He said “over ripe fruit is the problem “. I have always rated Huon’s reviews and have been a long time subscriber to his website and always will be but I don’t believe he got this right. On 4th July 2012 he said “I can’t see this ageing well” and gave a drinking window of 2012 to 2018. Well tonight at 15 years of age it is drinking very well. James Halliday gave the wine 95 points. — 6 months ago

Tom, David and 18 others liked this
Travis W

Travis W Influencer Badge

Thanks for the note Bob. I've got a few in the cellar of this vintage. Are they good to hold for awhile longer? Cheers
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

Drinking well now Travis. Could go on for a few more years I would say.
Travis W

Travis W Influencer Badge

Thanks Bob. 😊👍

Penfolds

Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 1996

You would never pick this as a 26 year old red wine from the colour. A rich Ruby red with no tawny rim. This has the Penfolds DNA of ripe plum, mocha, coffee bean and chocolate - a trace of liquorice. The palate is medium plus weight, balanced and harmonious maintaining that core strength. Those initially firm tannins have become supple. Drinking at its peak but could stay on this plateau for a couple more years. My last bottle of the 96 but I still have a few more bottles of the Bin 707 from 1996 which was a huge wine. — 3 years ago

Paul, Matt and 29 others liked this
Byron Hewett

Byron Hewett Premium Badge

Any thoughts on the 1983, 1986 and 1991 Grange?
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Byron Hewett The Granges you mention, I have all 3. The 1983 was the product of a drought year. I was planning to drink next year when 40 years old. The 1986 is very good - I have a couple left which I will drink by the end of this decade. I love the 1991 and it often sits in the shadow of the 1990 which really put Grange on the map in the USA winning Wine Spectators wine of the year. I have had several of both years and prefer the 91. You could drink these into the mid to late 2030s. Penfolds put out an excellent reference book on all of their wines and vintages called The Rewards of Patience. Highly recommended.
Byron Hewett

Byron Hewett Premium Badge

Awesome! Thanks for the information!

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004

2004 vintage. Decanted and tasted after two hours. Used a Durand but cork was great. Top-notch fill. Super chunky sed..like vintage port. Nose good, not great, but biggie structure and balance all there. Medium body. Not a personal fave but may hafta pick up a few more of these for those inclined to partake. There will be 2004 Insignia going steady for quite some time. 12.22.23. — a year ago

Severn, Jan and 17 others liked this

Memento Mori

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

1 hour decant(some fine/cloudy sediment). A striking dark murky crimson red color. On the nose: candied blueberry/plum, menthol, eucalyptus, new leather, baked brownie brittle. Taste: silky smooth mouth coating/teeth staining wine with dark cherry, tobacco, dark chocolate espresso, and a peppery herbaceous cedar medium plus finish. 1st time sipping this wine and will have to find me some more. Nice mid week pick me up! — 2 years ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Shay and 16 others liked this

Château Miraval

Côtes de Provence Rosé Blend 2020

Delectable Wine
9.1

Limpid pink. Expressive red berry, orange zest, nectarine and floral aromas show fine definition and a hint of spiciness. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering taut red currant and strawberry flavors that pick up a minerally nuance with air. Smooth and focused on the finish, which lingers with bright, floral- and mineral-driven persistence. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, July 2021)
— 3 years ago

Luisa liked this

Jolie-Laide Wines

Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard Trousseau Gris 2017

Alder Yarrow
9.7

There are few wines that so consistently deliver utter pleasure and deliciousness as this utterly perfect rendition of Trousseau Gris from @jolielaidewines. Pick you hipster wine adjective - smashable, crushable, glou glou - it fits them all. Goes down in a sunbeam of peach and citrus kissed berries with gorgeous floral tones with just a whisper of salinity. Mouthwatering and joyous. Even though I buy this by the case, I never, ever have enough. — 4 years ago

Alex, Ely and 13 others liked this