Royal Select
Cakebread Cellars
Benchland Select Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Such a delicious treat that is deeply colored & ruby, trending purple; almost inky, staining the glass with each swirl.
Pronounced aromas & flavors of concentrated creme de cassis, ripe blackberry, muddled blueberry, mulberry, luxardo cherry, sandalwood, cedar, sweet tobacco, mocha, nutmeg, cardamom, anise, licorice, clove, graphite, vanilla, creme brûlée, pencil shavings, crushed gravel, & flint.
The palate is dry, viscous, mouth-filling, & opulent, with elevated acidity, alcohol (14.1% ABV), silky tannins & a persistent finish. It’s balanced, intense, & complex.
A superb 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa’s western bench, that is soooooo drinkable now but has the structure to age & add layers to the aromatic profile with time. — 4 months ago
Pommery
Brut Royal Grand Cru Champagne Blend
Very refined Champagne, before dinner with friends in Amherst, MA — 22 days ago
The Royal Tokaji Wine Company
5 Puttonyos Furmint Blend
Royal Tokaji – 5 Puttonyos Aszú 2016
Tokaj – Hungary 🇭🇺
Overview
A classic Tokaji Aszú, made from grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), then macerated with must to create Hungary’s legendary sweet wine. The 5 puttonyos designation signals a rich yet balanced level of sweetness, around 120 g/L residual sugar. (Educational note: “Puttonyos” refers to the traditional baskets of aszú berries added — the higher the number, the sweeter and more concentrated the wine.)
Aromas & Flavors
Lush apricot, honey, and candied orange peel at the forefront, layered with quince, dried fig, and lemon curd. Hints of saffron, ginger, and toasted almond bring exotic spice and complexity.
Mouthfeel
Velvety and lusciously sweet, balanced by vibrant acidity that keeps it lifted. Full-bodied yet precise, with a long, honeyed finish that leaves both richness and freshness.
Food Pairings
Perfect with blue cheese, foie gras, or fruit tarts. Also excellent with roasted nuts, crème brûlée, or simply savored on its own as a meditative dessert wine.
Verdict
A benchmark Tokaji — rich, layered, and perfectly balanced. The 2016 vintage of Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszú offers indulgence and structure, proving why Tokaji has been called “the wine of kings.” 👑🍷
Did You Know?
Tokaji Aszú is one of the world’s oldest regulated wines — protected since 1737, nearly a century before Bordeaux’s 1855 classification.
Collector’s Rarity 📌
Royal Tokaji’s Aszú wines are globally sought after, and a 5 puttonyos 2016 bottling represents both a collectible dessert wine and a piece of vinous history — 2 months ago
Caymus Vineyards
Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Napa Valley AVA, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
The Special Selection represents the pinnacle of Caymus’ winemaking—crafted only in outstanding vintages and known for its luxurious, fruit-driven Napa style. The 2019 vintage shows Caymus’ signature opulence but with slightly more balance and finesse compared to earlier years.
Aromas & Flavors
Explosive nose of ripe blackberries, cassis, dark cherries, and baked blueberries, layered with espresso, cocoa beans, black pepper, and sweet vanilla spice. Secondary notes of cedar and tobacco add complexity.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and lush, with plush tannins and a velvety texture. The palate is generous in ripe fruit, layered with spice, chocolate, and savory undertones. The long, lingering finish highlights the richness while keeping an elegant balance.
Winemaking Notes
Carefully sourced from select Napa Valley vineyards, the 2019 was aged in new French oak barrels to emphasize depth and structure. Caymus’ hallmark extended hang time ensures fully ripe fruit and bold concentration.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, rack of lamb, or mushroom risotto. Aged hard cheeses (like Parmigiano-Reggiano) also make a great match.
Verdict
A rich, polished Napa Cabernet with undeniable charm. The 2019 Special Selection is approachable now but has the structure to age another 10+ years. A quintessential bottle for lovers of Caymus’ plush, fruit-forward style. — 4 months ago
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Vintner Select Cuvee Sonoma County Merlot 2010
Who says Merlot can not age. This is delightful. I would say there is just a hint of browning at the edges but this is a big glass and if I had, had this with mom at the restaurant instead of the Tor - you never would have seen it. It is rich and full on the palate. Finish is long. I think the nose is a bit muted but given its age super nice — 4 months ago
Royal Oporto (Real Companhia Velha)
Quintas das Carvalhas Reserva Douro 2018
60% Touriga Nacional
20% Touriga Franca
20% Tinta Roriz
Dark purple color, with a lot of earthy components. Floral notes with a wooden accents, vanilla, and dark ripened fruit. All with a bit of leather. Nicely balanced with just a medium tannin structure. A lot softer than the flavors and scents give off. I think it’s delicious, and the 2018 is drinking quite primely right now. — 6 months ago
Joe DAscoli
Opened and decanted for 2 hours before dinner and then really only opened up and truly hit expectations around the 3rd hour when paired with wagyu strip steaks.
This wine was savory tightly wound and tannic at first. Didn’t show much fruit until after the long decant and then it really changed.
With time, the fruits shown through with great complexity and great balance for the savory elements. — a month ago