The 2016 ‘The Funk Estate’ is a stunning new wine by superstar winemaker Richard Funk of Saviah Cellars. Chosen to co-ferment 4% Viognier with Syrah, this immediately entices with bright citrus blossom aromatics that combine with the deep dark fruits, green olive, bacon fat and horse manure aromatics that all shine brightly in unison. Soft, round and generous, there is a seamless quality to this wine that is apparent. Black tea, clove, cigar ash, Umami, red cherry puree and suggestions of wild blackberry cordial all marvelously combine in this utterly thrilling palate. I really enjoy this sensational Syrah at this stage in its development, and my feeling is there is no reason to cellar it for more than another seven years. Drink 2019-2026- 96 — 5 years ago
2016. native yeast. beautifully aromatic. wow. lilac, perfumes, tree flowery. zingy black and red cherry, dark chocolate,l. delicious — 4 years ago
Nose has mashed blackberry, ripe black current, ripe black cherry, wet saddle leather, horse barn, dried mint, fried green herbs, chopped bacon, muddy garden soil, constantly developing...
Palate has mahogany shavings, black cherry 🍒, dried garden soil, day old bacon bacon 🥓, over-ripe black currant, warm dark chocolate, (minor) baking spice with a very long and intense finish. This wine has at least a decade in front of it tonight. Perfect, supple cork on extraction.
Still quite tannic, decanted 4h, needs much more time to reveal it's true self.
My retailer commented this was not a standard CA Cabernet, more Bordeaux-like, and he was fully on point. The stink on the nose really pointed us away from CA right away.
Paired to some expertly grilled, medium-rare Delmonico steaks from my favorite, local farmer in Columbia Co. NY (Kinderhook Farm), well salted (in advance). Finished with Maldon smoked sea salt, best which exists in the world, IMHO. Also roasted beets with goat feta from VT, where I can only image goats listen to Phish and eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream daily, because only a stress free life like that could yield cheese this good.
I'd like to know the blend on this, should anyone know, I can't believe it's 100% Cab based on the stinky nose, which we appreciate. — 4 years ago
Good blend. A little punchy, but not too much — 6 years ago
This sake must be good because the rice is, according to the importer “quasi-organically grown” but more importantly fertilized with the manure of Japanese racehorses, which, thanks to anti-doping rules in Japan means it’s free of whatever passes for horse steroids. Konishi Brewing Co. Has been making sake in Itami prefecture since 1550, so they have a little experience. That’s why this Junmai Daiginjo sake is a pretty smooth operator, with malted milk and gardenia blossom aromas and a weighty Asian pear and malted milk flavor touched by white flowers. — 4 years ago
Nice Amber from Michigan. Mid bodied, well balanced. Clean smoky and mildly yeasty finish. — 5 years ago
Explosive!!!! Mendez y co.... — 6 years ago
Pinotman /// Andreas
Quite Chablis like. Just 600 bottles made. Not super complex. More on the subtle side. Lemon and touch herbs 🌿. 12.8%. One of the the producers which are on the burgh side of the spectrum. — 3 months ago