S. Martinelli & Co.
Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Zinfandel 1981
A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50. — 3 years ago
Gramercy Cellars
Columbia Valley Syrah 2013
The nose is brooding as the glass even approaches. Ruby, ripe; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, an array of purple fruits, blueberries, creamy raspberries, baked, dark cherries and plum. Mid intensity grilled meats, smoke, cracked pepper, blue/purple fruit cola, black licorice, nice, soft, dark spice, crushed rocks, moist clay, vanilla, understated dry herbs, blue, purple flowers and gently layered lavender.
The body is full, thick, lush and ruby. The mouthfeel is gorgeous/sexy. It just starting to drink softer, showing good integration with another 10 plus years of good drinking ahead. This style, structure, tension, length & balance is why I love well made Syrahs from Walla Walla. Ruby, ripe; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, an array of purple fruits, blueberries, creamy raspberries, baked, dark cherries and plum. Mid intensity grilled meats, smoke, cracked pepper, blue/purple fruit cola, black licorice, caramel, mocha powder, milk chocolate, nice, soft, dark spice that brings heat to the palate, notes of cinnamon, crushed rocks, moist clay, vanilla, understated dry herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, even show a touch graphite, used tobacco with ash, blue, purple flowers and gently layered lavender. The acidity is round and nicely done. The lush, rich, ripe, well balanced, finish glides beautifully & juicy over the palate while it persists minutes.
Photos of; side shot of the tasting room that looks like an 1800’s saloon from the outside, the lounge area of their tasting room, Greg Karrington’s Co-Owner and Co-Winemakers Master Sommelier Certificate (no easy thing to pass) and my wife at their tasting bar chatting it up.
— 5 years ago
Vinhos Barbeito
The Rare Wine Co. Historic Series Boston Madeira Special Reserve Bual
The Madeira Boston Bual Special Reserve is one of the richest and most potent of the Madeiras in the Rare Wine Co.’s Historic Series. A dark, brooding Madeira, the Boston Bual is packed with dark macerated cherry, mocha, spice, worn-in leather, tobacco and dried herbs. It’s a beautiful Madeira to drink at the end of a meal with cheese or bittersweet chocolate, which seems like the most obvious choice. This is an especially large-scaled, dramatic Madeira. L22203. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2022)
— 2 years ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Old Hill Ranch Heritage Sonoma Valley Red Blend
Watched MN Gophers mens hockey shut out Buckeyes in hockey. Should be a 10, but give solid rating. 1880's vines being saved by Bedrock so us Schmucks can watch hockey with wine. What could be better?? — 4 years ago
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. (Leinenkugel's)
Summer Shandy
Not only is this a weekend to remember those who have lost their lives for us, but it’s a sad weekend for me. I lost a longtime friend to cancer yesterday. We went to high school together in Iceland and we both served in the Navy. Normally this would be our weekend to get together and hang out at the pool, drinking beer and listening to 80’s music. RIP Faye I’ll miss you my friend — 2 years ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Papera Ranch Heritage Russian River Valley Red Blend
Date drank: January 2020
Year: 2017
Producer: Bedrock Wine Co.
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma
Purchased from: Anconas
Distributor/Importer: na
Natty: Native yeasts. Minimal racking
Notes: 80+ year old vines throughout California. Nice perfume, spice, and fruit well balanced. Tobacco and leather is more subtle than other Zinfandels but i like it more. Great bottle of wine. — 4 years ago
Allegrini
Villa Cavarena Valpolicella Ripasso Corvina Blend
Sept 28, 2019. J2’s 5th bonus year celebration. TW Concierge offering April 2017. Purchased this and the Amarone. This is s solid Ripasso. Tart cherries, of course but not overpowering. Smooth, no pepper, hint of chocolate. 70% Corvina, 30% Rondinella. I believe Villa Cavarena is an Allegrini family label, from their Co-op? Definitely Allegrini quality and for <$20/bottle, what’s not to like??? — 5 years ago
Jan A
Slightly corked sadly. On the nose the wet cardboard is obvious but on the palate there is a very young Bordeaux styled wine. The group guessed 2005 / early 2000's. Impressively youthful. — 10 months ago