Say When Wine

Ridge Vineyards

Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Blend 2019

Ruby in color with a wide reddish/brick rim.

Fruit forward on the nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, black currants, plums, chocolates, light oak, earth, cola, herbs, spices, light vanilla, licorice, peppercorn and tobacco leaf.

Nice tangy finish with soft tannins.

This 6-year-old Zinfandel blend from Sonoma County is drinking at its peak. Spicy and fruit forward. Elegant and juicy.

Great right out of the bottle, but even better after a few hours of air, when the complexity really comes to life.

The alcohol is very nicely integrated by now. Easy drinking and nicely balanced. A great sipping wine.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$35.
— a month ago

Paul, Doug and 16 others liked this

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

2014 vintage. Last tasted 04.20.22 (9.5). Still tight but behind all the subterfuge, clouds, white lies, deception and smoke, there is a fantastic show slowly being assembled. All the performers are there and you've watched plenty of the rehearsals. Another 8-10 years will likely find this in the 9.6 and maybe 9.7 zone when the curtain finally rises. Built for future speed. If you've got the time and ca$hi$h, put a case aside and start tapping in 2035. This goes places wine doesn't have a right to. It's not asking for permission. 01.30.25. — 3 months ago

Jan, Ruud and 18 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1993

Still going strong with a little funkiness when 1st opened that quickly blew off showing red & black fruits, savory, brambly spices, earth, graphite & sweet wet tobacco — 4 months ago

Juan, Severn and 11 others liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001

Big lush, dark fruit that has not reached its peak window yet. But she ain’t far away. I was able to obtain a vertical of 01,02,03,& 04. My first foray into that vertical. No rush on this one but very impressed. Leather, pepper, if not cigar leaf here . Suffice it to say, there is a lot going on here and my lack of Cali knowledge has new intrigue — 2 months ago

Vino, Andrew and 5 others liked this

Salon

'S' Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut Chardonnay 2007

When Salon has some age that’s when it shows how special it is. It gains most notably in texture, aromatic complexity and really becomes singular in its expression of Mesnil Chardonnay. 2007 is in a beautiful spot, stunningly pure with incredible fruit and mineral definition and a finish that just stays with you. Special wines… — 3 months ago

Andrew, Billy and 5 others liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011

It’s 10 years since Serge. Hochar’s death whilst swimming in Acapulco on NYE 2014 and I think it’s appropriate to celebrate his legacy that is the modern Chateau Musar.
I first tasted Lebanese wines in London circa 1986 when I used to go to a couple of Lebanese restaurants in Shepherds Market near Mayfair in London
Al Hamra is still in business
I’ve been to Beirut several times and always stock up at the airport duty free
So a toast to a departed icon of the wine world
Since my last 2011 4.5 years ago (see note) this has aged wonderfully and I’ve up my rating several points
Another few years and it will be further improved
Optimal decant time was around 3.5 to 4 hours
Ethereal stuff
— 4 months ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

When confronted with an open bottle of Silver Oak Cab on a Wednesday night, you step up and finish it, no questions asked. — 2 months ago

Yianni, Ted and 6 others liked this

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1978

When 78 Ducru is on it’s an amazing example of aged Bordeaux but they’re incredibly inconsistent. This was a stunning bottle but two were corked before it. A perfect pairing with black truffle tagliatelle. — 2 months ago

Jan, Tom and 6 others liked this

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Yellow Label Brut Champagne Blend

Pale gold with fine bubbles. Blossom, apple, pear, tangerine, lemon, brioche, and toasted almond. Dry, medium body. Well-balanced acidity with a crisp, medium-plus finish. You can find this stuff almost anywhere these days. But I must say, I still like it.
— 3 months ago

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2003

Ron R
9.5

Good god. Peaking right now.
Huge aromatics on the nose. Superb weight, balance and texture. No rush to consume. Cedar and macerated black cherries transition to coffee and hints of maple. Blew me away. In raptures over this. Direct from the winery when I lived in Europe.
— 4 months ago

Mo Salem
with Mo
John, Vin and 48 others liked this
Jody Scharf

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anytime Ron, would enjoy that
Ron R

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@Jody Scharf, we are ready. Talk to me goose!
Ron R

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@Jody Scharf, how far are you prepared to travel??? I have close friends with a pizzeria in Montclair. It’s BYOB. However. I’m also happy to do a NY location of your choice. Let’s go! 👀