Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; no formal notes. Best with air, this is still a baby. Blueberry pie, purple flowers, rotundone, some black pepper, cocoa, coffee and bacon fat. Super dry with stiff tannin still. Lovely acid. Finish is long…like whoa. Drink now with patience or before 2035, no cap. — 4 years ago

David Kline

9.2

Black opaque. Sponge-y headed with a cap of mostly smooth, cappuccino cream glossing. The beer sighs as it pours. Coffee and espresso scents entwine with vanilla, malty chocolate, basil, dark toast, grilled oak, and grilled marinated mushroom. Heavy coffee entry with burnt white sugar, toffee and dark roasted, brittle arabica, soy sauce, bitter notes from peppercorn and roasted pecans, but just enough dark caramel to sweeten it slightly, 100% dark chocolate; drops smoothly in swallow, then surfaces with bitter coffee oils on the finish always remembering its oak. I am very surprised that I have not rated this one yet, as I have had it many times. Now I can say I took a shot/stab at it and drowned the day’s sorrows in its dark robes. — 7 years ago

Truby Gravatt

9.6

Deep flavor stout with a good shot of chocolate coffee flavour. Slightly bitter. texture wise a bit watery, but overall a most satisfying brew! — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

We have been working on our South Africa and Egypt trip for months. Diligently doing research and talking about it daily.

One of our stops will be a week on the Western Cape or as many define it, Stellenbosch. It has always been on my wine region bucket list for its wines and beauty. One of my goals was to find some excellent producers of Pinotage.

This Beeslaar is the private label of the Winemaker at Kanonkop, Abrie Beeslaar. Abrie makes a black label Kanonkop that sells retail at $200. That’s right, $200! It must be deliriously good if they can get $200 for it.

I found this 2016 Beeslaar at K&L for just under $37. It’s the 1st Pinotage that has my eyes wide open as to what can’t be done with this difficult varietal in the right hands. If his private label is this good, I hope to visit Kanonkop and taste their black label.

The nose reveals; dark chocolate raisins, dark eastern spices, plum and black cherry, blueberries, baked strawberries, blackberries, black raspberries, black raisin currants, smokiness and grilled meats, black pepper and a touch of white, some green vegetal notes, cinnamon, dark chocolate mocha bar, dark fruit steeped tea, gravely schist, touch of coffee grounds, dark fruit roll-ups, leather, tobacco with ash with fresh, dark red & blue florals.

The body is full, thick and rich. There is a dark, tarry, dusty tannin structure. This will benefit from 3-5 years plus in bottle but, it is crazy good. Sound, firm; structure, big tension, long length and very good balance. Dark chocolate raisins, smokiness and grilled meats, dark eastern spices that brings pronounced heat to the palate, black plum, plum and black cherry, blueberries, baked strawberries, blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, black raisin currants, dark berry bubblegum, black pepper and a touch of white, tree bark with a touch of sap, some green vegetal notes, cinnamon, dark chocolate mocha bar, dark fruit steeped tea, gravely schist, dry stones, touch of coffee grounds, dark fruit roll-ups, new un-smoothed leather, tobacco with ash with fresh, dark red & blue florals. The acidity is round and splendid. The elegant, rich finish runs ripe fruits to dry tannins with dusty earth and shows an even tug of war with its fruits and earthiness.

It drinks like a combination of; Grand Cru Gamay, Shiraz and Northern Rhône.

I will be getting more of this and forgetting about it for 5 more years. Can’t wait for that moment and noting the changes.

This wine raises my excitement level for our trip with each sip.

Pinotage is a grape variety made from a cross of Pinot Noir & Cinsaut that was created in South Africa in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University...making it one of the youngest grape varietals.

Photos of; a shot of just how beautiful Cape vineyards can be, Winemaker-Abrie Beeslaar, Pinotage fruit near harvest and field-hands harvesting their very tall vines. Beeslaar has no Cellar Door currently. — 7 years ago

Matthias Gassner

9.3

Nice burgundian touch, 2011 now perfectly ripe, aging-aromas and dominant oak harmonize very well. Toffee, butterscotch, yoghurt, coffee, burnt wood, primary aromas more in the background (exotic fruits, pineapple etc.). Shot this in a sale for ~12€ but this is chardonnay on a very high level with great aging potential. — 9 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured. This bottle didn't need any time to breath; it was ready for action the moment the cork was pulled. I found it to have a rather remarkable nose. The most striking characteristic would have to be the amount of espresso. I mean...it smelled like someone pulled a fresh shot into my glass. I've never encountered such a strong coffee note and everyone agreed. It was actually quite charming as it differentiated itself from your typical Napa CS experience. There was more there too, of course; currants and some thyme. On the palate, there was more than a decent amount of dark fruit with some leather and forest floor also peeking through. Tannin has softened from earlier bottles. Acid enough to keep this alive in the cellar until it's 20th birthday. Unfortunately, this was my last bottle of several that I had and now looking back at my previous notes...I was wanting to hold this a lot longer than I did! Oh well, it further reinforces that this has the stuffing to last. This was the best showing yet. Drink now or Hold. — 9 years ago

Mark S.

9.1

Oak, sweet spicy aroma. Deep raisin and red black fruits. Coffee, chocolate nuance. Tanning, spicy. Drinkable from first shot. Found it good Chianti immediately! Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sangiovese Blend 2016 @2100, xiaduo -, 220430-220518 — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

When in doubt, a sure bet is a well aged, good vintage Heitz. @Eric Shanks

I intended to grab an 06 but, mistakenly grabbed an 07. I’ve not had one of my 06’s yet...next weekend.

The one thing I do every time I open one of my ten year or older Heitz Napa Cabernet’s is smile & think, this was sub $35 at Costco. It’s the wine feeling/definition of stealing candy from babies.

The nose is a beautiful harmony of fruit, earth and florals. Steeped, somewhat stewed, candied fruits of; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of purple fruits; boysenberries, ollieberries, & mulberries. Dark, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, touch of incense, fire ambers, dark spices with violets palate heat, chocolate pudding, vanilla, light; cinnamon, clove & nutmeg, dark chocolate, caramel, sweet, soft, dark spice, dark berry cola, dark cherry kirsch, dark, rich earth, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, dry top soil, moist clay, understated herbs & dry brush, brewed coffee, mint, some sage & bay leaf, tobacco, dry, old leather with amazing, fresh & slightly withering & candied; dark, red, blue, purple with a violet & lavender frame. The acidity is splendid. The long, ripe, ruby, lush, elegant, well crafted balance of fruit & earth is delicious and persists endlessly with a dark spice on the long set.

The body is; delightful, ripe, rich, lush & full. The structure, tension, length and balance are woven in a perfect tapestry. This 07 has another 10-15 years easily. The tannins are rounded, smooth but, still have a dark, chewy, tarriness with baby teeth. The beauty of the vintage is on full display. Steeped, somewhat stewed, candied fruits of; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of purple fruits; boysenberries, ollieberries, & mulberries. Dark, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, touch of incense, fire ambers, chocolate pudding, vanilla, light; cinnamon, clove & nutmeg, dark & milk chocolate, caramel, sweet, soft, dark spice, dark berry cola, dark cherry kirsch, dark, rich earth, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, dry top soil, moist clay & dry brush, brewed coffee, mint, tobacco, dry, old leather with amazing, fresh & slightly withering & candied ; dark, red, blue, purple with a violet & lavender frame. The acidity is perfect. The finish is; rich, ripe, ruby, candied, well balanced fruit & earth, elegant and long sets into velvety, round tannins and mid dark spices.

Photos of; the winery, tasting patio, old basket press and wide shot of the winery & Estate vines. — 6 years ago

Chris England

9.9

Today I arrived on Planet Pingus 🚀

A special treat for our vacation & my first Pingus that’s been on my wishlist for soooo long 😍 Found at €950 in a restaurant, which for a 100 Parker Pointer that retails at £1,450 in 🇬🇧, I had to try 😊 & It sure did not disappoint 💗 It is one of the best wines I’ve EVER had 👏 See photos on Instagram 😉

Mrs E sat there trying this and said “I’ve decided my life is not too shabby” 🤣😂🤣

📍 Dominio de Pingus - Pingus 2004

🥩 Paired w/ a shed load of red meats (see pics ⏩)

🏵 99 points w/ 100 potential given 5-10 years & better than Ch. Margaux 1990 by far 👍 just needs a little more dry tannin integration 😉

🍇 Tempranillo

💥 14.8% ABV but not evident

🍷 Opaque ruby w/ brick edge

👃 Explosion of rich coffee, thick chocolate, earthy dark cherry, spiced raspberry, black Forest gateaux & oak w/ black berry fruits, date, prune & herbs - it’s a Spanish aromatic orgasm

👄 Med+ body of super creamy silky punchy yet refined dark cherry oozing through decadent chocolate & raspberry coulis w/ mocha & lashings of choc cherry gateaux

🎯 Long choc cherry gateaux full on mouth coating explosion w/ a coffee shot chaser

👉 Mrs E has something to say about this wine so check the first comment from @loularo on Instagram 🤣 — 8 years ago

Ken Musk

9.4

Silky smooth feel on palate. Very creamy like a coffee creamer. Easy to drink alone or with a shot of espresso. — 8 years ago

Chris England

9.4

Fab Tig @ £67 now £115 which I actually preferred younger but it's ageing lovely 👍 & has evolved to show intense coffee 😁

🍇 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cab S & 5% Cab F

🍷 Garnet ruby w/ brown edge

👃 Smokey mocha infused dark earthy ripe plummy/cherry fruits w/ a herby, oak, mineral & red flower potpourri backbone

👄 Med+ body of creamy mocha through dark plums, berries & cherries w/ liquorice undertone

🎯 Long rich double shot mocha dark berry earthy touch dry mouth coating — 9 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.2

It shows a medium dark tint in the glass while displaying some fairly dark and earthy traits on the nose. Black fruit, cola, tea and coffee all appear, along with a wisp of smoke. The palate is also dark, but accessible. There is an elegance to the wine that beckons, does not stiff arm. There is a rustic element, it's natural in New Zealand’s expression of Pinot Noir. — 9 years ago

AK Babcock

9.3

Great for sipping, on ice cream or a shot added to a pint of Guinness. — 10 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.2

This wine is medium-dark in its ruby color. The nose offers up beautiful raspberry notes with black tea and a pretty floral element. On the palate, the raspberry is a bit brambly and is joined by tea, coffee and cola notes. The tannins are fairly stiff upon opening, but they settle down after awhile. The finish is medium and savory. Altogether it is an elegant wine. — 5 years ago

David Kline

8.9

Low-action top, and black black. Mocha coffee with a caramel creaminess, and a vanilla shot. Licorice, cocoa nibs, a motor oil sweetness with banana leaf, rosemary, s’mores, and burnt brownie. Here comes the vanilla as advertised, bordering on extract, with a licorice cameo, molasses, brown sugar syrup, heavy tobacco chaw/plug, into an exquisite date reduction. This one plays games with your mouth, plunging suddenly into darkness with feigned, scraping reluctance then rebounds into jimmying oak, giving it super strength. And a fiery melted candy house. — 7 years ago

David Kline

9.5

Black and brooding with a high-piled eccentric crown of stiff frizz, descending wildly in chaotic lacing. This subversive Russian has been meddling in my election to drink through my beer collection before the birth of my child, and subsequent, triumphant return to wine! It stares at me; a quiet threat. Now, open and daunting, I ease in with the slowest approach. Robust fig and chocolate purée, with treacle, toffee, Turkish spiced coffee, baklava, chocolate nougat while also ganache coconut balls., cinnamon, brown sugar, black strap molasses and candied pecan aromas swirl thickly in this awesome mine of whiskey darkness. The aromatics lose intensity when you take a sip of this subterranean shadow magma. Blackberry reduction in dark chocolate, burnt caramels, coffee brittle, gorgeous rye herbaceous-ness, sprouting fresh oregano, peppercorns, chicory, Spanish brandy, truffles, allspice, marjoram, molasses, vanilla extract, soy sauce minus the salt. Sweet and bitter battle in smoky, stick basalt vessels filled with dark chocolate, sage and espresso. Enormous! Layer upon layer of warping wood expressions and undulating liquids of blackest culinary art. — 7 years ago

Chris England

9.5

This is a super hard Rioja to get your hands on (think Rocking Horse 💩) & is Mugas top wine only produced in top vintages so I was quite happy to find this & some 2015 as only around 5,600 bottles 😮 it’s not cheap at £120-£155 but I’ve been chasing for ages! Having had the amazing Prado Enea & Torre Muga in 09 I couldn’t wait 😊 The verdict? It’s a monster 😈 but will benefit 5-10 years more age 😉

📍 Bodegas Muga - Aro 2009

🏵 95 points w/ 96-98+ potential 👀

🍇 70% Tempranillo & 30% Graciano

💥 14.5% ABV

💨 4hrs+ or 15 mins in #vSpin

🍷 Deep opaque blackened ruby

👃 Double shot mocha through more coffee, black cherry & blackcurrant w/ blueberry, liquorice, dark red roses, violet & drowned red fruits w/ a touch of balsamic & vanilla cream

👄 Med++ intense loaded dark fruit body of black cherry, blackcurrant & blueberry bathed in cocoa mocha cream w/ a hint of balsamic & liquorice in fine slight dry tannins & mineral

🎯 Long deep dark fruit annihilation w/ a red fruit undertone & big mocha liquorice slight dry mineral kiss — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

A Coravin taste of this bottle to celebrate our departure to South America. We will be at Catena Zapata on the morning of 23rd...can’t think of a better way to start the day in Mendoza. When I first put this wine to my nose, I experienced vanilla milkshake with a touch of root beer after a 40 minute decant in glass. Strong vanillin notes, dark sweet currants, ripe blackberries, blueberries, sweet dark cherries, slightly underripe black raspberries, black plums, melted dark chocolate, mocha chocolate, touch of pepper, loamy soil & dry clay, violets fields for days and decayed red florals. One of the most engaging noses I’ve experienced in some time.

The body is thick, full and lush and feels like a velvety glove on the tongue. The tannins are still big, yet well rounded & powdery. The palate is beautiful. Dark ripe currants, blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, black raspberries, black plums & creamy raspberries. Amazing florals, lavender, violets and decayed red florals. Vanilla, root beer, dry clay, loamy soils, round powdery volcanic minerals with a slight edginess, dry stems, dry stones, coffee grounds, notes of pepper, sweet tarry notes, leather, tobacco, soft elegant spice, dry stems, very round beautiful acidity, solid structure, big length, perfect tension and rounded balance. The rich, ripe, ruby, candied, fruit, bright floral finish is so close to perfect it boggles the mind and last for minutes. Beautiful wine that I can’t wait to try again in 8-10 years and drink until 2035. Best wine I’ve had in some time and the best Malbec I’ve had to date.

Photos of; Catena Zapata with the beautiful snow capped Andes Mountains in the background, a shot of the Adrianna vineyard soil this wine is grown, Owners Laura Catena Zapata and Nicolás Catena Zapata and their spotless barrel room. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Nose of; blackberries, black cherries, black plum, black raspberries, dark roasted coffee, black licorice with fresh & dry florals. Palate of; blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black raspberries, violets, dry roses, notes of tar, black licorice, used coffee grounds, M+ tannins, caramel, dark chocolate, gentle spices, beautiful even finish with big acidity. Photos show one of their "Dead Arm vineyards" with a visual example of the term dead arm. Also, a shot of their very busy tasting bar. — 9 years ago

Trevor J. Gorham

9.0

Good fruit, balance and character. At first shot I got plenty of coffee beans and chocolate. Second bottle, not so present, maybe after it airs out. Delicious, easy drinking — 10 years ago