David Walser

9.2

On Princess Sun doing the special Caymus Wine dinner. This is something that I’ve not seen before. An ok wine. Not sure of the price point. This is a blend of Zinfandel and Syrah. — a month ago

David Koenen

9.2

Earth, wood, tobacco, sun dried tomato, oak, coffee, pencil lead and lovely balance to top it off. True to type! I’m quite surprised, since this used to be stubborn years ago, and I was wondering if it had enough substance to go the distance. It does. — a year ago

Vanessa

9.2

The 2019 Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks ‘Pofadder’ Cinsault is another South African beauty; this one from the Swartland District of the Coastal Region on the Western Cape.  🙌🏻 🇿🇦

It’s 100% Cinsault 🍇 ; a variety that usually finds itself playing a supporting role in a Southern Rhône or Languedoc blend.  Here it’s featured at center stage and is shining. 👌🏻👌🏻

Don’t let the pale ruby hue fool you!  👀 This wine is powerful 💪 It was produced organically and biodynamically in the warm, dry climate of Swartland, resulting in high alcohol (14% ABV), medium acidity, body, and fine grain tannins, with ripe, concentrated aromas and flavors, offering notes of cherry 🍒 , strawberry 🍓 , raspberry, violet, pink rose 🌹 , mint, basil, vanilla, butterscotch, and sweet spice. 🪵

We’re pairing this wine with a pesto fettuccine and grilled chicken with sautéed cherry tomatoes. It works deliciously.
Cheers to the incredible world of South African wines that we cannot wait to continue exploring!! — 2 years ago

with Deked1

Roberto Carli

9.2

Opens with pleasant white flower reduction minor struck match and a touch of oaky vanilla. Then lemon confit and other soft candied notes. Would be an overly opulent profile but it’s well balanced by solid yet mellow acidity. Primary profile could fool me for Chassagne but without laser or hazelnut — a month ago

West G. Phifer

9.0

Two words come to mind when tasting this standout of a bottle: “apricots” and “finish.” Tasting notes may be subjective, to say the least, but this deep red beauty brings to mind the brighter stonefuits like apricots and nectarines. Don’t let the full body and enticing nose fool you, this wine has a bit of punchiness to it, and trust me you’re gonna love it. The longer finish you’ll find with Freakshow is exactly as desired, this wine gently sticks square on the top of the tongue. To whom would I recommend Freakshow’s Cabernet of damn near any vintage? Well, frankly, everyone. But if you’re looking to impress that date and the only thing you know about their wine preference is simply the word “red,” then do both of you a favor and grab this bottle. — 2 years ago

boyd

9.3

Could fool many for a Burgundy. — 3 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2010 / It can be uncompromising harsh, Cabernet Franc. When young. It can be delightful elegant and charming. When aged. I love the grape with its successes in the region Loire. This one is even now dusty stubborn direct out of the bottle. But gains charm with every minute. Fine spicyness. — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

8.9

1986 vintage. Ripped through six bottles (one corked) for a 1986 BDX dinner @ Mister A's-San Diego. All bottles appropriately aged fill and decent+ corks. Double decanted and tasted over the course of 5 hours. Mix of powdery and stubborn (non-chunky) sed amongst the 6 bottles. Light-medium body throughout. Somewhat muted experience overall. None of the bottles (with variation) shone/sung. Wine is firmly on the downside of the bell curve with best days behind it (based on the 5 + corked bottle examples). There was none of the usual P-L flavor markers but the body hung in there. Pains me to say this but drink up now unless you've got a larger format bottle. Maggie (+) would probably yield a higher score. 3.14.24. — 2 months ago

Ivor

9.1

These 10s keep on going remaining quite stubborn. Young and tight impression not giving much on opening. Evolves after an hour in a classic medoc. All blackberries and fresh plums, cigar box and pencil shavings. Chewy tannines and a pretty long aftertaste. Could even use a few more years.. — 3 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2005 / Impuls purchase when leaving a wineshop. Crumbling cork, I thought OMG. Bandol can be very tight tannic and stubborn. I saw the word stoïc, and that’s a fine description for some Mourvèdre wines. Good acidity, medium weight. And then happened a little wonder in the glass, with air the red fruit became more apparent. Lovely. Also spicyness with a dominant cinnamon. Enjoyed it. For a 15 year old wine I paid a bargain price. Paired with Steak and mushrooms and French style stewed leek. — 4 years ago