Think As Thieves
Man O' War Vineyards
Dreadnought Waiheke Island Syrah 2012
1000 Stories
Small Batch Bourbon Barrel Aged California Zinfandel 2017
Not really a "purist" wine but who cares?... Those guys are a bunch of Jackwagons. It's best to not think of this as a wine and more as a delightful hybrid alcoholic beverage. It is really obvious that the bourbon barrels are heavily influencing the flavor here and that is right up my alley. I wouldn't want every wine to be like that but what this one does, it does well. It's really in a completely different category than a straight-up Zin and should be judged accordingly. — 2 days ago
Cape Mentelle
Margaret River Rosé Blend 2018
This is how we spent our Saturday night. Can you really go wrong? I don’t think so..
A big thanks to Cape Mentelle in WA’s Margaret River region for sending over this sample for us to try. It’s an intriguing blend of Shiraz 65%, Grenache 15%, Tempranillo 7%, Sangiovese 4%, Zinfandel 4% Mourvedre 3%, Viognier 2%.
For me, I found this Rosé on the savoury side, which I really enjoyed. It’s also has a bit of age on it being 2018 which I believe gave it a bit of extra complexity.
In the glass it’s a pale peach colour with a vibrant pink hue. On the nose there’s savoury berries, citrus and floral notes. While in the mouth it has wonderful bright citrus acidity with orchard fruits, lemongrass and a sprinkling of pepper. It’s more than just a fresh and fruity Rosé, it’s got character and sass 💁♀️
This #wine was sent to me as a sample, I was under no obligation to post about it.
All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy! — 10 days ago
Pierre Callot
Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne Chardonnay
Nose has italian bread, green apple slice, under-ripe lime wedge and cold ginger root.
Palate has lime slice, grapefruit zest with a lightly sweet limestone note on the finish; Great acidity.
This just came home with many more of the same; I'm excited for warmer weather as I think this will be a truly crush-able BdB on hot summer days!
Blended with three GC plots in Avize, Cramant & Choiully and 30% reserve wine from 1985+ — 11 days ago
Cuvée du Vatican
Réserve Sixtine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2001
Great evolution as a classic CdP over the course of several hours. From dry, tannic and musky at the open to minerals and beef later and more and more super ripe, jammy fruit emerging toward the end. The tannins were firm but fair and the acid still sharp, making me think there was still room for development even after 20 years. — 2 days ago
Cavallotto
Bricco Boschis Barolo Nebbiolo 2016
Double-blind. This note is from memory but what an impression it made! I called Barolo along with a few others at the table; likely from a vintage like 2012 or 2015 since everything seemed well and open for business. Dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, and roses with monumental structure. This was a touch glossy on the fruit side and I thought that had more to do with the generosity of the vintage rather than the producer. We were all surprised (and also a bit, “yeah, that makes total sense) when it was revealed to be the 2016 Cavallotto Bricco Boschis. Surprised because the 2016 vintage from such a traditionalist was drinking so well out of the gate! Not surprised with the glossy nature of the fruit which I find to be a hallmark of Cavalotto; simply gorgeous texture. An utter delight now and, I suspect, will be stunning with time. Now that I think of it, the 2013’s were very good upon release as well and there are a lot of similarities between the two vintages. — a day ago
Korbin Kameron
Cuvée Kristin Estate Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2009
Very nice wine. Great fruit flavors. I think I would have preferred it with food as opposed to on it's own. — 10 days ago
Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia
Valbuena 5° Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend 2014
Was very reminiscent of the great Cabernet Sauvignons that I've been having recently, except that it was missing something.
I think the Tempranillo was more additive to the blend, and that the Merlot didn't bring as much to the table. — 8 days ago
Calistoga Cellars
Triumph Cellars Chardonnay 2015
Beautiful chardonnay! I either love a chardonnay or don't, this one is a love. Buttery and vanilla, smooth. Was sad it was gone, bought it for our quarantine Thanksgiving. Will definitely buy again. I buy the kendall Jackson chardonnay often and I think it was as good or better than the KJ — a month ago
Bob McDonald
Mid to deep crimson in colour. Aromas of red berries, a little oak, a bunchie stalky note, spices including nutmeg and a dash of chocolate. Medium plus bodied quite northern Rhone in style more than SA. Not dissimilar to another excellent North Island Syrah as in Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay. Very good, very tasty. From the unlikely destination of Waiheke Island which is in the middle of Auckland Harbour, which is massive in area compared to Sydney Harbour. One would think the rainfall might be a little high for quality viticulture but not so. Also when you think that one of the best new world Chardonnays in Kumeu River is made just to the north of Auckland. — 2 days ago