Think Tank

Austin Hope

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

AEL
9.2

I love this stuff. Perfectly balances a creamy, comfort-wine vibe with real sophistication. Behind the creaminess, distinct blueberry, crushed red berry, pepper notes. I previously reviewed the 2020; I think this is slightly better. At mom's. — a month ago

LM, Ted and 4 others liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Drinking a 3L from 2013 in late ‘24. Love the big format bottles and aging potential. This could go a lot longer I think but is also fine to drink now.

Standard Caymus flavors and aromas that made the brand known. Dark inky crimson color. Blueberries and blackberry fruit mixed with vanilla alongside the tell-tale signs of wet band-aid. Great tannins, medium-to-big acidity, good long finish. Really nice.
— a month ago

Jillian Varner
with Jillian

Marchesi Antinori

Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2016

I think I preferred the 2015 but ever so slightly and as much as I struggle to believe glasses make a difference they poured the 2016 in a big cab glass and I think that distracted from the flavors that were evident in the tighter 2015 glass. — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 4 others liked this

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Lovely bottle of 1986 Ducru Beaucalliou. A little smoky and not as long as the last bottle but solid with rib chop, sautéed spinach, mushrooms Diane, and Beef Fat Fries at Hawksmoor NYC. Staff said they were going to decant and then did not. I think it would have opened more had they. Next time: insist. — 5 months ago

Byron, Ted and 4 others liked this

Kosta Browne

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012

David T
9.3

Happy New Year! 🎉🎆🎈🎊 🧨

Excellent vintage. I think even better for Pinot than Cabernet in some cases.

Baked blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, baked, dark cherries, notes of blueberries, dry cranberries/rhubarb, maple syrup, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dry, grilled meats, dry tobacco, wood shavings, anise, cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg, dark spice, some black lichen, vanillin, warm caramel, sun tea, mid berry cola, dry twig, withering to decayed, dark, red, purple flowers, round acidity, well made, structured, balanced, elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and lands on dark spice, earthiness.
— a month ago

Scott@Mister, Shay and 14 others liked this

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.

Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082.
— 2 months ago

Ira, Jan and 29 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

I picked the Mouton Merlot in 2012 for a day. At the two harvest lunches I attended, they served the 82. Every time they bottle, they take the remaining barrel juice, filter it and then serve the remains at their harvest luncheons for workers & guests. The second lunch I attended, we were seated at the Baroness’s table may she RIP as she passed in 2014. In 2012, they drank the last of the 82.
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@David T what an awesome story and experience
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Jay Kline I agree re the 1982 Bordeaux vintage. The Chateau Margaux was one of the greatest wines I have ever drunk whereas the Lafite Rothschild was somewhat underwhelming. Bought at the same time from the same shop and stored the same way.

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
— a month ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 1985

A slightly austere and blocky front to the nose., graphite and ink. Very savory and deep. Salinity and iron. Surprising. Very good. I think, atypical — 3 months ago

David Schachter
with David
Jay, Shay and 10 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2014

On nose its lots of Blackberries, oak, pine woods, leathery

On palate its so delicious, long finish, soft tannins, medium acidity, its firm and silky smooth.
Lots if fruits, with touch of vanilla, creamy. Incredible complexity. I think this wine is on its peak or another 3 years to develop. Cheers everyone!
— 5 months ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Gravonia Crianza Rioja Viura 2012

Notes beyond its age. Never turns down even when you think it might. — 7 months ago

Severn, Tom and 4 others liked this