Thumbprint Cellars
Penfolds
Bin 600 California Cabernet Shiraz 2018
Rich crimson with purple tinges. It certainly has the Penfolds winemaking thumbprint of ripe fruit and toasty oak. As HH said it tastes more Australian than Californian even though all the fruit is Californian and it was vinified there. These are the details (78% Cabernet 22% Shiraz. Napa 45%, Sonoma 35%, Paso Robles 20%). In hindsight it probably tastes Australian because of the Cabernet Shiraz blend which is common in Australia and rare (or nonexistent in California?). This venture for Penfolds has been 30 years in the making with Shiraz cuttings being brought from South Australia to Geyser Peak in Sonoma back then as our host for the dinner explained on the night. 4 Cuvées, all Red have been made ranging in price of $95 for this wine to $950 for Quantum. 70% of the production has been allocated to the North American market so dinners such as the one we had are quite rare in Australia because of lack of stock. This Bin 600 even though the least expensive of the 4 Cuvées will live well into the late 2030s even though it is so well balanced you could happily drink it now. — 5 years ago
Destihl Brewery
Cerise Stout Imperiale
Looks like another über-opaque stout, black with tinges of brown, except up top where a rush of micro bubbles made a ton of macros that left a pretty, light-caramel colored flattop; orange tints. Short streaked and spotted lacing. Dark chocolate covered peanut butter, mocha, black cherry jam thumbprint cookies, grilled pepper steak, fresh toffee. Frankly, the list could go on forever. Aromatic acrobatics. Luxardo cherries under dark chocolate, aged balsamic complexity (think: 40 year), dark, barebones strong coffee with one sugar, Christmas figgy pudding, Barolo chinato, gingerbread, ginger beer, molasses, chocolate bitters. Clove finish delivers on the dry. Amazed as ever with this brewery’s offerings. The profiles scare the hell out of me, but the beers are always sublime. — 7 years ago
Thumbprint Cellars
Petit Rosé 2011
I think about dropping this wine club, and then I open a bottle, and I remember why I stay. Never had a Rosé made from Petit Verdot before. Hope to have more. — 8 years ago
Thumbprint Cellars
Betsy's Vineyard Syrah 2016
Betsy’s Vineyard Syrah. We’ve enjoyed lots of Scott’s Cabs and blends, but this is the first time we’ve had Thumbprint Syrah. It won’t be the last. With grilled Ahi tuna, grilled asparagus, and a spinach salad, a wonderful meal became even better. Thanks, Scott. — 5 years ago
Thumbprint Cellars
Four Play Red Blend 2015
Nice wine with dinner. No discernible heat, despite the 15.1% ABV. Thumbprint Cellars never disappoints. — 7 years ago
Thumbprint Cellars
Threesome Red Blend
My favorite red from thumbprint! Full of complex flavors and just the right amount of tanin. I need to have backup bottles of this — 4 years ago
Thumbprint Cellars
Climax Zinfandel Blend
I climaxed... — 5 years ago
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2008
The Drinking Window experts say I should drink my last 2008 Art Series Chardonnay. Delicious as always with a timeless feel about it and the thumbprint of luscious stone fruit and pear. The 2016 was just released and reviewed by Ray Jordan who is a WA Wine expert who gave it 99+ points. He said he gave the 2015 99 points yet the 2016 is a better wine and given he doesn’t give 100 he then had to give the 2016 99+ points. The 2008 is drinking beautifully. Could go on short term but why bother. — 7 years ago
Donald Williams
Lisa’s Vineyard - one of my all-time favorites. — a year ago