Michael P. 's Wine Reviews


 2006 - Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Okay this isn't earth-shattering, but it is a nice, crisp SB not overly acidic, widely available in restaurants and nicely accompanies a range of shellfish, and goes well with oysters particularly at least in the experience of my wife and I. There would be others I might choose, but often I am not given that choice.
 2004 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is still a nice go-to for when you want a decent bottle of wine but don't need a show-stopper. You can find it anywhere and if given a couple of hours it will deliver what you expect. Consistency is a good way to build an empire
 2005 - Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
 May 21, 2008

1 star

 Seriously this was just terrible. Not a storage issue I think. this was like a mouthful of stale wine with blended up rotten seaweed in it. Just retched! I really am not too fond of South American wines and this is a reason why
 2005 - Baronne, Chateau la Corbieres
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I haven't had the red. If the rose is any indication though I would try it. It was great and for a good price, highly recommended.
 2004 - Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 I like to rip on KJ lately, after gaining enough of a palate to be totally disappointed by KJ, but the straight chard, chilled outside on a warm spring day, is not bad
 9998 - Roederer, Louis Brut Premier
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Louis won't do you wrong for when you need some bubbly and haven't invested the time in seeking out some grower champagne jewel. Toasty and yeasty but with a richness speaking of a fair percentage of PN. I like it
 2005 - Fetzer Chardonnay Bonterra
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 It isn't great, but it comes in Magnum, affordable, and the fam seems to like it. Drink cold and have it for when you need to pour for a couple of dozen, holidays and whatnot for casual sipping.
 2003 - Palacios, Alvaro Les Terrasses
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Really, a few Spanish wines get acclaim and they all want to charge like Burg or Bordeaux, well they are not the equal of the wines, at least only a few are. This wine though was excellent and a decent value as well. i would buy it again and recommend you do the same
 2002 - Pine Ridge Chardonnay Dijon Clones Stag's Leap District
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Don't remember the vintage, but it was a more aged example, and it was great! It was a rich buttery example but complex and not cloying or fake tasting. I really enjoyed it. A caveat, another set of PR Chardonnay of equal age turned out to be over the hill, though storage was questionable as I had not had them since their release
 2005 - Chalone Chardonnay Estate
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Clean rather than rich example if memory serves, but got at less than half price, so can't complain
 2005 - Gavilan (Chalone) Pinot Noir Estate
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Nice cherry cola thing, recommended, particularly for less experienced drinkers, we used to really like this
 2003 - Chalone Pinot Noir Estate
 May 21, 2008

1 star

 i was looking forward to this and was disappointed to find that my bottles had been cooked, improper storage I would say
 2006 - Matua Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star

 I take my grapefruit with vodka, in a greyhound. This is so acidic I think you could use it as a cleaning supply. Or to mix with oil and make a salad. maybe it was just the bottle I had, but I find this all too much in my NZ SB's these days, and I like a bit more complexity myself.
 2006 - Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin Marlborough
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I am so sick of mouth puckering grapefruit flavor in my SB. A bit was fine, now it has gotten quite old. This has melon and gooseberry and it rocks. New is good with SB so try the 2007, but the 2006 should go strong for awhile
 1997 - Jaboulet Aine, Paul Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star

 They say that this wine takes at least a decade to truly be understood. Eleven years in and I don't get it. At first you think "oxidized, dead", but then you get a sense of great depth and complexity. It puzzles me to say it but this may one day truly be great.
 2004 - Banrock Station Riesling
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 . . . but really not that bad, dryish, crisp enough and good when consumed cold on a hot day. I would try it.
 1997 - Chalk Hill Merlot Adele's Estate Vineyard Selection
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Then this should be great too. I suggest it. I was a bit worried about the ten year old bottle. Cork was soaked and broke so be careful. The flavor was fantastic though. This wine got the full on rock star treatment, not only enough wood to take age but enough oak and pampering to require the years to soften. I could tell because at ten years old it was exactly where it should be, like a fine Pomerol, as Chalk Hill aims to emulate. Give it a go if given the chance.
 2004 - Guigal Cotes du Rhone
 May 21, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine is, for the price, a great deal. There have been some occasions when I was less impressed, but overall I have been happy. The difference between this and many CDR's is that there is a quarter each of Mourvedre and Syrah, which gives structure to the more lushly fruited grenache and allows for some evolution in bottle. Give it a try, and remember that Guigal makes some really stellar wines in the region, they know their stuff even if it is a mass quantity wine.
 1999 - Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 So Brunello isn't exactly a deal, but this is a true, beautiful Brunello, with pure Sangiovese character, at a price that seems reasonable for the quality. Truly excellent.
 2000 - Fratelli Revello Barolo Vigna Giachini
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine will be absolutely stunning in about five years, though it was excellent right now.
 2004 - Pax Cellars Cuvee Moriah
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Wonderful wine, really singing now, like a CDP but with a totally California style. I don't really know how to explain it more thoroughly, but try it and I think you will agree...
 2003 - Gypsy Dancer Pinot Noir Gary & Christine's Vineyard
 May 20, 2008

1 star

 Like a nice tasty glass of vinegar, or choose your acid really. Terrible, poured out.
 2001 - Newton Puzzle
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Really an old world style, not accessible young, but you can feel the potential, so just wait a little bit and this will reward I think
 2005 - Serene, Domaine Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is seriously good Pinot, highly recommended. One caveat though is that there is a lot of Oak treatment, so it needs a couple more years or a long decant.
 2004 - Achaval Ferrer Quimera
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I am not the biggest Malbec fan, but for what the wine is a great example of an Argentine Malbec, so I give it the good rating.
 2006 - Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel
 May 20, 2008

1 star

 I have yet to find a zinfandel I like. This one was like grape juice, terrible, the wife and I poured it out.
 2005 - Louis Bernard Cotes du Rhone Villages
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star

 I did not enjoy this wine at all, it was not good. I won't be trying again.
 2006 - Almira Los Dos
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 I had this several times, and it showed really well with a decant several of those times. But the last time it did seem thin and a bit off, I guess bottle variation is to be expected with large production wines
 2002 - Jadot, Louis Pernand Vergelesses
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 My wife and my guests all liked this wine quite a bit. I though it a bit simple and I wondered also about the storage before coming into my hands. But since they all liked it I will say that perhaps I am mistaken and it is as good as the others seemed to think it.
 2005 - Turkey Flat Vineyards Rose
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Give me a great rose for about 11 bucks and I'm happy, but a good one at 15 and I'm torn. between you and me though, more often than not I'll not buy again, no matter that I really enjoyed it, for there are too many promising provencial roses out there for less money that I still have yet to try
 1998 - Dujac (Jacques Seysses), Domaine Morey St Denis
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 I think the bottles I bought had been ill-used, a sad and common story, left in the light too long. Hot summers. Cold winters. By the time I took them in there was little I could do. Two bottles. One was DOA, a shame, a pity. The other though, the other was the aged beauty, showing flashes of what she used to be. I'll try this house again, well, if can ever afford it, I'll try this house again. And I will be more careful of provenance.
 1999 - Leroy, Domaine Bourgogne
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 The advice I was given goes like this, if Lelou Bize-Leroy puts the family name on the bottle, it must be good. I haven't the funds to authenticate this story much. BUT, BUT, I have had this wine, and it blew me away. Bougogne? Are you kidding me? 1999 was a great year and this tasted like a prime Premier cru. It was the maison, not the domaine, for what that is worth, but in any case it tasted like strawberry rhubarb pie.
 1998 - Puy-Blanquet 
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 1998 was a great year for merlot, or so they say. And from what I have seen they are right. The "other bank" shone, stepping out of the shadow it is always cast in, even if seldom cast far. I have some other 1998 St. Emilion. Soon I'll give it a go. I look forward to that day.
 1997 - An Segla 
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 The year is supposedly off, the wine a second wine of a winery fallen on hard times in the nineties. But then I love an underdog. Opened at a barbeque on a temperate evening of late spring. It was wonderful. I'd buy it again.
 2000 - Duhart-Milon-Rothschild Moulin de Duhart
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 In my less knowledgeable days, and while drunk, I opened this amongst friends at a holiday gathering. Everyone was impressed with the quality, but now I lament a wine gone before its time. If I still had it, I would start thinking about drinking it now, but would not ACTUALLY drink it for two years.
 2005 - Montes Folly Syrah
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Don't Drink This!!! Yet. This is too young. Checked even 24 hours later and needs more time. Really good potential though, really strong fig character that I enjoyed immensely. Buy it and cellar for a few years.
 2001 - Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 2001 Bordeaux rocks and is coming to a good place right now. If you have this give it a whirl, I really liked it
 2000 - Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Really nice wine, and what would you expect. I just remember those halcyon days when the 2000's were out when even little old me could afford some nice bordeaux. Well I still can, but it has gotten tougher anyway. This is good though, if you have it, drink 2010 - 2017
 2000 - Jadot, Louis Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Should flesh out and improve with time, but for now the admirable complexity is there, and some acidity to carry a finish, it just needs time to come together. Even then it will be an off vintage, but a very nice wine regardless.
 2003 - Graville Lacoste, Chateau 
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Not phenomenal, nor even great, and I have read the recent criticism of simple summer wines, but this is that, a nice, refreshing, clean summer wine that should drink well for one more summer, then move to a more recent vintage.
 2003 - Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Meritage
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star

 Seriously. I know I am getting more snobby all the time, and that supermarket wine is falling behind in the rearview, and that a part of me wants to be able to like this wine, the same part of me that wants to not have a job or responsibility and to still be a child! But I am not, so this wine just isn't any good. Why not?
 2001 - Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Proper, age-worthy, aromatic, nuanced Chardonnay, from California!? WOW! And you don't have to wait for years to get on a list and then pay three figures? WOW! Buy it. Cellar it. Drink it! Thank me.
 2006 - Isole e Olena Chianti Classico
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star

 Seriously, this wine underperforms the competition big time. I don't have much Chianti experience, and this is why. They say a few of the best are back on track, but at this level, I think not
 2001 - Da Vinci, Leonardo Brunello di Montalcino
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine has personality issues. It is very nice, but it hardly seems characteristic of Brunello. At very first it did, then it seemed like a very extracted New World Pinot. But that having been said it was very nice though.
 2001 - Standish Shiraz
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I know, you may say the style is over the top, but this must surely be the most magnificent example of the style, and that must be appreciated. There is an exotic blueberry/blackberry liquor, or maybe a black cherry thing. There is a note almost like grappa, not from too much alcohol, just a somewhat hazy floral aromatic. This is thick and strong, it is serious, and it is as fine an example of this style of wine as I have ever had.
 2003 - Krems, Stadt Riesling Grillenparz
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Very true to the hot 2003 year this is lush, with nice viscosity and enough intensity and structure to probably last many years.
 2006 - Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star

 Might be a dumb phase, or might not be a great wine, but it wasn't very exciting, that is for sure. The flavors were diluted. But moreover they just seemed wrong. This is a very young wine though and maybe it will come together with time
 2005 - Rustenberg John X Merriman
 May 20, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 A really snappy green peppercorn quality that somehow totally works in concert with classic bordeaux profile. All of this eventually mellows to show very WA state-like tart cherry. Really unique.
 2004 - Columbia Crest Merlot Grand Estates
 Apr 30, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is simple and the oak actually covers the fruit for the first hour or two, so decant for .5 or open for 2 at this point. From there thought it is a simple and straightforward merlot, with cherry and sweet chocolate, and while not deep, it is adequate at this QPR and good for gatherings where the bottles are flowing too fast to actually be reflected upon anyway.
 2002 - Gouges, Domaine Henri Nuits St Georges
 Apr 28, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine consistently delivers a true burgundy experience and should continue to do so for some time.  Haunting, ethereal, a study in lithe complexity and impeccable use of oak.  In other wines the oak is often an issue, to forward, not enough, controversial, but here it is a part of the wine.  Plus you will rarely find such a since of place in a village level wine.  Highly recommended

 2005 - Colombo, Jean-Luc Cotes du Rhone les Abeilles
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is a great value in CDR, let it sit for a bit at this young stage though
 2005 - d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache / Shiraz
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is like a CDR but with Aussie ripeness, yet not overdone
 2005 - Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This held really well in the fridge for about three days with a nice cotton-candy smell towards the end, yet the palate stayed fresh
 2004 - Pepper Bridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is drinking pretty well now, but will probably improve with time
 9998 - Mumm, Domaine Cordon Rouge
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Many will find this wine too sweet, but if you like it with a touch of sugar sometimes, give this a try.
 9998 - Roederer, Louis Brut Premier
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 For major house champagne this is simply one of the best
 2004 - Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir Triple Black Slopes
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Seriously Extracted! This wine could totally pass for a really finessed syrah. Try it and see.
 2005 - Ravenswood Chardonnay Vintner's Blend
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 well balanced and fruity, a nice chard that will pair well with a variety of food
 1998 - Fratelli Revello Barolo Vigna Giachini
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 ... This is a wonderful expression of nebbiolo that should continue to drink well for ten to twenty more years or longer. Buy it, imagine what fine wine will cost by then!
 1998 - Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine rocks, wonderfully pure sangiovese expression from a great vintage, highly recommended
 2006 - Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star

 Wine shouldn't taste like a lemon, nor a grapefruit. Hints, yes, nuance, yes. But this was too much
 2005 - Yalumba Shiraz Viognier Y Series
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This was incredibly well-received. I would surely suggest again
 2004 - Achaval Ferrer Quimera
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Okay so the malbec lovers were in heaven here, and being new to Argentine finer wine I can't complain. But I don't know if I would buy more, Malbec that is, but if I did, I would suggest this. Sorry if that is a bit muddled, sometimes that's the way they taste too.
 2001 - Phelps, Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is a great cabernet, but was probably much better two years ago. I am eager to try a more recent vintage
 2002 - Louis Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Vergelesses
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 I thought that this was okay, not bad, but the crowd was really pleased, nice white burgundy stoniness and a bit of green fruit, just seemed lacking in complexity to me, but then I was in the minority there, so try it for yourself
 2002 - Gouges, Domaine Henri Nuits St Georges
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Only a classic burgundy could provide this sort of clear, evolved, complex, spicy beauty. This is amazing stuff. Can't wait to try the premier crus
 1998 - Dujac, Domaine Morey St Denis
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star

 The first was very nice, hinting at what this was, the second was obviously gone, but the palate was clean, the nose was just gone, so if you have these, drink them now
 2002 - Columbia Crest Cabernet / Merlot
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Really, much more than you would expect from a wine of this level, give it a go, we find it a great go-to when entertaining a crowd, particularly if you ever find yourself buying for a weekend long family affair, buy about half the bottles of this
 2004 - Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 Nice for its consistency and for its tart cherry flavors, but can be a bit thin.
 2005 - Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Special Reserve
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star

 Really, like the floor of a swamp. Don't, ever, do it to yourself
 2006 - Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Really nice, pristine and minerally, with a bit of California ripeness, wonderful with shellfish
 2003 - Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I think that the trio of 2003 - 2005 of this wine should drink really well and provide a nice picture of these vintages in the Rhone long before the big boys are ready to go. Drink the '03 now, or the later vintages with a nice decant
 2004 - Guigal Cotes du Rhone
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Very good, a go to, completely as expected, a bit more fine and structured than the 2003, and a great drink while waiting for the 2005. Raspberry and a hint of flowers, but the great part is that they supplement the fruity grenache with 25% each of Syrah and Morvedre for backbone and muscle, and add to the aging ability.
 2003 - Columbia Crest Merlot Estate Series
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Really, for consistent quality and great QPR, this is a perfect example of how WA and CC specifically, rules. This is a great, chocolatey, nicely oaked expression of merlot that is super consistent. Gets at least half a star for always delivering
 2000 - Cambria Chardonnay Bench Break
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star

 Dead, pour it away, or better, add some unpasteurized vinegar and make chardonnay vinegar. Okay, it may be too dead for that
 2004 - Torii Mor Pinot Noir
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine was wonderful, on a quiet weekday, drinking it while watching my young girlfriend, now wife, walk up and down the rows of vines, at the torii mor vineyard, with the mountain in the background. I suggest it, the winery and the wine
 2006 - Mollydooker Two Left Feet
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wasn't bad at all, needs a long decant. QPR? Maybe not again.
 2006 - Mollydooker The Scooter
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star

 ... this was too hot, too thick, not at all graceful.
 2006 - Mollydooker The Violinist
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star

 This wine was not good, too sweet, no real flavor profile to speak of, couldn't even cook with, and hot/alcohol inflected too
 2006 - Mollydooker The Boxer
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 I know, this wine is too young, but if you drink it before 2009 or so, let it decant a long, long time
 1998 - Grand-Puy-Lacoste 
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Seriously, wouldn't expect much, but a good year for St. Emilion allows the little guy to step up and connect. Had with food and suggest that you do the same. What a pleasant surprise.
 1997 - An Segla 
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine is a steal, buy it, try it, prove the nay-sayers wrong about this wine and this vintage. Big and beautiful Margaux beauty
 1995 - Leoville-Poyferre 
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Don't get me wrong, this is great, but it is also closed up tight. Try from 2010 to 2020, or beyond. Really nice potential of leather and tobacco and earthy, nuanced goodness.
 2003 - Leitz, Josef Riesling Kabinett Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Okay, so this wine is much more like an Ausles - even a gold cap - then a spatlese, due to the hot vintage, but what a sweet wine. The finish on this wine lasts for so long you'll find yourself nodding off into sweet, sweet dreams
 2001 - Brancaia, La Il Blu IGT
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I had this three times and simply was not all that impressed, may be that it was young and closed down, but I won't know, for I won't buy again
 2006 - Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin Marlborough
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is one of my favorite Marlborough SB's. I think that too many tend towards pure grapefruit, but this is all delicate melon and gooseberry and the acidity is less biting, which actually allows for a more pure mineral bit in the middle.
 1997 - Fonterutoli, Castello di Siepi IGT
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is wonderful, and I think that it is drinking at its peak, so drink now and enjoy the wonderful play of merlot and Sangiovese with all of the richness that the '97 vintage has to offer.
 2001 - Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Too many anonymous California Chards have you down? Too much oak and not enough pure, complex flavor? Mount Eden is the way to go. Really a wonderful wine, delivers every time and ages like, well, like fine wine, which is nice if you, like me have opened far too many Cali chards to find them oxidized and dead. No, this one ages like a champ
 2002 - Palacios, Alvaro Les Terrasses
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I am often disappointed by how quickly the prices rose on Spanish wine. Once the quality started to increase, the price quickly outpaced any such quality gains. But this wine delivers in spades. I would love to try the others by this producer as well.
 2005 - Pax Cellars Cuvee Moriah
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This wine is a wonderful California expression of a Chateauneuf. You hear this sort of thing all the time, but this time it is for real. It is like great music improv, sauced up and modern in style, but with the same type of soul.
 2002 - Eyrie Pinot Noir
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Burgundian is sometimes used for Oregon wine, and is sometimes overused. I've been to the Willamette and while they make wonderful wine, Beaune they are not. But sometimes even an entry level wine can show what is meant by this comparison, and this is just such a wine.
 2000 - Chalk Hill Merlot Estate
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 The nose on this, of crushed flowers and dry fruit, is just so beautiful, that the nose alone is worth five stars. The palate says to drink up, as the peak is here, but the nose has not yet been informed.
 1999 - Von Strasser Proprietary Red Sori Bricco Vineyard
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 I have had this wine three times and every time it has wowed! The diamond mountain stamp is just so strong on this one. There is a sense of place with this wine much stronger than with most napa cabs. I highly recommend this wine, and it should drink well for five years or more (from now)
 2006 - Almira Los Dos
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star

 This is a really nice wine for its price point. This is comparable to a nice Cotes du Rhone. I have had it four times and while three were very good, very briary with raspberry fruit, the fourth was a bit off, too thin and grapey. Bottle variation is normal with large-production wines, so I say drink up, three out of four is pretty good.
 2005 - Tatiarra Shiraz Trademark
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 This Aussie blockbuster is hard to find, but it is rare for reasons beyond availability. While I may not give it the 96 it received in the press, I would certainly see that it could be there in a couple of years. Really nice. Sweet, not jammy, ripe and rich. Fruit is a bit of a jumble, even after a long decant. Five more years should sort this out alright
 2001 - Beringer Merlot Bancroft Ranch
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 as the 2002. Drinking nicely, but the fruit is being a bit coy right now. Maybe this will come around, has the tannin structure, but does it have the fruit?
 2002 - Beringer Merlot Bancroft Ranch
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Awesome wine, big, expressive, can do with some more time, much better than the 2001. This will convince merlot doubters. Really a great wine
 1999 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Mondavi is the Classic expression of California Cab, particularly in their reserve bottling.  While lacking the terroir element one might find in a smaller batch cabernet, there is certainly enough lush, textured fruit to please everytime.  I say give it another couple of years though if you can wait.

 1999 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Robert Mondavi's 1999 Cabernet reserve is really worth more than four stars, but as the choice is four or five, I must go with four.  It is not perfect, but that having been said, it is a very fine wine.  Highly recommended

 1999 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
 Apr 25, 2008

1 star 1 star 1 star 1 star

 Robert Mondavi's 1999 Cabernet reserve is really worth more than four stars, but as the choice is four or five, I must go with four.  It is not perfect, but that having been said, it is a very fine wine.  Highly recommended