|
 Michael P. Wine Reviews
2004 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon |
Nice go-to Cabernet |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2004 - Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay |
I am not really sure of which KJ Chard this was but it was ok |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2004 - Guigal Cotes du Rhone Proprietary Blend |
Varies from bottle to bottle but often a winner |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Baronne, Chateau la Corbieres Proprietary Blend |
The Alaric Rose is what I am rating |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1997 - Jaboulet Aine, Paul Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg Marsanne |
Very Unique, maybe too unique for me |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Fetzer Chardonnay Bonterra Chardonnay |
Just Fine but it is what it is |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Gavilan (Chalone) Pinot Noir Estate Pinot Noir |
Not bad for entry level pinot |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| Nice cherry cola thing, recommended, particularly for less experienced drinkers, we used to really like this |
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2006 - Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Restaurant Go-to |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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9998 - Roederer, Louis Brut Premier Champagne Blend |
One of the BEST in NV, major house Champagne |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2005 - Chalone Chardonnay Estate Chardonnay |
Fine, Simple, Cali Chard, but nothing to write home about |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| Clean rather than rich example if memory serves, but got at less than half price, so can't complain |
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2003 - Palacios, Alvaro Les Terrasses |
Great wine and not a bad deal with what Spain charges these days! |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2002 - Pine Ridge Chardonnay Dijon Clones Stag's Leap District Chardonnay |
Not sure of the vintage, but a great wine regardless |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2003 - Chalone Pinot Noir Estate Pinot Noir |
Not Really rating b/c it was Cooked |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| i was looking forward to this and was disappointed to find that my bottles had been cooked, improper storage I would say |
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2006 - Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc |
What New Zealand SB should be! |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1997 - Chalk Hill Merlot Adele's Estate Vineyard Selection Merlot |
So I actually had the Peter's Vineyard, but if that is an indication... |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2004 - Banrock Station Riesling Riesling |
One of the least expensive wines I have ever bought. . . |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| . . . but really not that bad, dryish, crisp enough and good when consumed cold on a hot day. I would try it. |
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2006 - Matua Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Sauvignon Blanc |
Grapefruit Juice like Fingernails on a Chalkboard |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
AWFUL! How do you make a wine taste like this? |
| May 21, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2004 - Achaval Ferrer Quimera Proprietary Blend |
The Malbec fans LOVED this |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2004 - Pax Cellars Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
Awesome, like CDP with California influence |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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... |
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2003 - Krems, Stadt Riesling Grillenparz Gruner Veltliner |
This is a riesling, not a riesling and gruner as it says. |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| Very true to the hot 2003 year this is lush, with nice viscosity and enough intensity and structure to probably last many years. |
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2001 - Da Vinci, Leonardo Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese |
A nice enough wine, but not a great brunello |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2000 - Duhart-Milon-Rothschild Moulin de Duhart Bordeaux Blend |
I drank this too soon |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1999 - Leroy, Domaine Bourgogne Pinot Noir |
Every little thing she does is magic |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2003 - Gypsy Dancer Pinot Noir Gary & Christine's Vineyard Pinot Noir |
Vile Volatile Acidity |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| Like a nice tasty glass of vinegar, or choose your acid really. Terrible, poured out. |
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2006 - Almira Los Dos Proprietary Blend |
Great QPR and REALLY good - 9 times out of 10 anyway |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2000 - Fratelli Revello Barolo Vigna Giachini Nebbiolo |
Gorgeous, Too Young Though |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| This wine will be absolutely stunning in about five years, though it was excellent right now. |
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2006 - Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel Zinfandel |
I despise Zinfandel, though perhaps it is just the ones I try. . . |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| I have yet to find a zinfandel I like. This one was like grape juice, terrible, the wife and I poured it out. |
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2005 - Turkey Flat Vineyards Rose Proprietary Blend |
A nice rose though perhaps not worth the grip |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2005 - Montes Folly Syrah Syrah |
Best South American Wine for me so far |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Rustenberg John X Merriman Proprietary Blend |
old world meets new world meets totally unique! |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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.
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2006 - Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Pinot Noir |
Really dilute and boring - at least right now |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2005 - Serene, Domaine Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir |
Serious Pinot from Oregon - not quite ready yet |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2003 - Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Meritage Proprietary Blend |
THPPFT!! |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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? |
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2001 - Newton Puzzle Proprietary Blend |
This is not anywhere near Ready |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2001 - Standish Shiraz Syrah |
The best Australian wine I have ever had |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1998 - Dujac (Jacques Seysses), Domaine Morey St Denis Pinot Noir |
Wish I had known you when you were young |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2000 - Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite Bordeaux Blend |
Great wine but I wish I'd invested rather than drank! |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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
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2001 - Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Carruades de Lafite Bordeaux Blend |
Underrated and Undervalued Vintage |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 2001 Bordeaux rocks and is coming to a good place right now. If you have this give it a whirl, I really liked it |
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2001 - Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate Chardonnay |
Single-handedly redeeming California Chardonnay |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1999 - Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo Sangiovese Grosso |
Beautiful Brunello at Accessible Price |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1997 - An Segla Bordeaux Blend |
Segla, second wine of rauzin segla, Wonderful from this off year |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2002 - Jadot, Louis Pernand Vergelesses Chardonnay |
Others liked it more than I did |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2006 - Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Sangiovese |
What a terrible deal |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2003 - Graville Lacoste, Chateau Bordeaux Blanc |
Drinking well at a summer near you |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2000 - Jadot, Louis Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Pinot Noir |
Not the best example or vintage, but still a grand cru burg |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1998 - Puy-Blanquet Bordeaux Blend |
Less than auspicious chateau shines in great year for Merlot |
| May 20, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2004 - Columbia Crest Merlot Grand Estates Merlot |
Simple but gets the job done |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2002 - Gouges, Domaine Henri Nuits St Georges Pinot Noir |
True Burgundy Experience |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
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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
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2002 - Eyrie Pinot Noir Pinot Noir |
Great classic Oregon style |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1998 - Dujac, Domaine Morey St Denis Pinot Noir |
Two bottles down, time to finish these now |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1998 - Grand-Puy-Lacoste Bordeaux Blend |
Grocery store bordeaux underdog puts one into the gap |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2002 - Gouges, Domaine Henri Nuits St Georges Pinot Noir |
Austere beauty |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2001 - Phelps, Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon |
Really good but going downhill |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| This is a great cabernet, but was probably much better two years ago. I am eager to try a more recent vintage |
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9998 - Mumm, Domaine Cordon Rouge Champagne Blend |
okay, i like it a bit sweet |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Many will find this wine too sweet, but if you like it with a touch of sugar sometimes, give this a try. |
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2001 - Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate Chardonnay |
Best Cali Chard I've Ever Had |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1995 - Leoville-Poyferre Bordeaux Blend |
Had to choose '95 or '96, may have chosen wrong! |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2004 - Guigal Cotes du Rhone Proprietary Blend |
Very good, a go to |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2006 - Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Like a nice sancerre but with California richness |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Really nice, pristine and minerally, with a bit of California ripeness, wonderful with shellfish |
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2002 - Beringer Merlot Bancroft Ranch Merlot |
Ninety two points! |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Awesome wine, big, expressive, can do with some more time, much better than the 2001. This will convince merlot doubters. Really a great wine |
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2001 - Beringer Merlot Bancroft Ranch Merlot |
Great wine, but not as good... |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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? |
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2003 - Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche Proprietary Blend |
Really drinking well with more great years to come |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1998 - Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo Sangiovese Grosso |
Awesome wine, man how I love Brunello |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| This wine rocks, wonderfully pure sangiovese expression from a great vintage, highly recommended |
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2004 - Torii Mor Pinot Noir Pinot Noir |
May be biased by the great view from the winery... |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1999 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
California Classic always sure to please |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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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
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1999 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
California Classic always sure to please |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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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
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1999 - Mondavi, Robert Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
California Classic |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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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.
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2005 - Colombo, Jean-Luc Cotes du Rhone les Abeilles Proprietary Blend |
Really nice, needs a bit of a decant though |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| This is a great value in CDR, let it sit for a bit at this young stage though |
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1997 - Fonterutoli, Castello di Siepi IGT Proprietary Blend |
Great and Interesting Super Tuscan, drink up now though |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2000 - Cambria Chardonnay Bench Break Chardonnay |
Dead, lay it to rest |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Dead, pour it away, or better, add some unpasteurized vinegar and make chardonnay vinegar. Okay, it may be too dead for that |
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2001 - Brancaia, La Il Blu IGT |
Try, try again... |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2003 - Leitz, Josef Riesling Kabinett Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling |
So sweet |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2003 - Columbia Crest Merlot Estate Series Merlot |
Washington State Rules |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2002 - Palacios, Alvaro Les Terrasses |
Spanish Splendor for a change |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
Disgusting like a mouthful of rotten seaweed |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Really, like the floor of a swamp. Don't, ever, do it to yourself |
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2006 - Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc |
Gooseberry delight |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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1997 - An Segla Bordeaux Blend |
Second wine from a lesser year and still an absolute blast! |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2002 - Columbia Crest Cabernet / Merlot Proprietary Blend |
Steady, supple, great QPR |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1999 - Von Strasser Proprietary Red Sori Bricco Vineyard Proprietary Blend |
Third Time's a Charm! |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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) |
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2000 - Chalk Hill Merlot Estate Merlot |
Drinking just great right now |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2006 - Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Sauvignon Blanc |
Too tart for me |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Wine shouldn't taste like a lemon, nor a grapefruit. Hints, yes, nuance, yes. But this was too much |
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2004 - Achaval Ferrer Quimera Proprietary Blend |
Malbec Lovers rejoice |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2004 - Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir Triple Black Slopes Pinot Noir |
Shape-shifter, Pinot or Syrah? |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| Seriously Extracted! This wine could totally pass for a really finessed syrah. Try it and see. |
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2005 - Pax Cellars Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
Awesome!! |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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2005 - Tatiarra Shiraz Trademark Syrah |
This may convince a doubter |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2006 - Mollydooker Two Left Feet Proprietary Blend |
This is probably the best of the Mollydooker lower tier, young anyway |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| This wasn't bad at all, needs a long decant. QPR? Maybe not again. |
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2006 - Mollydooker The Violinist Verdelho |
This... was not good |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| This wine was not good, too sweet, no real flavor profile to speak of, couldn't even cook with, and hot/alcohol inflected too |
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2002 - Louis Jadot Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Vergelesses Chardonnay |
I'll have to go against the crowd here... |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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2005 - Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc |
Cotton Candy, but in a good way |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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1998 - Fratelli Revello Barolo Vigna Giachini Nebbiolo |
If you haven't had a great barolo, treat yourself, you deserve it.. |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| ... 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! |
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2006 - Almira Los Dos Proprietary Blend |
Really good for the price |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
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| 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. |
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