40 Knots

La Rioja Alta

Reserva Viña Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha

I grab my wines by random out of the fridge. I grabbed it from the cheap zone and we really pleased with the quality as it is excellent.

Turns out it is not cheap, it's like $35-40. It's still good just not a great value
— 4 years ago

Tenuta Sette Ponti

Oreno Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 1999

Happy Father's Day 2020 to all; I'm posting pictures of our fur-kids, an independent and somewhat self-interested bunch. Two boys (9) and two girls (3), all rescued from various locations across the East Coast of the US. They generally bring the utmost of joy to my life on a daily basis.

Nose has blackberry jam on moist leather, minor cedar, very light barnyard notes, grilled blackberry,
blueberry compote, brewed dark roasted coffee, wet garden soil, chocolate vines candy and dried orange peel.

Palate has over-ripe blackberry, wet tanned leather, dark chocolate syrup, dehydrated black cherry, chocolate covered blueberry and moist cedar.

Silky smooth, intense finish running +2m, still showing tannins. Expect this bottle to easily hold another 10+ years without concern, in proper storage.

Decanted ~5h. Paired with well salted (in advance), medium-rare, grilled NY strip steaks from my favorite, local farmer in Columbia Co. NY (Kinderhook Farm) and sauted, early season, baby squash in ozro with our garden herbs.

INAUGURAL vintage on this wine, I certainly didn't realize that fact when we bought it in September 2005! This has been in storage for the prior 15 years, just coming back home in January 2020.

Merlot 50% / Cabernet Sauvignon 40% / Petit Verdot 10%
— 5 years ago

Ryan, Somm and 48 others liked this
Hugh O'Riordan

Hugh O'Riordan

He defended me like a wolf hound. Never get between me and Rascal.
Muralee Murugesu

Muralee Murugesu

This thing is deadly good.
Severn Goodwin

Severn Goodwin Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Hugh O'Riordan You sent me a pic of him previously.
@Muralee Murugesu I hope not too deadly, we still have more of the same to drink down the road, I'd like to get to them 😬

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1996

Not as big as the ‘90 but a beautiful wine. The nose was very earthy when uncorked. Open after 40 minutes of decanting, cedar & spice emerged with cherry. This is a balanced, full wine that still has plenty of life. I am happy to have several more bottles! — 6 years ago

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

Baron de Pichon-Longueville Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1975

1975 may not be an excellent vintage but this is beautifully kept. Amazing nose of burnt caramel (canelet/tarte tatin) blended in with the wet soil after rain with dark wood. On the palette: fine, light red fruits with very creamy tannin. Surprisingly 30-40 sec finish for such an old wine. — 7 years ago

Jim, Jeffrey and 13 others liked this

Louis Roederer

Brut Premier Champagne Blend

My goto sub-$40 and accessible sparkler. Crisp, light on its feet and beats most anything else in its class by the big guys — 8 years ago

Marc, Bill and 4 others liked this

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1970

Garnet-brown color. Fully mature, with nose of pencil lead and sous-bois. Medium+ body, good acidity and long finish. Nice to try 40 years after the judgment of Paris. The second bottle we opened had more funk than the first one.Drink now. — 9 years ago

Frankie CohenMatt Lichtenberg
with Frankie and Matt
David, TheSkip and 4 others liked this

Château Gloria

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1975

Cedary and curranty with a long and very firm tannic finish. At 40 it is still youthful. The 1975 Bordeaux can lack charm, but the Gloria only shows its austerity at the end. — 10 years ago

Doug, Gary and 1 other liked this
Gary Westby

Gary Westby Influencer Badge

What did you have with it?
Jim Westby

Jim Westby

With vegetable soup followed by Parmesan and Brie on crackers. It let go and showed some sweetness with the cheese. Half bottle coming down for steak and claret.

Pierre Paillard

Brut Grand Cru Champagne Blend 2009

Pascaline Lepeltier, MS
9.0

Very good Brut, 60% PN 40% C all from Bouzy Grand Cru - a lot of energy for 2009 — 11 years ago

Anthony, Debra and 6 others liked this

Cakebread Cellars

Two Creeks Vineyards Pinot Noir 2017

Just had to try another bottle!!Ruby with red fruit aromas and spicy herb floral notes, aged for 10 months in 40% new French oak. On the palate fresh black raspberry and cherry flavors with herb tea and earthy tones. Firm fine tannins, balanced acidity, nice mouthfeel, long finish ending with earthy mineral herb character. Nice! Paired well with a spicy seared sushi grade tuna with spicy peanut dressed sesame soy sauce. Wow!! — 5 years ago

Alex, Clive and 4 others liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1990

Somm David T
9.5

The reason I fell in love with Bordeaux is because I had one of the greatest mentors one could have, Clyde Beffa Jr. - Owner of K&L Wine Merchants. I could never thank him enough or show enough gratitude for the kindness he has shown me. He has been going to Bordeaux multiple times a year for 40 plus years and shown me the greatness of well made Bordeaux’s enjoyed at the age of 25 years plus!

Many who open well made Bordeaux’s young will never know the absolute Heaven they bring to the palate and even more so with a great steak. You only rob yourself of perfection when you open them inside of 25 years. Sure you can check em at 10-15 years for longevity but, you need to have/save bottles for 25 years plus.

Also, an old Bordeaux at 95 is not nearly the same as a young 95. At this age, technical scores are simply not the same as young wine. The enjoyment is completely different.

The nose reveals; a slight touch of funk, dark, ripe, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, strawberries on the edge of the glass, anise, cedar, graphite, used leather, just a whiff of green pepper, vanilla, caramel, mocha, dark Asian spice, incense, dark & mid berry cola, dark, rich earth, underbrush, limestone, dry stone, hint of sweet tarriness, light, dry herbaceousness, black tea, with dry, withering, fresh, dark, red, blue candied flowers and violets and lavender for days.

The body is round, soft and full. The 90 is the definition of elegant and floral. The structure, tension, length and balance are perfect with another 5-10 years of pleasure to give. It’s gorgeous and sexy. Dark, ripe, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, some blueberries, strawberries on the long set, anise, cedar, graphite, soft, used leather, vanilla, caramel, mocha, dark chocolate, salted, milk chocolate, dark Asian spice with just a touch of palate heat, a hint of green pepper, savory meats, incense, dark & mid berry cola, dark, rich earth, underbrush, limestone, dry crushed minerals, dry stone, hint of sweet tarriness, light, dry herbaceousness, black tea, with dry, withering, fresh, dark, red, blue candied flowers and violets and lavender for days. The acidity is perfect like a warm gentle rain shower. The finish is a “forget about it.” It’s; gorgeous, sexy, lush, ripe, just the right amount of earthiness, elegant, well balanced and will persist until you go to sleep.

13% ABV. I sure miss the 12–13% ABV of the 80 & early 90 Bordeaux’s.

Photos of; the majestic Chateau Cos d’Estournel and Estate vines, their barrel room with translucent floor to walk above, their library cellar that most would love to raid and their sitting salon.
— 6 years ago

Aravind, Ryan and 52 others liked this
Sofia Jalilie

Sofia Jalilie

We were fortunate to visit this winery and experience first hand the attention to detail this Chateau strives for in every aspect of their production. The result is an outstanding wine that paired perfectly with the steaks we had tonight
Severn Goodwin

Severn Goodwin Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@David T Another path where we intersect, a love of the well aged Cos d'! A truly special bottle.

Lindeman's

Bin 40 Merlot 2017

Chocolaty and $4.99 — 6 years ago

Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend 2009

light golden yellow, very fine persistent mousse; nutty, floral, autolytic nose; rich and creamy on the palate, 12% ABV, 8 g/L dosage; blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay aged 16% in oak, ripe vintage, Roederer released the 2009 before the 2008, $250 — 7 years ago

Shay liked this

Pierre Paillard

Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru Champagne Blend

Great as always, carrying more spice and starchy components, still weighty, nice power. 60 PN 40 CH; 12/2016 Disgorgement; 2.6g/L dosage. — 7 years ago

J. Lohr

Celebrating 40 Years Pinot Blanc

Very smooth California meritage. Lingering finish, soft tannins. — 8 years ago

Daniel liked this

The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend

Really enjoyed this. Heavy vanilla and oak. Reminded me of circus peanuts in a good way. I love this f*in wine. Wish it wasn't $40/bottle. — 10 years ago

Equipo Navazos

La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada 'Bota Punta' Nº 40 Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Palomino Fino

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik
9.7

Just astonishing complexity here, with salty almond and defined white chalk flavors. Severe length, lightness and sincere width, this amazing wine showcase why Jérez' wines should be consumed by far too many, compared to present rates. — 10 years ago

Fraser, Daniel and 2 others liked this

Tikal

Patriota Mendoza Malbec Bonarda 2012

Nice peppery 60 Malbec 40 bonarda — 10 years ago

Andean Vineyards

Route 40 Malbec 2011

Lovely. Goes great with rainy weather and a good movie. — 12 years ago

Louis M. Martini

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Good for the Sunday dinner. In Korea I bought it about 40 USD. Thanks E-mart wine sales manager. — 5 years ago

Charles Heidsieck

Brut Réserve Champagne Blend

Ming L
9.3

Opulent and complex. Green apple, peach, a bit pipe apple, brioche, fresh bread dough, chalk, sea shells, and hint of toasted nuts. Savory and crisp at the same time. Splendid acidity. Super energetic mousse, though lacking a bit refinement.
Base wine is 2011, disgorged 2018. This and the Bollinger Special Cuvée are two of my favorite NV Champaign from larger houses. With 40% reserved wine averaged 10 year old, the CH Brut Reserve no doubt is a better value.
— 5 years ago

Somm liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Like their style
Ming L

Ming L

One of my favorite NV champagne!

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1987

An absolute JOY🍷 Soft lovely tannins! Minerality,flint dried fruit hints of tobacco with a dried currant Overtone.Will drink great at 40🍷🍷🍷✝️ — 6 years ago

Shay, Elizabeth and 14 others liked this
Hugh O'Riordan

Hugh O'Riordan

Nice, I’m jealous

Clos Mogador

Priorat Red Blend 2015

The 2015 Clos Mogador is a absolutely stunning release from this historic Priorat estate. Located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat hills, René Barbier, one of the founders of the Priorat revolution, crafts an incredible blend of 40% Garnacha (lauched from 80 year old vines), 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 5% Morvedre, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. This immediately reveals seductive aromas of red cherry preserves, rose petals and roasted figs. On the palate this is ripe and intense, yields bright flavors of orange rind, red cherry and red raspberry with wild thyme and garrigue flavors. Intoxicating and beautifully structured, this beautiful wine will evolve gracefully for many years to come. Drink 2019-2040- 95 — 6 years ago

Dr., Shay and 16 others liked this
Paul K

Paul K

Thanks! Great review. Looking for Priorat suggestion for our trip this fall.
Dr. Owen Bargreen

Dr. Owen Bargreen Influencer Badge

@Paul E Koran Thanks so much. Beautiful new wine!

Billecart-Salmon

Brut Rosé Champagne Chardonnay Blend

Always a treat to enjoy these excellent NV pink bubbles @ £50 👍 one of our favourites 😍

📍 Billecart Salmon NV

🏵 93-94 points

🍇 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir & 30% Pinot Meunier

🍷 Shimmering pale peachy salmon pink 😍

👃 Sweet biscuit & brioche through peach, strawberry, red currant & grapefruit with mineral & sweet red apple tones

👄 Crisp med fresh soft fine lively bubbled mousse of citrus, grapefruit zest & dry minerals w/ sweet strawberry, raspberry & red apple fruity undertones

🎯 Med sweet & dry almond sugar biscuit, sour grapefruit, sweet strawberry, peaches & red apple mineral loaded finish
— 7 years ago

Chris, Dawn and 27 others liked this
P A

P A

@Chris England Nice review and pic you have spun a nice web Cheers 🍷

Hiram Walker

Lot No. 40 Single Copper Pot Still Canadian Rye Whiskey 2012

Color of dark amber. Nice nose of green apple, spice, mint, ripe banana, and aldehyde. Taste of condensed brown sugar, toffee, a bit spice, a bit minty, and very smooth. Nice green apple and black tea aftertaste on the tongue. A good bottle with decent mix of sweetness and spice. A bit lack in complexity but overall very enjoyable and easy to drink. — 8 years ago

Paul, Mike and 3 others liked this

Azienda Agricola COS

Pithos Rosso Vittoria Nero d'Avola Frappato 2013

Bright ruby red in color. A fierce attack on the palate of acid and tannin. A wash in sour red fruits, this is a great counter point to food and only gets better with it. Aged in clay terracotta amphora, this is extreme on the unique scale, yet very much a well made wine. A 40/60 blend of Frappato and Nero d'Avola. — 10 years ago

Anthony, Michael and 1 other liked this

Orin Swift Cellars

Machete Petite Sirah Blend 2012

Very jammy on the open. Let it breathe about 40 minutes and the beast starts to become a beauty. Lots of floral notes. — 10 years ago

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo

I know we should be storing these (2010), but it just drinks so damn well right after you uncork it. Drinks like a $80 bottle, perhaps on the smoother side for a barbaresco, and not a lot of bite, almost like a straddle between barbaresco and Barolo. Best value under $40 I know of... — 10 years ago

Victoria liked this

Taylor Fladgate

40 Year Old Tawny Porto

40 year port. In celebration of mm's p's anniversary. — 12 years ago