88 Keys

Höpler

Trockenbeerenauslese White Blend 2017

I am seriously questioning the decision to put this under screw cap. The reduction never quite disappeared from the nose, but the palate was excellent after about 20 min. I don't know if time can do much for it. — 4 years ago

Daniel, Daniel P. and 1 other liked this

Michael Gindl

Flora Weiss Riesling Blend 2019

The label is both pretty and evocative of this pretty and evocative wine that feels as though you've literally become the bottle's essence...like a love potion of petrichor and lover's spit HA ;). But really, smells like a field of freshly misted wildflowers beside a deep lake full of mystique, and a subtle kiss of honey that leaves hints of citrus on the lips. Beautifully balanced. Luxurious and sprightly. Alluring and innocent. — 5 years ago

Paul and Ira liked this

Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Alex 88 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Straight without decant. Nose has a vegetal and herbs component which i like. Rhubart, sage and spice and red fruits. Palate is quite light and smooth with mineral but still got enough tannin for storage for another 10 yrs. There is chocolate, nutmeg, red pepper, — 6 years ago

Peter and Mike liked this

Duckhorn Vineyards

Napa Valley Merlot 2017

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of eating out in Chicago on the river and enjoyed this 2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot. From Napa Valley this blend is 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Everything is all outside, no dining in and social distancing is a must, though masks are optional out doors and waitstaff has to wear the masks.

On the nose was black cherry, raspberry, black plums, tobacco, chocolate, rose petals and dusty earth.

On the palate there is beautiful fruit, black cherry, black plum, raspberry, cocoa, licorice, red currant, vanilla, spice and dusty earth.

The wine is medium to full bodied that has a creamy, silky smooth mouth feel with medium to medium + acidity and medium + fine tannins that leads into a long fresh fruit finish. A very enjoyable bottle of wine that went very well with my NY Strip. I hope everyone is well and healthy? Please stay safe and continued health. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷
— 6 years ago

Severn, Paul and 26 others liked this
P A

P A

@Daniel P. Drake Daniel it’s hard to go wrong with a Duckhorn Merlot Cheers 🍷

Parkers Estate

Four Keys Crossing California Pinot Noir 2015

Smooth with hints of caramel, coffee and oak — 7 years ago

Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1988

Shay A
9.5

Today was my first time to host Wednesday Wine Committee. I’ve had the good fortune of attending on and off over the last two years and was delighted to finally host a lunch. As many of the wines I brought today I’ve posted on here before, I’m posting the white wine of the day and the red wine of the day. As always, the format of 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert wine was in play and everything was tasted blind.

As my 30th birthday approaches next week, I wanted to bring a bottle of something special, so I decided on a birth year wine as a small early birthday celebration. Absolutely shocked at the color...was as dark as an ‘07 Farella that was next to it! Acidity, fruit and finish were all insane for the age. Barnyard funk blew off easily and revealed bing cherry, dates, currant and a killer herbal acidic finish. Tannins are still providing nice structure here. ‘88 wasn’t a great Napa vintage, but this just goes to show you how quality producers churn out age worthy wines regardless of vintage. A real treat. Credit to
@Mark Flesher for helping me get this!
— 8 years ago

James, Paul and 48 others liked this
Shay A

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@Kimberly Anderson : I’ve been quite spoiled by the kindness of others in helping me enjoy quality wine...it has fueled my passion! Thank you for the wishes!
Jody Scharf

Jody Scharf Premium Badge

Happy soon Birthday.
Shay A

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@Jody Scharf : Thank you!

Charles Krug

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wednesday night we enjoyed the 2018 Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Sr. Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Malbec.

On the nose is black cherry, black raspberry, black currant, cassis, herbal notes, chocolate and earth.

On the palate is black cherry, black raspberry, blueberry, black currant, mint, cocoa, hints of oak and a nice earthiness.

This wine is medium to full bodied with a smooth opulent mouthfeel, medium + acidity and medium + fine tannins that leads to a pleasing long dark fruit finish. Have a great rest of the week and please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷
— 5 years ago

Martin, Paul and 13 others liked this

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2013

Mike R
9.5

Wine Nerd herd virtual tasting of various vintages from 90s, 00s and 10s - mine was the 2013 - 88% CS, 8% PV, 3% merlot and 1% CF from various vineyards in the valley floor region - four hour decant - this is less fruit than you would expect but certainly an amazing wine - Napa finest at a modernist style Bordeaux blend - nose was rich with tobacco leather cocoa and forest floor - heavy to medium body yet the wine was soft because the fruit was muffled - mid palette with black blue and red fruits - orange peel cinnamon and sweet silky tannins integrated nicely - this could easily go 30 more years but not sure it will get better so if willing to decant and maybe even double decant for an afternoon this wine is ready for being paired with a cowboy bone in rib eye steak and will not let you down - truly an enjoyable experience as was all vintages tasted last night - HUGE SMILES — 5 years ago

Mike, David and 70 others liked this
Mike R

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@Sharon B it was fun and yes we had different vintages - not quite the same as tasting but hey it is 2020
Mike R

Mike R Influencer Badge

Yep we had different vintages - it was a lot of fun
Mike R

Mike R Influencer Badge

@Kimberly Anderson and @Sharon B - lot of fun but of course not as fun as tasting the different vintages and yea we all had different vintages

Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut Champagne 1988

Not the best example I have had for the 88 vintage but still enjoyable . — 7 years ago

Eric, Robert and 7 others liked this

Jaxon Keys

Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2017

This little joe I had when I was faded, it tastes good but would be better with steak & potatoes... ya boiiii is faded — 7 years ago

Jaxon Keys

Assemblage Red Blend 2015

Deep notes of raspberry, blackberry and plum with leather. Wonderful warm finish that is balanced and fruitful. — 8 years ago

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Richebourg Pinot Noir

1988 & 1990 - the 88 was magical! — 8 years ago

Steve, Conrad and 4 others liked this

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2001

Shay A
9.4

Our monthly 4th Friday event at the storage facility. No requirements, just wine you want to share with others! Always an enjoyable time.

Special place in my heart for this winery. A few months ago, I had an '88 go celebrate my birth year. It was STELLAR. This is pushing forward easily...after an hour of air, the fruit and secondary earth and funk notes came out. So good! Thanks Walter!
— 9 years ago

Mark Flesher
with Mark
Eric, Isaac and 37 others liked this
Shay A

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@Mike R : Yes, it really was! Amazing stuff!
@Benjamin Keator : There were only a few wines after a while, but it was like once someone mentioned bringing out an amazing wine, everyone went and did the same.
Bret Barker

Bret Barker

Love this chateau. What a night!
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Special place for me as well. You need to pair a good older bottle with you favorite steak. Absolutely, my favorite pairing with a very good vintage.

LaCheteau

Kiwi Cuvée Bin 88 Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Jan G
9.5

Love this one!!!
— 5 years ago

Jan liked this

Château Belle-Vue

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

Nice classic Bordeaux at a decent price, drinks well now but could benefit of a few more years in the cellar. 88-89 — 5 years ago

Douglas, Romain and 12 others liked this
Dawn E.

Dawn E.

@Mario Vaillancourt Cheers! 🍷 Holding on to a couple 2015's. Think it is Wait! 👍

Bodegas LAN

Reserva Culmen Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

This is a delicious nine-year-old Rioja. Showing nice complexity with a nice mouthfeel.

Showing black fruits with wood, licorice, vanilla, earth, coffee, light vinaigrette, black tea, peppercorn, wet leaves, spices and light herbs.

Full bodied and smooth with medium plus acidity.

Nice finish with spices and tangy raspberries.

Needs a couple of hours of airtime to open up properly. Still young and will be better in the next 5 to 10 years.

Rich and engaging. Spicy and tasty.

I paired it with cheeses and crackers. Great with the brie cheese.

A blend of 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano. Aged for 26 months in French Oak barrels.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$65.
— 6 years ago

Randall, Alex and 15 others liked this

Domaine François Raveneau

Montée de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay

Some slight Brett on the nose but still very drinkable. This was much better put together than the 88 — 7 years ago

Peter Lauer

Réserve Sekt Riesling 1988

‘88 Vintage, disgorged in 2018. What a beautiful way to kick off the night. — 7 years ago

Mike, Aaron and 4 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1990

Shay A
9.4

Wonderful evening at the City Club courtesy of Jeff’s hosting at the Friday group. Cellar guessing Jeff is a dangerous game as he’s the type who plans to throw curveballs! All wines served blind.

Ageless. Based on color, I immediately thought Napa but the palate had me second guessing. Some rose petal, spice and tart cherry. Cedar. This tastes so much younger than the ‘88 I opened a few months back. Wonderful wines.
— 8 years ago

Dan Fitzgerald
with Dan
Jason, Rob and 56 others liked this
Hugh O'Riordan

Hugh O'Riordan

Great wine

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

La Grande Dame Brut Rosé Champagne Blend 1988

Raspberry and pomegranate. The freshness at almost 30 years is amazing. Had with gravlax in beggar’s purses. Great pairing. I am told 88 was the first LGD Rose. I have more. — 8 years ago

Rick, Hugh and 4 others liked this