After Hours

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 1983

Still maintaining nice bubbles after all these years. Brioche. The color CANNOT be beat. Bold, elegant--everything you would hope for from an old(er) Dom! — 9 years ago

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

This wine needed about 3 hours to release. Initially tight with uncomfortable medicinal nose which then totally dissipated. Drinking now next day and you get the age of fully integrated but not fading tannins. Nose has a delightful dark fruit and smokiness. Great fit of nose and taste, meaning - when tastes after smelling the experience is consistent and not jolting. I think the color purple in a subdued way. Very nice. Memo to self: decant and watch for sediment, and enjoy three hours later. — 10 years ago

Cynthia LangstaffChris Langstaff
with Cynthia and Chris
Chris liked this

Herman Story

After Hours Rosé of Grenache 2014

Finishing off our second bottle of this meaty rosé with some sausage bolognese. — 11 years ago

Pierre Arneaux

Pierre Arneaux

How did you like it with the bolognese? Any other pairing recommendations?
Anthony Trumbo

Anthony Trumbo Premium Badge

This is a big rosé so I'd recommend something heartier than you might typically pair. My own take is that this a a great cocktail wine.

Château Cantemerle

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2007

58% CS, 33% M, 6% PV, 3% CF
Slightly bricked garnet red, compact rim, more red than purple.

Pretty bouquet - red cherry, dried herbal aromas, leather, tobacco, mineral.

The palate is harmonious. Integrated tannin, med plus acidity, dry, medium bodied. Showing a lot of red fruit character, animalistic, floral. Very classic Margaux-esque character.

This wine is at the perfect drinking spot. No need at all to wait. After a solid month of full bodied, extracted Napa Cab, this is a welcome reprieve! 90.
— 9 years ago

Heitz Cellar

Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Very impressive. Wild mint aroma finds seamless balance in mid palate after pure Cabernet attack. Tannins rise subtly on palate and betray their youth only briefly at the resolution. — 11 years ago

Curtis liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1991

Drinking the 1991 in 2016 after over 2 hours of decanting. Wonderful light sherry type nose with a hint of pepper and quite brick red colour around the edges. Such a soft texture on the tongue though still a little astringency on the finish. Very good. — 11 years ago

Château Cheval Blanc

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

Nic Z
9.3

Star of the night. Needed more time to wake but full body super thick and sticky after taste — 12 years ago

Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia

Unico Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend 2002

Jason Chang
9.3

I feel as if this would be amazing if not following the Rayas. Great nose but pretty wound up and tight still. Didn't open up much after being in glass an hour. Need to revisit. — 10 years ago

Wai ChangChris ChangFlora Chang
with Wai, Chris and 2 others
Andrew, Velma and 34 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Jason Chang The VS is a baby. The only wines that can follow the '05 Rayas and shine are other vintages of Rayas😊. For me those two producers are wine heaven and to have them together would be a very special treat. Thanks for sharing and happy holidays.
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Flora Chang @Jason Chang seasonal best to you both. Outstanding wines. Never experienced the Rayas, but yes, a Grenache is always going to dominate. Going European all the way - love your style! 🎅🏾
Jason Chang

Jason Chang Influencer Badge

@Ira Schwartz agreed! Need to pair better next time 👍@Ron R definitely need to give rayas a shot in 2017!!

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

Baron de Pichon-Longueville Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1992

Great cedar and cassis nose with a matching palate. Persistent without being boring. Earthiness coming out after an hour to balance chocolate covered berries. — 11 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Big quality fruit bomb - 2006 - drinking softly now, open 2 hours. Would like to see if the fruit resolves over the next few years. — 11 years ago