Bitterman The Pirate

9.0

Beautiful Rioja. Lots of oak at first, but fades away into stewed plums, chocolate and well balanced acidity. — 9 years ago

Narun P

9.0

Funky at first but subsequently blown away. Fresh, leathery, flowery, with some structure. Can tell it was once a great bottling. A bit long over due. — 9 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.0

Dang it! No more 2012's anywhere to be had. Asked the table of winos if anyone was squirreling away any 2012's in their home stashes. They were all smart enough to say no. So even though it is not the epic 2012, it was still the preferred wine over two other big Napa Cabs. Still has a big fruit and smooth finish. Just can't rate it higher because of the prior year's greatness. — 9 years ago

with Joe

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.0

Blind Tasting MOT=90
Color: Solid Red
Nose: Earthy and cherries
Palate: Very sweet for some reason, and a little thin for my liking, initially there was something in the front of my mouth that was off putting (was an 86). As the night progressed that front of the palate feeling went away and came through with cherries and cassis.
Opinion: As I found out this needed more time open — 10 years ago

with India and Sean

Jose Lopez

9.4

Superb. I though it would blow me away but was actually very well balanced and complex. — 11 years ago

Kenny Koda

9.9

Had to pop one before the case is put away go deep! — 12 years ago

Jeffrey Lew

10

Wow... Kinda blown away by this...WOTN. High shoulder fill didn't stop this at all. Nose of Olive tapenade that gave way to dried fruits, mint and a twist of menthol. Drank over a few hours and it stayed strong. Quite remarkable and at its apogee. Perfect. — 9 years ago

Chip Krotee

9.4

I have a Ridge bias and need to get that out right away. Had this 2013 bottle at Steak48 in Houston. In my opinion at 70$ was the best bank for buck wine on the menu so ordered it. This was better than a bottle I had tried earlier and was interesting that two bottles could vary so much. With this one it was a good start and I'd say this is a medium to full body Zin. You def get the cherry, plum, and dark fruit plus some licorice or spice. I really enjoyed it and as it breathed it added some complexity. Finish was excellent. Rating based on price at restaurant. It you can get for $30-32. Really good buy. — 9 years ago

Geoff Troup

Sales Eder Brothers, Cellar Fine Wines

9.0

Juicy, huge oak, and a finish so long you almost want it to stop. Some earthy spice and chalkiness finds its away into the overload of new world fruit, but this wine is damn well made and a great marriage of opposing flavors. — 10 years ago

Jason Price

8.9

Nice nose, easy and light in the palate - hints of berries and a bit of spice. Not heavy on the tannins (pucker) on the back end. Smooth and a tad spicy. Lighter than what I was expecting in color and taste actually for a big famous California Cabernet Sauvignon. I liked it for sure...wasn't blown away though. — 10 years ago

with Mike

Harrison Fong

9.6

Its a good year. Bold and delicious. Sock it away for a decade or so. — 11 years ago

John Junguenet

9.3

So hard to resist! Def tucking a few away for the 40th Bday...in 2023 — 12 years ago

Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.9

I'm am always blown away with how great Pepes hold up. Still had a nice amount of cherry fruit. — 12 years ago

Jake

9.2

1989. Good right away. Excellent after two hours. Great way to cap the year and my first post. — 9 years ago

with Jason

Matthew Beninati

9.5

Ok. Let this breathe for 45..... and it is beautiful. I can smell rose petals and cherry sauce emanating from the glass from 3 feet away! The tannins cut right through the ravioli. This reminds me of tannic Oregon Pinot Noir. Rose water mixed with saddle leather and wet earth. — 9 years ago

Mark Rosse

9.4

In magnum. Infant even after 6 hours. Alongside the regular 1989 in magnum which blew it away. — 10 years ago

Luka Bayer

9.4

Perfect balance, nothing to add or take away. — 10 years ago

Michael Pernula

9.0

$14.99. Smooth, delicious, night at home cab. — 11 years ago

V

9.3

This is steps away from perfection. The sweetness is balanced with acidity and covered with a complex bouquet of rich aromatics. It would be even better with age. — 11 years ago

with Amber

Stephen Moore

9.8

The Prisoner. A great bottle of wine, to finish an equally great week. You pick up the fruit right away on the nose. Blackberry, cherry, cassis, and pepper :) #yegwine — 12 years ago