Balancing Act

Ata Rangi

Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013

More fruit driven and powerful than the Bindi Original. Ripe fleshy cherry notes. Silky mouthfeel. Through the waves of fruit there is also a reasonable level of tannin and acid which will carry it into the future. A class act. — 9 years ago

Ira liked this

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1966

An ode to 2 amazing women who look and act far younger than this '66 BV with whom they share a birthday. Still fresh and gaining weight in the glass for an hour, the nose was classic Napa. It showed neither bricking or shading of the cassis and black cherry fruit, with acidity and tannins on the downside but fading gracefully. What a pleasant surprise - thanks to @benchmark and sommelier Brian @farm at carneros inn, who cracked a cork I would've destroyed! — 10 years ago

Melissa Shabinsky
with Melissa
Melissa, Steve and 16 others liked this

The Ojai Vineyard

Melville Vineyards Syrah 2000

Drinking beautifully tonight was the opaque inky purple '00 Ojai Syrah 'Melville Vineyards'. Zippy aromas of black fruit, burnt rubber, herbes de Provence and lavender lifted from the decanter. Great intensity of ripe spicy fruit flavors on the palate with precise balancing acidity. Still a young tasting wine with many years of drinkability left. — 11 years ago

Seavey Vineyard

Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Had the magnum a while back with family and was impressed. This wine is wonderful a nose you want to dive into, and then just a wonderful collaboration of fruit, tannin and balancing acid. Bravo - just placed my order for the 2012. — 10 years ago

David and John liked this
David L

David L Influencer Badge Premium Badge

That's very nice!

Jonata Winery

El Desafio de Jonata Santa Ynez Valley Red Blend 2009

Lyle Coffield
9.2

Under the radar California class act. But BEWARE!!! She's a bug'un! Like a female bodybuilder muscle and grace. — 10 years ago

Virgilio and TC liked this

Domaine Zind Humbrecht

Heimbourg Riesling 2012

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik
9.1

Massive, super-ripe, block-buster nose revealing acacia honey, partly dried tropical fruits and spice elements. Exotic on the palate with acidity balancing the RS, in this off-dry and powerful version. — 10 years ago

LM, Eric and 5 others liked this

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1999

Such a baby yet, huge aromatics of apricot, lemon zest, stone fruit. Bright crisp acidity balancing a luscious sweetness. Power and finesse in one. Tons of age left. — 10 years ago

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

Had last tried this at ep tastings in 2005. This is actually even better than I had expected. Lovely black fruits with balancing acidity lovely finish ..... Bravo Pontet Canet! — 10 years ago

Seña

Aconcagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007

Very good nose with intense aroma of ripe fruit and cassis. Its dark ruby red color does not deceive ones sense. The density of the wine with well balancing between tannin and acidity. This will get even better in the next 5-10 years. — 12 years ago