Clive McNish

9.1

Second time I’ve had Cantemerle, this time the 2004. I think this was a great choice and I found this one a bit more refined and mature than the 05 which is probably a few years from fully settling down. This one has plenty of cassis, vanilla and wood on the nose. The palate is smooth with a medium finish that is very nicely balanced. I would describe this as a masculine wine, with leather, tobacco and ash blending with the fruit, it is not floral or overly delicate. Probably approaching it’s peak but visually no real significant signs of ageing. Worth a try if you have the chance. — 5 years ago

Severn Goodwin

9.4

Global Champagne Day 2018...Why not?

@Casey @ Travelling Corkscrew I'm not going to sabre this one, maybe another time. Nice post/feature today.

Seemed excessively frizzante when we opened the bottle, more mellow after an hour, quite nice. Lightly brioche, the Chardonnay is more prominent tonight. Light caramel on under-ripe peach, delish. At hour two, lightly saline, red fruit arrives, the terroir is making an appearance. — 7 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.7

It’s usually a good sign when the winemaker can articulate what the wine is about like this: “Ceras is Botanica’s counterpoint. Its color is more purple than red. It is more about minerals and herbs than fruit and flowers. It is a focused and elegant distillation of rock rather than an opulent cascade of fruit. It is an expression of the geology that lays beneath our land, the tart blue fruits of the coast range and the tender herbs that one finds amongst the trees and mushrooms of the Northwest forest.”

Her 2013 Ceras is yet another example of Maggie Harrison’s sorcery over the vines at Antica Terra. The focus and intensity of flavor is off the charts, yet it maintains an almost ethereal weightlessness, only emphasizing the layer of silk that separates you from the wine. The pungent rock is so on point and distinctive it instantly reminded me of the scent of lichen growing on rocks, which I experienced in Colorado when I was 7 or 8 years old. This sets the stage for the level of complexity exhibited. The fruit has both an extraordinarily high level of purity and yet the woven tapestry of herbs and spices and even fruit blending are impossible not to notice. The key being that nothing is forced.

The nuance of complexity only being noticed when desired is nearly an impossible feat. I can’t help but recall James Conaway quoting Andy Beckstoffer in his recently released book: Napa at Last Light: America’s Eden in an Age of Calamity. “If a wine was a model with a chipped tooth, you’d have to give her something to compensate with. If she needs better shoulders, better breasts, give her some. But her real charm is in how she carries the defect.”

After reading his book, I can tell you I’m definitely not certain whether you can accept his quotes verbatim. One thing is certain, though, Maggie Harrison’s Antica Terra wines carry the defect like no other. — 7 years ago

Anna Marie Dos Remedios

8.9

Grassy. Spicy. Nice mid. I get oily, says Deb. Waxy in the finish like you just kissed someone with lipstick.... says Casey. — 9 years ago

with Deb

David L

9.3

09' Favia Cerro Sur Red. 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The CF is done in all new oak.

Raspberry & floral notes on the nose. The front of my palate I'm getting an earthiness to it, with hints of coffee. Towards the front, more to the middle & back of my palate ...Raspberries, blackberries, black licorice, spices & oak. It's such an expressive wine, but not over top! 09 is drinking great now. What's even scarier is that the 2010 is slightly better. I'm sooooo looking forward to trying the 12/13's🙂. What he does with blending CF 😘.

I'm a very big fan of Andy Ericksons and his collection of wines. Is it just me… has his collection of wines gotten considerably better over the years?!? Can't imagine not receiving these gems several times a year. Hoping he's coming out with a Chardonnay in the upcoming years. (It might just be rumors) I'll cross my fingers anyway.
— 9 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Not your typical Rioja. 100% Graciano, a varietal that is normally used as a blending grape. Zesty and tight, but in a good way. (Well structured). Cherry, plum and red flowers on the nose. Same fruits on the pallet with a pleasant toasted oaky finish. Deep red color. Well crafted and interesting. Going to continue to look for this single varietal. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Opened 375ml bottle. Made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca by blending wines that are matured for a minimum of 10 years. Nice topaz color with gentle sweet aromas of spice and almonds. On the palate dried red fruit flavors, well balanced with lively acidity, very fresh taste. Lingering finish ending with pleasant oak and honey tones. One of the best 10 year Tawny's I have tasted. The 375ml was a perfect size. — 7 years ago

Ken Venezio

9.2

This is a big fruity Cab. Nice soft tannins through some Merlot blending but still has plenty of candied cherries, raspberry and chocolate all the end through its long finish. — 7 years ago

David Devan

9.7

Love it! Great job Heidi. Blending at its best. Perfect party wine. — 8 years ago

Rafael Landestoy

9.2

Tried my first wine from a mystery pack that I ordered from Last Bottle and it was great. Awesome bottle especially for $20. The Syrah/Mourvèdre gave it a richness and jammy characteristic. Great mouthfeel. @TheSkip have you had this one yet? — 9 years ago

with Ilida

David L

9.2

12' Château Boswell Voyage. I've rated this one before. Love the wines. Very underrated winery. This is a blending of three different vineyards. Big full-bodied Chard. Edit- Better than six months ago. — 9 years ago

jeff hosford

10

Dark red that hits with cherries and plum. A very long finish. Artisan like in its blending of cab and syrah. My new favorite — 9 years ago

Brianne Mooney

9.5

Meg and Casey at vinegar hill house — 5 years ago

with Meg

Cindy Cammack

9.3

Enjoyed this with brats and peppers. Held up well. Surprisingly soft when drunk on its own. Fascinated by the blending. I will look for these in the future! — 6 years ago

JJ Lumia

9.2

Let me be clear. I feel very strongly about several things in life. Such as The Godfather is the greatest movie ever made. The designated hitter should be outlawed. And Cabernet franc is a blending grape. This is making me rethink my position. Medium- bodied, silky smooth, lots of olive and funk with cigar box and iron on the finish. Im not a convert yet. Yet. A WS Top 100. — 7 years ago

E & K G

9.2

Keep the 2006 train rolling! Lively fruit and acidity blending so well. — 7 years ago

Mike Leach

8.9

Soft, creamy mouth feel. Chardonnay is evident in this blend by Prisoner (known for being experts at blending). Goes well with a salad. — 8 years ago

Jason Brater

9.0

Cedar and black cherry and yummy w nice tannin — 9 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Australia makes a specialty of blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and one of the better examples is Penfolds Bin 389. This is an excellent mature wine, doing it easily at 15 years of age, and will go on. Notes of black currant and mint but at this age all the descriptors just melding into "damn good claret". Perfect with roast lamb. 60% Cab Sauv, 40% Shiraz. 2001 vintage. — 9 years ago

Jennie Marvelle

9.9

With Casey and Amber! — 9 years ago