Charles Smith
Charles Wagner Family
Conundrum California Red Blend
Drank with pizza at home. Very good. — 2 months ago
Charles Joguet
Chinon Cabernet Franc Rosé 2019
Aldehydic like Sherry — 6 months ago
Charles Heidsieck
Millésimé Brut Champagne Blend 2012
#AgedWineTuesday
Light yellow in color.
Strong nose of apples, yeast, spices, bread, minerals and sea salt.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity, and medium plus sized bubbles.
Dry on the palate with citrus, apples, pears, light earth, yeast, vegetables, spices and bitter herbs.
Nice finish with limes and almonds.
This 13 year old Vintage Champagne feels young and needs 5 years in the bottle to mature properly.
Rich and extracted with lots of bread notes. Elegant and robust.
Showing nice complexity, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.
Paired beautifully with fresh oysters.
A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Disgorged in 2020.
12% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$120. — 8 months ago
Charles Smith
M.C.K. (Motor City Kitty) Syrah 2014
Juicy dark beery fruit, healthy spice, balanced. — 9 months ago
Charles Joguet
Les Petites Roches Chinon Cabernet Franc 2012
Excellent mature balanced Cab Franc without that peppery greenness coming on. Long finish. — 3 months ago
Charles Heidsieck
Blanc des Millénaires Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay 2014
A blend of 4 grand cru and one blanc de blanc. As good as I have enjoyed from Piper H — 4 months ago
Smith Madrone
Estate Bottled Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
After reading the story of this producer, I inspired to try it. Especially, at $59.99 for a quality Napa Cabernet. These two brother’s are true pioneers of the Napa Valley. They do their own thing. Don’t follow trends and are not aggressive with their bottle price, nor do they really wish to. More rare than common in today’s Napa Cabernet market. I have a lot of respect for that and Napa Pioneers.
This also drinks pretty well for a young Napa Cabernet. I was expecting bigger/bolder based on write up. Not that this won’t benefit from cellaring.
The fruits are nicely ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries & blueberry hues. I was expecting more teeth. Think it is showing the finesse & balance of most 21’s I’ve had. Dark spice, grilled meats, light black pepper, barrel dust, dry tobacco, leather, savory herbaceousnes, moist clays, dry crushed rocks, cola, flower bouquet of red, blue & purple fresh flowers, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, softly structured, elegant finish that lasts just over a minute and lands crushed rocks and touch of spice.
It will be interesting to see if this shows more in 5 years.
Photos of; Smith Madrone vineyards and brothers Stuart and Charles Smith — 5 months ago
Charles Joguet
Les Varennes du Grand Clos Chinon Cabernet Franc 2005
Holding up the best of a trio of sketchy old Loire reds. With air this reveals black currant, mesquite, tobacco, tomato leaf and slightest hint of raspberry. Still excellent but needs food — 9 months ago
Charles Krug
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Charles Krug – Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
The 2017 vintage of their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted primarily from estate fruit across valley-floor vineyards, showing an approachable and structured style. This wine is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with small supporting portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc to round it out.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry are joined by subtle layers of cedar, tobacco, and baking spice. Hints of mocha and graphite emerge as the wine opens, bringing complexity without overshadowing the ripe fruit core.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with polished tannins and a backbone of balanced acidity. The mid-palate is rich and velvety, while the finish lingers with dark fruit, oak spice, and a whisper of minerality.
Winemaking Notes
Aged 18 months in French oak (about 35% new), this wine is a balance of tradition and modern winemaking. Charles Krug continues to champion elegance over excess, and the 2017 vintage shows restraint despite Napa’s warm growing conditions.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, beef short ribs, or roasted portobello mushrooms. Aged gouda or firm sheep’s milk cheeses also complement its depth and structure.
Verdict
A polished, reliable Napa Cabernet that honors Charles Krug’s heritage while delivering a style accessible to today’s wine drinkers. The 2017 is drinking beautifully now, with enough structure to cellar for a few more years. — 2 months ago
Smith & Hook
Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Really good cab, was on sale for $26 at Vons. — 3 months ago
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Les Hauts de Smith Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2016
Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of ripe red fruit, rose petals, dried red flowers and eucalyptus. Red and black cherry/raspberry and boysenberry fruit on the palate along with additional notes of chocolate, toffee, savory spices and mint. Well integrated oak on the long and slightly chewy finish. Rustic, well balanced and beautifully aged. Thanks for sharing this one, Ron B! — 4 months ago
Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB)
JCB No.69 Burgundy Pinot Noir Rosé
Excellent nose, aromas of strawberry and cherry. Perfect balance of flavor and dryness. Excellent, especially for its price. Drinks like a $50+ sparkling. — 7 months ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Been awhile since I’ve had this one. Always consistently good.
Beautiful mousse, bruised red apple & Bosc pear, underripe pineapple flesh, blood orange, quince, nougat, hints of white peach, white spice-ginger, whipped cream, yeasty bread dough, sea spray, speckled chalk bits, grey volcanics, limestone, withering yellow lilies/flowers, crisp acidity, well tensioned-structured, well balanced and elegant finish that last two-minutes.
@BalancesRestaurant - Lucerne. — a month ago