Clouds Rest

Black Kite Cellars

Kite's Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2021

[Tasted on April 26, 2024 at Tom’s House with Tom]

Wine is Jasper Freestone single vineyard from Sonoma Coast. Red plum, raspberry and pomegranate fruit, with vanilla, tea and mineral notes. Silky wine.
— 10 days ago

Ministry of Clouds

McLaren Vale Grenache 2021

I made no notes at the restaurant so doing this from memory. Firstly when the menu is degustation, I never get the matching wine option, preferring to choose a bottle that goes with all courses as much as possible. This light to medium bodied Grenache fits the bill and ticks all the boxes - best district for Grenache in Australia; old vine Grenache, a terrific vintage in South Australia; and a hands off, alternate producer. Grenache can be such a chameleon from barely medium weight with stalky red fruits like this one, with a lovely red floral perfume, to full bodied versions like Rayas and Bonneau Celestins. Barb and I really enjoyed this. Also, Delectable, this was a Grenache Carignan blend - not offered in your database. Continuing our road trip through the Mornington Peninsula. — 4 months ago

Severn, Tom and 20 others liked this
David T

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Yes, I always bring my own in CA no issues. Happy Holidays.
Bob McDonald

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Yes , David. I like what we call BYOs in Australia where we can “Bring Your Own” with a corkage charge. A great idea!

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Jeremy Shanker
9.3

Library from the domaine. Still a baby, let it rest for 5 more. Blackberry, sumac, dried thyme. Delicious but tight. — 2 years ago

Matt, Douglas and 5 others liked this
Bob McDonald

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What vintage thanks?

Tenuta Sette Ponti

Oreno Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2019

It’s still too young for me but I wanted to pull one. Medium nose where I get a bit of green-ness. The finish is light and there is a bit of green on the palate as well. Hoping the rest get better with age. — 22 days ago

Shay, Scott@Mister and 3 others liked this
Ron R

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Even in its youth, I’d expect a better showing than what you experienced. This hailed from a strong vintage in Tuscany. I hope it puts on some weight for you.

Clouds Rest

Femme Fatale Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2016

Quite surprising. Smelled of black currants, blackberries. Tasted of prunes with nice acid at the end and not much tannins. Really dark fruit. — 7 months ago

Tom liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1988

Damn…perfect cork, high neck, in my cellar maybe 2 decades! Had to move over 1000 bottles due to leak …found some fun stuff…agree with rest of pro comments…all there! — 9 months ago

Jae and Ira liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

A blend of 80% Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, rest Graciano and Mazuelo, aged 5 years in American oak, deep Ruby with aromas of ripe jammy fruits, spice and tobacco notes, resulting from a warm dry growing season. On the palate flavors of ripe plum, blueberry and ripe cherry with spice, tobacco and cedar notes. Fine big rustic tannins, long finish, savory ending with tobacco and leather notes. Nice! — 3 months ago

Vino, Tom and 7 others liked this

Massolino

Parafada Serralunga d'Alba Barolo Nebbiolo

UWS
9.3

20231125 Rest. Enoclub Alba with Wakano
Same wine as on 21.11.23.
EUR 75.00
— 5 months ago

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2013

Opus One. Yes!! There is lot going on here. Perfumes of rosemary on the elegant side and that leather/cigar thing with blackberry hint on the firmer side. And they do not conflict. Going to let the last six of this vintage rest for another 5 years — 7 months ago

Severn, Vino and 14 others liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Had a bottle year ago. Blend of 95% Cab Sauv, 4% Merlot, rest Petit Verdot, Malbec & Cab Franc, blended then aged for 24 mos in 50% new & 50% once-used American oak. Deep Ruby, youthful aromas of black fruit, sweet cacao & complex spice. Palate shows flavors of rich ripe juicy berries & cherries, core of sweet fruit with oak & vanilla notes. Nicely integrated firm, graceful tannins, long finish, displays primary fruits on ending, developing some secondary aging, nice. Excellent. — 2 years ago

Alex, Josh and 7 others liked this