Pat Taylor

9.1

If you are lucky enough to have tried several vintages of this wine, you are struck at how remarkably consistent it is, year after year. You begin to let your imagination run wild. How does the winemaker manage to overcome the nuances of each season’s misgivings? For me, I imagine that he starts with a bunch of juicy raisins, strawberries, violets and meticulously places them into a vat in an otherwise nondescript cave in Spain. He then selects only the choicest hides of leather to add to the concoction at precisely the right moment. Finally, he waives a magic wand and proclaims “abracadabra”. Nineteen years later, this juice of the Gods is yours to enjoy. 🙏🏻 🍷 🎩

I’ve now enjoyed multiple bottles of the ‘05, ‘01, ‘00, ‘96, ‘87 and ‘70 vintages. I have a few more sleeping but will certainly replenish lost stock. Do yourself a favour and buy every vintage you see. The price allows for this and more. Decanted for six hours. Enjoyed over a lot less than that. — 6 years ago

Willis Mendocino

9.2

The time had come for la baronne to stand from the table willing and able to drip her lip in for a sip of the fruit forward concoction she’d made for auction. Her serpentine tongue slithered to attention at the taste of layered perfection. Shockwaves erupted in a delayed matter one can assume was an effect of all the inebriated chatter. “Aton Aton!” she cried. “I’ve done it again with this most regal of blends.” And with that she cheers‘d the rapscallion bunch all of them equally out to lunch. — 8 years ago

with Michele and Joshua

Scott Wren

9.3

Pear, almond citrus blousey concoction. So soft and smooth. — 9 years ago

Evan Keturakat

9.2

Delicious coffee and chocolate concoction. Well done Elysian! — 9 years ago

Brian Grech

8.9

My first fortified Grenache. Interesting! Not sure how to categorize this one in my brain. Course 7 at Mourad paired this with a rich and dense chocolate concoction that featured tamarind and urfa. — 9 years ago

with Ashley

TheSkip

9.3

There are wines sometimes that you may have no critical ability to judge. This falls squarely into that category for me. There are also wines that shape your journey in learning and enjoying what wine is, regardless of their overall quality.

I have no shame in admitting that I have declared myself a Pinot-phobe. And like most phobias, this was based entirely on nothing. Probable bias against a "light" wine that would leave my desire for impact and hedonism unfulfilled. The volume would be a 5 when I want 9. Well, I was wrong.

Yes, last year I finally brought myself to have a Pinot with thanksgiving. I went very mass market with Meomi and I enjoyed it. However, I brushed that aside with the thought that it was a Wagner family concoction and it was thanksgiving dinner and that was that. Now that we are a year later, I've been thinking about Pinot again (I still have the second bottle of Meomi in the basement) for next week.

Then, as luck should have it, I bought the mixed random secret 6 pack from LastBottle and this was in there. No critical reviews at all. In fact, it seems like all the reviews here are from people who received the same shipment. But the Internet told me baked ham apparently goes well with Pinot. What the hell, why not?

And so, I know I very much enjoyed this. I don't know if it's good or not by Pinot standards. I know it went far better with dinner than afterwards.

Translucent ruby in the glass with maraschino cherry notes and clove. This largely carried through to the palate.

So, I was wrong. Now I can learn more! — 10 years ago

Arecibo Message

9.0

I don’t think this is the right wine, but not sure which white bubbly concoction I had. Appley goodness, otherwise just a nice bubbly. — 6 years ago

with jo

Chris England

9.2

A seriously unique Priorat rose - yes Rose! - from Terrior Al Limit @ €36 of 1,268 bottles & it’s superb 😍 If you can get this give it a go - we loved it! Thanks @gabymeetswine @vilaviniteca for sourcing this gem 👍

📍 Terroir Al Limit Rose Roc D'aubaga 2016

🏵 92 points

🍇 80% Grenache Blanc, 10% Grenache Gris & 10% Grenache Rouge

🍷 Red brick orange rust w/ a brown tone (see Instagram for pic ⏩)

👃 A mesmerising concoction of fruity aromas of apricot jam, red berries, raspberry compote, strawberry marmalade & earthy red cherry w/ a light flinty minerality

👄 Med body of smooth creamy rich red berries & apricot w/ strawberry driven red fruits & a hint of orange, red apple & red cherry

🎯 Long mouth coating of slight sweet red fruits galore in a touch of dry minerality
— 7 years ago

Ted

9.3

Clean and crisp like last Friday’s. Ripe honeydew melon. Another spicy shrimp concoction is happening and this will go nicely!! — 8 years ago

with Jeni

Edmond Bordelon

9.7

Another serious Sam Kaplan concoction (Sam is in the photo...not the one with the snake). A Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the famous Dr. Crane, as Piedras and the Weitz Vineyards. Deep color, staining the glass (and anaconda decanter...that will never be the same) and layering the sides of the glass with beautiful, plush opaque runs. Full-bodied to almost dense, but still trademark Kaplan lushness, balance and great finish. Dark cherry fruits and more chocolate than cocoa on the tastebuds with a touch of spice on the nose. Already a stunning wine at 2014, with proper decanting. I am sure it only gets better!! — 9 years ago

with Katherine and Beth

Ken Cassady

9.1

This fruity concoction is something you wouldn't expect. The oak hits the nose with a soft touch. The front is very fruity and very full bodied. As you continue to sip, the tannins touch the back of the pallet with ease. This wine goes well with steak or chicken. — 9 years ago

with Charla

Daragh Hoey

9.0

Not quite my usual speed for Chardonnay, but another super Chad Stock concoction. Semolina flavors drive it, and the wood from the barrique is clear. — 10 years ago

Sean Trapani

Founder/Educator Wine Fluent, Consultant ABC Fine Wines & Spirits

9.1

Magical concoction of creme brûlée, apple candy, and pecan praline. Paired well with Captain's Wafers and ennui. — 10 years ago

Flora Bokma

8.9

A smoky plummy smooth concoction. It’s quite nice! — 6 years ago

Edward Allen

9.3

Lovely silky deep purple that will make your Robitussin (and any other purple or grape concoction in existence) jealous. On the dry side, with “dark fruit” of maybe cherry, blueberry, blackberry, some smoothing vanilla...and don’t forget that oak. This one hits home with the oak, which is nicely balanced in a blend of several of the best red wine styles...and I’m happy to report that it isn’t too much of a good thing! Balanced alcohol as well. This is a mature red blend that taunts all the big players. Stay away if you’re looking for a lighter “more fun” blend. Otherwise, sit back and let this mesmerizing Pendulum adjust your equilibrium. Avoid the food distraction and you’ll be jumping on & swinging in no time. — 7 years ago

Chris

9.0

Awesome !It has a subtle start but finishes with a sharp spice, much like a visit to the washroom after a meal at Taco Bell. I enjoyed the wine. Hard to get a good handle of the different flavors! $22 — 8 years ago

TheWineStalker

9.0

Ruby red with a slight tilt towards brick red. Aromas of milk chocolate, cherries, plums, and English breakfast tea. The tannin is pretty quiet. There's flavors of tart cherries, unripened cranberries or small bush berries, chocolate and vanill. Finishes like some Starbucks plum-vanilla-mocha concoction that you can't stop drinking. — 9 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Incredibly lifted nose with pungent cracked granite, cracked peppercorns, and lots of savory things going on. So bright and juicy in the mouth. Great acids. Just tastes like someone tried to make a lemonade-like concoction using stones that existed before there was any life on earth. It's mesmerizing and fun at the same time. Weird thing is, it's hard to detect fruit! — 9 years ago

with Lyle

Olivia

9.5

A new fav. Soft and fruity — 9 years ago

Eric Grasser

9.0

Lively concoction of apricot, watermelon, green apple and more apricot! Paired with mussels in white wine. Nice acidic zip and crispness but with more weight than 11.5% abv. — 10 years ago