M. Christopher Roebuck

9.2

Thank God. Dependable Stags Leap rescues wine #1. Creme de Mint, vanilla, licorice, melded together with nice grippy tannins that aren't bitter and uncomfortable. Solid.

92 points — 5 years ago

S.R.Alexander

9.2

Billie halfie. Always dependable with plush elegance. — 6 years ago

with Eric

Amit Srivastava

9.0

Very consistent and dependable wine. The magnum was well liked. Nice and deep wine. — 7 years ago

with Gunja

Amit Srivastava

8.9

Dependable ! Holds on its own — 8 years ago

Bill Bender

9.0

The CVNE (pronounced "coonay") Tempranillo is always dependable and presents a great opportunity to obtain older vintages--back to the 60's and 70's--at a price that doesn't totally kick your ass. This was a mature solid Rioja but without a great deal of verve, depth or punch. Good not great. — 9 years ago

Mike R

9.2

Second wine to post from weekend and needs more resting time but liked it as was big bold and beautiful - good and dependable - still smiling — 9 years ago

Scott Rowe

8.9

Dependable, quaffable, affordable. — 10 years ago

David Shaw

8.9

Affordable, dependable, easy to find. What’s not to like? Reminds me of the old Italian/American brands from the North Coast and Central Valley from the 1970s, cheap, good value, but this has better fruit. Purple-red, highly extracted pigment. Jammy and minty notes in nose with a hint of funk. Raspberry, cherry and spearmint flavors in mouth, tart berry-ish finish on initial pour. Caught somewhere with a limited selection of wines? This will save the rest of your day. Tannins emerge after 45 minutes, fruit flavors meld after 60. — 5 years ago

"Odedi"

9.0

Time for my Friday's Cabernet fix. Here is a nice one from Sonoma.

Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.

Fruity nose of blackberries, blueberries, wood, cloves, vanilla, spices, espresso, chocolates, metals, green vegetables, light bell pepper and earth.

Full bodied and bold with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, bell pepper, green vegetables, coffee, chocolates, light earth, tobacco, beef jerky and peppercorn.

Medium plus on the finish with firm tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley. Showing nice complexity and a great mouthfeel. Fruity and rich, with lots of bell pepper notes.

Still young and needs another few years in the bottle to mature properly. Good right out of the bottle and better as it opens up and shows some tannins (60 minutes).

Fruit forward, tasty and good by itself or with food. Solid and dependable.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

90 points.


$25. — 7 years ago

Mandi Lovasz

9.5

Can’t go wrong with Aalto! Aromas of oak, dark forest fruits, moss, and tobacco. Deep jammy flavors make this full bodied Tempranillo fantastic and dependable. — 8 years ago

with Alex

David Walser

9.2

Always dependable. Really enjoy this 50/50 Zinfandel/Petite Sirah blend. — 8 years ago

Mike R

9.3

As said before love this wine - big bold beautiful - this this starter wine tonight - prelude to super bowl - let the games begin with smiles on our face - this finishes up my prior to 10s and they all did well - will miss them as they have been so dependable - oh well cannot take it with you so drink if you got them - enjoy your Saturday night 😀😀 — 9 years ago

with R

Bill Bender

9.3

A lot of good Marcassin stories last night. Like an episode of the Jerry Springer Show. Coolest label this side of SQN and always dependable if not thought provoking. Inarguably inviting style. — 10 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.1

Consistent and dependable every vintage. Great with a pot of beans & rice on a cold, gloomy November night. Pure & approachable red berries & mild smoky spice. — 6 years ago

Melissa Maher

9.7

Light refreshing dependable old world Barolo. ❤️ it. — 7 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.0

This afternoon/evening was our first of two baby showers. Not only were we surrounded by friends & family, but we were also surrounded by some good wine & other drinks.
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This selection has proven to be a consistent, dependable crowd-pleaser. Refreshing, balanced, and crisp. — 7 years ago

with Taryne and Krystal

Geoff King

9.3

Always a wonderful selection. Always a dependable and tasteful Cabernet. — 8 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.2

Mr. DEPENDABLE Phelps...

92+ points

So I was wondering why this wasn't hitting 93, 94 for me tonight. Sure enough, new vintage 2013. 2012 scored better. Maybe needs more time, but I did decant this for 1.5 hours. Still solid 92 though.

92 points — 9 years ago

Doctor No

8.9

Like a Rock. This is the Chevy pickup of Bordeaux. Not flashy but always dependable. — 9 years ago

Marissa A. Ross

Wine Editor, Bon Appétit

9.0

Such dependable, fresh, blackberry-clove juice. — 10 years ago