Engine Room
Long Shadows Vintners
Chester-Kidder Columbia Valley Red Blend 2011
One of my favorites from Long Shadows. Thick and rich in nose and flavor. Great tasting room in Woodenville WA. — 11 years ago
Little Engine Wines
Naramata Bench Pinot Noir
Incredible. Fruit forward but not jammy. Sadly for wine club members only. — 9 years ago
Harlan Estate
The Maiden Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend 1998
Gorgeous ruby, purple color. Knockout nose of cocoa, blackberries and cassis. On the palate, black currents, melted chocolate, espresso, graphite as well as an earthy quality. Supple tannins and a wonderful richness. This Harlan second label is probably better than most producer's primary. I don't drink much Cabernet as I've been driven from the market because of ever increasing costs (I only have room for a couple high end wines, and who in their right mind would ever say no to Mr Krankl?), but I always feel regretful whenever I open a great one and see what I'm missing. — 10 years ago
Domaine Tempier
Bandol Rosé Blend 2014
Had the challenge of turning a room-full of rosé virgins into rosé fans. There was no other choice but to start them up with the best in class. Glad to see happy new rosénatics. — 10 years ago
Merus
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
The cellar room at a Merus. The 13 had big dark fruit and sage nose. Ripe blackberry juice, creamed blackberries, black cherries, black cherry licorice, anise, dark dry powdery earth, crushed rocks, edgy mineral powder and nice acidity. Round polished elegant finish that takes an hour in the decanter to reveal. — 9 years ago
Marqués de Murrieta
Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004
Lots of developed aromas. Leather, tobacco, vanilla, coconut, cooked fruits. Med + body, long finish. Still kicking 11 years later with some room to go. — 10 years ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1992
Tracey LaPointe
One of the best pinots I've ever tasted. So big so much fruit but balanced and not jammy. — 9 years ago