Bree Falcon

9.0

The 2015 Insignia is densely hued with rich dark fruit, cocoa powder and fragrant dried flower notes. Velvety texture and weight on the palate with layers of juicy black plum, Madagascar vanilla and bergamot. Bold, creamy and supple with integrated tannin structure and a lengthy finish. — 7 years ago

David Kline

9.1

Micro-mousse with pixilated lace. Nearly black, brown and opaque. Chicory coffee, near-burnt and boasting mesquite, cedar and extracted vanilla. Bitter entry softens to darkest rye. Burnt s’mores, intensely creamy, tobacco-leaf sweetness, Madagascar vanilla bean, oak tannin, burnt Boston baked bean. Throughout there is a bitter chocolate core and an over cooked-coffee, but it is not unpleasant, but a pleasant contrast to the striking creaminess. #thirstydog #imperialstout #stout #beer #dank #beerbeerbeer #abv — 8 years ago

with Courtney

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.6

From magnum. The velvety tannins are to die for here, and while rich and concentrated, it also provides sincerity and elegance. Ripe red berries, pan fried herbs, Madagascar vanilla and blackberries are framed by juicy acidity and tannins; but not just any tannins... the silkiest tannins ever invented? Glorious. — 9 years ago

with Johan

David Kline

9.3

Early test of a beer I will most certainly be aging! Barley Maw! Dip some carrot cake in Ethiopian coffee and you will be getting close on the nose. The entire bouquet is a caramelized, myrrh version of that in an oiled, leather bag; although there is a doughy life to it that evokes freshly washed hair, with whiffs of Madagascar vanilla. Heavy coffee oils, bitter chocolate, smoked leather, tar, burnt caramel, black mushroom, rattan, blackened marshmallow, allspice, graham spice and dark tobaccos finishing briny. A seaside stroll at night through foamy pools. Can't wait to see how she ages! — 9 years ago

with Courtney

Scott Cowan

9.6

Worth every penny:
Big, Round, Rich, Luscious.
Darkest purple possible without being black, with a thing ring of burgandy red-to-rosé/pink floating around the edges of the purple-black wine in the bowl.
Deep alcohol-leather-pipe tobacco-chanterelle aromas when I swirl. Many lovely spindly legs run down the sides of the bowl and back to that inky pool of tantalizingly rich, "dangerous, dark woods forbidden" purple.
The first sip brings huge wild cherries to mind -- but these cherries must have been fire-roasted and spiced with black pepper, cloves, then mixed with tart red plums, a single just-barely-ripe raspberry, and a handful of sun-kissed blueberries all macerated in pure Madagascar vanilla.
This is ambrosia worthy of wild boar, venison, the boldest, richest steak of all time -- no tender cuts for this big wine.
The finish: LOOOOOONG. Not complex, but delightful even if one note. One long, alcohol-hot note of goodness to remind one that this was oak-barrel aged and will grow and grow and grow if cellared. — 9 years ago

Aaron Jordan

9.2

Madagascar vanilla and allspice aromatics, rounded out body with a prickly and almost effervescent acidity. Cranberry, red apple cleanliness, onslaught of berries complex the profile with a classy oak finish that has a crisp dryness to it. Solid Pinot! 👍🏻 — 10 years ago

with Christian

David Kline

9.6

Immaculate aromas of rich tobacco, raspberry reduction and purest blackberry with sweet cedar and Madagascar vanilla, with violets, roses, and mint. Black currant, blackberry, graphite, concentrated forest notes of pinecone, bramble, baker’s chocolate, licorice, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cedar, Jamaican tobaccos, dried violets, Roobios, and iron minerality. #chateauhauteserre #icone #cahors #frenchwinescholar #frenchred #malbec #swfrance — 7 years ago

Eric AE Decombe

9.8

A good malagsy rhum. — 9 years ago

Garret Nagle

9.5

Black tea, marzipan, Madagascar vanilla, suede leather, butterscotch, turbinado syrup. maintains an oiliness and weight on the palate without any ethyl alcohol burn. For many the archetype of single barrels. — 9 years ago

Christine Havens

9.4

Another heavy hitter from a lineup spanning four decades of Napa Cabs. The 2013 Robert Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet is still quite primary. It's opaque, with a bold magenta rim. Structurally, more opulent than its predecessors in this tasting—the core furnished with juicy black fruit, ripe, glossy tannins and a hint of how it will evolve—a palate pleasing melange of anise, mocha, Madagascar vanilla, black pepper, and savory tones. There is more everything packed into it, like an overcrowded suitcase, something this writer knows about. — 9 years ago

Mitchell Mulder

9.5

New offering in the "Cabin Fever" 12 pack, rich deep Madagascar vanilla notes, classic Porter style, smooth easy drinking and delicious — 9 years ago

ADAM STROMFELD

9.3

Wow! Round and beautifully balanced light and meaty boysenberry and raw bacon a hint of Madagascar vanilla this wine calling for venison! — 9 years ago

Ryan Stewart

9.2

Deep amber color with thin legs. Pronounced aromas and flavors of Madagascar Vanilla, licorice, hazelnut, banana, dried figs, fruitcake, and plum wine. Hot mouthfeel but quickly dies off to reveal very inviting smoky, almost toasted marshmallow back palate flavors. Elegant, very refined single malt. — 10 years ago

Ebbe Bonde Soerensen

9.3

Decanted for 30 min, very dark color almost black, oozing of Syrah, dark berries, smoke, some barnyard(which blew away), taste very Big and pure velvet, wow a blockbuster, needs more time🇫🇷 Had it New Years Eve with Madagascar pepper Tournedos in creamy sauce a winner🙏🤩 — 7 years ago

Michael Mallon

9.0

Decadent, different, delicious. Madagascar vanilla, mocha, white chocolate, raisins, orange peel, dried herbs. Unctuous as others have mentioned but not distractingly so. — 7 years ago

Paula Strebig

8.9

This light bodied Syrah Rose is a beautiful "cranberry red" color. Subtle, light notes of Madagascar vanilla on the nose. Understated cherry & hints of something that is reminiscent of baked goods - maybe honey. We certainly enjoyed this while tasting in the Deerfield wine cave - brings back memories. We need to drink more roses for educational purposes. (Marinated flank steak on the grill, with asparagus & zucchini) — 9 years ago

with Tim

Keith Pires

9.0

A delicious wine; slight barnyard nose, rich raspberries, chocolate, Madagascar vanilla bean, and black pepper on the palette. — 9 years ago

Chris B.

9.0

Mmmm... strawberry preserves, rhubarb and vanilla (and not store-bought French vanilla but long bean Madagascar vanilla). — 9 years ago

ADAM STROMFELD

9.2

Big and luscious soft Madagascar Vanilla round and soft very new world palate oriented — 9 years ago

with Frank

Renwood Winery

Marketing Director, Renwood Winery

10

Seductively enticing, this complex wine awakens the senses with beautifully focused aromas of Madagascar Vanilla and fresh croissant. On the palate, this big and powerful wine has great structural balance with opulent flavors of black berries, vanilla and black cherry pie. Aged in 100% new French Oak, plush tannins are seamlessly integrated to add a silky, regal quality to a long velvety finish. Decant one hour prior to serving. Drink now through 2022.
75% Zinfandel, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah — 10 years ago