Palette Knife

Beau Vigne

Estate Stags Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Ron R
9.7

When Anne-Marie tasted this, she was in raptures - @Martin G Rivard, thank you so much for this gem!
Huge extraction, ultra rich presentation. The nose is dominated with maraschino cherries, blueberry jam, and a whiff of talcum powder.
The palette is stunning. Dense and in-your-face. Tannins keep pumping. This exemplar presented so well. A head-spinner. Thanks so much, Martin!!!
— 8 years ago

Shay, Daniel P. and 35 others liked this
Martin G Rivard

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@Ron R I’m so happy that you enjoyed it bud!!!!

Château Henri Bonnaud

Palette Rosé Blend 2007

Real standout rose at a tasting of 15 roses. Depth and sherry tones, really aromatic — 9 years ago

Feudi di San Gregorio

Serpico Irpinia Aglianico 1999

Ron R
9.3

Apologies for the quality of the label. Tried to force a bottle in my fridge, and paid a heavy price.
Nose of spice box, molasses and licorice. Palette is balanced and precise. Presents blueberries, dill, white pepper and leather. Acidity is perfect. Tannins are not resolved, which creates a more upright structure. Still tight, with no signs of aging. Excellent
— 9 years ago

Mo Salem
with Mo
Eric, Martin and 35 others liked this
Ron R

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@Isaac Pirolo. Completely agree. Screw the label. It's the content that counts?
Matt Trader

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Don't worry. The label doesn't taste very good.
Ron R

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Agreed, Matt.

Bevan Cellars

Dry Stack Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Ron R
9.4

Paying homage to @David A Lentine, as he constantly raves about this wine, and in our humble opinion, for good reason. It has a slightly cloudy appearance in the glass.
There is a tropical explosion on the palette, such as nectarines, peaches and a hint of pineapples. Bright, tense acidity holds everything together on the mid-palette. Finishes with verve and vitality. A truly stunning SB.
— 10 years ago

Paul, David and 28 others liked this
Bill Bender

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If you're referring to NC State bearing UNC I have no idea what you're talking about 🙄 @Mike Rowe and I have no recollection of the loss to Duke last week either 😬.....basketball season is here thank god 😇🏀
Bill Bender

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My solution to this conundrum @Ron R is drink more wine. Lots of it. And review the data 2-3 bottles in. At that leaves of consciousness there is clarity.
Mike R

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lol

Quilceda Creek

Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

2011 was a tough year, but Quilceda Creekvlade the best of it. Probably a bit early to be drinking this, seems tight and somewhat shallow even after defending, but after 2 hours of air, I taste the depth and quality of this wine. Deep dark fruit grips your tongue on the first sip and doesn't let go. I honestly can't speak to the nose because it is buttoned up and I just smell dinner. Fig, plum, and blackberry are all over this o the palette though. Sit on it until 2020... That's my advice. — 10 years ago

Alex GillespieCherish Hart
with Alex and Cherish
Anthony liked this

Cade

Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Ron R
9.3

Tonight, we pay homage to @Diana L and @Joe Lucca for treating us like royalty over the weekend - thank you so much.

So, it's Joe's birthday soon, and we purchased this bottle for him. But my goldfish-like brain had forgotten he already had some, so we decided to dive into it and give him some Yellow Tail instead!

In the glass, the wine appears as dark as the night. On the nose, I get maple syrup, kirsch, cinnamon and loamy earth. The palette reveals soft wood notes, intertwined with syrop de cassis and red licorice. Tannins are relatively soft and plush. The endnote is sweet and velvety. This is a great wine, but lacks something that I can't quite describe; sorry.
— 10 years ago

LM, Anthony and 16 others liked this
Mike R

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Great wine Ron
Ron R

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@Mike Rowe, yes it was. I really like Cade as I can no longer afford Plumpjack cabs. But Cade has that texture and persistence that I look for in a cab.

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Wonderful. Silk on the nose and palette. Lots of earth and perfect fruit. Medium finish with less oak or tannins than I would have thought since it should still have a few years in the bottle — 11 years ago

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Richebourg Pinot Noir 1976

A lovely DRC in the twilight of its drinking years. Upon opening we thought it would fall into the bitter tobacco and soy sauce category but it fell off the knife edge the other way and gave lovely rhubarb, tea notes and sweet tobacco. What a great experience. — 11 years ago

Taylor liked this

Pierre Péters

Cuvée de Réserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay

Ehren Jordan
9.5

From magnum. Great nose wonderful across the palette, perfect with oysters. — 12 years ago

Anthony, Eric and 9 others liked this

Chalk Hill

Estate Bottled Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Ron R
9.2

Exotic, fruit-driven perfume wafts from the glass. Kiwi and passion fruits are supported by rocks and stones.
Palette is consistent, with citrus fruits, bright acidity and persistence. Finishes vibrant. This is our fave SB below the $20 pain threshold.
— 8 years ago

Shay, LM and 24 others liked this
Ron R

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Yes Chris - Agreed. @TheSkip, the blend is great. All Chalk Hill stuff is solid.
Bill Bender

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My roommate had a chalk hill problem in college. Talked my ear off and slept through class. The 80’s were bad for coke.
Martin Sher

Martin Sher

Palate

Brewer-Clifton

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2014

Ron R
9.0

Cola overload on the nose.
Palette is a touch medicinal. Lively acidity and well integrated tannins, which negate the acidity and help smooth out the presentation. Needs food as it lacks complexity.
— 9 years ago

Carl, Isaac and 37 others liked this
Manny Abascal

Manny Abascal

Spot on with the tasting notes.
Ron R

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Thanks @Manny Abascal. I was expecting more from Brewer. Typically, their pinots present stronger than this showing.

Liquid Farm

White Hill Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2012

Ron R
9.2

On day 2 this has evolved to a better place, and may have put on a little weight. In particular, the mid-palette has more weight. Green apples, melon and honey present, similar to a classic burg. For the price, this ranks as one of our best finds in 2016. — 9 years ago

Greg, Eric and 23 others liked this

Matetic Vineyards

EQ Coastal Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Ron R
9.0

I'm seeing all these high-brow wines pepper my Delectable feed, so I thought I would lower the tone with our fave $13 SB.
The perfume is screeching nectarines, peach and gooseberry. Palette expresses limes, orange and citrus zest. It's taut and tense, just how a SB should be. Has a racy finish, and with 13.5% abv, it's tough to beat at this price. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts...
— 10 years ago

David, Alex and 12 others liked this
Jody Scharf

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Active weekend Ron I see. Nice n
Ron R

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Hi @Jody Scharf and thanks. I wasn't so busy cos we had the Heitz last w/end.
Ron R

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@Martin G Rivard, I think Trump may also refer to me as a bandit!
😏

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Ron R
9.3

Excellent. Tough to locate the 11 vintage on the secondary market.
It has an exuberant nose and palette, with wonderful tannins and acidity. Finishes, long, strong and sweet. Caymus has such a consistent taste profile, it requires little announcement.
— 10 years ago

David, LM and 15 others liked this
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

All about the profits, Im self employed too, so hats off to them for making a mass market wine at that price,
Ron R

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@Paul Treadway Wots you line of business?
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

@Ron R I supply happiness,
Plant broker for supermarkets, Mothersday is my payday,

Saint-Chamant

Brut Champagne Cuvée de Chardonnay 2005

Yeast and lees on the nose, palette reveals bruised green apple, citrus, and limestone. Gorgeous! — 10 years ago

Shafer Vineyards

Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

2007, amazing hillside cab. The first sip was a light that beckoned through the darkness, my palette zipped in every direction. Still I would have decanted longer, but Parker gave this 100, I strongly disagree an epic cab nonetheless. — 10 years ago

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

2000 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon:
From Jay. Dark ruby red in color. A preponderance of black forest fruits on the nose mixed with cedar and some menthol and a touch of spice. Rich blackcurrant, black cherries and traces of vanilla on the palette. This is a solid effort from Ridge and although it does not have the makings of an epic wine it will certainly improve with time. Drink 2017 to 2030. 91/100


— 11 years ago

Karine liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Recommend a 2+ hr decant. Beautiful nose of black cherry and dark fruits leading into the typical grip and tannin of 86. This is still young in color and on the palette. Has a steely austerity with some nice fruit and secondary characteristics of pine and cedar starting to show. Prob needs another 3-4years to soften the finish but drinking well. 93pts — 11 years ago

Richard, Mitchell and 1 other liked this

Château Simone

Palette Grand Cru de Provence Grenache Rosé Blend 2012

Michael Scaffidi
9.8

Rose us bonkers — 12 years ago

June liked this

Butter Knife

California Chardonnay 2016

$14.99 at Total Wine; very good, buttery — 9 years ago

Castiglion del Bosco

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2011

Amazingly jammy! Red juicy fruit dancing across the palette :) — 9 years ago

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1994

Great nose and palette, but just fell apart after that with a rather lack luster finish. Not getting any better.. — 9 years ago

Evan, Matt and 8 others liked this
Martin G Rivard

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Disappointing to say the least!

Bevan Cellars

Rita's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014

Ron R
9.4

Since @Paul T gifted us this wine, I thought I would "walk in his shoes," and storm this directly from the UPS truck.
This is impressive. Visually, the degree of extraction is apparent. To the eye, this could easily pass as European cab. The game is up when you put your nose in the glass. Complex and layered, with spice box, cloves and dark raspberries. The palette is so accessible. Hints of red fruits, smoke and cinnamon add complexity. The finish is mineral-driven, with a velvet mouthfeel. This is very, very well done.
Paul, I cannot thank you enough for sharing this.
— 9 years ago

Ira, Shawn and 32 others liked this
Martin G Rivard

Martin G Rivard Influencer Badge

@Paul T @Ron R Truly badass in a glass!
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Looks like someone finally found @Martin G Rivard on the roof of a hotel in Vegas,
Glad to see he's no longer M.I.A
TheSkip

TheSkip

@Paul T lol!!!! When I grow up I want to be @Martin G Rivard !

Rudius

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Ron R
9.3

Nose is exotic, with sweet oak and ripe cherries. Palette is textured and multidimensional. Tannins still provide a nice upright structure, but are resolved. Finishes with a panoply of rich dark fruits, tobacco, maple syrup and nutmeg. I think 08 in Cali was nothing special, but the Rudius winemaker continues to pull off some splendid acrobatics.
If you have this in your cellar, don't leave it too much longer.
— 10 years ago

Eric, James and 19 others liked this
Somm David T

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08 is better than it was given credit. I've had some 08's that surpass 07's.
Ron R

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Fully agree, David. And for the top producers like Lamborn, Rudius, Cade, etc, I don't sweat the poor vintages at all.
Somm David T

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The 08 Regusci Patriarch I had last night was stellar.

Cantina Bartolo Mascarello

Barolo Nebbiolo 1990

1990 vintage. From Jay. 1990 Bartolo Mascarello - Brief Note from Galloni Historical Retrospective Held in London April 26, 2016. Rich in colour. Crushed violets and roses on the nose with cedar box and tobacco wrapper. Tannins have developed nicely. Still good fruit on the mid palette. The essence of the warm vintage shines through in an elegant and rewarding fashion. This is very enjoyable. 92/100. Drink now to 2022. — 10 years ago

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1966

Super-weird bottle. Mid-shoulder, crumbly cork, and the colour of freshly pressed strawberry juice - extremely pale as slightly cloudy! The immediate scent was quite off-putting but after 30 minutes it stormed back! Scents of autumn mulch, burning vine roots, sour cherries, and raspberry compote. A weird sourness and heady acidity on the front of the palette but it still keeps together well. Clearly badly kept but still really interesting to drink! A true testament to The quality of Mouton under the stewardship of the late Baron. I wonder if this is what some of the better kept bottles might be like in 100 years' time!? — 10 years ago

Ira, "Odedi" and 8 others liked this
"Odedi"

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Wow! Congratulations

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2004

Delicious! Orange hues on the pour. Nice complex nose - dry-aged meat, cedar, tobacco, oak. A little sour as it hits the palette, but then the it rounds very nicely in the finish. Lots of black fruit, and some notes of soil. This wine will be even prettier in the next few years. — 10 years ago

Mishi Ledesma Dueñas
with Mishi
Chris liked this

Stags' Leap Winery

Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2012

Paired wonderfully with grilled lamb marinated in an Indian curry. Light on palette with velvety finish, not so dry to distract from meal. — 11 years ago

Scarecrow

Monsieur Ètain Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Silky wine, long on the palette yet mature at its age. — 12 years ago

Belle Glos

Meiomi Pinot Noir 2011

Smooth, soft on palette, fruity, no strong after taste. Taste of vanilla, and sweet opulent flavor — 13 years ago