Press Play Wines
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2018
One of the few producers that I purchase each and every vintage. I find that Laurence Feraud’s wines are consistently some of the more interesting and enjoyable wines made in all of Chateauneuf du Pape; particularly when value comes into play. This bottle is my first experience with her 2018 vintage and the first bottle of a small tranche that I swooped up upon release. Popped and poured; consumed over 5 hours. The color is deep ruby with a near opaque core; glossy and gorgeous to behold. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is classic Pegaü with loads of dark cherry and bramble fruit, a veritable hillside full of garrigue, lavender, black pepper, and something that reminds me of old books. On that palate, the fruit is equally generous, brambles and cherries, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence and a somewhat sanguine-like character to it. Substantial structure, though it seems to be a notch lower than the previous three vintages at this point in its young life. The tannins are very sneaky. Almost imperceptible for the first hour and yet, by hour four, they were very much making themselves known (in the Medium+ range). Acid is also Medium+ indicating these have an exciting life ahead. The finish lasts for well over a minute. All in all, another lovely Pegaü that will likely live in the shadow of some of the more heralded vintages in the last ten years however, that doesn’t mean this isn’t a stunner. Absolutely lovely stuff and I very much look forward to enjoying these well into the 2030’s. — 3 years ago
Golan Heights Winery
Gilgal Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
This is a very dark wine, almost no light gets through a glassful of it. On the nose there is a complex set of aromas. Dark fruit - blackberry, cassis, blueberry - are met with savory support from the oak. Clove, baseball glove, tobacco, earth and black pepper all play a role in the sniff. The palate is a real discovery - as dark as you like it, with firm tannins and a long finish. In California terms, the shadings are a little more like Paso than Napa - a bit rambunctious and chalky as opposed to silky and demure. In fact, the wine could have convinced me that it was a Syrah, not a Cab, had I been blind tasting it. It’s a wonderful wine that screams for a big, beautiful steak to go with it. — 10 months ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004
Beautiful, clear nose of pipe tobacco and rich red fruit. The tannins have finally dialled back, bringing this Dominus balance it previously lacked. Sweet oak and ripe cherries and plums, some nice secondary stuff emerging. I’d give this a few more years to play out or a long decant. — 4 years ago
Slow Press
Monterey County Chardonnay
Medium yellow color. Tropical and vanilla on nose. Oak With something I can’t distinguish.. maybe some salinity? Bright pineapple. Then rich buttery creaminess. Slight vanilla into an oak finish. Slightly dry — 4 years ago
Sean murphree
Oaky smooth and fruity. A very refined taste! — 2 months ago