Swing Time Red

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Hands of Time Napa Valley Red Wine 2020

Even the hands of time come to a halt. Now discontinued, this was a familiar and accessible goto bottle which rarely disappointed. This is one of their last vintages and nearing its peak drinkability… I’m gonna miss seeing this label at restaurant lists, shop shelves and impromptu gatherings 🙃 — 9 months ago

Ted, Tom and 3 others liked this

Château Gruaud Larose

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2011

Opened yesterday and 2/3rd of the bottle was left to rest. Yesterday the nose was made of tar, cigare, cedar and oaky notes. There was very little fruit. 24 hours after the same notes are still showing but I can smell some cassis, some meat juice and a tiny peppery note. This is very concentrated and intense. The palate is very well made with a very strong acid drive, some very nice matter on the sides, a great width, a plush mouthfeel, some cassis and meaty, salty touches, a great mid palate with grainy, dusty tannins that power up a very long finish that tend to expand on the rear: there is that grainy, dusty layer of tannins that carries on for a very long time, these cassis notes that bring a bit of tanginess, and some smoky, oaky notes linger for a while too. This is an aristocratic wine and my last bottle will rest for another 10 years at least. Off vintage but great bottle — 4 years ago

Martin, Andrew and 18 others liked this

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 1945

Delectable Wine
10

The 1945 La Mission Haut-Brion from the château cellar is transcendental. It is blessed with the most beautiful bouquet you can imagine, effortless and natural, featuring woodland, red-berried fruits, a minerally quality and a faint touch of leafiness; given time to settle, it develops a lovely gamy note. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied and sublimely balanced, upholding that effortless grace with an elegant, bittersweet, dried orange peel finish. One of the most harmonious wines I have ever consumed. Perfect. Tasted at the La Mission Haut-Brion vertical in London in September 2009. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2020)
— 6 years ago

Alex, Mike and 5 others liked this

Corison Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Somm David T
9.2

On the nose, stewed fruits of; black plum, blackberries, dark cherries, plum and blueberries. Mocha, chocolate, mixed berry cola, sweet spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, loamy mineral soils and dry dark florals. The mouthfeel is less concentrated than other vintages of Corison but that's indicative of the 10 Napa vintage generally. The tannins are nicely resolved with another 5-8 years before they are completely resolve. The fruits are; dark cherries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, blackberries with strawberries that dance around the rest of the fruit. There's nice barrel toast, vanilla, nutmeg, light clove, cinnamon, touch of wood shavings, liqueur notes, caramel, mocha chocolate, mix berry cola, loamy soils, dry crushed rocks, bramble, dry stems with nice soft round acidity. The finish is a little lean but tasty. Good balance of fruit and earth with long, rich elegance. Cathy slightly overachieved the 10 vintage as a whole. Photos of; her estate building, Cathy in her vineyard, grapes coming in at night (better to harvest when the fruit is cooler) and her estate vineyard in all it's glory. Producer notes and history...Cathy Corison grew up in Riverside, California. She studied biology at Pomona College and was on their men's diving team, because the school didn't have a women's team. In 1972, she had to take an extracurricular class. She signed up for a trampoline class, but changed her mind upon seeing a sign-up sheet for a wine tasting class. This class was the catalyst that sparked her interest in winemaking. After graduation in 1975, she moved to Napa Valley in California. She received her Master's degree in Enology from University of California, Davis. Upon moving to Napa, she started working in the tasting room at Sterling Vineyards and at a wine shop. During this time, she was getting her Master's degree at the University of California, Davis. She was told by her professor that she would not get a job in Napa Valley because of being a woman. However, if she wasn't the first Napa Valley female Winemaker, she was certainly one of the first. She tried to get a job at Freemark Abbey and was denied because they believed she could not work in the cellar. She almost took a job at Christian Brothers in the enology lab. However, she decided not to take the job and in 1978 she became an intern at Freemark Abbey and eventually became their Winemaker. She joined Chappellet in 1983 and was their Winemaker for nearly ten years. She founded Corison Winery, in 1987. The winery is located in St. Helena, California in a barn built by her husband, William Martin. Corison makes Cabernet and Gewürztraminer. They produce about 3,500 cases a year depending on the vintage. The winery makes a Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and as well as a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The Kronos is an estate wine that is made from organic grapes. The vineyard is dry farmed. The grapes come from one of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Cabernet comes from Rutherford. The Gewürztraminer is called Corazón and comes from the Anderson Valley. — 9 years ago

Eric, Trixie and 40 others liked this
Eric

Eric Premium Badge

Checking this out later this month
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Eric S Corison is a pleasant visit. They also do a nice harvest party on Sunday afternoon in September.
Severn G

Severn G Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@David T Nice write up again David. I'm intrigued to find her connection with one of my favorite producers, FAW. I'll drink vintages crafted under her care with a renewed perspective. Thank you.

Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia

Unico Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend 2002

Prune and cherry and slightly floral on the nose Well balanced and well rounded. Good mouth feel. Very long finish. Excellent. Drinking well. WIne Spectator says no time left on it - I think will be good for a few more years at least. — 11 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Really happy to find this 1 litre for only $129 especially considering 750ml sells for $100 in the store. First time for the 2013 vintage. Very similar to 2012 and another winner for me. — 11 years ago

Slava, Rick and 1 other liked this

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 1990

Coaxing it out of the glass. Needs time to blow off typical barnyard nose, leads way to dark red fruit and really long finish — 12 years ago

Charles Curtis
with Charles
Matt and Doug liked this

The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend

The Prisoner from Napa Valley is excellent--second time tasting, but first time with the bottle. Delicious both times. — 13 years ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1968

Delicate but lively, wonderful time capsule — 10 months ago

Andrew and Ron liked this

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

In a very nice state at the moment. Stands the test of time without any problems. One of my favourite label designs. — 3 years ago

Billy, Ron and 3 others liked this

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

1984, surprisingly tanic, acidic, and Heavy dried fruit, prunes and dried figs. over oxidized tasting at first but interesting. From producer to cellar at breakers in palm beach. Small leak out the bottle on one side of the cork. Over time it settles and the dried fruit subsides and then the lighter acidic flavors of fresh berries comes forward. — 4 years ago

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo

As the summer is slipping out of our hands, its time to to pop those complex reds that we’ve been lastning for. Produttori del Barbaresco is considered one of the best cooperatives in the world and its 2016 Barbaresco is a solid proof of that statement.
Restrained at first and needs a couple of hours in the decanter to reach its climax. True to its provenance its clasically crafted, and puts up complex profile of red cherries, rose hip, strawberries, spice, bitter orange and a volatile dried floral lift over a canvas of wet soil.
An offensive approach on the palate with a high acidity and a generous portion of mouth coating tannins that is well accompanied by a pronounced fruit profile with an evolving finish. Very good indeed, but is a couple of level behind to reach the higher tiers.
— 6 years ago

Josh, Daniel and 7 others liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1971

Epic juice! Producer over vintage every time. — 9 years ago

Vin, Mike and 9 others liked this

Vietti

Castiglione Barolo Nebbiolo 2010

I bought a case of this delicious Barolo a while ago and am delighted every time I open a bottle. Texturally this is a wonderfully attractive wine. Both ripe and floral, it lingers powerfully and yet with lightness. One of two Vietti wines enjoyed at Antique Garage's original location is Soho (having enjoyed some haloumi the week prior at the new location, I was back for more). — 9 years ago

Eric, Anthony and 2 others liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Cunningham
9.3

Lovely fruit. Drinking well. Fades with time in the glass however — 11 years ago

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 2003

Needs time to open up. Huge wine. Finish keeps going. Confusing but delicious mix of sweet dark fruit, tar, and salty ocean air. — 11 years ago

Paco Suro

Paco Suro Influencer Badge

I hope you saved me a glass.
Zac Alinder

Zac Alinder

Ha, thought of you guys when I opened it! And already put aside a half bottle or so to check in with it tomorrow.
Zac Alinder

Zac Alinder

As time passes though this keeps getting better. May need to pop it back open.... ;)

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend

Robert Cunningham
9.5

Rich and complex. Needs time but drinking well now. — 11 years ago

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 1989

'Les Picasses' lies along a riverbank on a fairly steep slope that is primarily alluvial clay overlaying chalk and limestone. The vines are over 50 years old and the site is known to produce wines with fabulous purity and minerality. As such the Olga Raffault 'Les Picasses' Chinon 1989 has had time to mellow, the aromas are quite lovely—lavender, game, worn leather, a touch of barnyard, and cellar dust. There is a throaty, sensual wildness to this wine, punctuated by a vein of bright acidity and minerals. Everything I love in Loire Valley Cab Franc. — 11 years ago

Anthony, Velma and 5 others liked this

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2010

Needs more time — 10 months ago

Douglas, Jan and 20 others liked this
Jeroen Koenen

Jeroen Koenen

You’re right, Tom
Jeroen Koenen

Jeroen Koenen

This 2010 needs a couple of more years to fully shine. Yet… It was already marvelous today!

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend

Funk on the nose- old books. Needed more time than we had to decant. Barely opening at an hour. Lots of earth, tobacco, but thinner than expected — 4 years ago

Silver Oak

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

From a 5 Bordeaux grape blend: 78.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.3% Petit Verdot & 0.3% Malbec, aged 24 months French oak, 84% new, Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe dark fruits, cedar and floral spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, ripe cherry and currants with notes of mushroom, herbs, pepper spice and earthy notes. Fine big sweet tannins, long finish ending with cacao, smoky oak, fruit and mineral tang. Very nice, aging well, but time will reward! — 4 years ago

Juan, Jay and 12 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 1998

Everyone knows I’m a fan of LRA but I’ve not had the 98 for a long time!

As I just found some @ £68 I had to try & it’s lovely for the money with lots of life left 👍

🍸 Perfect in Zalto Burgundy 😎

🍷 Garnet ruby w/ brick edge

👃 Smoked dark balsamic oak in spiced black cherry w/ vanilla cocoa cream, herbs, smoke, leather, coconut & caramel

👄 Med creamy smooth body of dark cherry bathed in balsamic & vanilla cocoa w/ red berry tones

🎯 Long chocky cherry w/ touch tart balsamic thick linger
— 9 years ago

Chris, Serge and 33 others liked this
Juan Pablo Perez

Juan Pablo Perez

One my favorites as well.
Chris England

Chris England

@Juan Pablo Perez we have great tastes 😉👍🍷

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Education wine, awesome earth and acid. Still has time in the bottle — 9 years ago

Andrew Pienaar
with Andrew

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1998

Greg Ballington
9.2

Deep garnet red with lots of bricking on the edges. Light cassis and dark cherries on the nose with some tertiary notes like earthiness and damp leaves. Moderate tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied. Lots of complexity with light cassis and dark cherries, a little bit of tomato leaves and earthiness. Very well rounded and integrated with a long finish. This will only keep losing fruit and get earthier with time. Drink now. — 10 years ago

Sean BallingtonIndia Okoh
with Sean and India
Carl, Hugh and 20 others liked this
Hugh O'Riordan

Hugh O'Riordan

Yum, go to Insignia Days!!! You'll be happy
John Van Trijp

John Van Trijp Premium Badge

Insignia rocks! Even in weaker years

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2007

Unique / Bordeaux style wine. Needs time to open and despite the age, would improve with decanting this wine. Old world nose, well balanced on mid palate with forest notes and wild berries. Medium finish — 11 years ago

Douglas liked this

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2013

Second time in 3 weeks to enjoy this treat, though later vintage — 11 years ago

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Hands of Time Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

I love Stags Leap and this one is crazy reasonable and so good. Cherry flavored, soft on pallet. Beautiful wine. — 11 years ago

Miguel Nistal
with Miguel

Château Cheval Blanc

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

Nic Z
9.3

Star of the night. Needed more time to wake but full body super thick and sticky after taste — 12 years ago