True Winter

True Myth Winery

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Wanted an inexpensive steak wine tonight, and I got lucky with this one. Bold blackberries and cassis, yes, but this wine has poise and elegance. Wonderfully balanced with a luxurious mouthfeel, I'd be satisfied spending 3x what I did ($18)
Listening to Miles Davis
— 9 days ago

Pooneet, Tom and 12 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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What Miles? Inquiring minds want to know.
Dave

Dave

Sketches of Spain 👍 @Tom Casagrande

Lorenza

True California Carignan Rosé Blend 2023

This rose from Lodi is made from Mourvèdre Carignan Cinsault and Grenache- $22 — 5 months ago

Dave, Dawn and 12 others liked this

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Happy New Year Delectable!

Double decant and pour. A splendid tawny red color. On the nose: dark fruit, cigar ash, cedar, smoked meat, pencil shavings, mint. Taste: soft, silky, elegant, still fresh wine with dark red fruit, worn leather, graphite, loamy soil, spiced herbs, minty black tea and a dry medium finish. YUM! What a fun wine to end 2024 with. A wine bought at auction, and a cork which was not in the best shape, so not sure if this is a true representation of where this wine is at.

FOOD:
Island creek oyster and cavier
Lobster butternut bisque
Pan roasted duck breast
Braised beef short rib
Black forest chocolate cake
— a year ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Bryan and 25 others liked this

True Vineyard

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Really good as always. Had it at dessert which challenged it. — 3 years ago

Ron, Shay and 5 others liked this

Chappellet

Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill (Mountain Fruit) – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA

Overview
A cornerstone of Chappellet for over three decades, the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon continues to define what Napa Valley mountain Cabernet is all about: power, elegance, and longevity.
The 2022 vintage carries a subtly adjusted blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 2% Merlot, featuring a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon and slightly less Petit Verdot and Malbec compared to the 2021 (see my v2021 notes).
This shift gives the 2022 an extra dimension of muscle and purity, heightening its mountain-driven character.

Aromas & Flavors
Undeniably dark and expressive. Notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum, and cassis rise first, followed by cedar, sage, aged tobacco, thyme, and beautifully integrated toasted oak.
As it opens, deeper nuances emerge, espresso bean, cocoa, graphite, and subtle mountain herbs.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and impeccably structured.
The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon amplifies its power and linearity, while polished tannins deliver a glowing richness across the palate.
Flavors of black cherry, currant, chocolate, espresso, and warm spice saturate the mid-palate. The finish is long, confident, and built for aging.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb with rosemary, venison, black-truffle dishes, or aged gouda/cheddar.

Verdict
A formidable yet seductively elegant expression of Pritchard Hill. The 2022 is slightly more commanding than the 2021, with enhanced Cabernet purity and structural depth. A true benchmark in Napa’s hillside Cabernets, age-worthy, expressive, and unmistakably Chappellet. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Pritchard Hill’s volcanic, iron-rich soils and elevation create Cabernets known for density, refinement, and remarkable longevity, which is why so many iconic Napa producers source or plant here.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Among my personal favorites in the mountain Cabernet category. The 2022 delivers that unmistakable “whoa” moment, especially when shared with friends and family.
— a month ago

Bob, Matt and 4 others liked this

Château Cantemerle

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

Alex Lallos
8.9

I remember tasting this en premieur in 2011 it almost seemed lush and fruit driven back then (which is a complete 180 if you know this chateau) now 13 years it’s true to form, bretty, austere and tannic. By no means do I dislike it but I was expecting something different based on what I tasted a decade ago. With that said, it is typical cantemerle with lots of green notes . — 2 years ago

Tom, Severn and 7 others liked this

True Believer

Santa Maria Valley Grenache Blend Rosé

Ming L
9.3

My last bottle of this amazing 19’ Rose. Prior notes apply. — 3 years ago

Bob, Tom and 1 other liked this

Outpost

True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

A stunning wine! Cedar, black currants, fig, dark chocolate, and truffles. Deep purple with a fabulous finish. — 4 months ago

Parducci

True Grit Reserve Mendocino Petite Sirah 2015

Very dry but very smooth. Full bodied with a hint of berry. Very enjoyable — 4 months ago

Mike Tomasello
with Mike

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2006

It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.

Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.

How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery.
— 7 months ago

Lyle, Jan and 16 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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Great note (though “note” doesn’t really begin to cover it).
David White

David White

Love Chateau Musar and its history, thank you @Jay Kline for sharing the story to the 2006