Nearly two years since I last open one of these and it has definitely seen better days. It's only seven years old. Initial barnyard funk gives way to a host of aromas—leather, cured meat, musty (Brettanomyces?), teriyaki beef jerky. Loads of black fruit, soy sauce and prunes with smooth tannins. I have one more of this vintage. Drink 'em if you got 'em. I certainly will be. — 11 years ago
Surprising- bacony brettiness on day one gave way to chewy black licorice and currant on day two. Beautiful, big structure in the mouth. — 12 years ago
One of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Sonoma and one of the best wines in its price range still way below $100! Black currant and cigar box spice along with loamy mineral highlights and a long finish. This wine is well built and should last a decade or more in your cellar. Finish 45+ most excellent — 13 years ago
Discovered these wines at Garagiste in Seattle way back when they were 40 bucks. Slightly orange tinge. Don't get a lot in the nose just a hint of iron. On the palate leather. Lost its fruit may be closed? May be I am unfair? Will try this wine over the next two days and adjust my rating if I was wrong. Ok here we go a day later under Argon (I build my own system) this wine shines! Now it has dark faint cherry notes and some cedar plank slightly bitter in the back. Long but light on its feet! This is one beautiful spectacular classic Brunello! Can't believe the average price is now 81 bucks 50% more but this happens quite often with the gems I discover early enough in their geek/enthusiast price cycle. By the way their 2012 Chianti is also very good for much less but more rustic. — 11 years ago
Back home from my South Asia trip and after two weeks of bad Australian/Chilean wine oh, how good it feels to open something like that. Very round, fun, playful champagne, a bit yeasty, but in a good way. Pastry, apricots, bruised apple and who cares what else — it feels great to be home. — 11 years ago
Really great. Subtle, but beautiful older world style. Great earth on the nose. Gentle, well-integrated tannins. The earthy-ness deepened and improved throughout the night. I look forward to trying it on a Day two. By far the best QPR of the night.
Drank this w a couple other nice cabs during the night (a great fruity WA example (Fielding Hills Estate Select) and a big, beautiful tannic classic example (Boudreaux Cellars reserve). This was definitely good and more my style than the big hitter (2008 Boudreaux Reserve). It just couldn't keep up w the gorgeous tannins and big, pure fruit balance of the Boudreaux, all in all. They are in different categories stylistically, but both beautiful wines in their own way.
Day two: I would t call this "subtle". Killer wine. Delicious. Just not big tannins. Wow. Beautiful work. — 12 years ago
Another impressive one from an exciting producer. Second pick of the range, very similar in style to the other two. Great expresions of their multi sub-regional Pinot vineyards — 11 years ago
This wine is in a great spot: fleshy, in a good way, tons of pepper, touch of smoke, very, very good. Lucky I have another bottle or two. — 11 years ago
Freezing my ass off in NYC and back at Cipriani... How many $20 bills have I palmed Fabio over the years, but he parts at least 50 people to give me the best table in the house... This Moses parting this human Red Sea greets me with two kisses and a welcome Mr. Peter... Love this guy... Anyway, Scott & Deb, two of my oldest clients join me... Deb looks exactly the way she looked 20 years ago and Scott looks great... This wine; AIA!!! Velvety, rich, dark, seductive... It's a beautiful woman in a glass... Ornellaia and Sassicaia... Two of my favorites... Still young, but oh so drinkable... — 11 years ago
A. R.
Funk-Eh. In a good way! Really cool and unique wine. Has the nose and grip of a red, with the lightness of a white. Great wine. — 10 years ago