Wine Doctrine
Every tasting note

Reviews

5,921 notes

NV

Thienot Champagne Brut

France · Champagne

This was the #1 sparkler of the night; tasted side-by-side with two others (#2 was a 2007 Schramsberg Reserve; #3 was a Frank Family Brut Rose). I was honestly shocked at the depth and wonderful…

Reviewed 24 November 2016
2011

Frank Family Vineyards Brut Rosé Sparkling

California · Napa Valley

This was universally #3 out of three sparklers tasted side-by-side (#1 was a Thienot Champagne, #2 was a 2007 Schramsberg Reserve).

Reviewed 24 November 2016
2007

Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve

California · North Coast

Of three sparkling wines tasted side-by-side (with a Frank Family rose and a Thienot Champagne), this was a close second for me, just behind the beautiful Thienot (my #1). Others thought the Thienot…

Reviewed 24 November 2016
2012

Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley · Howell Mountain

PnP was an immediate clash between jammy blackberry and a tannic slap in the face. The finish fell apart almost immediately. DECANT!

Reviewed 23 November 2016
2009

Carlisle Petite Sirah Sonoma County

California · Sonoma County

A very beautiful example of the varietal; in a near-perfect drinking window. Displaying finessed flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, purple berry/plum, and hints of blueberry. Subtle asphalt…

Reviewed 22 November 2016
2013

Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Sonoma County · Russian River Valley

Similar to the other appellation 2013 KB Pinots with hard red candied fruit, cola, red raspberry, earth, and spicebox flavors. Much more solid and approachable than expected, with just a bit of heat…

Reviewed 21 November 2016
2010

Torrin Akasha

Central Coast · Paso Robles

An intense and broad-shouldered Syrah blend. Big blackberry, charcoal, black plum and purple berry fruit notes. A beautiful and powerful zing of brambly black raspberry and sage remind you that the…

Reviewed 20 November 2016
2014

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

California · Napa Valley

Vanilla extract, chocolate vodka liqueur, sweet chocolate truffles, vanilla schnapps, and bon-bons.

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2013

Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Sonoma County · Sonoma Coast

Same as my notes from 08/5/16. Light and fairly thin. Forgettable.

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2013

D.R. Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon Walther Vineyard

California · Napa Valley

Acidic and a bit brash. A classically styled Cabernet built for consumption in about 7+ years at minimum. Mike Hirby is obviously trying to craft this wine for the long haul (at least I hope that's…

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2015

D.R. Stephens Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard

Sonoma County · Russian River Valley

Ungodly tight and extremely acidic. High toned and failing to completely launch in any enjoyable way at the moment. Red, red fruit... pomegranate, unripe strawberry, crunchy raspberry, and alcohol.

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2014

Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley · Howell Mountain

Tasted at Outpost alongside the 2013 Zinfandel, 2014 Zinfandel, and 2014 True Cabernet.

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2014

Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain

Napa Valley · Howell Mountain

Tasted at Outpost alongside the 2013 Zinfandel, 2014 Howell Cabernet, and 2014 True Cabernet.

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2013

Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain

Napa Valley · Howell Mountain

Tasted at Outpost alongside the 2014 Zinfandel, 2014 Howell Cabernet, and 2014 True Cabernet.

Reviewed 19 November 2016
2012

Favia Cabernet Sauvignon

California · Napa Valley

Outstanding improvement from 6 months ago. About two hours in the decanter at 54 degrees (and then a little warm up to a cool room temperature at around 65 degrees) really brought this wine into a…

Reviewed 18 November 2016
2010

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder

Napa Valley · Mt. Veeder

Drank alongside a 2012 Insignia. Both were solid, but the Lokoya had a little more complexity and earth nuances (which seemed much more indicative of the 2010 vintage). The Insignia was plush and…

Reviewed 17 November 2016
2012

Joseph Phelps Insignia

California · Napa Valley

Slow O2 for less than 30 minutes and swirled in the glass for another 30 minutes. Solid core fruit with a rounded, plush profile. Much more accessible than I thought it would be. Certainly showed…

Reviewed 17 November 2016
2013

Celani Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

California · Napa Valley

Same as my notes from June. I'm thinking holding this for another year is a good idea. Started to develop some nice dark chocolate notes that added interest on the final sips. 93+ points (inching to…

Reviewed 16 November 2016
2014

Becklyn Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Moulds Vineyard

Napa Valley · Oak Knoll District

I gotta honestly say I don't know how anyone is drinking this right now without some SERIOUS airtime. PnP was like drinking cranberry juice. An hour in the decanter did next to nothing in terms of…

Reviewed 16 November 2016