Kirsch, earth, spicebox, pine needles, and black cherry elements ride slightly higher toned and on a thin layer of alcohol before a two-hour decant allows for the flavors to file in proper line and…
In a sea of top-shelf Napa Cabernet Sauvignons, this SQN was able to wedge its way into the crowd and make a fine showing. However, two things about that. Firstly, there was an obvious profile…
Red and purple plum, spice, brush, red cherry, black raspberry, and faint hits of cedar, the "E" left me with the impression of a wine that has so much potential, but is nowhere near where it needs…
A couple of domestic pirates made their ways into the mix, specifically two Krankl creations (outside of the Chimere) - the Third Twin Nuestra Senora and the SQN Dirt Vernacular Grenache.
A couple of domestic pirates made their ways into the mix, specifically two Krankl creations (outside of the Chimere) - the Third Twin Nuestra Senora and the SQN Dirt Vernacular Grenache.
With an instant outpouring of savory and succulent black and red raspberry, cassis, purple plum, licorice, Christmas spices, soft soppressata, and hints of white pepper notes, the Profuga is a…
So, this was a wild ride of a wine, with a screaming baby and thundery boozy-blast start that luckily touches down at the right landing field after a succession of layovers and misconnections. I kept…
A bit more of a stricter presentation with this bottle when compared to the last one in October 2020, this B 20 took some coaxing in the glass before it began to show its more accessible side. Deep…
Warm black cherry compote and spice flavors make it easy to land Santa Rita as the home plot here. Broad shouldered without being overly rich, this Pinot Noir is signature California from beginning…
DAY 1: A blackberry Manhattan of Fireball whiskey bowling over the palate with overwhelming booze intensity and crunchy dark berry fruit. There's no opportunity for a mid-palate here, as it jams…
I'll spare you all from too much of my wacky details akin to my previous note, but I'll reiterate that this wine still needs time. I wanted to get a read on this due to the 2018 EABA release. This…
Bright, clean, and impeccably fresh, this inaugural Bien Nacido Chardonnay from La Pelle impresses for its beautiful and finessed lemon zest, lime rind, unripe yellow pear, stone fruit, oyster shell,…
Way too Nickelodeon to be opening this early but far too difficult for my cracker-barrel psyche to continuously resist, these bottles were ever-leering at me with every pass I'd make by the cellar…
Blackberry compote, blueberry skin, black cherry, ripe black and purple plum, wet limestone, asphalt, railroad tie, and spices (clove and cardamom). Beautifully built, with frame and flavor…
A broad-shouldered Rhone-inspired white that carries enough energy and brightness (thanks to the 44% Chardonnay and 8% Viognier) to counterbalance the otherwise fuller-throttled richness of the 40%…
Deep purple plum, black raspberry, blueberry, olive brine, roast beef, and licorice make for a compelling example of the varietal. There is a concentration here that is so balanced and subtle that it…
A county fair carny's confection cart of churro, funnel cake, cotton candy, and kettle corn overwhelm the otherwise throbbing, syrupy blackberry smoothie core. Making for a glycerin-jolted coconut…
A big blast of kirsch, black cherry liqueur, black raspberry, and a hefty amount of rocket fuel on the finish. This needs a martini glass. My nose hairs... Where have my precious nose hairs gone...?…
In an absolutely gorgeous place right now. Completely elevated both texturally and flavorfully, especially compared to when I had it a couple of years ago (94 points from me back then, as it was…
Why on earth I don't listen to my own advice time and time again on SQN and NoK drinking windows is beyond me. So here it is: Wait 10+ years from vintage. Just do it. Trust me. Do not open. Nothing…
Predictable California Chardonnay flavors of lemon curd and vanilla. Not a bad execution of flavor necessarily in that it doesn't come across overly gummy or nauseatingly cloying, but it really…
A black and red raspberry core is sophisticatedly flanked by subtle notes of kirsch, leather, wet bark, underbrush, and spice. Finishes with a faint push of heat on the back end but still…
Blackberry cobbler, spicy black cherry, garrigue, and wild licorice dominate this fascinating Mourvèdre specimen. Rich and full bodied, but also (after extended air time) developed an enhanced silky…
