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1969 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon, France - Wine Review

Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

I got a chance to try this (December, 2017) and was told that storage was less than ideal.  Considering that and its age, this was pretty impressive.  Light golden in color.  Still some evervescence although not really showing bubbles in the glass.  On the nose, a bit soapy but nice lemon-lime notes and minerals.  Not much in the way of oxidation, considering and no mushrooms.  On the palate, this is crisp with a lemony note.  Some depth and complexity.  There is certainly some energy.  Way better than one might have guessed.  Very cool.  

2006 Saint Gregory Pinot Noir Reserve, USA, California, Anderson valley - Wine Review

Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

This seems to be a bit over the hill.  That said, it has enough to suggest that it was probably a nice wine a few years ago.  Ruby/purple in color.  Cherries and dried cherries on the nose.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, cherries and dried cherries.  Slightly oxidized perhaps.  Nice finish.  It would be interesting to try a newer vintage of this.  

2016 Folonari Chianti, Italy, Tuscany - Wine Review

Score: 
85
Grade: 
B

This sells for about $7.  It certainly is an excellent value at that price.  A nice wine to order at a local Italian restaurant or buy for a party.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is clean with raspberries, and light black cherries.  Slight tea leaves.  On the palate, this is crisp and clean.  Cherried.  Nary a tannin.  Dry but a perception of sweetness.  Good acidity.  Works with food.  

2009 Château Nairac, France, Bordeaux, Barsac - Wine Review

Score: 
95
Grade: 
A

What a nice way to end a meal.  This is drinking great right now.  Deep golden in color.  The nose has honey, apricots and a floral note.  Really pretty.  It is sweet and bumps up against cloying but there is enough acidity to manage it.  Deep and compled.  Long finish.  Such a pretty wine.  A little goes a long way.  Fantastic.  

2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret, USA, California, Sonoma, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
96
Grade: 
A

Excellent wine and in a young, but good place right now.  It does have a decade or two left.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has dust, cassis, cherries, slight sandalwood and cigar box.  On the palate, this drinks like a riper Bordeaux wine.  Dark cherries, cassis, slight earthy funk.  Great texture, almost seamless.  Long finish.  This is a very pretty feminine wine but certainly hasw all the structure it needs.  Great wine.  

2015 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio, Spain, Jumilla - Wine Review

Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

This is a big wine for sure.  I suspect it will be a love it or hate it kind of wine.  Inky purple in color.  The nose has dusty dark cherries, plums and chocolate and spice.  On the palate this is jammy with a lot of fruit.  Dark cherries and black raspberries.  Some spice showing.  It is really all about sweet fruit right now.  Delicious and enjoyable.  Not the best food pairing but great on its own.  Having had past vintages, I think it will settle down but if you don't like it young, you won't like it older.  If you do, its got a decade left.  

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