2012 Epoch Estate Wines Authenticity Paderewski Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

71% Syrah, 28% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier.  This is a gorgeous wine that is drinking great right now but still has some maturation to come.  Purple in color.  On of the cool things about Viognier is it make Syrah more opaque.  Another is that it has lifting aromatics which carry the Syrah and Mourvedre along with it.  In this case, just a gorgeous nose.  Black raspberries, roasted herbs, grilled meats, white pepper, musky earthiness all just explode from the glass.  On the palate, this has a lovely velvety texture.  Good balance.  Lots of black raspberry fruit with underlying earthiness.  It

2014 François Chidaine Vouvray Sec Les Argiles, France, Loire Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This wine has a reputation of being a bit oxidized and advanced in 2014.  This bottle was a bit advanced but it was also spot on drinking right now.  Medium golden in color.  The nose has anjou pears along with minerals and a salinty which is very nice.  This has a slightly oily texture.  The pears continue and if this has any oxidation, it is quite small.  There is good acidity.  Nice finish.  Enjoyed with a Ginger Parsnip Pear soup, this was a perfect match with a nice synergy.  It might not make old bones, but it is drinking quite well right now.

2014 Schiefer Blaufränkisch Königsberg, Austria, Südburgenland, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

And now for something completely different.  Ruby in color.  The nose has black peppercorns, with some cherry/cranberry notes.  On the palate, this  is thin but still has structure and strength.  Good acidity.  The peppery red berry notes continue thru.  Would work with a lot of different foods.  In fact, it really does beg for food to tame the acid and flavors.  A really interesting wine.  

2001 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2001
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

Ruby in color.  The nose is classic with cherries, slight funk, slight violets and spice.  With air, some leather.  On the palate, this is at peak.  Just where it should be.  Cherries layered with spice and earth.  Complex.  Alive with great energy.  This would work with a wide variety of hearty foods.  Good finish.  A wine that is both delicious and contemplative.  No hurry, but it won't get any better from here, so absolutely worth checking on.  

1984 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Mt. Veeder, Wine Review

Vintage: 
1984
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

The fill was low shoulder.  On touching the cork dropped a few millimeters.  A Durand was used and the cork came out in one, if crumbly, piece.  The wine was decanted for sediment and allowed to breathe for a few minutes.  Purple in color, not showing a lot of age.  The nose is initially dominated by volatile acidity, but that partially blows off leaving dust and cassis.  Much better on the palate.  This still has thick tannins.  A pristine bottle of this would likely be just hitting its stride.  This bottle is advanced but still with plenty of cassis fruit.  OK finish.  An impressive wine

1967 Château Palmer, France, Bordeaux, Margaux, Wine Review

Vintage: 
1967
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B

Old bottle are always fun.  Sometimes they work out, other times, not so much.  This bottle had a very low fill.  Below the shoulders and near the top of the label.  The cork was removed using a Durand.  It virtually exploded as it escaped the bottle.  very little integrity.  The bottle was decanted for sediment and pieces of cork, checked right away, but allowed to breathe for a while.  It turned out the wine continued to improve in the decanter for at least 30 minutes as it blew off the bottle stink and gained some strength.  Ruby/brown in color.  The nose has some mushrooms, some fresh m

2009 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin, Argentina, Valle de Uco, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

70% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot.  From the family that owns Leoville Poyferre in Bordeaux.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose is warm and slightly musty (not in an off way).  Also has some cassis and plums.  On the palate, this drinks like a Bordeaux; fruit, tobacco and earth.  Black raspberries and plums.  Slight tannins.  It has a nice depth and seems to be closing in on maturity.  A bit soft but within reason.  Would work with roasted or grilled meats quite well.  No hurry, but won't get better and probably should be drunk in the next five years.  

2016 Nine North Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon Twenty Bench, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

This is a wine that many people will like.  It retails for around $15 and is ripe sweet fruit.  Purple in color.  The nose has cassis and fresh cut lumber.  On the palate, this is sweet ripe jammy fruit.  Some oak.  It is all about providing an easy to drink, jammy wine.  If that is what one likes, than this is a nice value.  A cocktail wine.  

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