User jlburd has rated the following wines:
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Castello di Meleto Toscana Rainero 2004 Rated by jlburd on September 6, 2010 Very fruity nose of cherries, vanilla. Great mouthful & structure. Dark cherry, tobacco, earthy tones all emerge through the mouth. Tannins are still dusty enough to suggest another couple years to soften & other flavors to emerge. Well made, excellent with salty cheeses, fruit, red sauce  4+ |
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Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Rated by jlburd on September 6, 2010 Dark sweet fruit, vanilla, still a bit young with lots of structure. Thought the profile of this wine would be less recognizable as a Cal Cab if drunk in 2015 or later. Not sure mine will last that long but will try to restrain 1 for scientific purposes 4- |
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Wild Oak by St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Rated by jlburd on August 21, 2010 The nose reminds me why I love Cabs. Prototypical Cal Cab profile. Dark cherry, cedar, vanilla aromas; blueberry & licorice tones on the tongue; silky in the mouth & long finish although still pretty tannic. Slightly better than average Cab but way better value  3+ |
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Vignerons de Caractere Vacqueyras Chemin des Rouvieres 2007 Rated by jlburd on August 10, 2010 Lovely nose. Cherry cola flavor, olives, cedar. Very nice wine for the price. Interesting color - dark yet clear 3+ |
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Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Bella Oaks Napa Valley 2001 Rated by jlburd on July 31, 2010 Much more middle of the road Cali Cab than the '98. Dark fruit, oak, consistent from nose to mouth. Had a long finish with some tannic structure still-could probably sit a few more years but not sure the flavor profile would change much 4- |
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Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Sonoma 2005 Rated by jlburd on July 31, 2010 Had at the same table as the Heitz '01 & found them surprisingly similar. Dark cherry & plums, oak & leather. Medium but soft finish. Seemed to benefit from the addition of the other varietals. Another example of the '05 vintage making a decent wine better 3+ |
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Leonhardt Zinfandel Reserve Dry Creek Valley 2006 Rated by jlburd on July 27, 2010 Great aromas. Dark cherry, well integrated oak, not as much of the peppery/spicy as advertised but the taste evolved nicely over a long finish. Paired very well with tomato-basil-sausage pasta 3+ |
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Joseph Drouhin Saint-Veran Burgundy 2008 Rated by jlburd on July 24, 2010 Excellent white Burgundy at twice the price. Crisp, citrus & mineral flavors. Agree with Mark about warehousing this at $11.99 - just hope the PLCB bought plenty (no more Mika-ing with stock) 4 |
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Peachy Canyon Cirque du Vin Paso Robles 2006 Rated by jlburd on July 18, 2010 Maybe my favorite value wine from last year & the 2006 was very consistent with the 2005. Great with grilled meat. Soft, fruity, with some vanilla & tobacco mid-mouth. A little hotter than I remember the '05 but after an hour that abated 3+ |
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Mumm Napa DVX 2001 Rated by jlburd on July 7, 2010 Better than average Cal sparkling wine but bad QPR. Toasty, apples, very crisp. For another $10 get a solid Champagne & be happier 3+ |
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Erba Mountainside Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Rated by jlburd on June 19, 2010 Inky purple color. The nose is a good preview of the wine. Big flavors. Cherry, raisins, lots of vanilla. Get the anise of a 'Bordeaux' blend w/o the funk. The overwhelming sense I'm left with is sweet. Maybe that will cool out a bit by 2011 or 2012 4 |
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Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio 2001 Rated by jlburd on June 13, 2010 Beautiful color-deep purple/red with red around the edges. Dark cherries abound in the nose & flavor. Very well balanced. Earthy finish. Decant through screen & cheese cloth or expect the last glass to have some sediment. 4- |
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Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune Villages 2007 Rated by jlburd on June 2, 2010 Very pleasant surprise. The more fruit forward nose of a Cal Pinot matched with the restraint of a Burgundy in the mouth. Strawberries & sour cherry. Crisp & soft somehow. After an hour the earthier qualities came through. Matched the flavor of Burgs twice the price 4- |
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Martinborough Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2008 Rated by jlburd on May 26, 2010 Pretty delightful white. Grassy, pineapple nose. Crisp on the tongue at first, citrus flavors then became more buttery with a pina colada hint at the finish. The whites in the house are for my wife but I'll steal a glass of this again 4 |
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Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon Beatty Vineyard 2003 Rated by jlburd on May 22, 2010 Nose & palate were pretty consistent. I got nice dark fruit up front & throughout. Found it very well balanced, soft & expect it to still develop for a few more years. Maybe best QPR since the '05 Viansa 4- |
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Murrieta's Well Meritage Livermore Valley 2005 Rated by jlburd on May 22, 2010 Not sure if I'm being overly critical to compensate for the price but found this to be middle of the road red. I got more of the Cab qualities & none of the Pinot. Better with food than just sipping. Bought six & not disappointed with the prospect of 5 more 3 |
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Capafons-Osso Mas de Masos Priorat 2004 Rated by jlburd on May 20, 2010 Way too early for this one but you can tell there will be a party of flavor in about 4-5 years. Cough syrup, plums, definite traces of the high alcohol, even after 24 hours. Very tannic. Even as tight & chalky as it is the finish really lingered. 4 |
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Vine Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon Rock Block Napa Valley 2006 Rated by jlburd on April 25, 2010 Waited until day 2 to rate & it was a good idea. Dark cherry & oak when opened but after aeration the wine softened in the mouth with more plum, chocolate & much better finish. Not a top shelf Cab but not a top shelf price either. Buy it if you can find it 4- |
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Ravenswood Syrah Sonoma 2005 Rated by jlburd on April 20, 2010 Nice drinkable uncomplicated red. Juicy with black cherry, plum, some oak. Great QPR. Bought to make sauce but hid a little extra for the cook. Drink it now, should age well until May or June 3 |
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Columbia Crest Walter Clore Red Private Reserve, Columbia Valley 2004 Rated by jlburd on April 12, 2010 Popped & poured thru the Vinturi. Probably would have been a 4 if the drinker had the chance to decant. The blend was all there although not quite balanced yet. Dark fruit, tobacco, earthy on the flavor - less os on the nose. More complex than I remember from other vintages. Long finish. suspect this could cellar a few years 3+ |
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Clare Luce Abbey Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Rated by jlburd on April 9, 2010 This was a real surprise. Very different profile than the '05 but in a good way. Dark fruit, tobacco, oak & lots of structure. Unlike '05 this seems like it will age well. 4+ |
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William Knuttel Pinot Gris Basor Terrace Vineyard 2007 Rated by jlburd on April 9, 2010 Beautiful color of peaches & straw. Nice nose, citrus, honey & you get the mineral qulaities too. A white wine for people who don't normally drink white wine 4 |
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Two Hands Shiraz Ares Barossa Valley 2006 Rated by jlburd on February 28, 2010 Berries & cedar on the nose. Smooth but not soft in the mouth. Slightly more alcoholic than I expected - a little like fortified wine. A very good wine but I wouldn't go more than $30 to get more 4 |
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Nord Estate Red Wine Cuvee Napa Valley 2003 Rated by jlburd on February 20, 2010 Opened & poured it was a little syrupy but liked the aromas, more cherry & oak. Hours later more restrained & balanced flavors, better nose, tannins kind of bite off the finish though 3+ |
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Siduri Pinot Noir Sonatera Vineyard, Sonoma County 2007 Rated by jlburd on February 7, 2010 Would love to have had this at tasting #5 to get the full field response. Pretty consistent vintner with a more subdued new world Pinot approach. Fruity, tart, fragrant, smokyon the tongue, long maple-y finish with for a 3 yr old wine. This vintage is supposed to be an excellent one for Cal Pinot & this wine bears that out. Great value 4 |
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Carini Cuvee Sixty Five, Napa Valley 2003 Rated by jlburd on January 30, 2010 Hot & fruity when opened-cherries, grapes, cedar & spice. 2 hours later a very different wine, almost like sherry. Darker fruit comes through after decanting, more complex but not as food friendly. Thick in the mouth & the finish will be there in the morning! A very different wine experience 4 |
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Kuyen Maipo Valley, Chile 2006 Rated by jlburd on January 26, 2010 I got less of the descriptors used by the PLCB & other raters. Nothing bad just unremarkable. Was tight at opening & softened measurably in the mouth after an hour but this didn't get many of the better qualities of the grapes in the blend. There's quite a bit I'd drink first for $18 3- |
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Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2005 Rated by jlburd on December 29, 2009 This may be my first 5-ish rating. Like advertised this was Bordeaux on steroids. Dark fruit, oak, pencil shavings, the whole ball of wax on the nose. Tannins were very well integrated for its age. I thought this was enjoyable at first pour. Decanted for 2 hours & really enjoyed. I have more for aging but not sure if they will make it. BTW, my label was upside down. Anyone know if I kicked away a million bucks by opening it?  5- |
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Luna Vineyards Sangiovese Napa Valley 2007 Rated by jlburd on December 21, 2009 PNP. Just an OK Sangiovese without the complexity of a Tuscan. These can usually be drunk young but maybe not. Fruity with a bit of anise. Was good with red sauce but may not hold up to meat. 3- |
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Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir Nugent Vineyard Russian River Valley 2005 Rated by jlburd on December 15, 2009 Too much Pinot for me. Very fruity & fragrant, almost to the point of not tasting like wine. Those who like big Pinot flavor will love this 3- |
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Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Snows Lake Vineyard, Lake County 2006 Rated by jlburd on November 29, 2009 Very flavorful although a bit tannic. PNP at the table so that may have abated some over time but it didn't last the meal. Blueberry & vanilla, fruit is there but not overwhelming, same with the high alcohol. I'd love to find more for the holiday parties - this would please a broad spectrum 4 |
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Lui di Luiano Rosso Toscana IGT 2003 Rated by jlburd on November 15, 2009 Very subtle, earthy, long finish. More fruit came thru after an hour or so. Not what I expected from a wine that is 2/3 Cab/Merlot. 3+ |
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Dovetail Cabernet Sauvignon Ashley Vineyard 2005 Rated by jlburd on November 8, 2009 Deep red color, aromas express what yopu expect from a good Cal Cab: fermented dark fruit, vanilla, cedar, but not too earthy or chewy. Loooong finish. Chalky tannins foretell a better future for this. Probably worth $30 now but could feel like a bargain in 2015 4- |
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Mas Carlot Les Enfants Terribles, Costieres de Nimes 2007 Rated by jlburd on November 4, 2009 Very well blended CdR. Outstanding value. Found it to be softer & more complex than other value Rhones. Soft in the mouth, long finish for 2 years old. This should be on the holiday party list 3+ |
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Lail Vineyards Blueprint Proprietary Blend 2005 Rated by jlburd on October 25, 2009 Interesting & probably young blend of Cab/Merlot. Most of the profile is Cab but not as deep red in color or as earthy. I got more vanilla & oak from the nose than dark fruit. Still a little rough in the mouth (think that would pass over next few years). Long finish 3+ |
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Chateau Coufran Haut-Medoc 2003 Rated by jlburd on October 20, 2009 PNP. A great approachable Bordeaux. Nice nose, smooth mouthfeel, cherry, anise, vanilla, not nearly as earthy as more complex Bordeaux. Tannins were mostly gone so agree with comments about aging potential. Very good value at $14 3+ |
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Altair Sideral 2003 Rated by jlburd on October 17, 2009 Either this was corked or I waited too long to get the great nose. Have another couple bottles & will give it another try (rated 7/28/09) Success on the follow up. The nose was nice but the buildup rated above probably ruined it for me. OVerall a very solid Chilean red. Nice fruit, even a little old world funk in there & hints of more discovery the second day. Glad I didn't pitch after the corked incident. 4- |
| L'Uvaggio di Giacomo il Ponte Sangiovese, Napa Valley 2002 Rated by jlburd on October 7, 2009 Better than average nose. Red fruit & cedar flavors. Softened up nicely after 15-20 mins. Show the strength of the vintage & the good flavor of Sangiovese 3+ | |
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Gloria Ferrer Syrah Carneros 2005 Rated by jlburd on September 27, 2009 This was just red wine, nothing that distinguished it as a Syrah or a 2005. I was disappointed in that Ferrer has done some other value prices proud ('02 sparkling wine, the Pinot dedicated to Jose Ferrer) but this was just there. The good news is at $10 it was a fair value. A good wine for a party 3 |
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Buil & Gine Priorat Gine Gine 2006 Rated by jlburd on September 27, 2009 This was a pleasant surprise, especially with food. This was open at the same table with an '03 Silver Oak Napa & intentionally drunk indiscriminately. Much more fruit than the 'savory' Silver Oak & preferred by about half the diners. Will definitely get more in the interest of science & drinking. Gine had much less complexity, fruit & spice of other Priorats & this is a young bottle. Maybe some of that region's output goes to more drinkable cuvees? 3+ |
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Clare Luce Abbey Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Rated by jlburd on September 21, 2009 This is a great example of what makes Cal wines special. Very drinkable now but you can see much potential in another 3-5 years. (This is no knock on Old World, just a preference for being able to drink great vintages before my old age!) Black cherries & oak on the nose, soft in the mouth, taste of leather & plums as it finishes. A little chalky at the end but not so much as to detract & it holds the promise of further softening. This probably didn't actually sell for $105 but I've had much worse at $50 than this at $35 4+ |
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Hangtime Gallery Vineyard Pinot Noir Carneros 2006 Rated by jlburd on September 20, 2009 Hard to say whether this is the better deal or the Gundy Bundy '05 but this is definitely Pinot worth drinking under $20. More restrained after a couple of hours (or overnight). Strawberries & hop flowers. A little hot at first but not so you couldn't pop 'n pour 3+ |
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Nicolas Joly Savennieres-Coulee de Serrant Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2006 Rated by jlburd on September 13, 2009 This is a pretty wild white. More honey/caramel than citrus. Also there was more earthiness than any white I've had. Changed a lot as it got oxygen. Very complex. If whites are too straightforward for you try this. 4 |
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Fess Parker Syrah ATR 2005 Rated by jlburd on September 13, 2009 Chocolate and cherries on the nose & toungue. Well rounded but still a little hot for me. Not sure if it's because of New World style or the youth. Best to set a few bottles away for scientific purposes in 2011 or 2012! 4 |
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Martin & Weyrich Insieme Red, Paso Robles 2005 Rated by jlburd on September 8, 2009 Tasted this at the 2nd Pgh tasting Sept 4 against some very good wine & it was OK. I was looking to find another Viansa at this price point & while not quite that well done it was certainly a wine I'd be happy to serve to guests who weren't discriminating oenophiles. Would recommend it as a red wine for a party of any size 3 |
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Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir Rhinefarm Vineyard 2005 Rated by jlburd on August 30, 2009 This is a steal at $18. Much more restrained than the more fragrant & thick Pinots (like Stemmler), much more like a Burgundy. Strawberries, vanilla, plums on the nose & tongue. Beautiful clear dark red color. Two days after opening & vacuum corking it was just as interesting but with a slightly different profile. I'm buying more. 4+ |
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Viansa Anatra Rosso, Sonoma County 2005 Rated by jlburd on August 9, 2009 This is a great wine for $10. The wine was bottled to raise funds for Ducks Unlimited (hence the label) & is mostly Cab but with a more rounded flavor from the Primitivo & Aleatico maybe? Plums & cherries in the nose & mouth, nice finish but seems to be at its best now. There's a ton of it locally & I'll buy up 3+ |
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Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 Rated by jlburd on August 3, 2009 Too early for its best but this should stand up over time. Dark fruit, long finish but still tight after a couple of hours open. It's not a reserve but I expected a bit more from a Stag's Leap of this vintage. I'd buy other '05 at way better prices to drink now 4- |
| Priest Ranch Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2005 Rated by jlburd on July 28, 2009 I thought this was more complex than most popular Zins-definitely worth the price. Fruity but not a bomb, not overly spicey, more Cab-like in profile, especially the hints of vanilla & oak 4- | |
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Allegrini Palazzo della Torre IGT 2004 Rated by jlburd on July 18, 2009 Thought this was the winner of the 1st PAW Pgh wine tasting! Good dark fruit, long in the mouth, tannins were integrated but enough structure there to hold up another few years or more 4 |
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Michael & David Phillips Petite Petit Lodi 2005 Rated by jlburd on July 16, 2009 This is a fun little wine. I no nothing about Petit Syrah as a grape but this has some of the complexity of a Cab. Not real fruity, seems like it could have another few years in it. 4- |
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Chapel Hill Chardonnay Unwooded 2007 Rated by jlburd on July 10, 2009 Nice little summer white, especially if you're not into buttery chardonnay. Crisp, with citrus & grassy flavors. Complemented a roasted vegetable primavera quite well 3+ |
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Kilikanoon Cabernet Sauvignon Blocks Road 2005 Rated by jlburd on July 6, 2009 There's probably none left in the closeout but this is in the steal category at 11.99. Opened & drank at the table so a little hot but not in your face like fruitier Aussies. Smooth, still tannic enough to age a while but drinkable now. Dark cherry at the front, oak was in balance, long finish. If I can ever find another I'd like to decant first 4+ |
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A to Z Night & Day, Oregon 2005 Rated by jlburd on June 29, 2009 Although bottle says it's a blend of 'big grapes' I thought it was more Old World. Liked it equally before & with dinner. Cherries on the nose & up front, more earthy/woody in the finish 3+ |
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B Cellars Blend 25 Napa Valley 2005 Rated by jlburd on June 24, 2009 Very drinkable now, this has qualities I'd call elegant. Very Cab forward, dark fruit, structure predicts another few years before a better balance 4 |
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Engelbrecht Els Vineyards Proprietor's Blend, South Africa 2006 Rated by jlburd on June 16, 2009 Big nose upon opening-like wine candy. A bit of a bomb out of the bottle but plenty going on. Vanilla, oak, dark fruit, chalky tannins. On day 2 the wine cooled out some-same flavors, less in your face 4 |
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Joseph Drouhin Beaune-Epenotes 1er Cru 1999 Rated by jlburd on June 4, 2009 Very interesting contrast to Cal Pinot Noir. Very restrained nose, got all the same qualities of the Pinot but more subtle. More tannic or acidic than I expected 3+ |
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Peachy Canyon Cirque Du Vin 2006 Rated by jlburd on May 21, 2009 This was a great little surprise. Bought this because it was cheap & I was adding it to 10 gal of marinara sauce. This probably won't age more than a couple months but there is nice fruit up front, interesting earthier influences mid-palate & a little bit of length in the finish. I thought this was as good a $10 bottle of wine as I've had for years 3+ |
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Orphelin Red 2005 Rated by jlburd on May 21, 2009 Like the Peachy Canyon this was a pleasant surprise for $12. Like many WA or OR blends this has a more eclectic blend of grapes (more Rhone-like), but works well. Old World style subtlety rather than big fruit. Tough to find a better buy in the reds 3+ |
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Collazzi Toscana IGT 2005 Rated by jlburd on May 13, 2009 Wonderful aroma but a little too much 'wood' in this for now. Bright red fruit up front but the cedar tone was strong & lingered. Very drinkable now but the structure is there for aging & will be interested in trying some in 2011 or 2012 4 |
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Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany 2003 Rated by jlburd on April 29, 2009 This is one of those that reminds why I like Sangiovese so much. More restrained than so-called Super Tuscans, deep red, very soft feel, great nose, seemed less fruity but had right after a Zin?, long finish, wonderful with filet mignon 4+ |
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Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Bella Oaks Napa Valley 1998 Rated by jlburd on April 12, 2009 Drinkers who don't mind the earthier qualities of wine should like this. The overall character was more port-like, silky mouth, vanilla, dark fruit (although not much fruit comes through), the qualities of the oak have surfaced. Very nice with tenderloin 4 |
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Robert Mondavi Cabernet/Merlot Napa Valley Twin Pack 2002 Rated by jlburd on April 9, 2009 After drinking I had to remind myself not to consider price, so the truth is these are probably just a little better than average 2002 Cal reds. But 2002 was way better than average, and $9.99 is WAY better than average. Fruit is there, complexity, soft finish, the Cab has plenty to offer. Good wine, great value. 3+ |
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Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Jack London 2005 Rated by jlburd on March 8, 2009 Very nice Cab from a great vintage. Black cherries & oak. The wine had structure & subtle flavors but tannins were missing. Good thing for drinking now but probably won't improve with age. Not sure I'll get more though since there wasn't much to distinquish this from most '05 Cabs that are $5-10 less 3+ |
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Blockheadia Ringnosii Zinfandel Sonoma County 2005 Rated by jlburd on February 27, 2009 Would thought this was Aussie or South African for all the flavor. Not as fruity as the Dry Creek Sonoma Zins I like. Big aroma, some unusual tones (gorgonzola cheese?), maybe past its prime 3 |
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Louis Latour Meursault-Blagny Chateau de Blagny 1er Cru 2004 Rated by jlburd on February 15, 2009 This was really nice with Fontina cheese. Aroma of vanilla. Very long finish with more mineral than the '03 Mersault. Clean, crisp, apples, complex 4- |
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Torres Gran Muralles Conca de Barberà Spain 1999 Rated by jlburd on February 15, 2009 A little restrained at first-especially for a 10-year old bottle. Great example of the difference between New World & Old World. Very complex, great mouth feel, enough fruit to satisfy me but also lots of earthy & tannic tones to stretch it out. Had most of it before dinner but was equally nice with tomato-based pasta & roasted chicken. At $30 this is a really good buy 4+ |
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Louis Latour Meursault 2003 Rated by jlburd on February 10, 2009 This is what I think of when I think of white Burgundy. I'm not good at the descriptives but this is buttery, complex, even better closer to room temp. Very little acidity. There's a small pile of this at a store near home-at $16.99 I'm stocking up 4+ |
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Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon Ultra 2006 Rated by jlburd on February 3, 2009 Great bargain! Ordinary nose but really grows on the tongue. Dark cherries, chocolate, much longer finish than I expected. Impressively complex for an '06 but maybe won't improve much with age. I'll buy more 4 |
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Cims de Porrera Classic 2000 Rated by jlburd on February 3, 2009 Out of the bottle it was tight & sharp but it opened up within 20 minutes & was wonderful with lamb. Our dinner companion liked it with spicy mahi mahi. Really nice mouthfeel, long & soft, plums, tannins had melded nicely. 4+ |
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Te Awa Winery The Boundary, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 2002 Rated by jlburd on January 19, 2009 This was a second-time-around tasting & impressed me more than the first. Had it with a tenderloin of beef with big sauce & this held up well. TeAwa was opened after Rizzi '00 Barbaresco & Rafanelli '05 Cab but it didn't fall off the way I expected. For St. Emilion fans this is a good value susbstitute 3+ |
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EOS Chardonnay 2006 Rated by jlburd on December 23, 2008 Very little chardonnay quality in this one. Would suspect it was corked but it wasn't so much spoiled as just weird. The nose & taste is hard to place, most like fermented beer wort before bottle conditioning. Have another in the cellar & will be interested to see if it's the same.  2 |
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Newton Merlot Unfiltered Napa Valley 2002 Rated by jlburd on December 21, 2008 Decanted for an hour & pleased witht the result. Softer mouth than the 2001, don't know if anything else is blended into the '02 but more like a St. Emilion than a standard Cal merlot. Handled a varied appetizer table very well 4+ |
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Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2007 Rated by jlburd on December 21, 2008 Most Pinot characteristics seemed underdeveloped in this, but didn't seem like they would improve with age. I got it as a gift & wouldn't buy, even at $11.99 3- |
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Fetzer Coro Red Blend Mendocino 2004 Rated by jlburd on December 21, 2008 Agree with the aging comment. This is a blend that I've not seen elsewhere (Zin + Petite Syrah?) & I thought there was a lot going on but not necessarily in balance yet 4 |
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Trinchero Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach 2005 Rated by jlburd on October 30, 2008 This was a better than average Cab but I wouldn't go $30 for it again (I swear I just saw it at $19.99). It's more restrained than most Cal Cabs & most '05 Cal reds I've had. The nose was more complex than the wine, especially at the finish. Nice red fruit, cherries, a little bit of leather in the middle & then a disappearing act instead of a finish. Maybe better to cellar until 2010. 3+ |
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Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Rated by jlburd on October 23, 2008 I'm rating this in hopes of getting a response from the really good raters! I found it very restrained compared to other Cal '04, and especially the '05. Tight nose until decanted a while, and I thought astringent for a Cab. Could this be tannic structure leading to improvement with age? Probably wouldn't pick up any more to drink now unless another 20% off 3+ |
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Oriel L'Exception Saint-Emilion 2002 Rated by jlburd on October 21, 2008 Underwhelming. I suppose it was more subtle & balanced than New World, and therefore disappointing but the inclusion in the Sommelier Collection suckered me in 3 |
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Vina Cobos Bramare Malbec, Marchiori Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina 2004 Rated by jlburd on October 6, 2008 This was one of only 2 things left when I hit the Sommelier sale but am glad I got it. Definitely changed my mind about Malbec as a lead grape. Fruity & dry. Exceptional nose right out of the bottle. An hour later there was much more mid-palate. Long & smooth finish. 4 |
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Bernardus Marinus Red Blend, Carmel Valley 2001 Rated by jlburd on September 2, 2008 I was disappointed given how the vintage has been for other CA regions. Felt this swung too far in the opposite direction of the New World fruit bombs. Wasn't so much balanced as thin. Little fruit, little complexity 3- |
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Vinedos de Murcia Sierra Carche, Jumilla, Spain 2005 Rated by jlburd on August 25, 2008 This was a great wine to remind that the Spanish know what they are doing too. Much more balance than 'new world' reds. Very subtle flavors throughout, more complexity than my palate could identify, still had enough tannin to suggest a couple of years would improve it 4 |
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Gloria Ferrer Jose S. Ferrer Pinot Noir Carneros 2003 Rated by jlburd on August 2, 2008 Really nice nose. Went well with grilled chicken & vegetables. Fruity, floral, with alot of varied flavors in the mouth. If this shows up as a close-out later in the year it's worth picking up 4- |
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Parson's Flat Shiraz Cabernet 2004 Rated by jlburd on July 20, 2008 Nose really invites you in. Floral, darl fuit, oak. Didn't get much lof the Cab coming through except for a hint of the licorice mid-palate. found it a little hot at the finish. Liked it better before dinner than with pasta & tomato/basil/sausage sauce 4 |
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Vines on the Marycrest Satin Doll 2005 Rated by jlburd on July 14, 2008 Shows complexity, great fruit, much longer finish than expected for so young. Enough tannins to sit in the cellar for a while. Very drinkable now but should improve 4+ |
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Kenwood Zinfandel Jack London 2005 Rated by jlburd on June 11, 2008 Interesting nose of dark fruit, flowers, some mineral? qualities. Really nice with steak. Has enough tannin to age a few years 4 |
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Mas de l'Abundancia Fluminis 2004 Rated by jlburd on June 3, 2008 Excellent value. More complex flavors than most $20 wines. Nose has red fruit of a Cab. Not as soft as a Bordeaux blend but the fruit & tannins are well-balanced. Medium finish. Would expect some more earthy flavors after a couple more years 3+ |
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Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz-Mataro-Grenache 2005 Rated by jlburd on May 28, 2008 Opened up very quickly and drank too soon to see how it was after a couple of hours. Great nose, dark berries, long finish. Not at all a 'big Shiraz' like are so popular, more complexity. This wine speaks well for the Barossa Valley in '05 4 |
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Andrew Will Sorella 2005 Rated by jlburd on May 19, 2008 Great example of why blending wines leads to more consistent wines. Wonderful nose, nice balance of fruit, very approachable for 2005. I didn't get much tannic structure for a sense of aging. Probably should drink it up by 2009 or 2010. One caveat is the price. If you regularly pay $50 for wine this will be OK with you, but if that's a price point you (like me) reserve for special opportunities you might want to consider the Mas del Abundancia Fluminis or Newton Claret at half the price or less 4 |
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Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir Nugent Vineyard Russian River Valley 2004 Rated by jlburd on May 13, 2008 On sale now for $22. This is a very interesting Pinot. My personal taste would have this a 3.5 but I'm finding the variety in Pinot's doesn't suit my taste, and that this is a well-made wine. Strong nose of flowers. Actually get the fragrance of hops (not quite Cascades but close) lingers at the start. The second half of the taste improves the experience. I liked the finish. If you like the varied experience of Pinot Noir this will please. 4- |
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Napa Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Estate 2003 Rated by jlburd on February 15, 2008 I forgot to rate this in the fall when dwinfield discovered it. Had another recently & it was a little better than I remembered. At $14.99 this is a really good value. The fact that it's less remarkable may owe to the vintage. I'll be interested to see if the '04 is up a notch. 3+ |
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Pezzi King Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah, Sonoma County 2002 Rated by jlburd on January 23, 2008 Really good value. Hard to describe but for some reason 'candy' comes to mind, even though nothing sweet about it. Thought it was soft not tannic, especially in the second hour. Had it paired with spicy pasta and beef bourguignon and it added to both meals 4 |
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Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003 Rated by jlburd on January 14, 2008 Can't quite get to a '5' on this but it's still very good. Thanks to 'timo' for the previous rating and tip. This may be the best $18.99 wine I've ever had. My previous experience with WA reds has never been great but this one was more complex than any I tasted before. Nice fruit up front and earthiness or tobacco? at the finish. 4 |
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Luna Vineyards Merlot, Napa Valley 2003 Rated by jlburd on January 8, 2008 Just OK. Not in the same class as the lower priced Canto 3 |
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Hastae Quorum Barbera d'Asti 2001 Rated by jlburd on January 7, 2008 I don't often spend $50+ for wine (and didn't on this-it was a gift) but might consider for this one. Very complex and probably would have come across better paired with food other than appetizers (it didn't last until dinner). 4 |
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Flora Springs Trilogy 2003 Rated by jlburd on December 10, 2007 Just had this for the 2nd time & liked it better. May have had too high expectations after the 2001 & 2002, and I think I'd like it better at $20 3 |
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Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley 2004 Rated by jlburd on September 24, 2007 Very nice. Berry & vanilla up front, soft tannins at the finish. Don't get much of the leather, earthy flavors (but not a fan of those). This is the second 2004 Cal Cab I've had recently that was very soft at the finish. Nice wine at $19.99 4 |
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Luna Vineyards Canto, Napa Valley 2003 Rated by jlburd on September 10, 2007 This is a very good buy. Nice berry & vanilla to start. Opened at the table & it didn't last long enough to see how it opened up with time! Will decant next time for sake of science. This might be interesting to drink after a few years more in the bottle. 4 |
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Miner Family Oracle, Napa Valley 2003 Rated by jlburd on September 10, 2007 Very good California 'Bordeaux' blend. Interesting from the nose through the finish. Good fruit up front, peppery, very soft in the mouth. Not a bargain price but worth the occasional splurge 5 |
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Burgess Cellars Zinfandel Lake County 2002 Rated by jlburd on May 17, 2007 This was a nice surprise! Bought it because of price to include in a sauce, figuring how bad can an '02 Zin be? Turns out very drinkable and soft. The best Zinfandel qualities come through, but its not a big Zin. Bad sinuses kept me from getting much on the finish but at $9.99 this is an exceptional buy. 4 |
| Vine Cliff Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Rated by jlburd on April 2, 2007 Had this with Irish food, which may have been a bad match. Had good flavor but not as soft as I would have expected. Would have like better at $19.99! 3 | |
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Viberti Barolo Riserva "San Pietro" 1999 Rated by jlburd on April 2, 2007 Great color and clarity. Not much fruit, picked up more of the earthy tastes and complexity. Held up very well to aged cheeses and pork with garlic and fennel. 4 |
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Newton Merlot Unfiltered Napa Valley 2001 Rated by jlburd on April 2, 2007 Even for 'Sideways' afficionados who don't drink Merlot this was tasty. At $17.99 a very good dinner wine. Soft and fruity. On the same table as a '99 Barolo and '02 Cab Reserve and guests reached for this one just as fast. 4 |