Great Recent Wine Choices?

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Godfather

Active member
Not that anyone needs an excuse, but as the saying goes, it is that time of year when libations flow freely, and wine is given as gifts, and hopefully consumed or cellared for future consumption, with immediate consumption being the norm in the high 90 percentile of the case. So, what wine have you drank lately that was awesome? Was it worth the princely tab? Would you buy it again? Any worthy tasting notes? What did you pair it with?

For me: 2003 Ch. Lascombes, from Margaux. I bought it as a future in 2004, a whopping $27, so very worth the tab, and it was exceptional so I would probably stroke the check at the current $80+ price tag. Tasting notes: time solves the tannin issue, so smooth, silky, with heavy tones of cherry, black fruit, berries, and acids balanced with some underlying flint and earth. Paired very well with a piece of Axis deer upper leg I roasted with a soy and rosemary marinade. 2003 was generally a great year in Bordeaux, hot, so more fruit forward. The pundits thought this would be dead by 2020, not even close, it will drink well for another 3-5 years.

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I think one of the best wines for the money is

Mount Peak Zinfandel Rattlesnake​

its a high-quality, red wine from California,, named for snakes living in the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard's "Rattlesnake Hill," known for rich dark fruit (blackberry, plum) with peppery spice

It's really an amazing wine especially with meats or cheeses. Its a bold flavor but not over powering.
 

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Recently re-activated to the wine world after a few years in retirement. I was exposed to a few new reds this fall while hunting with some FE Outrider clients. First on the high side of the spectrum, for me at least, was the Orin Swift Papillon for my first real bottle in a long time it blew my socks off. For the side of the mountain eating a cold meat sandwich for lunch bottle the Dark Horse red blend was the perfect pairing for the idealic setting. Not sure what the hell Jammy fruit is but I was completly chilled the F out.
 
Levendi Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. I am a bit biased as I am friends with the owners, but damn, it is just fucking incredible. Retail is around $100 per, so it is a special occasion wine that will not disappoint.

Violet color, inviting aromas and flavors of chocolate coconut macaroon, dulce de leche sundae, delicate sandalwood incense, and cassis shrub with a silky, soft, fruity medium-full body and a smooth, compelling, ling finish conveying accents of craisin dusted with cocoa and cedar with dusty, chewy, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A seamless, sumptuous Howell Mountain Cabernet with great depth of flavor and panache.
 
I think one of the best wines for the money is

Mount Peak Zinfandel Rattlesnake​

its a high-quality, red wine from California,, named for snakes living in the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard's "Rattlesnake Hill," known for rich dark fruit (blackberry, plum) with peppery spice

It's really an amazing wine especially with meats or cheeses. Its a bold flavor but not over powering.
This sounds like one to try - built to age?
 
Recently re-activated to the wine world after a few years in retirement. I was exposed to a few new reds this fall while hunting with some FE Outrider clients. First on the high side of the spectrum, for me at least, was the Orin Swift Papillon for my first real bottle in a long time it blew my socks off. For the side of the mountain eating a cold meat sandwich for lunch bottle the Dark Horse red blend was the perfect pairing for the idealic setting. Not sure what the hell Jammy fruit is but I was completly chilled the F out.
I think Orin drops serious acid when he designs labels or names things, but that boy can concoct good beverages for sure. That Palillon is outstanding, I just want some way to pack it in for a hunt at volume!
 
Levendi Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. I am a bit biased as I am friends with the owners, but damn, it is just fucking incredible. Retail is around $100 per, so it is a special occasion wine that will not disappoint.

Violet color, inviting aromas and flavors of chocolate coconut macaroon, dulce de leche sundae, delicate sandalwood incense, and cassis shrub with a silky, soft, fruity medium-full body and a smooth, compelling, ling finish conveying accents of craisin dusted with cocoa and cedar with dusty, chewy, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A seamless, sumptuous Howell Mountain Cabernet with great depth of flavor and panache.
Howell Mountain may be one of the sleepers of Napa if there is still such a thing. Sounds like Gargiulo Vineyards in character, which is also worth a try - very different dirt, next door to Screaming Eagle, and if looking for a value play in their somewhat expensive line up, try the Napa Sangiovese, astounding.
 
@Colin Jones - plus 1 affirm that recommendation - been a long time subscriber and used it with excellent results - if you are a “let it sleep” wine enthusiast, you are rewarded with the feature of sorting by (1) location and (2) drink most mature function, I’ve been hitting that hard this holiday season. Their Bordeaux data on when it goes bad, which I recognize is Parker and others, is WAY OFF, like a scope that’s been dropped a dozen times off, and I’ve been comfortably taking down excellent juice 3-5 years past the last date.

I would highly recommends the cellar tracker wine app. You can manage your wine collection, or just use it to look up reviews, pairings and anything else you could possibly need to know.
 
Opera and Josh Cab great value wines I keep as “house” wines. For Malbecs I really like Catena and Zapata. Don’t sleep on Peruvian Malbecs from Intipalka or Tacama.
 
@Jeff Forrester - I look forward to that too!

My wine drinking is just coming back online, as last Sunday we went a tad big, my son and now daughter-in-law’s wedding, held at Justin Winery in Paso Robles, California. My wife helped to turn the barrel chai in to a spectacular venue, with cocktails in the caves and dancing among the barrels, spectacular food from their Michelin star chef, and we lined up a wide array of their wines and all were enjoyed, a hefty dose of their flagship Isosceles Reserve in particular.

@Tony Caggiano let Charlene dance like crazy but was held back with a bad wheel.

I’m just starting to crack some of the excess, their Right Angle Bordeaux blend is excellent.



My wife sells Scout and Cellar wines that are amazing, so these are what we drink on a regular basis. They are certified "Clean" which is good for the head. I enjoy a good glass of red wine! @Godfather I look forward to the day to share a bottle or two with you.
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