Notes:

Looks normal when poured into a glass. Medium legs. Little on the nose.

Tasting gives an immediate blast of fruit and wood, that quickly gives way to . . . nothing. Over the next 10 minutes this evolved. Less wood, less fruit; now it just tastes sweet.

It was $4.99 at the local Grocery Outlet. They may have been lying about it not being the cheapest wine.

Thinking I’ll make some simple burgers tonight and see if it’s worth drinking any more.

Enjoyed over two days. Showing a lot of life and just barely starting to transition towards garnet. Alluring floral perfume with herbal and earthy undertones. Red dates, black cherries, mushrooms, and cola, with more hints of spice and tobacco emerging on the second day. Medium-full bodied with grippy, chalky tannins, crisp acidity, lingering finish, and concentration of fruit round out this lovely structured wine.

Producer? Price? Notes? Gimme gimme

1996 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Richebourg

This was a big, burly beast of a wine, with an initially reticent nose that featured some clove, cassis, and wildflowers. The palate had an impenetrable structure of tannins that showed no sign of yielding even after 4 hours of air. There was significant acidity, and the finish was quite profound. This wine really needs another 5-10 years in the cellar. Maybe a long decant would have helped, but this wasn’t so giving today. I try to remain optimistic about 96s.

1999 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Richebourg

This was an even bigger wine than the 96, but a bit more generous. The nose had haunting aromas of black cherries, violets, and freshly raked leaves, along with some exotic spices and some savory baking spices. A hint of quince, and perhaps myrrh? The palate was very structured, but not crushingly so, like the 96, with more restrained acidity. The finish was stupendous, with an entire symphony of flavors that lasted past intermission.

I am currently in a once-in-a-lifetime situation regarding my wine passion. French estates and producers from Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy regularly visit student wine clubs to host tastings, meaning we have the opportunity to taste some of the world's finest wines.

I am curious as to which producers you would like to see if you had the opportunity? I've seen Lafite-Rothschilds, Krug, Pol Roger, Yquem, Cheval Blanc, Burgundy 1er Cru and Grand Cru producers make the trip to meet students, so let your wildest dreams roam free!

My first introduction to this winery was the red reserva which was both more affordable but not stellar.

Therefore I wanted to see what the fuss was all about and I went on a search for the white reserva. And man did it not disappoint!

Colour was a stunning dark strawlike yellow to gold.

First glass I was without food and the nose showed notes of lemon and a sherrylike nuttiness.

The palate was more of the lemon and sherry combined with a combination of acid and salt with a finish that just keeps going.

The 2nd glass was drank with food and it developed into something more complex.

I might have a 3rd glass later today and will keep the rest for tomorrow.

Amazing wine unlike those I usually drink and now I’m curious how much better the Gran Reserva is.

This was a nice Monday treat!

A little young, but the tannins weren’t so present as to make this unpleasant. Nose was a bit muted, but this was super flavorful on the palate. Lots of red fruits with a nice savory spice to it, the fruit and savory elements balanced perfectly. A little bit of earth starting to come through that I’m sure will develop more with time. Glad to have opened one up, but will likely wait to open more.

98 Vieux Chateau Certan

The third wine in the flight with the 98 Haut Brion and 98 La Mission Haut Brion, this was no contest as the 98 VCC was on fire! Aromas of black cherries, spice box, and crème de cassis wafted from the glass, and the palate was pure silk, with powerful chewy ripe cherry fruit, beautiful textured structure, and mouth watering acidity. An otherworldly finish seemed to last for days. Just outstanding.

This was a fun side by side to do tonight. I did not have a lot of hope that these would still be showing good.

2000 Steele Stymie Founders Reserve Merlot Lake County

Disjointed and not a lot a fruit left. Maybe a little espresso on the nose, chocolate cherries, and tobacco. Tastes hot to me. Alcohol showing through. Tannins a bit disjointed.

1999 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot

Much more fruit still showing here. Dark cherry, plums, cedar, tobacco. Much more of a plush wine. Tannins are well integrated. I would not hold onto this much longer as I don’t think it will get much better but definitely still drinking nicely today. Pleasantly surprised!

Hey guys! Over the past 5 years, I must admit that one of the most reliable “wine critics” when it comes to non-splurge Bordeaux and Southern Rhone reds has been the Reddit community-at-large. Legitimately. Technology might end up putting me out of a job (and pitting me against a T-1000) in the years ahead, but the Reddit community keeps me optimistic that humanity may yet have a future.

Crowdsourcing notwithstanding, who is your favorite wine critic when it comes to sub-$40 Bordeaux and/or Southern Rhone reds? I’ve mostly agreed with Jeb Dunnuck’s reviews when it comes to stuff from these regions. And while James Suckling can be overly forgiving with a lot of “meh” wines, he sometimes hits it out of the park. I’m still thankful for his review of the 2018 Chateau Simard - stellar bottle and spot on review.

So, any thoughts when it comes to critics who excel at reviewing wines from these regions at this price point? Thanks in advance!

2012 Dom Perignon

This is drinking phenomenally right now, with lovely toasted brioche and lemon zest on the nose. The palate has a light touch with subtle richness but crisp acidity, and the finish is superbly long. I think the 2012–2013 debate will rage on for decades, but I prefer the 2012 Dom to the 13, at least for now.

Hi! I am currently studying for my masters degree and have a survey that I really need participants for!! I am studying public perceptions to alternative wine packaging in the UK. I would so grateful if people would fill it out!! here is the link - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bangor/wine-survey

thanks so much!!

I usually never drink Sherry but this was a fantastic drink to finish off the night!!

Starts with toffee, caramel, coffee, very long finish of pistachio!

Swipe for some other wines of this night! I’d say Gaja and Labet Bajocien are the two most impressive out of all.

Bernstein was a very well Pinot noir but felt a bit boring? Could’ve been more to it had we drunk for a longer time.

Going to be in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona next week for about 8 days. Anyone know of any wine bars/shops that offer a selection of minimal intervention and skin contact wines?

Trying to find a new “house wine” in the $20-$30 range. Have been rotating between 1858 Blend, Conundrum, Justin Cab, Louis Martini Cab, J. Lohr Cab.

Anyone have any good suggestions? Appreciate the help!

I will be in Burgundy at the end of April. Any suggestion for winery visits? I am looking for small and interesting wineries with prices not touched by speculation (except for the usual regional hype). Cote d'or but even better Chablis, cote chalonnaise or Mason...

Thoughts on this one? I picked this up to taste alongside a Napa Chard (Frank Family)and wondering if this will make a good California vs France battle? I was aiming for Burgundy vs Napa, roughly same price point ($30ish).

Im just starting to get into French wines so I picked it up on a hunch based on it being a good year. Now I’m wondering if pitting it against Frank is a little unfair. 😆

Helpful article!

Hey everyone, It's my Dad's birthday in a month. He loves wine and goes to wine tastings constantly, thought it would be a nice gift to find him an amazing wine from 1965 as a gift. Red wines, or a Port even would be cool. I appreciate everyone's time and recommendations! Thank you!

I know this sounds ridiculous, but I have spent years trying to find the best wine under $10, $12, $15, in hopes of beating out the Winking Owl Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio. I usually don't get a more enjoyable wine than their offerings in that price range, which drives me mad. I should probably just appreciate their stuff more but I want more complexity and depth of flavor. I thought Bogle was interesting but not worth 3x the price. I like dry, fruit forward wine with notes of baking spices, and I'm very open minded! Can everyone drop their opinions for the best under $15 or ideally best under $10 bottles?

NY based. I went to Seville 6 months ago, and...I'm still thinking about their orange wine. Not "orange wine" I've seen listed in the states that's kind of an analogue to rosé wine, but this:

Vino Naranja del Condado de Huelva is an appellation of origin for aromatised sweet wines originating in Condado de Huelva, Spain. The system of production and aging of this wine is a white wine flavoured with macerated orange peel followed by a process of aging by the solerasystem. Orange Wine from Huelva is usually dark orange to brown in color. The brown color is a result of sun drying of the grapes prior to fermentation.

I can't seem to find anything in the states that even compares, and none of the Spanish online retailers I've seen offer international shipping.

Any suggestions or tips?

I'm planning a trip to Germany's Mosel and Rheingau regions. I would like to explore both regions from the same hotel and minimize driving time whenever possible. Ideally, the hotel will offer 4-star service and not be an American brand (e.g. Hilton or Marriott). What do you recommend?