• About Caspernick
  • Star Ratings
  • The Master tasting list

Wine reviews

~ My personal wine tasting notes

Wine reviews

Tag Archives: 4 stars

Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007

29 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$50, 4 stars, 92 points, Chateauneuf-du-pape, grenache


At least once a year my childhood friend comes over for dinner.  We will nickname him Rashad.  He has good taste in wine and a better sense to ask for help at the wineshop.  Last year he brought this beauty along for dinner but I felt it needed time.  I cellared it for a year, cracking it open when he came over the other day.  I had charcoal grilled a boneless leg of lamb, which was a near perfect companion to this wine.  That is correct, I chose the wine and then the meal to accompany it!

Nose of garrigue with some plum torte and a hint of oak.  On the palate- purple fruits, blueberry jam, licorice and fresh tannins. A solid amount of acidity balances the backbone and gives it a freshness. There’s a long mid palate to this wine that carries the fruit all the way to the finish with a hint of pepper, some game and cherry . The ending is long with plum, tannins and some juiciness. 92 points is my vote.  WS gave it 93, RP-91.  I think it is at peak and will drink well for another 5 years minimum.  It can be found for around $50.  A great bottle of mainly Grenache for a big meaty meal!  4 stars from me.  Salut….

paul autard chateauneuf du pape

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Francois Parent ‘Les Fremiets’ Volnay Premier Cru Cote de Beaune

09 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$72, 4 stars, 92 points, burgundy, pinot noir, volnay


A Burgundy I bought back in 2008 and sat on for a few years, forgetting I even had it. Pouring the first glass reminded me of a Malbec, rich and purply.  Not what I was expecting from a Pinot Noir, but let’s see what comes of it.

A nose of bramble, dark plums and an earthy component.  I am intrigued…  The first sip is smooth, with hints of cherry, cola, a touch of acidity and a barely noticeable amount of tannin.  The second sip reveals strawberry/rhubarb crumble and some spicebox.  The mid-palate exhibits a smooth transition for the tannins to come out along with the dark fruits and mushroom (Ps. The label has a picture of a truffle, perhaps hinting at something).  The tingling on my gums is evident after a fews sips.  The wine is still very young and slightly closed.  The finish shows off the Burgundian earth, some cherry and lashings of fine grained tannins.  I hardly ever sense tannic components in Pinot Noir, but this wine most definitely has structure with tannins and acidity that will allow it to develop for another 10 years at the least.  I am going with 92 points on this wine and wished I had another bottle to open in 8 years or so, I bet it goes all funky with secondary flavors of earth, barnyard and everything else that aged Burgundy has to offer the patient amongst us.   I found it online for $72, making this a 4 star effort for the cellar.  Drink 2022-2026.  WS gave it 93 points BTW.  It comes in at a very enjoyable 13% alcohol, which is a major shift from today’s highly extracted monsters that weigh it at 15+%.  Enjoy this one all by itself when it is ready to go, or perhaps with a rustic roast Chicken, maybe even braised beef ribs.  Salut….

francois parent les fremiets volnay premier cru cote de beaune burgundy france

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Cosentino ‘The Novelist’ 2013

14 Saturday May 2016

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$20, 4 stars, 90 points, meritage, napa blend, Sauvignon blanc, semillon


I’m a fan of this winery and recently went for a wine and cheese pairing.  I ordered a few bottles of this blend.  Pale yellow/hints of gold in the glass. A nose of yellow apple, ginger, lime and a touch of pineapple. Initial tastes of apple, pineapple and a touch of butter. Reminiscent of Napa Chardonnay yet shouting out that it’s a blend. Very nice mid palate with ever so gentle acidity. The finish is nice, with a green apple meets melon twist. That’s also the point that the acidity hits. There’s some mid-palate ring going on as well.  90 points from me and perfectly suited for grilled chicken with roasted veggies, or just drink it chilled on a hot summers day!  A blend of 56% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Semillon that costs $20 at retail and got 88 points from WE.  A 4 star effort that you need by the case (it’s $16 per if you join the club).  Salut….

cosentino the novelist

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Domaine Carrette Pouilly-Fuisse 2014

14 Saturday May 2016

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$17, 4 stars, 90 points, burgundy, chardonnay, france


Very light yellow with a citrus infused nose of lemons and slate.  Fresh and zesty on the palate with lemon, green apple and flint. Very focused and clean. Moxie thought it was too tart but I am enjoying it’s minerality. The wine needs raw clams, steamed shrimp or some Alfredo. 90 points and for $17 it’s a 4 star wine to buy for the summer.  Salut….

domaine carrette pouilly fuise

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Norton Reserva Malbec 2012

20 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$16, 4 stars, 90 points, Argentina, Malbec, Mendoza


On our recent trip to the Cape we had dinner with friends at a restaurant where this wine was listed as one of their top offerings.  We shared a bottle and I was impressed with the quality of this Mendoza Malbec.  It has a nose of plums, cedar and earth. Initial attack of black cherry, blackberries and some iodine. Fresh tannins and balanced acidity make for a fresh mouthfeel. Mid length finish of dark fruits and a lashing of tannins on the back end mingle with some tobacco hints. I agree with WS, 90 points and 4 stars for this $16 offering.  Salut….

norton reserva malbec

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Scribe ‘VIII, The Ghost Continent’ Pinot Noir 2014

08 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

$40, 4 stars, 92 points, carneros, carneros pinot noir, pinot noir


My friend pulled this bottle out for us this past Sunday at a gathering.  It was delightful.  Beautiful clear, delicate red color in the glass with a nose of new world cherry, strawberry and (grass?).  On the first taste, very smooth intro to kirsch, cherry torte and cola. Crispy acidity and tight tannins make for a nice mouthfeel. The acidity rolls deep and the length is long. This wine drinks beautifully right now but has the stuffing to go deep into the cellar for 10 plus years. 92 points all day long.  Carneros produces some of my favorite Pinots, and this one sits high on the perch.  I believe this is a $40 bottle making it a splurge but 4 stars from me.  Salut….

scribe the ghost continent pinot noir

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Cosentino ‘The Novelist’ Meritage 2013

08 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$20, 4 stars, 91 points, meritage, Napa, napa blend, Sauvignon blanc, semillon


A Napa Valley white wine blended from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.  Pale yellow with a nose of lemon, asparagus and crunchy green apple. The initial attack is very soft with elegant hints of quince, yellow apple and green melon. Not as steely as a Chablis nor as buttery as a Napa chard, it sits comfortably in the middle. It possesses a longish finish than refreshes and coaxes. I’m guessing there is no malolactic fermentation and a minimal amount of new oak, but it’s just a guess. Refreshing yet hearty. 91 points.  The only drawback is the 14.5% alcohol which is well disguised.  Nicely done and for $20, this is a 4 star wine.  Salut….

cosentino novelist meritage

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Deakin Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Series 2013

07 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$11, 4 stars, 87 points, Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon, australia, cabernet sauvignon


Nice purple color. Nose of black currants, cinnamon and elderberries.  Initially some slight tannins and a good presentation of dark berries and brush. Some earthy elements come across in the mid palate. A very basic wine that provides enjoyment and will drink well with barbecue, roast game and pizza. Nice acidity counters the gentle tannins and it leaves you with a nice mouthfeel. 87 points. 2015-2017.  I paid $11 making it a 4 star wine.  Salut….

deakin estate cabernet sauvignon

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Edmeades Zinfandel Mendocino County 2012

19 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

$15, 4 stars, 89 points, mendocino, zinfandel


If you read my write up on the Lagarde Malbec you will know that we were at dinner with friends.  The Malbec never made it to the table, this tasty Zinfandel was more than up to the task of handling our beef short rib dinner.  I made some quick notes as Moxie was giving me the evil-eye for using my phone at the table.

Reddish purple with long legs in the glass. Nose of cinnamon, plums, orange peel and some vanilla.  Initial tastes of plum and cinnamon with gently spiced cola. Tannins are subdued with a balance of acidity. 89 points and very food friendly. It sorted out the ribs with their strong flavors and offset the fat found in such a tender and delicious cut.  The finish is mid length. This wine will pair well with any marbled meats and could stand up to a hearty BBQ with its spice component.  A bargain at $15 this one may need to bought in bulk.  4 stars from me.  Drink 2015-2018.  Salut….

Edmeades Zinfandel Mendocino County

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Cosentino ‘The Poet’ Meritage 2012

02 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

$36, 4 stars, 91 points, bordeaux blend, meritage, Napa, napa blend


I picked this bottle up at the Napa tasting room, where I joined the club and indulged in tasting just about everything they had.  I really enjoy the wines from this winery, they suit my style, budget and usually have enough unique character to set them apart from the thousands of others in the valley.  This one was $36 for club members, $45 for the rest.  It opens up in the glass and shows off a bright purple color.  On the nose- nice plum and blue fruit compote.  A nice intro of plum, currant, black cherry and gripping tannins.  Acidity is very present and balances the young tannins somewhat.   The blend of this wine is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, 9 % Cabernet Franc and the 1 % left is Malbec.

This Bordeaux blend appeals to me greatly and the wine drinks well, albeit young.  The mid palate just hit me with some powerful plum essence with a silky touch of flowers, probably the Franc I suspect.  The finish is average in length and the tannins simply disappear.  I’m thinking this is a shorter term wine with a drinking window of 2016-2020.  91 points from me and 4 stars.  Salut….

cosentino the poet

 

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

RSS Me!

RSS Feed

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 196 other subscribers
Follow Wine reviews on WordPress.com

Archives

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Wine reviews
    • Join 184 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Wine reviews
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
Loading Comments...
%d