Medium-dark ruby, aromas of black currant with a hint of sharp minty-ness and possibly five spice.
Mild flavour of dark fruits and tart. Grippy tannin, medium-high acidity and on the dry side. I sensed a light but distinct eugenol aftertaste (i.e. cloves and cinnamon). A fragrant cedar flavour emerged after nearly two hours into decanting.
All said, this did not feel like a complex wine. It is a fairly delicious and friendly “monster” albeit still a monster at 14.5% ABV. I imagine it would be good for western dishes like potatoes, Sunday roast, hearty meats, vegetable stews, pizzas and burgers. Needs at least an hour to breathe to open up, preferably two.
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Pale purple, notes of red fruits, but predominantly defined by flavours of earthiness, wood compost and bitter herbs.
To be honest, my initial impression on opening this bottle was of disappointment. The aromas and flavours were so jarring and wild I did not know what to make of them. But this bottle came highly recommended from someone with good taste so I reserved judgement and waited.
Pinot noir is nicknamed ‘the heartbreak grape’ as it needs patience to cultivate. I would add that it also needs a patient and curious-minded drinker to discover its full allure. I usually pull and pour my pinot noirs or decant for about an hour at most. This wine needed nearly four hours to breathe in a decanter before the flavours fully fell into place. But it was a rewarding wait. The wine is bold, intense and rustic in character. Medium bodied at 13% ABV. Still very drinkable even on the third day (vacuum vin stopper).
This is a nice discovery for me but not everyone would appreciate its taste profile and the winemaker's intent. This style is probably more suitable for wine - particularly pinot noir - enthusiasts than for casual drinkers. It serves as reminder of the varying styles and versatility of pinot noir. That it can be fruit-driven, light and fragrant, as well as bold and complex.
I feel bottle is on the young side though — it can probably keep for another 3 years.
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2019 Jean-Pierre Moueix St. Émilion
5/13/2024 - ACellarCat Does not like this wine: 79 Points
Medium ruby. Dark fruits, a very light hint of chocolate and some oak. Medium tannin, medium acidity, on the medium dry side.
A very one dimensional mediocre boring wine. Not pricey but still disappointing. Skip it.
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2020 Mt. Monster Cabernet Sauvignon
5/10/2024 - ACellarCat Likes this wine: 86 Points
Medium-dark ruby, aromas of black currant with a hint of sharp minty-ness and possibly five spice.
Mild flavour of dark fruits and tart. Grippy tannin, medium-high acidity and on the dry side. I sensed a light but distinct eugenol aftertaste (i.e. cloves and cinnamon). A fragrant cedar flavour emerged after nearly two hours into decanting.
All said, this did not feel like a complex wine. It is a fairly delicious and friendly “monster” albeit still a monster at 14.5% ABV. I imagine it would be good for western dishes like potatoes, Sunday roast, hearty meats, vegetable stews, pizzas and burgers. Needs at least an hour to breathe to open up, preferably two.
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2019 Cape of Good Hope Wine Co Pinot Noir Sneeuwkrans
5/3/2024 - ACellarCat Likes this wine: 88 Points
Pale purple, notes of red fruits, but predominantly defined by flavours of earthiness, wood compost and bitter herbs.
To be honest, my initial impression on opening this bottle was of disappointment. The aromas and flavours were so jarring and wild I did not know what to make of them. But this bottle came highly recommended from someone with good taste so I reserved judgement and waited.
Pinot noir is nicknamed ‘the heartbreak grape’ as it needs patience to cultivate. I would add that it also needs a patient and curious-minded drinker to discover its full allure. I usually pull and pour my pinot noirs or decant for about an hour at most. This wine needed nearly four hours to breathe in a decanter before the flavours fully fell into place. But it was a rewarding wait. The wine is bold, intense and rustic in character. Medium bodied at 13% ABV. Still very drinkable even on the third day (vacuum vin stopper).
This is a nice discovery for me but not everyone would appreciate its taste profile and the winemaker's intent. This style is probably more suitable for wine - particularly pinot noir - enthusiasts than for casual drinkers. It serves as reminder of the varying styles and versatility of pinot noir. That it can be fruit-driven, light and fragrant, as well as bold and complex.
I feel bottle is on the young side though — it can probably keep for another 3 years.
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