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Wine Type Vintage Name Variety Locale Date Posted Score Helpful Comments Comment Date Community Score More...
Red

2018 Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

 St. Helena more
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5/14/2021 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 99 points

Well, well...this wine has been staring at me for a while from the cellar window. I have previously looked the other way, not giving into its sultry stare, but tonight I felt the time was right to indulge.

I popped the cork, decanted and then back in the bottle about 4 hours before dinner. At dinner, I had some and it was still tight. About 30 mins later it started to unfurl in the glass.

Heavenly nose of blackberries, anise, violets and cassis fruit. The palate is hitting all the right notes right now: gorgeous pure mostly blue fruit, seamless pixilated tannins, excellent acidity and significant structure frame a very well integrated young wine. This is firm, not the least bit too forward and comes across in the most lovely fresh way, with the interplay of fruit, crushed stone and mineral driven flavors interchanging from the front to mid to finish. There is very good concentration, but nothing at all heavy about it. A fabulous effort that will continue to get better for a number of years. This will easily compete with the 16.

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/27/2021 3:51:00 AM - Hey Cristal,
    You are torturing me with your notes. Oh my this wine sounds simply fantastic. It will take all of my willpower to not crack open a bottle. Dave
Red

2016 Château Pontet-Canet

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
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6/1/2020 - HowellMountainCru Likes this wine: 94 points

Once again, Mark1npt tries to convert an avowed Napa lover into a Francophile. The 16 P-C was opened from cellar temp and decanted and drank over the next hour or so. For comparison we had a very nice 16 Stewart from Beckstoffer Dr. Crane.

The wine was dark purple in the glass with a medium dark red rim. Very pretty in the glass with long legs and I guessed mid to high 14 ABV.

P-C opens with a slight note of barnyard which fades after a few minutes. Nose evolves throughout the tasting. By comparison the nose is way more interesting than the Napa wine. Nose has elements of berry, sweet dirt, cheese mold and maybe a little orange peel. Really freaking interesting!

The fruit on this wine was very black at first and I would call it ample even for a Napa Cab. But it was not a sweet fruit - it evoked thoughts of creosote, barrel char and unsweetened blackberry. The fruit too changed and got redder as the wine took in air. Tannins were ample and noticed on the finish but not distracting and actually provided a very nice backbone or frame for the rest of the elements.

The wine had surprising weight, Id call it medium+. It was smooth in the mouth but not near as smooth as the Stewart which was excellent it that regard.

Overall this was an excellent and interesting wine which I really enjoyed! It was easily WOTN as the Stewart faded into oblivion by hour 2. For me it had the wrong fruit profile, I prefer blue, then purple, then red, then black. It was weighty but not ultra smooth in the mouth which I feel cost it a point or two. 94+ which is an excellent score for me. Thx Mark

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/18/2021 8:19:00 AM - Hey guys,
    I wanted to open a really nice bottle of red wine tonight as we are guests to. A close friend. We may be eating outside and the temp might be close to 90 degrees. Is that going to kill the bouquet and taste of the wine. Should I bring a bottle of champagne instead. Only problem with that they have another set of glasses to wash. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/19/2021 5:16:00 AM - Hi Everyone,
    The wine I would bring is 2012 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon Monsieur Ètain. The forecast has changed drastically-now a high in the low to mid 70’s. I would bring champagne but my wife stated that is what I brought the last time-so it will be the red. What do you think of this red? Good for a dinner party? Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/21/2021 1:37:00 AM - Hi DecantingQueen,
    Yup the wine turned out to be perfect. Dave
Red

2018 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch

 Oakville more
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4/30/2021 - csimm wrote: 97 points

3 days in Napa: Arkenstone, Memento Mori, Maxem, The French Laundry, Christopher Tynan, Kinsman, Harlan, Vice Versa, Accendo, Fairchild, Macdonald, and a truckload of others (Napa): Young, driven, and really, really determined in its energy and thrust, this wine was off to the racetracks with a super thrilling acidic frame that was spinning its essences in the mouth with so much vibration that I had trouble pinning down the specific flavors at first. Red and black cherry, cassis, red raspberry, purple licorice (I always wonder if there really is such a thing), and unripe plum skin. There is an herbal/stem hit that whips up and snaps its energy into the core fruit, electrifying it even further. With air (decanted), it began to unfold beautifully, but it never lost some of its steroidal jittering of multiplicative flavor jumping. I dig it. As with many of these wines, the VHR needs a great deal of time. Drink it now if you wanna spaz out for fun (I mean, it’s super delicious), or best to wait 7+ years to see what sorts of cultured nuances can be gleaned in the future.

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    5/26/2021 2:26:00 AM - Greetings CSIMM1161 and others posting here,
    How strong is the herbal taste in the wine? I dislike a strong presence of this aspect in a Cabernet Sauvignon. For my palate a herbal taste becomes a-new word here-viney taste as the wine opens. Do all vintages of VHR carry this flavor? Concerning cellar time. Since I am 71 I cannot wait forever for wines-would two years in the cellar be sufficient? Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    5/29/2021 7:50:00 AM - Hey CSIMM,
    Thanks for the info. If the stemmy issue resolved itself then no problem. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    5/29/2021 8:03:00 AM - Hi BSUMOBA,
    Yep I cannot have a drinking timeline as you mentioned unless I make it to my 90’s. Grin You hit it on the head. It is great fun buying new vintages especially with all the reviews. And I just love wine delivered in three and four packs with a wooden case. But many CTer’s responded as you have to look for and buy older vintages. Oh what to do what to do. Maybe a little of both. What do you think of that? Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/13/2021 8:13:00 AM - Hey CSIMM,
    Because my health has deteriorated further I cannot pour wine for friends as often as before. So I have to be very selective in the wines that I buy. I am not buying that much wine but would like to get the really good ones that I bought in the past. From reading your post this wine (2019) sounds like a safe bet. Is that the case? How long do you think it will be before this one is ready to drink? Please note I am thinking of buying 2 three packs. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/18/2021 4:56:00 AM - Hi Csimm ,jmp, and others,

    Questions on two issues,
    I read in tasting notes, sometimes interchangeably two different terms-stemmy and herbal. What if any is the difference between the two? Does one taste last longer than the other? If I have my act together (very debatable) regarding tasting wines, to me there is a big difference between the two. One aspect I personally enjoy at the correct concentration the other one for me is a deterrent. Interested in your comments.

    The other question is not specifically a wine question. This week I have been invited to four dinner parties. It looks like I will now have to use a walker. I am hoping to use the walker just to the front door and then use a cane. Is using a walker with tennis balls really off putting and could it scratch wood floors? I am thinking the best scenario is walker to door then cane. I think I could move around better for visiting with a cane. Your honest thoughts. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/19/2021 5:27:00 AM - Hi Csimm,
    Wow you do have a vast knowledge of wine. Would you consider a herbal nose and flavors in red wine a bad thing ot just another aspect of red wine? (Will go to the party in a comfortable manner. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/21/2021 1:18:00 AM - As always excellent answer Csimm. I also hate bell pepper in reds. Now give me some, as you state, secondary notes that give just a touch of flavor and for my taste the wine will be fine. Dave
Red

2019 Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon

 Napa Valley more
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4/30/2021 - csimm wrote: 96 points

3 days in Napa: Arkenstone, Memento Mori, Maxem, The French Laundry, Christopher Tynan, Kinsman, Harlan, Vice Versa, Accendo, Fairchild, Macdonald, and a truckload of others (Napa): A barrel sample, showing some heavy reduction on the nose, but quickly giving way to gobs of powerful fruit. A massive mouthful. Dark berries and oak char dominate at the moment, with the sense that authority and flex will be a hallmark of this vintage for Memento Mori. This is a biggin’.

As with all of Sam Kaplan’s creations, brawn is controlled by a measured skill that keeps the profile in perfect check. Though this barrel sample was fairly boozy at first pass, exposure to air in the glass suggests that the components of this wine will ultimately work themselves out into an awesome expression of what the Memento Mori blend has become. There is great energy here. Using my Magic 8 Ball, I would expect buyers to think of 2019 similarly to 2016, except that the 2019 may find a pathway to even more heightened brightness and freshness. Time will tell, but this 2019 is a decent sized monster in its current state. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how this develops once in bottle. 95-96+ points.

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/13/2021 7:48:00 AM - Hey CSIMM,
    Where did you get your magic (wine) 8 ball? I want one. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    9/13/2021 8:24:00 AM - Ah yeah. Forgot about that place. Dave
Red

2018 B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Star Vineyard

 Rutherford more
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8/15/2021 - vintage1949 wrote: 90 points

My palate may have been experiencing an off day however the color of the wine backed up the intensity, or lack of, on the palate. Color of the wine was very light with it being easy to discern the bottom of the glass. Unfortunately a “Viney” taste was present eliminating rich Cab flavors. I am hoping my other two bottles present themselves in a better manner. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    8/15/2021 8:59:00 AM - Hi Jen-Who knows what is up with this wine. Please send me an email. I forgot your address. If you also forgot will post for an hour like last time. Dave
Red

2018 B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Star Vineyard

 Rutherford more
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4/22/2021 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 92 points

Thirty minutes in the glass before drinking. Very deep dark magenta color. Concentrated pomegranate, black olive, terra cotta, and cherry on the youthful, energetic nose. Smooth, very dry palate. Full, dusty tannins on the long finish.

This has terrific structure, but the nose was more red fruited than I like. This guy needs a little time to sort itself out.

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    5/3/2021 9:39:00 PM - Oh Mark I like it a tad darker than a tad redder. We are talking just about the nose here? I hope. I had the Scarlett C.S. 13 which many people gave it high marks but indicated it had a redder quality to it. Maybe I am sensitive to the redder aspect in wine but the Scarlett tasted a little more like red fruit juice. Hope the same does not happen here. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    5/4/2021 9:14:00 AM - Hey Mark,
    I missed one important aspect describing my dislike in redder wines. Sweetness. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    5/4/2021 2:05:00 PM - Hey again Mark,
    Thanks for that information. I really did not know that. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/1/2021 5:26:00 AM - Hey Mark,
    I forgot to ask how many years do I need to age this wine to really tone down the redder aspects. I was hopino to serve this to guests next year as my house red for experienced tasters. Hoping to serve Memento Mori, B Cellars, and VHR in 2023. That would be all 2018”s. What do you think? Dave.

    Throwing a more private question under your name.

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/1/2021 8:03:00 AM - Hey Mark,
    All my friends think it is sound logic-even my wife! Especially given the fact of my age. I do not like taking money out of a savings account but the fact I am replacing the funds makes total sense. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/1/2021 8:54:00 AM - Hey Mark,
    Just realized why they said go for it. More wine for them:). Davr

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/30/2021 5:39:00 AM - Hi Mark,
    Regarding “Jen, I only had 1 or 2 of the '18s at the Vine Vault tasting that were a little thin.”

    Were the wines from the wine vault B Cellars. If so which ones? Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/31/2021 4:27:00 AM - Hi Mark,
    Would you recommend for today a two hour decant for the 2018 Star? What about the 2015 RBS Schrader? Could I get away with PnP with the Schrader? Sure wish you could attend one of my wine dinners. Dave
Red

2015 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

 Oakville more
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7/1/2021 - pakabear Likes this wine: 97 points

PnP, but later decanted it for a couple hours. Very aromatic, cassis, cherry, red apple skins, raspberry, pomegranate, dried forest floor, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, spice box, cedar, great flavor and balance, classic Napa style. Medium acidity and tannin, high complexity and length. Great right now and per my last note, I don’t see this getting much better than it is right now.

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/29/2021 12:24:00 AM - Hi Mark,
    Oh I have to tease you. I have four and five packs of Schrader from 2012 to 2016. On another note in regards to a recent post of yours- I do not know if I would be fun to taste wine with or not. I can go on and on about a wine and love to hear other peoples comments. On occasion I can get excited over a wine like a kid in a candy store.

    Hope everything is great with you. Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/30/2021 3:18:00 AM - Hi Mark,
    Will be opening a bottle this weekend. Will write a review. Is that soon enough? Having four to six guests for steak so that wine will be perfect. My guests will be cooking the steak as that is currently too difficult for me. Great to have friends to help out so I can entertain. Laughing-I will try to get one guest to pour himself a moderate serving so the wine can be had by all. He usually pours himself almost a full serving in a Riedel (Spelling ?) glass. Oh I will also be opening up a bottle from B Cellars—-2018 Star Vineyard. Hope it is not too young. What do you think? Dave

  • Comment posted by vintage1949:

    7/31/2021 4:07:00 AM - Hey Mark,
    I just do not get it. This guy is a wonderful friend. However even when I tell everyone to take a small pour it does not register with him. Oh well back to me pouring the first glass for each bottle so everyone gets a fair taste. Dave

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