5/18/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Comprised of 100% Grenache that was fermented in stainless steel and subsequently aged for 12 months in concrete tanks, this light-to-medium garnet wine delivers a clean aromatic profile of red bramble fruits, orange zest, apricots, Provençal herbs, baking spices and black tea. Medium-bodied, fresh and with nicely integrated alcohol (despite being listed as 15.5%), it follows with flavors mirroring the nose, wrapping them with light sweet tannins. Solid on the mid-palate and concluding with good length, this is a thoroughly enjoyable Châteauneuf that represents tremendous value. Splash decantation and an hour of air in carafe is beneficial if you choose to pop the cork at this point. Drink now-2027.

5/17/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This medium-to-deep garnet wine serves up aromas and flavors of red bramble fruits, dark plums, orange zest, tobacco, cocoa, hazelnuts and dried earth. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (13.5%), lightly oaked and with medium-weight, slightly dusty tannins, it stays solid on the mid-palate and concludes with a medium-to-long, energetic finish. Enjoy this well-crafted red throughout the remainder of this decade. Popped, poured and serially tasted over two hours, it benefited from the first hour of air. Drink now-2030.

5/17/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This well-cellared bottle was popped, poured and serially tasted over the ensuing three hours. Showing best after two hours of air, it unfurls an intense aromatic array of Montmorency cherries, dark plums, dried apricots, cocoa, tobacco and loamy earth. Medium red/garnet in color, medium in body and with lively acids, it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, adding baking spices and a thread of iron. The wine's alcohol (listed as 14.5%) and oak are restrained, as is the case for its plentiful fine-grained tannins. Layered on the mid-palate and long on the finish, this is a beautiful Brunello that has the structure to ensure significant longevity. Comparably cellared bottles should reach their twentieth birthday with grace. Drink now-2035.

5/17/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Opolo's 2019 Petite Sirah is an inky, opaque crimson wine that is aromatically effusive of blackberries, boysenberries, kirsch, licorice, tar and grilled meat. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.4%), it delivers comparable flavors that are buttressed with toasted oak and plentiful sweet tannins. Dense in the middle and lengthy on the back end, this is a terrific Petite that will get even better with additional cellar time. If this fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will ultimately be merited. Popped, poured and serially sampled over three hours, this continued to improve throughout the tasting interval. Accordingly, if you choose to open a bottle at this stage, splash-decantation (or use of an aerator) would be advisable. Drink 2027-2039.

5/17/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

This deep ruby wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Sourced entirely from vineyards within the Paso Robles AVA, it offers aromas and flavors of dark bramble fruits, morello cherries, lavender, bittersweet chocolate, cedar and holiday spice cake. Medium-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas. With minimal wood and very soft tannins, this stays smooth-textured on the mid-palate and throughout the medium-length finish. Popped, poured and tasted over a two-hour period, this showed best after an hour of air. Drink now-2030.

5/17/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Tasted at the winery from a well-cellared bottle that had been opened and partially poured during the preceding two hours, this medium garnet Pinot showed very well. Offering an aromatic array of Bing cherries, dark plums, nectarines, baking spices, aged leather and black tea, it is a medium-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13.2%) wine with nicely integrated oak and soft residual tannins. The flavors mirror the aromas, persisting nicely on the dense mid-palate and protracted finish. Fully mature, this should be at its best over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2027.

5/17/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Popped, poured and serially tasted from a pristinely-cellared bottle over a 90-minute interval, this wine is firing on all cylinders. Intensely aromatic and immediately expressive, it flaunts floral scents of jasmine, violets and lavender that are backed up with a nice core of Montmorency cherry and Mandarin orange fruit. Weaving in notes of cinnamon, cocoa and coriander seed, it is a medium-garnet, medium-bodied, freshly acidic wine with fully integrated alcohol (14.2%), oak and tannins. The flavors mirror the nose, adding a modicum of dried apricot on the dense mid-palate and a note of saline on the lengthy finish. Absolutely stunning, this mature Pinot is classic in quality at this stage in its evolution. Comparably cellared bottles should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2028.

5/16/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

This deep ruby wine offers aromas and flavors of Bing cherries, cassis, dark plums, allspice, licorice and cocoa. Medium-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity, proportionately oaked and without any heat from its 13.9% alcohol, it wraps its flavors with silky tannins and stays solid on the mid-palate. Medium in length and smooth on the finish, this is an easy-drinking Cab that will have many fans by virtue of its soft textures. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. Popped, poured and serially tasted over a two-hour period, this benefited from the first 30 minutes in glass. Drink now-2029.

5/15/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Carlisle's 2021 Saitone Ranch Zinfandel, sourced from vines averaging 126 years of age, includes a 1% dollop of Carignan. Serially sampled over a three-hour period from a bottle that had been decanted through a Vinturi aerator, it flaunts an intense aromatic array of black, red and blue bramble fruits, supplemented with apricots, orange zest, baking spices and dried herbs. Full-bodied, beautifully fresh, proportionately oaked and with plentiful powdery tannins, it delivers flavors in line with the aromas. Plump and layered in the middle, it moves on to a lengthy, smooth-textured finish. Carlisle has captured the essence of Zinfandel with this bottling. Give it at least an hour of air for maximal enjoyment at this early stage. Enclosed with a Diam 30 cork. Drink now-2031.

5/15/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Ordered from a restaurant's list, this deep garnet wine offers a core of Morello and Montmorency cherry fruit that is accented with notes of dried fig, espresso, raisin, cinnamon and cocoa. Full-bodied, dry and with excellent freshness, it incorporates its relatively modest alcohol (15%) nicely, which is also the case for its medium-weight, fine-grained tannins. Dense in the middle and medium-to-long on the back end, this is a just what the doctor would order to be paired with rich and flavorful pasta dishes. Give it an hour or more of air if possible. Drink now-2030.

5/14/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Popped, poured and serially sampled over a three-hour period, this bottle required a mere 30 minutes in glass to fully open. Very clean and aromatic, it flaunts scents of Montmorency cherries, red currants, apricots, cardamom, black tea and savory herbs. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, judiciously oaked and without any heat from its 13% alcohol, it delivers a flavor payload that is congruent with the aromas, buttressed with medium-weight, silky-textured tannins. Dense in the middle and medium-to-long on the back end, this is a delicious Pinot that should show well for the next several years. Drink now-2031.

5/14/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

The 2019 iteration of Château Sociando-Mallet is blend of 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc that was aged for 12 months in French oak barriques (90% new). Deep-to-opaque ruby, it is aromatically effusive of dark plums, crème de cassis, licorice, tobacco, allspice, menthol and pencil shavings. Medium-to-full-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and proportionately oaked, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose. Although plentiful, the tannins are fine-grained, resulting in an overall soft-textured mouthfeel that is pervasive throughout the dense mid-palate and lengthy finish. This is an elegant version of Sociando-Mallet that is already showing well. It should have substantial longevity. Tasted over a four-hour period from a bottle that had been Vinturi-decanted, this showed best after the first 90 minutes in carafe. Drink now-2044.

5/13/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

This young Chardonnay, sourced from 80-year-old vines, has a somewhat mature appearance. It flaunts a limpid, medium golden robe that would otherwise be expected as lighter-hued from a 2021 offering. Nicely fragrant, it serves up aromas of clementines, white peaches, honeysuckle, lemon verbena and wet stones. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, minimally oaked and without alcoholic heat (14%), it delivers a comparable flavor payload, retaining good density in the middle and finishing with medium length. Well-crafted and quite enjoyable, this will be at its best over the next 3-4 years. Popped and poured, this is ready from the get-go. Drink now-2028.

5/12/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Sourced entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, this rosé is comprised of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. Disgorged 2/7/2021 and given a dosage of 8 g/l, it carries the lot identifier of L192183. Medium-to-deep salmon in color and flaunting a brisk tiny bead, it serves up a delightful aromatic profile of strawberries, blood oranges, quince, bread dough, honeysuckle and saline. Medium-bodied, vibrantly acidic and with flavors that are commensurate with the nose, it retains good density on the mid-palate and concludes with a crisp, lengthy finish. If this were in a blind non-vintage rosé Champagne tasting, I suspect that it would prevail against most of its large-house competitors. Drink now-2027.

5/12/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Sourced entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, this particular bottle is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay that was disgorged 8/6/2021 (dosage 8 g/l, lot identifier L181159). Light golden in color, it sports a brisk tiny bead and an intense aromatic array of lime zest, Mandarin oranges, coriander seed, brioche, hazelnuts and marzipan. Medium-bodied, vibrantly acidic and with a creamy-textured mousse, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose. With a solid mid-palate and an energetic, lengthy finish, this is a very impressive non-vintage Champagne. Drink now-2028.

5/11/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Decanted through a Vinturi aerator and serially sampled over three hours, this deep ruby Zinfandel has a distinct aroma and flavor profile. Ripe, but not overly so, it delivers a package of apricots, dark plums, cocoa, rose petals, black tea, mint and five-spice. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic, lightly oaked and with impressively well-integrated alcohol (especially for a 15.3% label), it has good mid-palate density and finishes medium-to-long. This wine pairs beautifully with soft cheese. Give it an hour or more of air if possible. Drink now-2027.

5/11/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère was tasted from a bottle that had been purchased upon release and pristinely cellared. Decanted off of its substantial sediment and serially sampled over five hours, it is medium-to-deep garnet in color and serves up a bouquet of black fruits, dark chocolate, cigar tobacco, graphite, black tea, baking spices and aged leather. Medium-to-full-bodied, low in acidity, seamlessly alcoholic (13%) and with silky residual tannins, it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas. Layered and dense on the mid-palate, it concludes with a lengthy finish. Fully mature and clearly on plateau, this is an absolute joy to drink. Be sure to decant it off of its sediment and give it an hour or more in carafe. Drink now-2030.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Conterno's 2018 Barolo Bussia is a medium garnet wine that flaunts scents of red currants, dark plums, orange zest, apricots, rose petals, baking spices and tobacco. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, lightly oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers comparable flavors. For the most part, the powdery tannins lurk quietly, not really flexing their grip until the late mid-palate and long finish. Although enjoyable now, a bit more time in the cellar will be beneficial. Drink 2027-2043.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Sourced from four different vineyards within the Okanagan Valley, Checkmate's 2018 Fool's Mate Chardonnay was 75% fermented and aged in French oak barriques (50% new), with the remainder being fermented and aged in foudre and concrete. All vessels were allowed to undergo malolactic conversion. What has resulted is a medium-bodied, light golden, round wine that delivers aromas and flavors of orange zest, yellow peaches, baked apple pie, honey and spicy oak. The alcohol (14.3%) is nicely assimilated and the middle palate is solid. Medium in length on the back end, this is a soft-textured Chardonnay that will be enjoyed by fans of the style. For me, a little more acid and a little less oak would have resulted in a better product. Drink now-2026.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Sourced from the hillside Ravera Vineyard in the village of Novello, this medium garnet Barolo is impressive from the get-go. On the nose, it offers an aromatic array of red bramble fruits, blood oranges, dried apricots, licorice, violets, allspice and savory herbs. Medium-to-full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, adding a prominent graphite thread on the mid-palate. Aged for 32 months in used oak foudres, this wine has a modicum of wood that complements but does not overwhelm the flavors. The powdery tannins are plentiful at this point, flexing a bit of grip on the lengthy finish. This classic-quality Barolo can be enjoyed now, but those having the patience will benefit by leaving it in the cellar for a few more years. Drink 2029-2049.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep-to-opaque ruby wine is a true field blend of multiple varietals, sourced from old vines that are dominated by Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela and Tinta Barroca. Offering an aromatic profile of black cherries, cranberries, pickling spice, lavender, smoke and black pepper, it follows with similar flavors on a medium-to-full-bodied palate. With fresh acidity, well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), polished tannins and a hint of oak, it stays dense on the mid-palate and finishes with impressive length. Drink now-2035.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Similar to a fino sherry but unfortified, this 100% Pedro Ximénez wine spent three months in amphorae followed by two additional years in old casks under a thin layer of flor. The result is a medium golden product that delivers aromas and flavors of quince, orange zest, dried apricots, allspice and walnuts. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (13.5%), it has characteristic notes of slight oxidation that are pervasive on the mid-palate and medium-to-long finish. Well-crafted, this will be enjoyable to those who appreciate the style. Drink now-2027.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Flaunting an inky, opaque crimson robe, this single-quinta Port offers intense aromas and flavors of black cherries, dark bramble fruits, candied oranges, licorice, tar and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and with good freshness to balance the sugar, it has excellent depth in the middle and finishes quite long. A joy to drink at this point, it should continue to provide pleasure for several more decades. Drink now-2052.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Argiano's 2017 Brunello is a medium garnet wine that flaunts an intense aromatic array of red currants, apricots, clementines, five-spice powder, cocoa, savory herbs and dry earth. Medium-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers comparable flavors and has good mid-palate density. The alcohol (14.5%), oak and sweet tannins are all working in harmony at this point. Concluding with a lengthy, energetic finish, this is ready for prime time. Enjoy it throughout the remainder of this decade. Drink 2024-2030.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep-to-opaque garnet Port is at a beautiful place in its evolution. Absolutely loaded aromatically and on the palate, it serves up a complex array of dark plums, blackberries, morello cherries, raisin bread toast, spice cake, dark chocolate, espresso and cigar wrapper. Full-bodied and with good freshness, it stays nicely balanced from attack through lengthy finish. Enjoy this delicious wine over the next several decades (if your own longevity permits). Drink now-2063.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Croft's 2017 Vintage Port is an opaque crimson wine with intense aromatics. Ripe black currant, black cherry, raspberry and fig fruit jumps from the glass, accented with notes of dark chocolate, holiday spice cake, licorice and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and with just enough acid to balance the sweetness, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas. Layered in the middle and long on the finish, this is a good showing for Croft. It can be enjoyed now, but it would be best to cellar it for a few more years. Drink 2027-2057.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep ruby blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 10% Syrah offers attractive aromas and flavors of dark bramble fruits, orange zest, apricots, allspice, tobacco and savory herbs. Medium-bodied, judiciously oaked and with lively acids, it wraps its flavors with medium-weight, silky-textured tannins. Despite being listed as 15.5%, the wine's alcohol is quite well-integrated. Dense on the mid-palate and long on the back end, this is a terrific wine that should show well over the next 10+ years. Drink now-2034.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This limpid, straw-colored wine was matured for 14 months in French oak barrels (27% new). Aromatically effusive of mandarin oranges, white peaches, honeydew, jasmine, wet stones, ginger and hazelnuts, it goes on to deliver comparable flavors on a medium-bodied palate. Despite being 100% malolactic converted, it shows beautiful freshness. The oak is virtually seamless and the alcohol (13.07%) is likewise well-assimilated. Layered in the middle, it proceeds to a lengthy, saline-infused finish. This Chardonnay is easy to love for its freshness, complexity and overall balance. Enjoy it throughout the remainder of this decade. Drink now-2030.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep-to-opaque ruby wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec, 17% Carménère and 6% Petit Verdot, aged in a combination of French oak barriques (90%) and foudres (10%). Of the wine aged in barriques, 70% of the barrels were new. Aromatically expressive of red currant, raspberry and Mandarin orange fruit, it adds accents of savory herbs, coriander seed and graphite. Full-bodied, fresh and without any heat from its 13.5% alcohol, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. There is a fair amount of oak, but contextually it is fine, as are the plentiful sweet tannins. Long and energetic at the conclusion, this is an impressive Chilean Bordeaux-styled blend that should show well and evolve over the next decade. Drink now-2034.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Beautiful in its restraint and elegance, Bergström's 2021 Pinot Noir, sourced from its original estate (Bergström) vineyard, is a medium garnet, intensely aromatic offering. Jumping from the glass is blood orange, a floral citrus that sets the stage for honeycrisp apples, raspberries, clove, cocoa and black tea. Medium in body, it is a freshly acidic Pinot with unnoticeable alcohol (12.7%) and light sweet tannins. Stainless steel-fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak (15% new) barriques, Bergstrom has captured just the right amount of wood to complement but not overwhelm the delicate flavors, which never lose their focus throughout the dense mid-palate and long finish. Those who favor the ripe, New World style of many Pinot offerings from California may not fully appreciate this Burgundian-styled effort from Oregon, but there are plenty of others who will! Drink now-2031.

5/10/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Sourced from Turley's organic, dry-farmed Estate Vineyard, this wine (100% Sauvignon Blanc) was aged for approximately six months in neutral French oak barrels. Straw-colored and intensely aromatic, it offers a bouquet of white peaches, honeycrisp apples, pineapple, lemon verbena and a hint of freshly cut grass. Medium-bodied on the palate, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, adding notes of Mandarin oranges and wet stones. Vibrantly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13.4%) and with just the right amount of oak to add complexity and texture, it stays dense in the middle and concludes with a lengthy, energetic finish. This is a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc that checks all of the boxes. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. Enclosed with a Diam 10 cork. Drink now-2027.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep ruby wine is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (71% new). Flashing lots of ripe black fruit, pickling spice, milk chocolate, tobacco, licorice and vanilla, it is a full-bodied red with well-integrated alcohol (15%) and low-to-medium acidity. The oak is dominant at this early stage and the plentiful tannins are a bit angular. Dense in the middle, it moves on to a lengthy, albeit grippy finish. Give this some cellar time. Drink 2026-2041.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Chimney Rock's 2021 Stags Leap District Cab is a deep ruby blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 0.5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Malbec. Deep ruby in color, it offers aromas and flavors of Bing cherries, crème de cassis, baking spices, tobacco, violets, dark chocolate and toasted oak. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with plush tannins. Dense in the middle and long on the back end, this is a well-crafted red that will have broad appeal. Drink now-2036.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Viña Don Melchor's 2021 vintage is a deep-to-opaque ruby blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, aged for 15 months in French oak barriques (68% new). Deep-to-opaque ruby in color, it is aromatically effusive of black currants, kirsch, licorice, exotic spices, violets, mint and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, fresh and with seamless alcohol (14.8%), it delivers flavors congruent with the nose, injecting a thread of iron. At this early stage, the plentiful oak and equally plentiful tannins have not fully integrated, dominating the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This terrific wine is a baby that will require some patience. If it fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will be merited. Drink 2028-2051.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in a combination of French and American oak, this deep-to-opaque ruby wine serves up a lush package of black, blue and red fruits that are accented with bittersweet chocolate, licorice, baking spices, lavender and toasted oak. Full-bodied, low in acidity, seamlessly alcoholic and with abundant plush tannins, it stays dense in the middle and concludes with a smooth, lingering finish. This luscious Cab will have many fans by virtue of its ripe fruit and soft textures. Already drinkable, it should provide pleasure for many years to come. Drink now-2041.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Archery Summit has created another winner with this gorgeous Pinot. Aged for nine months in French oak (15% new), it is a medium ruby/red wine that serves up an aromatic array of Montmorency cherries, plums, cinnamon, clove, cocoa and red licorice. Medium-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose. The oak and tannins are seamless, resulting in soft textures that are pervasive on the layered mid-palate and lingering finish. Drink now-2030.

5/9/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This opaque crimson wine, sourced from four different Napa County vineyards, is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Fermented in stainless steel and subsequently aged for 15 months in French oak barriques (65% new), it is a beautifully fragrant wine that flaunts scents of blackberries, Bing cherries, allspice, bittersweet chocolate, hazelnuts and toasted oak. Full-bodied, fresh and with nicely assimilated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas and stays dense on the mid-palate. The plentiful silky tannins make for a soft landing on the lengthy finish. This is a terrific Napa (County) Cab at an attractive price. Properly cellared, it should provide at least another decade of enjoyment. Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over three hours, this showed best after the first hour in carafe. Drink now-2034.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep-to-opaque ruby wine, 100% Tempranillo, offers a core of red and black fruit that is accented with notes of tobacco, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, black olives and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with a generous aliquot of oak and an equally plentiful load of rustic tannins, both of which are dominating the mid-palate and lengthy finish at this stage. Additional cellaring should help to buff out the rough edges and allow this wine to achieve a higher score. Drink 2027-2034.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Colombo's 2020 Cornas Les Ruchets is a deep ruby Syrah that flaunts scents of wild berries, dark plums, rosemary, black olives, white pepper and a hint of smoke. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic and without alcoholic heat (14.5%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, adding a thread of iron on the mid-palate. Even at this early stage, the wine's oak and plush tannins make for a silky-textured drinking experience, ultimately concluding with a lengthy smooth finish. Beautifully crafted, this will provide plenty of pleasure over the upcoming years. Drink now-2035.

5/8/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

This Châteauneuf is a deep ruby blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, aged entirely in concrete. Serially sampled over four hours from a bottle that had been decanted through a Vinturi aerator, it was still on the upswing at the conclusion of tasting. Offering red and black bramble fruits, Provençal herbs, licorice, menthol, pipe tobacco and loam on both the nose and palate, it is a medium-bodied, fresh red with medium-weight tannins and nicely integrated alcohol (14%). Solid in the middle, it finishes medium-to-long and with a modicum of tannic grip. If you choose to pop the cork at this stage, give this wine as much air as your patience allows. Drink now-2030.

5/8/2024 - La Cave d'Argent wrote:

Ordered by the glass at a restaurant from a bottle that was freshly popped and poured, this immediately-expressive, straw-colored wine offers aromas of lime zest, kiwi, wet stones, jasmine and cut grass. Light-to-medium-bodied, fresh, unoaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13%), it delivers comparable flavors and stays solid on the mid-palate. Unfortunately, the finish is clipped; otherwise this pleasant wine would merit a higher score. Drink now-2027.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep ruby wine is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barriques. Opaque ruby in color, it is a full-bodied, broad-shouldered wine that is packed with black currants, dark bramble fruits, lavender, Asian spices, bittersweet chocolate and tobacco. Freshly acidic and without any heat from its 13.9% alcohol, it is still youthful with respect to its far-from-integrated oak and tannins, which dominate the mid-palate and lengthy finish. All this needs is time...the building blocks are lined up. If it fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will be merited. Drink 2027-2040.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): DeLille's 2020 D2 is a blend of 61% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, sourced from more than a dozen esteemed Columbia Valley vineyards. Aged for 20 months in French oak (68% new), it is a deep-to-opaque ruby wine flaunting an aromatic array of black currant and Bing cherry fruit, accented with baking spices, bittersweet chocolate, Kalamata olives, violets and tobacco. Full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.4%) and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, adding components of graphite and savory herbs. The oak has already integrated nicely and the tannins are plush. Dense in the middle and long on the back end, this is a delicious Bordeaux-styled blend that should show well for another decade or more. Drink now-2034.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): The Clos Blanc Vineyard, surviving the French revolution as an undivided property (monopole), sits adjacent to the Château du Clos de Vougeot. The 2020 version of this wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (23% new). Intensely aromatic and flavorful, it delivers a package of blood oranges, pit fruits, lemon verbena, wet stones and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, crisply acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13%) and with perfectly proportioned oak, it has excellent mid-palate density and concludes with a lengthy, energetic finish. This white Burgundy has a beautiful fruit/floral/mineral balance. Well-cellared bottles should easily see their fifteenth birthday. Drink now-2035.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Comprised entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 16 months in 100% new American oak, the 2021 iteration of Penfolds Bin 707 is a young bruiser that is packed with black currants, morello cherries, baking spices, espresso, eucalyptus and bittersweet chocolate in a full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), heavily oaked frame. With a backbone of plentiful grippy tannins that build on the mid-palate and lengthy finish, this is one for the cellar. There is no denying the potential of this bottling, but time will be required in order for the oak and tannins to assimilate. If this fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will ultimately be merited. Drink 2027-2051.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This straw-colored sparkler sports a brisk tiny bead. Intense and complex on the nose, it flaunts aromas of blood oranges, honeycrisp apples, stone fruits, quince, brioche, marzipan and jasmine. Medium-bodied, vibrantly acidic and with a creamy-textured mousse, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, showing good persistence throughout the layered mid-palate and lingering, energetic finish. Classic in quality, this tête de cuvée has plenty of stuffing to ensure many more years of enjoyment. Drink now-2038.

5/7/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

An unspecified blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, this deep ruby wine offers rich aromas and flavors of dark bramble fruits, Bing cherries, garrigue, licorice and baking spices. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, minimally oaked (or unoaked) and with well-integrated alcohol (despite being listed as 15%), it wraps its flavors with medium-weight, mildly edgy tannins. Solid in the middle and medium in length on the back end, this represents very good value from an underrated appellation in the northeastern portion of the Southern Rhone Valley. This particular bottle was Vinturi-decanted and serially tasted over the ensuing three hours. It required no more than 30 minutes in order to fully express itself. Drink now-2029.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Penner-Ash's 2019 Shea Vineyard Pinot was aged for 10 months in French oak (39% new). Medium ruby in color, it flaunts an aromatic profile of Bing cherries, raspberries, clove, allspice, cocoa and black tea. Medium-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas, buttressed with medium-weight, silky-textured tannins and a proportionate aliquot of oak. Layered on the mid-palate and long on the back end, this is a beautifully balanced Pinot that should provide lots of pleasure throughout the remainder of this decade. Drink now-2030.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): Aged for nine months in French oak barrels (83% new), this Pinot offers ripe aromas and flavors of morello cherries, raspberries, orange zest, black tea, cocoa and cola. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.0%) and with plush tannins, it still appears to be in the process of incorporating its lofty aliquot of oak, which dominates the mid-palate and lengthy finish. Additional cellaring should allow the wood to assimilate, at which time a higher score will likely be merited. Drink 2026-2032.

5/4/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine:

Wine Spectator Grand Tour (Las Vegas, NV): This deep ruby wine, 100% Tempranillo, was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new). Offering aromas of black cherries, raspberries, lavender, tobacco, cocoa and pickling spice, it is a full-bodied red with lively acids, well integrated alcohol (15%), plentiful sweet tannins and a proportionate amount of creamy oak. The flavors mirror the nose, persisting nicely on the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This is showing beautifully and should reach its fifteenth birthday with grace. Drink now-2033.