csimm

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• melsdad says:

  2/3/2024 11:00:00 AM - Hi Chris - If you don't mind, please email me at melsdad117@gmail. It's newish for me and I can't find yours. Cheers!

• essenceofreal says:

  8/20/2023 7:59:00 PM - Greetings, I'm in Napa and if I can decipher some of the notes you too are in the area? I'll be here another 3-6 months and then probably launch back to my home in Thailand for a bit w my wife. I haven't met many on the site but starting to reach out as have lots of bottles in need of liberation! Open to ideas etc. Kindly PK

• Rote Kappelle says:

  5/1/2023 3:47:00 PM - Comrade csimm1161, glad you enjoyed the TN. I love Clape's wines but I think they can be polarising. They have a lot of heft and character but it is not oak driven, nor is it about over-extraction, dubious use of whole bunches etc. I had a quick look at your TN's and it may be a bit more burly than you commonly drink but the thing with Clape is that there is always a bit more there than first encounter might lead one to think. Anyway, enjoy it, I think it is a wonderful wine.

• Canoehead says:

  12/7/2022 2:12:00 PM - CSIMM, this is tentative itinerary for the Bordeaux tour in Sep’23. Fine Vintage does a great job. Four spaces remaining… https://www.finevintageltd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Wine-Tour-Bordeaux-September-4-8-2023-Sample-Itinerary-1.pdf

• markydecker says:

  10/24/2022 6:03:00 PM - My side hurts from laughing at the thread on Caymus SS 2015. Best review yet…Cheers:)

• El_Dougo says:

  9/18/2022 4:36:00 PM - Love your tasting notes. Educational and fun. You have a new fan!

• bsumoba says:

  6/1/2022 9:46:00 AM - Hey CSIMM. Shoot me an email bsumoba @ gmail. Heard from Wombat about the 25th. Would like to get more info on it.

• vino_per_tutti says:

  3/9/2022 9:48:00 AM - Back again CSIMM. Your take on the MM "cuvee" cabernet - worth the tariff, or stick with the single vineyard designates?

• vino_per_tutti says:

  3/3/2022 12:48:00 PM - Hi there. You helped me to discover Sam Kaplan's Maxem for which I am grateful. Just ordered the 2020 MM SB. Hope its better than your take on the 2018 vintage!

• Vinomazing says:

  12/8/2021 8:16:00 PM - Happy Holidays, wishing you and yours joy and good health into the New Year!!

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  7/29/2021 6:26:00 AM - csimm, wanted to say thanks for the Three Sticks recommendation. Greg took wonderful care of me and my wife and friends. We had an awesome time in Sonoma and surrounding area. Appreciate your contribution to making it a wonderful experience.

• MJP Hou TX says:

  6/28/2021 9:16:00 AM - Yes, Heimark is on the radar with FP in the mix. Have you tasted yet?

• MJP Hou TX says:

  6/27/2021 6:13:00 PM - Here is a new one for you. Maybe.... I've been told to sign up early. https://almacerro.com/

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  5/13/2021 8:25:00 AM - Thank you so much my friend. Have a great rest of your day!

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  5/13/2021 8:20:00 AM - Yes, thank you so much! I did receive in my email. Will he recognize your CT handle?

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  5/12/2021 5:38:00 PM - csimm- thanks for your response and the suggestions. We will be out there 7/16-24. I am definitely interested in Three Sticks as it appears they are strong with both Pinot and Chardonnay. Let me know how best to access them and connect. Appreciate your willingness to help. Also congrats on approaching 4,000 CT Tasting notes- that is rarified air my friend!

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  5/10/2021 1:04:00 PM - Hi csimm- long time between dialogue. Hope you are well. My wife and I are heading to Sonoma in July and I am wondering if there are any wineries you would recommend visiting. I plan on Wren Hop for sure, but anything else that you think is a "don't miss"?

• Frank Murray III says:

  4/1/2021 11:30:00 AM - I'll let you know. Your notes were spot on helpful.

• Frank Murray III says:

  3/31/2021 4:48:00 PM - Just saw your notes on the Maillart range. Wow, you really dug those wines. Are you that high on them? Thinking of playing with a couple for an upcoming blind event.

• Neecies says:

  2/22/2021 5:46:00 PM - I see you saw my tasting note. :)

• vintage1949 says:

  12/9/2020 3:25:00 AM - Greetings, Is that your dog in the picture? A friend of mine is looking for a dog that would suit him. He is 67 years old so a dog that would enjoy going for walks but also sitting around the house would be perfect . If the dog in the picture would not fit his needs do you know what type would? On another note I just added another three pack of Memento Mori Dr. Crane 2018 to my cellar under pending delivery to make it a total of two three packs. Good idea? Dave

• vintage1949 says:

  12/6/2020 8:49:00 AM - Hey CSIMM, Make you feel good statement. I asked a lot of CT’ers over a period of time whose reviews I could trust when purchasing wines above $150. Obviously I got many names, however two names came to the top of the list. You were one of the two wine reviewers. Cool! Wish I could say you win .......... however there is no prize:( Dave

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  10/31/2020 3:12:00 PM - Hi csimm I wanted to see if you changed your mind on 2014 Bordeaux. I know originally you weren’t really è amore with them. There are some who think this is a vintage worth buying especially given the low prices. I’m wondering if 14, 15 & 16 are like 88, 89 & 90. I thought the 88 wines were very good. Not as good as 89 or 90 but same situation with prices being lower. Any new thought? Maybe you could try a couple now and give your thought. You have a good palate for these young wines and how they might be when ready to drink. Thanks.

• csimm says:

  10/25/2020 11:18:00 AM - A record of my reply to pickhardt - addendum: Incidentally, if you're truly interested in engaging in a reciprocal dialogue about recommendations for <$50 wines (of all varietals), I'm always happy to discuss.

• csimm says:

  10/25/2020 9:53:00 AM - A record of my reply to pickhardt: Hello pickhardt. I received and read the comments you felt the need to post on my message board wherein you demand of me to, "don't give really low scores to bottles that are under $50" because, as you state, every wine under $50 that I've reviewed over the last year has "terrible" scores from me and it "skews" the numeric for wines that you apparently need only positive affirmation for. Allow me to mention a fact-morsel for you, as what I find most interesting is that in the last 20 tasting notes I've done, 17 have been on wines under $50. And of those 17 wines, 14 were wines I loved and gave scores in the 90s. So it seems that what is actually skewed is the math you're using to fit whatever agenda you may have to ensure the wines you have allegiance to receive only positive accolades. Nevertheless, I will humbly and politely respond to your edict for me to alter my scoring with a simple, "No thank you. I will continue to relay my perspective on every wine I encounter." This forum is for folks to share their individual, subjective experiences with wine and not be governed by some odd adoration for only the wines to which a particular person wants to impose parental oversight. That you're actually personally insulted by a tasting note on any wine speaks to a perplexing sensitivity that perhaps is in need of some attention outside of Cellar Tracker. Cheers to you sir.

• pickhardt says:

  10/24/2020 9:02:00 PM - I am genuinely happy for you that are able to drink so many bottles whose average CT prices are $100 - $200 and higher. Do us a favor though. Please don't give really low scores to bottles that are under $50. It skews the view of those of us for whom having a $50 bottle is a good night. Please consider not giving those bottles a numerical rating (NR)l. You can add a note that they're not as good as the much more expensive bottles you are used to and still give your description. I spent 30 minutes scrolling through all your tasting notes in the last year. Every wine that I recognized as available on the East Coast and/or $50 or less had terrible scores from you. Recommended pairing of hotdogs or PB&J are insulting. Just say the wine was beneath your lofty standards. Cheers.

• bsumoba says:

  10/22/2020 9:27:00 AM - I see that you are in SF. I live in the SJ area. Looking for some other wino's that like fine wine. I have a decent wine list and if there are events or dinners where guests bring wine to share, I am ready to go. Email me at bsumoba at gmail.com

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  9/1/2020 9:51:00 AM - Hello CSIMM, Hope you are well in this strange season. Have been enjoying digging deep in my cellar and pulling out a gem or two. I always think of you when I uncork a Wren Hop.Had a Flight Risk and a Druids Metaphor recently. Just wanted to check in and say hello- stay safe, and always drink great wine!

• AaronMaxwell says:

  8/12/2020 9:42:00 PM - Hi! Really appreciate your notes. Also in SF, and we're doing some socially distanced tastings in case you're ever up for a social evening. Cheers!

• robburgundy says:

  7/15/2020 11:24:00 AM - hey there - loved your tasting notes and became a fan! thanks for your notes on Arkenstone!

• vintage1949 says:

  7/14/2020 4:57:00 AM - Greetings csimm1161, How are things going with you? What wines have you recently consumed and did they meet your expectations? Dave

• PIZZAandBAROLO says:

  7/13/2020 6:51:00 PM - Hello, Just wanted to say recently I've been trying a lot of wines that you spoke (wrote) very highly of (Myriad, Memento, Janzen) Thank you! I came across your tasting note on 2015 Flaccianello. Based on notes & comments, I thought I might recommend a wine that could be cut from the same cloth as some Napa/BDX and great QPR. Argiano Solegno Avg $60 (Others Saffredi, Grattamacco, Argentiera, Tignanello, Oreno are most excellent & worth a try. But I think you'd really enjoy this.) 2016 is my fave but could use some time. 2015 is ready now and excellent. Older vintages are def worth seeking out as well. Cheers :)

• vintage1949 says:

  7/9/2020 4:02:00 PM - Greetings-Can you tell me more about the picture you have posted on this page? Oh darn-keeping it clean for the kiddies-I have three 2013 Schrader RBS’s. Not real happy they gave me three of these in my four pack. Stay safe. Dave

• GT3John says:

  11/2/2019 8:34:00 PM - You and I generally agree on wines. I really appreciate your reviews because I'm not good with my words. I wanted to tell you to try the 2016 Boich Missouri Hopper. The QPR is awesome; its such a well crafted wine. I compare it to the Scarlett Reserve 2015 in terms of under appreciated QPR. I'd love to see your thoughts.

• Vinomazing says:

  10/7/2019 6:36:00 PM - Just pissed my pants reading through some of your notes, let me go clean up and come back to more. On the real, they are frighen good a** notes to pull a lot of info and insight from and then funny to top it off. What a pleasure to have you on CT. I will have some diapers handy for when you post. Peace

• air guitar & pinot noir says:

  9/19/2019 7:29:00 AM - csimm my friend- any insights on the new Wren Hop Pinot's?

• csimm says:

  9/14/2019 8:53:00 AM - Hi GQG. My apologies, as I haven't had the 2016s. Though I've enjoyed Herold's wines, I haven't sought them out recently, as his style seems to have gone even more increasingly ripe and extracted. The Standard Brown Label is good, but I've preferred the single Coombsville and Stagecoach labeled wines a little more. The White Label (his attempt at Merus quality back in the early 2000s - before the selloff in 2007) is certainly more sophisticated, but the tariff is not worth it to me. I've found his wines don't seem to age well from a complexity standpoint, mostly because the overly ripe fruit clashes with the heavy booze. That said, they are tasty hedonistic animals, but the cocktail component can heavy the palate pretty fast.

• GQG says:

  9/11/2019 7:44:00 PM - Hi CS -- would appreciate any insight on Mark Herold Cabs, specifically the 2016 Brown Label (from 4 sites in Coombsville.) I believe you liked the 2013 Coombsville that may be similar. Thx

• WineBurrowingWombat says:

  5/24/2019 5:57:00 PM - Not a problem at all! Thanks for sharing. I was thinking about doing the same somehow. Anyways, love the honesty and truth in your notes. I've been looking forward to try some wines that I've been keeping an eye on (like B Cellars) and your notes really help guide me toward the style of wine I'm looking for. Really helpful. Maybe I'll run into you randomly someday lol. Cheers!

• WineBurrowingWombat says:

  5/22/2019 9:30:00 PM - Hi csimm! Outta curiosity, what kind of cellar do you have?

• Fractalage says:

  3/29/2019 1:38:00 PM - If you're ever in the San Mateo area hit me up and we'll taste something legendary in my art studio. I paint with fine juice so I keep a few cases of stuff for oenophiles.

• sean7711 says:

  11/29/2018 7:47:00 AM - Thanks csimm for your comments around the '17 vintage. I did get a chance to sample the VV LPV from the barrel and it was amazing, but that was just one wine of many out there that are fighting for cellar space for my 2019 purchases. It'll be interesting for sure and always value your feedback as you get to taste the '17s. Part of why I love this community! I agree that it's important to be more discerning with the 2017s especially with all I've been hearing around how great 2018 will be. Rather save up a bit more this coming year for more purchases in 2020!

• sean7711 says:

  11/18/2018 6:40:00 PM - csimm, thanks again for all your notes. Curious to see what you think about your upcoming purchases from a 2017 perspective. It's hard to believe but Myriad is coming out in January on their first batch of the 2017 vintage. I think you've been to Napa and talked with producers so wanted to see what you had on your radar. The ones I think we have in common are VV, Carter (or anything Mike Smith related), Outpost, and probably a few others I should have my eyes out for. As always, cheers!

• Radboy says:

  11/15/2018 6:16:00 PM - Hey there. Greetings! One of your Cayuse reviews had me in stitches! They are in my back yard and often have bewildering wines, the spirit of which you captured. Cheers

• iamandyc says:

  11/8/2018 11:24:00 AM - Hi csimm1161. We share interest in similar wines so I often see your notes and they are great. Very useful for me as our tastes are similar. Had a tasting with Mark Carter in May and he commented about someone who passionately posts a lot on this site and I said is it csimm1161 and he laughed and said yes it was! The 2016 Carters were amazing! I collect a lot by winemaker so I have many of Mike's labels in my cellar but the Carter was something else. Since I live on the East Coast I have to live vicariously thru folks like you who get to taste often out there. Keep up the good work (I know it doesn't s*ck drinking these!).

• ekwine says:

  10/4/2018 7:22:00 AM - Ed from Boich Family Cellar here. Are you in the discussion forums? I'd like to send you a message. Or you can call the winery and they will give you my e-mail. Also, great job on all your tasting notes. That takes a lot of effort.

• SMZ says:

  8/31/2018 8:16:00 PM - As a CA pinotphile, I have to tell you that the Wren Hop wines have become my favorite. Many thanks for your detailed reviews over the past few years, becuause that’s how I discovered this winery.

• GQG says:

  8/7/2018 11:27:00 AM - Congratulations on posting your 2,500th tasting note! Not that I've read all of them, but I've learned and laughed my way through many. Thanks for sharing your insights, even though they've cost me some $$$! For the record, it was a note on the 2016 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard. Hmmm, I'm gonna have to try that one.

• For the Love of Wine says:

  7/9/2018 5:46:00 PM - You take very nice and detailed notes. I especially appreciate when you include how the wine was prepared, i.e., temp and decant times. I also took the liberty of looking at your cellar, a very nice collection of CA Cabs. I am envious! I know I should be more diligent than I am about note taking, but I do at least try to be descriptive and include decant times (temps would be a little harder because I rarely PnP wines right out of the cellar, although, if I am hosting an event, I will decant and keep it in my cellar until it gets close to serving time - which is 54-55 degrees) Anyway, this is not about me, it is a thank you for your detailed notes!

• sean7711 says:

  7/2/2018 5:36:00 PM - csimm, thank you for your recent notes on the 2016 Carters. I can't wait to get a hold of the ones I bought... might have to go back and add another order! I've seen you post some on Hall's upper tier wines. Curious if you get an allocation for the Platinum wines (Sacrashe, Rainin, Bishop) and if you think they're worth the $350 tariff a bottle. 2015 has me intrigued. I was at Hall Rutherford a few months ago and they mentioned they were better than the 2014s but the price is certainly steep. Any input would be great- Thanks! Sean

• JLuch1 says:

  6/4/2018 8:51:00 PM - csimm, figured I would share this with you since your notes on the Mike Smith wines and single vineyard sites of Dr. Crane and Las Piedres have motivated me to sign up for the Carter/Myriad/Quivet mailings. Additionally, I purchased an allocation of Myriad Syrah and Semillion in order to get Tier 1 status ahead of the next July Quivet release. I am getting my first cold shipment on Wednesday (of the Syrah and Semillion), which I must say I am excited about, hoping to get a glimpse in to the style of MS prior to purchasing the single vineyards in the coming months. Was also wondering if you had any advice or details that might be helpful ahead of the July Quivet release. Thanks in advance

• michigan dogs says:

  3/12/2018 8:31:00 AM - csimm, torrin wines are new to my cellar, so I don't have alot of experience with them, but the wines I have tried have been very interesting, big and rich, but not too sweet. If you have more than one bottle of The Maven I would try it with a good decant. Let me know how it works out, Michigan Dogs

• jimyeni says:

  2/28/2018 11:11:00 PM - Thanks for the reply csimm - yeah, I'm with you on rather paying corkage especially in Napa which is so corkage friendly (well, not the French Laundry) :). Maybe I'll stop by backstreet wines, pick up a bottle and go somewhere to drink :)

• jimyeni says:

  2/26/2018 10:52:00 PM - Thanks csimm - I'll be in downtown Napa the night I'm looking for something. We go to Napa every year so I'm quite familiar with restaurants, mainly looking for a place that has a good coravin or vinotec pour list - Cole's had this the last time we were there and the restaurant in the Fairmont Sonoma also has that, was looking for more places like that if you know any. Been to Wine Thief (had the Purlieu and traded notes with you), good place but was looking for more of a restaurant.

• jimyeni says:

  2/26/2018 12:15:00 AM - CSimm - I'm in Napa last weekend in April, I'm looking for a good wine bar or restaurant that has a really good by the glass/tasting program, for example with Coravin pours or something and dinner. Can be hard to find that by looking at the web sites and comments, wondering if you had any recos? I am happily dropping by Carter again during the trip, as well as trying a tasting at Maisonry to try the current Lail, Tor, and Amuse Bouche. Still deciding on some of the other wineries, not much wine tasting this time as it's primarily a bike trip.

• Bigtuna says:

  1/14/2018 6:00:00 AM - csimm1161 - enjoy your tasting notes! Thanks for taking the time to post so many.

• Bin707LoversDetroit says:

  11/28/2017 1:18:00 PM - We saw an $86 bottle of 2013 Arkenstone NVD downtown at Royce Detroit (a really cool wine & cards & cheese & light eats shop) and passed. Love your "Drink now, or whenever you feel like downing something right before you fall asleep to The Piano." comment on the wine. Never tried the vin, but know the film, and the main theme from the soundtrack is all that ever stayed with us... Thanks for the chuckle, and we know just what you're saying about the wine with the reference. Keep it up!

• sean7711 says:

  10/31/2017 9:23:00 AM - Thanks for getting back to me on the wine clubs / Moone Tsai - really appreciate the guidance. Always good to hear feedback prior to forking over a large chunk of change on wines. I am part of a few mailings (Carlisle, Realm, Nine Suns, Abreu) so will look into the other ones. I have heard great things about all the wineries you suggested. I am also interested in visiting a few when I go back out to Napa in April, so I will look at their visit/tastings options as well. Thanks!

• csimm says:

  10/29/2017 10:03:00 AM - They didn't appear technically tainted or corked in my humble opinion (which is why I try to be as specific as possible in my narratives about what I'm tasting), but I'm no expert by any means. "Anything is possible" seems like an apt edict when a wine is underperforming at that level I suppose. Regardless, folks can take or leave whatever my 2 cents is. Hopefully WS loyalists will enjoy these offerings; I'll happily be the outlier that others can point to as the WS simpleton who just doesn't "get" the supposedly wonderful wines they are apparently attempting to produce. One of my good friends LOVES their wines and buys blind every vintage from them (though I can tell you he wasn't an overall fan of the 2015s). Anyway, enjoy your allocation.

• SMZ says:

  10/29/2017 6:39:00 AM - Can’t disagree with what you’re saying. But my point is that it’s really odd that numerous 2015 WS wines from different single vineyards are all terrible and completely out of character for the winery....sounds to me like your 2015 wines were tainted or corked.

• csimm says:

  10/28/2017 11:41:00 PM - SMZ...Thanks very much for posting on my message board. To simplify for you, I write tasting notes to reflect my personal experience of a wine, not to reflect or garner favoritism from those who have some sort of alliance with a particular winery. I see in your profile that Williams Selyem is one of your favorite Pinot producers. That's really nice. I'm sorry if me having a seemingly negative experience with this producer has catapulted you into a state of "WTF." In fact, I have some very good things to say on CT about some of the WS wines I've had. Ultimately though, I write tasting notes that focus on how the wine performed and perhaps some ancillary thoughts about the winery or winemaker (depending on the comments and wine banter that is sparked from those notes). I tend not to use my notes as an opportunity to cast disbelief on others whose opinions of a wine are different than my own. I don't write notes so you will "believe" me. I write them because that's simply my opinion. If you love every WS wine you've ever had, good on ya. Enjoy. I ain't mad at ya for it. What's hard for me to believe is that because you've "rarely had a bad experience" with WS, you cannot seem to grasp the notion that someone else may actually have an opinion that isn't directly aligned with yours. It's wine...not math. In any event, I hope you went deep on WS's 2015s and you enjoy every sip henceforth. Cheers!

• SMZ says:

  10/28/2017 5:05:00 PM - Hard to believe this guy’s 2015 Williams Selyem Pinot ratings. I’ve been drinking WS wines for many years and have rarely had a bad experience. WTF?

• sean7711 says:

  10/23/2017 8:10:00 PM - Thanks for your note on the Moone-Tsai tasting. I'm looking at joining the Black List and just curious on your experience with them. It sounds like you are a member and just wanted to see if you thought it was worth it for the cost. I have been following your notes and they seemed low compared to other wineries. Do you have any other wine clubs you would recommend to join for a comparable price?

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  10/3/2017 12:04:00 PM - csimm..........thanks for the Outpost Recommendation. I just picked up some bottles of the 2014 Estate Howell Mountain and am now on the mailing list. The True Vineyard wines are sold out so will have to wait until January. Right around the corner. Thanks.

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  9/30/2017 2:36:00 PM - csimm I forgot to mention that the 2013 Kobalt reminded me of the outstanding 2008. The 2013 is just going to get better and better. I didn't like the 2010 nearly as much. It was still good but nothing like 08 or 13.

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  9/29/2017 4:34:00 PM - csimm Thanks for the message board post. I pulled the cork on my first 2013 Kobalt so will leave notes on that later. You and others have said it's very approachable now so I'm sure it is even though it's earlier that I would normally drink it. Well soon find out. As far as Syrah, still prefer California but I have a couple cases of the Washington State stuff so will keep drinking them before deciding what I like best. I have cellar room for both. Quivet comes next week so want to compare it to Kobalt. We are all in search of that perfect Cab. I see you have some Del Dotto Cabs too. The ones I've tasted were close to perfection whatever that is. Super extracted mostly with amazing layering of flavors. I love The New World stuff. Need to try Myriad and my CT discussion guys love MACDONALD. Has to be in all caps I guess. Lol. So much great vino and only limitation is money and cellar space which becomes available weekly

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  9/28/2017 10:26:00 PM - csimm I noticed that you have Syrah in your cellar but none from Washington State, why is that? Just curious. No Cayuse No Reynvaan. I've just discovered them recently too and am trying to get my arms around them. Complete polar opposites compared to Alban, Carlisle & Araujo Eisele California Syrah. Just curious.

• WineGuyDelMar says:

  9/28/2017 9:54:00 PM - I bought some Quivet Pellet 2012 & 2014 and 2014 Kenefick Cabs because of you. Your notes look interesting on these wines and know you're a Kobalt guy so hoping they're similar. Wanted to try something new. Keep up the great posts.

• jviz says:

  8/13/2017 1:24:00 PM - Awesome feedback, thank you! I'm an Aubert member and had already emailed them so we'll see how it goes.. We're staying in Calistoga so that makes getting over to Sonoma fairly easy.. if you had ONLY one sonoma producer to visit (i.e. friendly atmosphere, pretty aesthetic, not just taste) who would that be? I'm on the Kistler mailing list but saw you hold some wren hop in your cellar... I'll definitely reach out to Bevan since I'm eager to try their whole lineup (holding a couple of Ontogeny at home but that's it) and will touch base with Rivers Marie as well. I was planning on bringing the group to Mending Wall anyway (love their petite), but would be great to taste RM at the same time. Thanks for the input! Others in our lineup include Carter/Myriad at Envy, Realm, Outpost, Shafer, and may sneak over to Ramey as well. I'm trying to decide between Hall Rutherford vs St. Helena (two in our group have been to Rutherford before and its a costly tour) Anyway, thanks again for your comments, and best wishes :) John

• jviz says:

  8/13/2017 9:11:00 AM - I'm planning a trip to Napa for 6 in October and was about to ask you for some vineyard recommendations, then saw the dialogue with Drpete99 which is super helpful (and in fact I had several of them already on my list) I'm also looking to vary up the grapes for our group -- wanted to ask if you had any favored pinot noir producers on the Napa side.. Cheers - JV

• Mark1npt says:

  7/17/2017 1:06:00 PM - Really enjoy the wit you interject into some of your notes. Will be looking forward to your take on the Myriad wines...love Mike Smith's efforts. Thanks! Mark

• drpete99 says:

  5/10/2017 1:37:00 PM - csimm1161, I am coming out to Napa from the other side of the country in mid June to visit our son and daughter (SF and Napa respectively). We will probably visit Realm, hopefully to taste the upcoming 15 vintage. Since I seem to share your taste profile, I wondered if you had any suggestions for other "big" cabernet wineries to check out. Been to quite a few over the last 30+ years, but some of the ones you seem to hold a significant stock of are new to me.

• Badmonkey says:

  4/4/2017 5:36:00 PM - csimm, fyi keep your eyes out for the 2014 Apriori Reserve cab. A local store recently recommended it and quite impressive in my opinion for $75.

• csimm says:

  8/26/2016 2:59:00 PM - Hi J. Thanks for the kind words. As far as 2013 versus 2014 vintages (given just some of the 2014s I've had thus far), I would agree with most winemakers in Napa Valley I've spoken with who have dubbed 2014 as sort of a hybrid of 2012 and 2013. I believe the 2014 vintage is expressing itself most similar to 2012 in that the young wines (talking in terms of Napa Cabernets here) are fruit-driven and a bit flamboyant. Akin to 2012, 2014 is no coward to big fruit. Also though, of the 2014s I've had, I've found a nice structural component (sweet tannic backbone) that I was always worried about not fully forming in some of the 2012s - Much like 2007, where the fruit was unbelievably fat and plush, but over time, stands to become a bit muddled without the proper frame to hold up all that amazing fruit. The 2014s seem to exhibit nice framework in addition to that fruit (a very good thing). For me, the 2014s are drinking better younger in terms of expression and accessibility than their 2012 and 2013 equivalents were at the same age. In the end, I don't think 2014 is a throwaway vintage at all. 2013s are starting to really show some extraordinary intensity and depth, the likes of which I think 2014 wines will have a hard time competing with. But a few (the Carter OG and LPV wines in particular) are true standouts and may even rival the 2013s. Of course, these are all just generalizations. And I'm just a lowly consumer. So many wines are made in different fashions each vintage; it's hard to paint a broad brush. But 2014 looks to be a vintage worth investing in with your favorite wineries. Honestly, I wouldn't expect to experience that 2013 intensity and "pow" from the 2014 wines necessarily, generally speaking, but I'd certainly stand by the notion that 2014 will do well in the cellar standing next to its 2012 and 2013 brethren. And 2015 looks to be great as well (thank that drought for that). Anyway, that's my best 2 cents at the moment though. Cheers!

• J_Smallwood says:

  8/26/2016 1:28:00 PM - I thoroughly enjoy reading your expressive tasting notes! Seeing as I haven't had a chance to taste any of the 2014's (other than vicariously through your notes), what is your initial read as to how it compares to 2013 thus far?

• R&R says:

  7/5/2016 6:33:00 PM - You have a very fair assessment on the three Hall wines, and I would completely agree with you on multiple comments. Here are my thoughts on Hall wines in general. First, I would say that yes, the Diamond Mountain bottling seems to be lagging just short of the powerhouse Howell and Veeder bottlings in recent vintages. My love affair with the Diamond started when my wife and I went to the winery for our honeymoon (in 2008) and had a flight of their high end cabs; K. Hall, Diamond, Howell, and Segassia Vinyard (now bottled as Veeder) all from the 2007 vintage. While all were great wines, the Diamond was the “showiest” at the time with a very distinct melted dark chocolate component to the palate in addition to the other bells and whistles. I would have to say, however, the Veeder and Howell bottlings do edge out the Diamond in my preference lineup in recent years. I am lucky enough to be able to say that 9 out of 10 times I’ve had the Segassia/Veeder the first words out of my mouth are “Holy $&!#! That’s incredible!” Second, Hall has an issue with the number of bottlings they produce. My wife and I are Partners in Hall and early on all the Partners voted to reduce the sheer number of different bottlings to make it easier on the consumer. Well, we see how long that lasted! They now have more bottlings of Cabernet than they did when the partners cast that vote! Third, Hall has had a significant amount of “price creep” over the past 8 or so years. Not that they don’t deserve it; the scores have consistently been outstanding! But while $160 for a bottle of 96-100 point Cabernet is a relative steal in Napa, it is still $160. Will I keep drinking it? As long as my wife (who also loves these wines), my credit card company, and Hall all agree to let me keep drinking it I will! Talking specifically about wines that have been produced in more than 3 vintages, I am a fan of nearly everything they produce. The “standard” Napa Cab bottling is very good, year in, year out and can often be had at a discount at local wine stores (if they don’t have it, ask them to carry it!). I am more of a fan of the Ellie’s cab than the Jack’s Masterpiece despite the fact most of the scores lean in the latter’s direction. The Kathryn Hall is really great wine year after year and tends to sneak up on you. By that I mean you may have a given year and think, “Huh, that’s pretty good.” And proceed to avoid drinking others from the same year because it was just “pretty good”. Then you will open one up two or three years after you had the first and think, “Wow! Did I miss all this the last time?” I have been surprised by that wine more than any other in the portfolio. I hope all this helps rather than adds to the confusion! Best, Robert P.S. I really like your notes on the Bevan wines! I too agree with your notes. Your $0.02 are worth far more than you give them credit for!

• NorCal1849 says:

  6/29/2016 11:59:00 AM - Great information and insight. Thank you!

• csimm says:

  6/28/2016 8:06:00 AM - Hi NorCal1849! I amalgamated a number of tastings I did over the last month on Bevan’s BDX red blends and Cabernets entitled “Bevan Evaluations.” You can check it out here on Cellar Tracker in “My Stories.” Here is my 2 cents regarding Bevan: The Ontogeny is the best “deal” Bevan has and best way to experience his BDX blends without having to take out a second mortgage on your house. The QPR is sub $100 (which is great compared to the others that are twice that per bottle). If you’re looking to focus in on some of the other reds, a lot of it depends on your palate and style. The last two years of the Sugarloaf were very good. I tried the 2014 recently and it was so wound up I couldn’t really evaluate it; totally unapproachable right now. RP gave it 96-99 points, calling it “close to perfection” (if you care about scores and that sort of thing). I did not get that when I tasted it (just my opinion). I passed on the 2014 Sugarloaf this year. I find the EE to be similar to the Sugarloaf each year, except that the EE ends up a little more subdued for me. Between the two, I generally default to liking the Suagrloaf over the EE. The Wildfoote and Harbison are probably my favorite Cabernets from Bevan, both for different reasons. The Wildfoote tends to be more complex and nuanced with its flavor profile, but it comes off a little more feminine to me. The Harbison is a darker wine, with a little more depth. You won't be disappointed with either wine. The Tin Box is good, but it comes off even a little more delicate and feminine than the Wildfoote, which is just a little too subtle for my liking (I am admittedly a fan of powerful and flavorful Napa Cabernets). With the McGah, I would honestly pass on this and instead focus on the Scarlett brand of wines (winemaker Mike Smith) to truly see what great wines the McGah Vineyard can produce. Most of the fruit from that vineyard is going into the McGah family’s own Scarlett label now anyway, and not too much to Russell anymore. Those are my snapshot recommendations regarding Bevan, but I have a lot more details in my individual tasting notes here on Cellar Tracker. I went light in the 2014 vintage with Bevan because I stocked up so much on his 2012 and 2013 wines. Happy hunting!

• NorCal1849 says:

  6/27/2016 10:06:00 PM - I admire your cellar. Do you have current suggestions about what to buy from Bevan?

• csimm says:

  5/27/2016 4:50:00 PM - Love Carter Cellars wines. Mike Smith does a phenomenal job with Carter, as well as the other labels where he is the winemaker (Myriad, Quivet, Scarlett, 12c, etc.)

• vintage1949 says:

  5/27/2016 12:42:00 PM - Noticed in the picture Carter. How did you like it? Dave

• BuzzzzOff says:

  5/1/2016 5:32:00 PM - Good to be fans, csimm1161...and we agree living so close to so many great expressions of The Noble Grape is, well, wine-wonderful :-)!

• bestdamncab says:

  3/26/2016 8:42:00 AM - Your TN on many wines I have never tasted are terrific and help me look for more to try. Thank you.

• csimm says:

  3/26/2016 7:55:00 AM - Likewise regarding your impressive notes/wines. Great stuff! I'm over in Marin. Like you, close enough to fantastic food and wine all within a short drive!

• bestdamncab says:

  3/25/2016 9:28:00 PM - Thank you for the Fan notice, your tasting notes are impressive as are the wines you reviewed, some of which I best search out. I live in walnut Creek, where are you?

• davidandrose says:

  2/8/2016 6:57:00 PM - Glad you appreciated the SR note. Been a fan of Bob's going well back to the Pride years, before realizing that he was getting a lot of his own label's fruit from Kelly. Add in the fact that they're all great and friendly people, the killer wine is a bonus!