puffinscellar
Member #901,560 signed up 3/3/2023
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bobbylion
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Mhbeaune
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macaujames
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Member since March 2023
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Member #901,560 signed up 3/3/2023
974 Tasting Notes
333 Tasting Notes
1,756 Tasting Notes
This member's profile is not public.
2012 Salvatore Molettieri Taurasi Cinque Querce
5/7/2024 - puffinscellar Likes this wine: 95 Points
Pours a rich reddish purple, dense but not opaque, some brick fading around the edges so definitely showing some age at this point but still showing lots of color.
Ripe black cherries and black raspberries on the nose, the prettiest vanilla, and after some time, pink flowers, then the green and the spice swoop in, alternating green and dried, sweet cicely vs. star anise, fresh wild sage vs. dried marjoram, and a pure note of steeped cloves. The minerals show more as a meaty character which is quite pronounced, like ground beef browning in the pot. A fascinating book kaleidoscope.
Supremely juicy on the palate, almost syrupy in concentration, the tannins are refined and sculpted, the acid vibrant but balanced. Chewy black cherry and black raspberry fruit, licorice, and woody spices. A long, resinous finish that sticks to your gums in the best way. Enjoyable on its own but better paired with well-seasoned pasta or meat dishes. This one can stand up to fat so meat and cream sauces, bring it on.
I’ve had one bottle of this each of the last two years and now this year, and it is getting better yet not yet altogether harmonious, I feel the prime drinking time is a few years out and this can go decades beyond that if stored properly, ideal drinking window 2026-2035 but it is good to go now with almost any red meat or pasta based Mediterranean fare you have at hand.
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2020 Domaine de la Solitude (Lançon Père et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape
4/23/2024 - puffinscellar Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pretty garnet with the faintest hint of purple, translucent. The nose is very pretty from the get go, and complex with many layers to unpack. At first still seems young and fresh, with little secondary characteristics to show, but currently in a real sweet spot of balance.
Macerated red and black raspberries, redwood blossoms, and vanilla dominate while hints of pine tinder and resin, horsemint, and loam waft in and out to add to the interest.
On the palate its juicy and vibrant, stewed berries and pepper with earthy elements of clay and field herbs. Really nice.
One reason this estate is a favorite is that even at only four years, this chateauneuf is ready to go, or you can ley it down for years. Drink up and enjoy as a fresh and supple wine, or lay down for ten plus years. Generous now, in another 5-10 this should be perfect, and good for another five to ten after that.
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2014 Château Malartic-Lagravière
3/12/2024 - puffinscellar Likes this wine: 94 Points
So much going on here, a fascinating wine. Dark garnet color edging towards purple, legs that foreshadow a medium body, and a whiff of smoke straight away.
Right after the smoke which is fleeting, there is a sweet loamy aroma contrasted by funky humus, dark plums, and a still-vibrant raspberry presence enveloping vanilla. Orange peel and a tarry element pop up, and a minty character shows now and then, like Christmas candy. Aged tobacco and wet leather boots. The aromatic complexity is quite stunning, so much going on it took hours to pick out all the constituent parts.
It’s juicy on the palate, plums and raspberries, spices, leather, and a savory element like soy sauce show on a long finish. Elegant, Balanced, rich, yet somehow also graceful and light.
This baby is still fresh and has a long way to go. Seems to be in its drinking window, but there are probably a few years before it’s at its best. Drink now or give another 5-10 for a real treat, will keep long after that.
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