2013 World's End Cabernet Sauvignon Money Talks Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

Wine: 2013 World's End Cabernet Sauvignon Money Talks Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
Estate: World's End
Vineyard: Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California

Location: At home on 2/28/2016

Tasting Note:

Bright ruby red with violet core. Insanely tight on the nose. A lot of dust and chalk with a few hints of dark fruits and black cherries. Tight on the palate as well, initially started with light cassis. Then opened up slightly with red cherries carrying through the finish. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) with a moderate to long, lingering, slightly dry finish. Grips the front of the palate.  and down the sides. Moderate body with good acidity. Definitely needs to be left alone for two years. Jonathan Maltus (winemaker) is definitely completing what he set out to do, which was make old world wines in the new world. Drink from 2018 till 2025 +. One fun fact about all of the wines in Maltus' World's End line up are named after hard rock songs, such as 'Money Talks' by ACDC.

Rating: 91+
Price: $$ - Purchased for $58.30 from Wine Access but we believe it goes for double that at the Estate.

2011 Judge Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III

Wine: 2011 Judge Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:

Wine was garnet red with brownish edges. Very interesting nose. For us it has some clear signs it was from a wetter and cooler vintage. Started off a little stinky/dirty we like to say. Notes of cheese, slight mold, and subtle chalk. It also had a vegetal element to it with some bell peppers and possibly a little more greenery. Solid undertones of cassis. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and moderate plus body. This wine definitely has some oak characteristics such as vanilla. The palate was very complex, in addition to vanilla there were notes of cassis, dark berries, cinnamon, baking spices, dark chocolate and a little mint. Slightly vegetal undertones as well. Long lingering finish supported by more cassis. Our first wine from any of the Beckstoffer Vineyards and it did not disappoint. We can only imagine how good the 2012 or 2013 will be after trying the 2011. Hopefully we will get to try those out once they are released! Drink till 2028.

Rating: 93+
Price: $$$ - $115.00 from the Estate.

2013 Judge Palmer Sauvignon Blanc Ellis Alden Vineyard

Wine: 2013 Judge Palmer Sauvignon Blanc Ellis Alden Vineyard
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Ellis Alden Vineyard
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:
We do not have much experience with Sauvignon Blanc, but from our tiny bit of research this seems to fit the bill perfectly! Bright straw yellow and completely clear. Very complex nose covered in floral and fruity notes. Started off with a few white floral notes and honeysuckle. Followed by lots of tree and tropical fruit like apricots, white peaches, pears,  a little bit of green apples. After breathing in the glass for around 30 minutes it started to open up even more with some slightly earthy notes of hay or straw. Moderate plus acidity (6.5/10), with some slight orange peel and a few other tropical fruits such as honeydew melon. Great moderate plus body that worked well with the level of acidity. Started to develop some secondary notes that were a little savory and green. Long crisp and refreshing finish, seemed slightly toasted. Can tell there is a little bit of oak in this bottling. Great with dinner! (General Tso's). Tried this wine again on the second day. Acidity was definitely more integrated and so smooth. Did not know this wine could get more balanced. Highly recommended and an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now till 2020.
Rating: 93

Price: $$ - $35.00 from the Estate.

2012 Judge Palmer Malbec Bavarian Lion Vineyard

Wine: 2012 Judge Palmer Malbec Bavarian Lion Vineyard
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Bavarian Lion Vineyard
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:
Wine was bright ruby red with moderate intensity and clear edges. Tight nose to start, had a few floral notes like violets, some vanilla, and some interesting dark fruits that we could not put our finger on, it was not black cherry but similar with quite a bit of acidity. Undertones seemed a little creamy with cinnamon and some ashes. Light initial attack that started out thin and got thicker as it moved across the palate. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) with solid moderate body that pulls itself together near the finish. Lots of acidity. Crisp and refreshing with a long finish. The strength of the acidity was honestly very surprising for a malbec out of California, not something we were use to. We decanted for an hour and a half prior to tasting. Drink till 2023.
Rating: 91+
Price: $$ - $40.00 from the Estate.

2013 O'Brien Estate Merlot Reserve

Wine: 2013 O'Brien Estate Merlot Reserve
Estate: O'Brien Estate
Region: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California

Location: Drank at home on 2/20/2016

Tasting Note:
Thanks Steve from O'Brien Estate for rushing this out to us! We decided to save it for the weekend after Valentine's Day when we could sit back, watch some netflix and really enjoy this beauty. After reading the reviews online from the likes of Parker etc, we decided that this needed a big decant. We popped it open right before lunch and came back to try it out 8 hours. Deep and dark purple, almost black. Insanely thick and coats the sides of the glass. Fruit bomb on the attack! Tons of fruit, creme de cassis, blackberries, and baking spices like cinnamon. Was still very tight initially, after another two hours started to show some earthy undertones, and mesquite smoked wood. Heavy tannins (8.5/10) and full bodied. This baby is a powerhouse. Heavily extracted, voluptuous, plush and silky with a kick. As soon as you take a sip it coats your throat with cassis and even more dark berries. Long and dark finish, carries the dark fruits throughout. A little heat in the finish most probably just due to age. This wine definitely needs more time in the bottle. If we had anymore we wouldn't touch this until 2017 with a long long decant. A ton of potential! This wine is made from 100% Merlot, and aged 75% new French oak. Only 100 cases produced.

Rating: 94+

Price: $$$ - $125.00 from the Estate.

2009 Vital Vineyards California Syrah

Wine: 2009 Vital Vineyards California Syrah
Estate: Vital Vineyards
Region: Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California

Location: Drank at home on 2/18/2016

Tasting Note:
Very hard to find details about this estate online. From the limited information found online about Vital Vineyards we discovered a few things. Firstly the grapes for this wine come from Santa Barbara County in California but is made by Vital Vineyards which is located in Dundee, Oregon. Secondly it is made by the winemaker of Lillian Wine Estate, Maggie Harrison. Thirdly, this is a killer QPR!

Wine was bright ruby red. Initially started off very tight and closed off with just a few notes of boysenberries and plums. Once it started to open up the complexity grew. A few earthy and vegetal notes started to appear, like herbs (oregano and thyme) and red bell peppers. Finished off with a little bit of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5/10) with a moderate body. Lots of red cherries and grilling herbs. As it opened up the heat turned into a light and soft cherry liquor. Undertones of vegetal notes like dried up jalapenos and light dark fruits. Slightly dry and moderate finish. Tried twice (day one and day two). Definitely more complex on day two with a vinturi aerator. Definitely worth the price and a great QPR wine! Drink now till 2022.

Rating: 91

Price: $ and $$ - $23.23 from Garagiste can be found for $25.99 from GetWineOnline.com

2013 Frisinger Family Vineyards Malbec

Wine: 2013 Frisinger Family Vineyards Malbec
Estate: Frisinger Family Vineyards
Region: Diamond Mountain District AVA, Napa Valley, California

Location: Drank at home on 1/22/2016

Tasting Note:
Frisinger Family vineyards is located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and was purchased back in 1981. Initially the Frisinger Family started off with selling off their grapes to major producers such as Beringer and Chateau Montelana. Since then Karl Frisinger, the son of the first generation owners (Jim and Karen), has turned this estate into a small production/boutique winery that produces a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a specialty red, which at the moment is a Malbec. The winemaker is Karl Frisinger and for the 2013 Malbec they used all French Oak barrels for 24 months.

Decanted for around four hours. Deep and intense dark purpleish ruby. Powerful nose with a ton of dark fruits and baking spices, like blackberries and cinnamon. Whenever we smell a think caramel, it reminds us of an Aussie Shiraz. A little heat and something slightly medicinal underneath all the pleasantries. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) and moderate body. Heavily extracted and rich. Slightly savory long finish. Honestly we were not expecting much after the disappointing experience with the Frisinger Cab a couple months ago, (must have been an off bottle, it was splendid at the estate in October) but this Malbec is why we ordered a shipment from them!

Rating: 91

Price: $$ - $57.50 from the Allocation List, email Karl Frisinger in order to get on the allocation list.

2010 Maze Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2010 Maze Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Maze Wines
Region: Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Mark Herold
Elevage: 100% New French Oak.
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Decant: Coravin.
Location: Trying out some new wines on 1/26/2016.

Tasting Note:

Second time trying this wine. First time as at Mark Herold's Wines in downtown Napa where it had been given a 24 hour plus decant. Today we gave it seven hours out of a coravin. Bright ruby red with violet hues and dark red foam. Lots of chalk and bell peppers. Overall still very tight even with seven hours, but slowly began to open up with a little cassis. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) and moderate body with dust and cassis with a touch of cinnamon. Rich and slightly extracted. Moderate plus dry finish. We noticed that this wine was not insanely fruity like most Napa Cabs, but still insanely strong and young.

Dates: Drink till 2025 easily.
Rating: 92
Price: $$ - $60.00 at MacArthur's Beverages in Washington, D.C.

2012 Burgess Cellars Merlot

Wine: 2012 Burgess Cellars Merlot
Estate: Burgress Cellars
Vineyards: Triere Vineyard

Region: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Kelly Woods and Matt Reid

Elevage: Unknown

Varietals: 100% Merlot.

Decant: Day two.

Location: Tasted at home on 1/20/2016.

Tasting Note:

Deep red with violet hues. Complex nose that started with lots of earthy and woody notes. Such as tobacco leaves, wet barrels, dirt, acorns, and a cigar box. Additionally had some red cherry undertones. Moderate plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Slightly savory with lots of red and black cherries that add a refreshing acidity to the long lingering finish. Great body and could easily last for another five years.

Dates: Drink now till 2023.
Rating: 90
Price: $ - $24.99

2007 Ruston Family Petit Verdot Stagecoach Vineyard

Wine: 2012 Ruston Family Petit Verdot Stagecoach Vineyard

Estate: Ruston Family Vineyards

Vineyards: Stagecoach Vineyard

Region: Atlas Peak AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Joshua Krupp
Elevage: Unknown
Varietal: 100% Petit Verdot

Decant: Day Two with Vacuvin

Location: At home on 1/2/2016.

Tasting Note:This was way too tight on day one so we left it till day two. Rich garnet red. Even on day two the nose is still very tight. Started out with a little dark fruit like light cassis. Then became slightly savory and something like a hint of yeast. But definitely more fruity notes than savory ones. As a Petit Verdot should be, there are heavy tannins (7.5/10) backed up by a full bodied. This wine coats your mouth and contains some nice fur texture. Finish sticks with a full body and is long. A good amount of cassis in the finish. Our first time with an 100% Petit Verdot,  even thou we have two others in the cellar, and we were happily surprised. This definitely needs a couple more years to fully develop and open up. Great QPR!

Drink Dates: Until 2022.

Rating: 90+

Price: $ - $15.39

2013 Mystique King of Feasts

Wine: 2013 Mystique King of Feasts
Estate: Rabbit Ridge Winery
Region: Paso Robles, California
Winemaker: Erich Russel and Label by Rick Riva
Elevage: Unknown
Varietals: Around 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Charbonno
Decant: One hour.
Location: Tasting at home on 1/9/2016.
Background: 

This wine was a part of Rabbit Ridge Winery's Artist Series, which was made for their Rabbit Hole Tasting Room and Bubbly Lounge in downtown Paso Robles. All the wines created in this series are made by Erich Russell and the labels are designed by artist Rick Riva. Now onto the tasting note!

Tasting Note:

Initially very tight on the nose. With a mix of dark berries and baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark garnet red. The palate threw us off quite a bit. We know it is not supposed to be as full bodied as their main wines but this did not seem like a 95% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yes we were told there was 5% Charbonno but there definitely seems like something Zinfandel related. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) with a medium body. Very rich, thick and jammy. Slightly sweet finish, but starts to thin out by the finish. Hopefully with a little more time the jammy zin - like qualities will subside and give way to the Cabernet hiding underneath. Decent wine for the price point. We are very interested to see how their other wines far. We will definitely mark this down as a wine estate we would like to visit when we make our first trip to Paso Robles later this year or early next!

Dates: Drink till 2018.

Rating: 86
Price: $ - Around $17.80.

2004 Pax Syrah Cuvee Christine

Wine: 2004 Pax Wines Syrah Cuvee Christine
Estate: Pax Wines
Location: Sonoma County, California
Winemaker: Pax Mahle
Elevage: 17 months in mostly new French oak.
Varietals: 100% Syrah.
Decant: PnP.
Location: Drank at Home on 1/2/2016.

Tasting Note:

This wine was a garnet Red with some bricking beginning to start. The nose was very complex. Started off with some slight meaty notes. Very light notes of cinnamon, caramel and baking spices. Smokey. Lots of wood, chalk and black olives. Very earthy and green tastes. Woody, white pepper, olives and undertones of red fruit. Nice and savory in the attack. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. Slightly dry in the finish. Moderate but thins out. Very well integrated and well balanced. We read up a little bit on this wine before hand and honestly oyr expectations were low on this one. Wine Advocate said drink by 2011, Wine Spectator by 2012. Very smooth and a little light. 

Dates: Drink Now.
Rating: 91
Price: $$ - $32.99

2013 Ledge Vineyards Syrah James Berry Vineyard

Wine: 2013 Ledge Vineyards Syrah James Berry Vineyard
Estate: Ledge Vineyards

Vineyards: James Berry Vineyard

Location: Willow Creek AVA, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker: Mark Adams
Varietal: 100% Syrah

Decant: Had been open for forty-five minutes prior to us arriving.

Location: The Vineyard in McLean - Ledge Vineyards Tasting on 11/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Deep and opaque ruby red with purplish hues.
Nose/Smell: A little bit of heat and petroleum in the nose to start. As it aired a little bit it got some floral notes added in the mix.
Palate/Taste: Lots of texture, definitely furry but almost like sandpaper with pepper and dark fruits. High tannins (7.5/10) and moderate body. Needs a number of years to integrate. Long finish that is a little rough.
Opinion: Some of the same fruit used in the the Saxum James Berry Vineyard, powerful stuff! I honestly would not touch this wine for another two years. Very powerful and it needs time. Easily cellar for ten years. Lots of potential with this wine.
Dates: 2017 till 2025
Rating: 91+

Price: $$ - $64.99

2013 Ledge Vineyards Drive

Wine: 2013 Ledge Vineyards Drive
Estate: Ledge Vineyards

Vineyards: James Berry Vineyard and Messina Vineyard

Location: Willow Creek AVA, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker: Mark Adams
Varietal: 45% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre, and 25% Grenache

Decant: Had been open for forty-five minutes prior to us arriving.

Location: The Vineyard in McLean - Ledge Vineyards Tasting on 11/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Light crimson.
Nose/Smell: Starts off with some dark berries, such as blackberries. and a slight note of violets. 
Palate/Taste: A lot more dark fruits than the previous wines. Lots of blackberries and blueberries. More together than the Adams Ranch or James Berry. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body with a moderate lingering finish.
Opinion: Second favorite of the wines today. This is mainly based off approachability. Time would still help this wine to fully integrate and could cellar for up to ten years.
Dates: Now till 2025
Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $43.99

2013 Ledge Vineyards Zinfandel Dante Dusi Ranch Vineyard

Wine: 2013 Ledge Vineyards Zinfandel Dante Dusi Ranch Vineyard
Estate: Ledge Vineyards

Vineyards: Dante Dusi Ranch Vineyard

Location: Templeton Gap AVA, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker: Mark Adams
Varietal: 100% Zinfandel

Decant: Had been open for forty-five minutes prior to us arriving.

Location: The Vineyard in McLean - Ledge Vineyards Tasting on 11/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Light ruby red, lighter than I expected for a young zinfandel.
Nose/Smell: Who doesn't love flowers? This wine loves flowers! Complete onslaught of violets and lavender.
Palate/Taste: Slow attack as it starts in the palate. Then very thick at the end as it reaches the finish. Slightly meaty too. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied with a long lingering finish.
Opinion: Honestly would have never guessed that this was a zinfandel. My favorite of the night and definitely interested in trying this again one day. Delicious zinfandel and I honestly have not had much luck with them in the past. Very enjoyable wine out of Paso Robles. Again here is another a great wine that needs at a couple years to fully integrate and could cellar for close to six or so.
Dates: Now till 2021
Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $43.99

2014 Ledge Vineyards Grenache Blanc G2 Vineyard

Wine: 2014 Ledge Vineyards Grenache Blanc G2 Vineyard
Estate: Ledge Vineyards

Vineyards: G2 Vineyard

Location: Willow Creek AVA, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker: Mark Adams
Varietal: 100% Grenache Blanc

Decant: Had been open for forty-five minutes prior to us arriving.

Location: The Vineyard in McLean - Ledge Vineyards Tasting on 11/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Clear pale yellow.
Nose/Smell: Lots of tropical fruit like guava.
Palate/Taste: Light to moderate acidity accompanied with a smooth body. Very smooth and refreshing mouth feel. Not sharp at all. Moderate to light finish, very smooth, a little silky. Not thin or thick.
Opinion: This was just a short tasting with light notes at The Vineyard in McLean. For being in 100% stainless steel I was expecting a little more metal or minerality. Basically like licking a steel pole. But none of that here and for me that means no migraine! I could see this as a great summer wine out by the pool
Dates: Now till 2016
Rating: 88

Price: $ - $21.99

2010 Mira Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2010 Mira Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Mira Winery

Vineyards: Napa Valley

Location: Primarily Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Gustavo A. Gonzalez
Varietal: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Syrah

Decant: This was double decanted in the morning and left open for around an hour and a half then vacuvin.

Location: At home on 12/06/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Dark and opaque garnet red.
Nose/Smell: Love the black pepper in the nose. There is also some dark fruits like plum or black cherries.  As it aired out it gained a savory note.
Palate/Taste: Dark chocolate and black cherry on the palate.  Strong tannins (7.5/10), with medium acidity that would be nice if it integrated a little more,  and full bodied.  Dryish start with long lingering finish.
Opinion: Needs some time to fully open up,  especially the nose.  We might have to grab another one to try in a few years, this definitely had the potential to improve a couple points. Just found out that Mira means miracle in Latin, they are doing some wondrous things with these miracles!
Dates: Now till 2020
Rating: 91+

Price: $$ - $55.00