From the Cellar

Wente 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Charles Wetmore (California)

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Category: Uncorked Tonight

(April 17, 2020) ... "Goddamn ... This Wente 2013 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning / gorgeous / awesome ... I can not find enough superlatives to describe this wine, but the fruit is on point, the tannins are soft and the acidity keeps everything in check."  

That was my Instagram post, what I did not write after that was the rest of the review, instead saving it for those who would read it here. Dark fruit with semi-soft tannins and some nice cedar and mineral notes on the finish ... It's not fruit forward, but it is sufficiently fruit enhanced that it was a pure delight to drink and very food friendly ... as it opened it also added a bit of coffee bean to the finish; and that added to the complexity and the enjoyment of this 7 year old bottle.

Carmen 2002 Syrah Reserve (Chile)

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Category: Uncorked Tonight

(April 5, 2020) ... I dove deep into the cellar for this one, a 2020 Syrah from Chile that probably cost me $15 or less at the time of purchase - for sure it was one of those drink now (or in the next few years) kinda wines that my cellar is noted for; because it is all a learning experience if nothing else. So I popped the cork and gave this "unfiltered" 18 year old bottle a try.

I am greeted by smoky, peppery and cedary notes with dried dark fruit and cinnamon powder - interesting - the first part is expected while the second has me sipping again and again. As the wine opens the dark fruit begins to emerge and take shape: cassis and dried cherry. And then it continues its journey opening more and becoming better and fuller, and with each passing 10 minutes and each subsequent sip I become more and more surprised by this wine to the point of writing "fucking gorgeous" on my note pad.

An hour and a half later, it's still getting better with its gentle spice and pepper with dark fruit backing - this bottle tastes younger the more it opens - and it's a revelation as to some of the gems I truly have in my cellar. Also, check out the "unfiltered" mess at the bottom of the glass (on the left).