Wine Berserkers - international wine social media, online community, and discussion

Andrew Dodd

I have one last slot that i'm now debating on the Full Draw vs TH Estates if anyone has strong thoughts, otherwise I don't think we can't go wrong with either. Epoch we are going to try and hit on our way into town from the West Coast. If you call TH estate, ask for the most involved tasting they h...

Andrew Dodd

On your question: "*Th Estates-would I be better off with Law, Caliza, Epoch or Linne Calodo instead?" TH Estates and Epoch are the two best here, I'd ask for the full tours. Linne Calodo wasn't much of an "experience" Here is what we did in 2018 (with my notes): General advice: Book as early as pos...

Andrew Dodd

Beeep Beeep Beeep

(backing up the truck to load in all the SQN I can fit)

Sine Qua Non, Saxum and Alban I buy all I can afford regardless of vintage

Andrew Dodd

Saxum like so many CA wineries is trying to increase sales since tasting rooms are closed and they need the increased traffic. But this logic doesn't make sense as the winery has always been closed to the public. As an estate they literally don't sell a drop of wine via a tasting room they don't ha...

Andrew Dodd

I also thought the shift to producing more wine with MFN was an interesting sales strategy

Andrew Dodd

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/constellation-invests-in-booker-vineyard?utm_campaign=071620BreakingNews&utm_source=071620BreakingNews&utm_medium=email&utm_content=8a2935ccc3cbcf7558a5d1efeef5fa7b "Wine Spectator has learned that Constellation Brands has acquired a minority stake in Californi...

Andrew Dodd

Onboard as always. For me this and SQN are my two "no brainers" buy all I can afford

Andrew Dodd

Thankfully they should hold on for longer than an average bottle.

Give it another year or two, and you don't think people will be gathering in large numbers again?

Andrew Dodd

I had a 12L bottle of 2001 Cos d'Estournel that was stored on its side that was leaking pretty badly. I was pretty concerned for a while. When we finally popped the bottle, the wine was absolutely flawless though. Similar experience with a 6L of Chapoutier Hermitage. I'm guessing due to a relativel...

Andrew Dodd

Paul Miller wrote: ↑
March 31st, 2020, 5:33 pm
I hate to think how much money I have been drinking the last few weeks

Ditto, I'm doing the math in my head and weeping. Whatever, fortunate to be able to do so.

Andrew Dodd

The Mag and 3L are tough to consider on a music teacher's budget. I wonder how many folks will pass on those in an off but controversial, lower production vintage. Any Hong Kong collectors biting? I've got mine up on the Commerce Corner. $5k per 3L is a tough consideration on an NBA player's budget

Andrew Dodd

anyone get mag offer? some years i am offered mag or can wish list......this offer i don't even see the wish list for mag Out of intrigue how long was it before you started getting offers for the mags? Wish list every release, still waiting. But I've only been on the active SQN list specifically a ...

Andrew Dodd

Vintage Port

Andrew Dodd

(hears Jeopardy music in the background)

Andrew Dodd

D@vid Bu3ker wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 6:35 am
Umm...no.

This

Andrew Dodd

I'm just waiting until they challenge all the shipping laws for retailers...

Andrew Dodd

Had a similar experience with a 2012 Cayuse Cailloux that I had coravin'ed two years earlier.
Maybe the slightest touch oxidized, but still going strong.

The only thing I've really noticed issues with consistently is Grenache (presumably being sensitive to oxidiation)

Andrew Dodd

Time for a home equity loan!

Andrew Dodd

Nathan V. wrote: ↑
February 4th, 2020, 8:34 am
I like Death and Taxes a lot more than Ashley's other spots.

I need to re-try it again at some point.
Love Poole's, Chuck's & Beasley's but Death and Taxes was more like Death by Salt when I was there. Same complaint with Stanbury.

Andrew Dodd

Adam Frisch wrote: ↑
January 4th, 2020, 7:40 am
Alto Moncayo is probably the only 16+ ABV wine I tried recently that worked. Everything else in that high bracket have not worked as well.

I generally don't mind high alcohol in wine, but the last one of these I had w/age was a hot mess

Andrew Dodd

"Tasted with Sally." This. why even bother? Because the note is for the poster's use and not for yours? Based on what I see, it seems clear that a lot of posters on CT simply use it as mnemonic device for themselves; any value others might derive from the note is incidental. Honestly there are very...

Andrew Dodd

2011 as a very "atypical" year for Saxum in terms of flavor profiles. Personally I'd seek out other vintages, they're not bad, they're just not representative of house style IMO. More earth, tobacco and green notes than usual. From my 2011's I've cracked: JBV > Broken Stones > Heart Stone. The 2011 ...

Andrew Dodd

It's overtaken my wine budget as the largest line item, so I'll go with yes

Andrew Dodd

1989 & 1990 for me

Andrew Dodd

I don't really like to speak badly about people or businesses, but I went to Thomas Hill Organics in June and it was one of the most sad dining experiences I've EVER had ANYWHERE; certainly the worst dining experience I've had in the last several years. I don't want to go into details, but let's ju...

Andrew Dodd

Saxum - I mean, the highlight of the trip. Justin and Don lead us around doing barrel samples. No words. Just incredible. I can now die happy as this was a dream come true. I just have to ask. Are you a member of Saxum? I have been told you have to be on their allocation to taste there, but if ther...

Andrew Dodd

So we went in Spring of 2017, a few notes below. Typically we booked only two appts. per day, one morning one afternoon and asked for the full tour. That was a good life decision, everyone was so enthusiastic and passionate. Paso to me felt less "exit through the gift shop" than some large corporate...

Andrew Dodd

Went a year ago and Spruce was my dinner of the trip

Andrew Dodd

Mark Y wrote: ↑
October 27th, 2019, 3:23 pm
probably grab the 2 kids...

Probably, not definitely? Depends on if they're acting up?

Andrew Dodd

Surprised to be on the Saxum Subscription list, but not get invited to Downsteam

Andrew Dodd

Joe G a l e w s k i wrote: ↑
October 20th, 2019, 4:28 pm

Sc0tt F!tzger@ld wrote: ↑
June 12th, 2019, 3:14 pm
Switch to Aubert. Considerably less expensive and every bit as good, if not better.
Aubert and Marcassin do not exist in the same dimension.

Agree to disagree on that one.
Try them blind side by side, they're different stylistically but qualitatively on par.
Love them both.

Andrew Dodd

1995 Mouton
2003 Latour
1989 Haut Brion
2001 Yquem

Andrew Dodd

Cappellano Barolo Chinato, most god awful thing I've probably ever ingested

Andrew Dodd

Soujourn Cellars DM'ed me on Instagram with a coupon code once. Thought that was odd.

Andrew Dodd

I do not do clubs, only lists. I want to buy the wines I want and not be forced to buy the ones I do not want as some clubs do. I want to be able to mix and match as I please. I want to order a three pack this release and a case the next release. I understand minimum orders of say a three pack, but...

Andrew Dodd

Had a '91 a few years back, was dead a doorknob for me....

Andrew Dodd

Just another's reference point that I've been ordering for 4 years and no Gratis. No complaints. Can't wait to try the Hex and crossing my fingers on my Rocket Block wish list. 2009 Paderewski from about a month ago was fantastic. Hexe was flat out amazing out of barrel, a monster, needs time. Dark...

Andrew Dodd

I agree Bouchon and Redd Wood are both good

Andrew Dodd

The one saving grace is thicker glass is more durable and less likely to brake if you drop it.

Andrew Dodd

SQN
Alban
Saxum
Cayuse
Booker

Andrew Dodd

R@y.Tupp@+sch wrote: ↑
June 19th, 2019, 9:04 am
Just use a cork screw. I've done it dozens of times.

Same here on a 6L bottle of Billecart. Was a doozie. Had to be SUPER careful.

Andrew Dodd

Interesting read, thanks for sharing! Will be intrigued to see how it affects the wine industry down the road

Andrew Dodd

Gabe Berk wrote: ↑
May 29th, 2019, 10:56 am
Declassified Mondavi Reserve Cab To Kalon, Opus One and Schrader for $200.

And I wonder if it will affect production of those other brands as they have a common corporate overlord.

Andrew Dodd

Overall First Growth: Screaming Eagle Shafer Hillside Select Colgin IX Estate Lokoya Mt Veeder Scarecrow Overall Second Growth: Harlan Hundred Acre Few and Far Between Lokoya Howell Mtn Dominus Hobbs To Kalon Lokoya Mt Veeder over Harlan? I (personally) wouldn't put anything Lokoya has ever made in...

Andrew Dodd

Last year's Booker The Ones came in a wooden box that showed up as sawdust.
People may just be cheaping out lately on materials.

Andrew Dodd

Saw this written up in the last Wine Spectator, pricey pricey

Andrew Dodd

ybarselah wrote: ↑
March 4th, 2019, 8:13 am
yes

Perfect, just sent you a PM

Andrew Dodd

Are these still available?

Andrew Dodd

Had a bottle of 2014 Hacienda La Lomita Cursi a friend bought while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Rose, expected it to be awful, but it actually wasn't half bad.

Andrew Dodd

Getting rid of my 3L of this, buy something else fun

Search found 189 matches