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Marek Hnatyk

Anton D wrote: ↑February 16th, 2021, 8:09 am Looks like a fun food match to go with your great note!

Slowly roasted pork loin stuffed dried plum + gravy + puree + coleslaw

Marek Hnatyk

2004 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (15/02/2021) Color is dark as night but smell is simply knock out. Intense, deep and penetraiting nose of dried raspberries, red currants, black berries with hints of tobacco and earth. Concentrat...

Marek Hnatyk

MikeL238 wrote: ↑February 2nd, 2021, 8:02 am Found some '91 and '92 recently based on everyone's comments here. Can't wait to try them!

Lucky you. Both vintages impossible to find in Europe.

Marek Hnatyk

IN Autum 2017 I had privilage to attend event with Warren Winiarski in Poland and were served Fay 2014, SLV 2014 and Cask 23 2014. Alle were outstanding ( 93-94/100pts) but clearly Fay was the most forward/ready and Cask 23 was packed and prepared for long haul.

Marek Hnatyk

I used to buy Penfolds ( my favourite Aussie producer) but in these days their prices ( RWT, 389, 707) are out of my range.
I still have Grange 2001 and RWT 2010 but thats' all I do not see any possibility to buy anymore. Pity...

Marek Hnatyk

From what I have read, its is collosal, like between Grand Vin and second wine regarding famous Bordeaux chateaux. Anniversary Release is Reserve wine built for long haul, after so many years only Anniversary Release should be in so good shape to deliver something special ( factor X). Besides these ...

Marek Hnatyk

fwiw, I paid $55 for these in 2014. To may palate, that was a stretch given what was in the bottle. Now, the 1995, even $85 would be a bargain. I feel like the '96 fit somewhere in between the those two vintages, Well, in Europe 1996 Anniversary Release costs 189 EURO ( so well above 200 USD)....

Marek Hnatyk

1991 to 1994 was one of the most epic runs for a Napa Cab with La Jota Anniversary Release. I have a chance to buy 1993 or 1996, the former significantly cheaper. So you think, I should go with 1993? Buy both and log the price as the average! Unfortunately I do not have enough money for both, I was...

Marek Hnatyk

Kris Patten wrote: ↑January 5th, 2021, 8:49 pm 1991 to 1994 was one of the most epic runs for a Napa Cab with La Jota Anniversary Release.

I have a chance to buy 1993 or 1996, the former significantly cheaper.
So you think, I should go with 1993?

Marek Hnatyk

What about this:

Helen Turley is the best winemaker in history of viniculture in US, and also probably in the world. Marcassin Estate Pinot Noir is better than Domain de la Romaneee Conti red wines. The same with Chardonnay.

Marek Hnatyk

well, I shouldn't mention this, but since I am pretty much loaded up on Togni I can say that in my experience vintages under 15 years old can frequently be found at auction for under $100 all in. I know I've benefited from that within the last year, don't know if the very recent runup in wine price...

Marek Hnatyk

On Chistmas Eve dinner - there is no tradition to drink alcohol in my family. On Christmas - Newton Unfiltered Merlot 1997, Napa - still alive and outstanding fully integrated wine ( 93/100pts) but on the edge of its plateau as, previous bottle drunk in 2019 was simply great ( 96/100pts). - Martinez...

Marek Hnatyk

Gentelmen, I would throw in this discussion ( Dunn HM vs Montebello) the thrid one: Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvinon Estate. LOL yes. See my post above. Not only is Togni a truly great wine with age, it is the least expensive of this trio of wines. You can often find good vintages on the secondary ma...

Marek Hnatyk

Gentelmen, I would throw in this discussion ( Dunn HM vs Montebello) the thrid one: Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvinon Estate. By the way, I am very happy to own 2004 & 2007 Dunn HM, based on notes in cellartracker.com , both vintages are ready for business. For my bottle of Togni 2010 , I think I h...

Marek Hnatyk

Brewer-Clifton Sweeney Canyon and Mount Carmel, I had them both after 12 years of aging and both were fresh and vibrant

Marek Hnatyk

J Dove wrote: ↑November 15th, 2020, 12:33 pm Togni is among the best, IMO.

+1 also Diamond Creek Volcanic from 90'

Marek Hnatyk

RandyC - at this price this in not even bargain, this is STEAL!! If I could have a chance to buy at least 1 bottle of 97' at 120 USD I would call myself as lucky man. La Jota Anniversay of Helen Turey era (91-97) is on my bucket list. Unfortunately in Europe this is impossible to do...

Marek Hnatyk

Tom Chen wrote: ↑September 17th, 2020, 1:15 pm Marek, I have a 2013 Maya resting away.

Lucky you...

Marek Hnatyk

Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 1997 higly recommend, I had this wine in previous year and it was one of the best wines I have ever had( rated 97/100), if you can get it should be reasonably priced as Parker rated it "only" 90-92/100 from barrel sample. It is dramatic underrated. I had a...

Marek Hnatyk

Totally out of your budget ( 100 USD) but Dalla Valle Maya (current vintages only 30% of Cabernet Franc in final blend) should be the finest wine which includes Cabernet Franc in Northern California

Marek Hnatyk

This sounds like on par with Harlan, doesn't it?

Marek Hnatyk

Here are my tasting notes from last New Year's Eve: https://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=166174&p=2877375&hilit=Colgin#p2877375 Message: If Cabernet is grown in the right place and the winegrower wants to make great wine and knows how to do it, the result will be win...

Marek Hnatyk

California reds, 1997. All red California wines from 1997, which I had privilaged to taste were outstanding or great, here are my examples: - Ahlgren Bates Ranch Reserve Cabernet ( 92/100) - Caymus Special Selection Cabernet (95/100) - Staglin Estate Caberent ( 97/100) - Forman Cabernet ( 94/100) -...

Marek Hnatyk

Brewer Clifton Sweeney Canyon Vineyard 2008 is still waiting to be open, maybe during this summer

Marek Hnatyk

I had 2 years ago a briliant ( very mineral Burgundy style) bottle of Brewer Clifton Mount Carmel 2007 so do not forget about this producer. Chardonnay from Mount Carmel or Sweeney Canyon vineyards can age wonderfull. For modern vintages I recomend Marimar Estate La Masia, their 2015 is also brilian...

Marek Hnatyk

Base on your recommendations I must try my half bottle of 2006 with Indian food.

Marek Hnatyk

I had almost 2 years ago Togni 94, very nice wine however without "wow" factor which I hoped for. Perhaps another decade or two? I do not think that this particulary bottle which I opened had potencial for further substantial improvment. It was lack of enough concentration of flavours or ...

Marek Hnatyk

I buy the ‘92 Togni whenever I see it at a decent price...for me, Togni is one of the few CA Cabs that evolves and significantly improves and develops complexity with age. And the ‘92 is at the top of that short list. A man of rare taste and intelligence. champagne.gif I had almost 2 years ago Togn...

Marek Hnatyk

I would include 95 to the 91-94, so really stellar ones that are still drinking great. I would also add 97, all wines I had from this vintages were at least outstanding or great ( Newton , Ahlgren, Diamond Creek VH, Forman, Staglin). I also read many good opionions on www.cellartracker.com about Na...

Marek Hnatyk

Maybe I precise my statement. Of course I do not think that low 90 is bad score or means bad wine. Absolutely. Starting from 90/100 are outstanding wines in Parker scale but also for me. But at the same time difference of at least 4 points or 6 points means one class of difference so let say diffren...

Marek Hnatyk

Robert Parker

Marek Hnatyk

A few times I had wines that received relatively low rating from Robert Parker ( let say 90-92 or 93/100 at best) but after cracking the cork I was shocked how good the wine is. Here are my experiences: - Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 1997, opened in previous year, my score: 97/100, RP score 90-...

Marek Hnatyk

I had this wine a 10 years ago, and your note perfectlly fits my memories about this wine. I was expecting more "wow" based on RP review.

Marek Hnatyk

Simple but at the same time elegant and flat out beautiful - Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon ( not only label, whole bottle looks beautiful) Elegant, aristocratic and beautiful - Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, almost equal is Chateau Angelus. Older Mondavi Reserves ( from 80ties and 90ties) have very ...

Marek Hnatyk

Thanks! I was wondering if Pritchard Hill terroir counts for moutain style ( such as cabernets from Howell, Spring, Diamond or Atlas Peak) or is more similiar to Oakville cabernets. I had a month ago Bryant 2002 and tannins were so soft that overall style reminded me the best wines I had from Oakvil...

Marek Hnatyk

I have 1 btl so thanks for sharing your impressions. Do you have more experience with Pritchard Hill cabernets? Is it good example of this terroir? or the style of this wine can represent any sub AVA on valley floor?

Marek Hnatyk

IMHO it is ready for business, there is no reason to wait longer, at least for regular bottles

Marek Hnatyk

If someone is interested, yesterday I put note of 2007 on https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp? ... 25d4c9feb0

Marek Hnatyk

Ormes de Pez 2009, very nice matured yet with still tannic finish, overall 92/100

Marek Hnatyk

John Glas wrote: ↑April 9th, 2020, 5:40 pm This is one of the top Syrah wines in America. Love this wine.

Glad to read that as I have bottle of 2007 vintage.

Marek Hnatyk

I had 2 bottles of La Tour Carnet 2005 and in context of great vintage both bottles were dissappointing, both rated 89/100 ( light body, sour diluted aftertaste).
After several years have not paid off.

Marek Hnatyk

alan weinberg wrote: ↑April 9th, 2020, 7:23 pm ask Audouze—he’s probably got cases of the stuff that Jesus didn’t get to bought in the later estate sale.

Marek Hnatyk

I think that wines from Cental Europe and even from Greece are generally hardly know in US. Central Europe I mean: Hungary, Moravian, Austra, Croatia and even Polish wines (especially white). In the way around the same situation. In Polish market average consumer associate US wine with California, ...

Marek Hnatyk

Le No2 du Lafon Rochet 1996, drunk in 2001 or 2002.
This wine began my journey in the world of fine wines, it was like bullet to the center of my forehead.
From this bottle nothing was the same.
Earlier I had drunk only Liebfraumilch, Imiglikos, cheapest merlot from Veneto Region ( Italy) etc.

Marek Hnatyk

I think that wines from Cental Europe and even from Greece are generally hardly know in US. Central Europe I mean: Hungary, Moravian, Austra, Croatia and even Polish wines (especially white). In the way around the same situation. In Polish market average consumer associate US wine with California, C...

Marek Hnatyk

I haven't had any Continuum but I had 1995 and 2001 Mondavi Reserve and I found similiar style. Under Constelation at least the sources for blend of Reserve should be pretty the same ( To Kalon, Hyde in Carneros) like under Robert's reign. Continuum has completly different terroir on Pritchard Hill ...

Marek Hnatyk

Howard Cooper wrote: ↑March 31st, 2020, 6:10 pm If you like old Mondavi Reserve, is it better to buy newer Mondavi Reserve or Continuum?

I think Continuum has much higher price tag, probably twice, so it is not a peer

Marek Hnatyk

John Glas wrote: ↑March 31st, 2020, 2:09 pm 2004s and prior I would drink and still finding them on occasion at very good prices. The 2001 is amazing.

I have less interest in newer vintages.

I confirm that 2001 is amazing, one of a top wines I have ever had.

Marek Hnatyk

La Jota Anniversary from 90's, Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 or Araujo Cabernet Eisele 1997

Marek Hnatyk

I decided to open best bottle I had, accidentally it happend on my birthday, during Easter time I am going to open some more good stuff.

There is no reason to wait for better occasion.

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