Suckling of WA.
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Redacted 149: 2020 Malbec - $24.99 (FPP $9.99)
Critic tasting note: (2020 vintage) “Wines like this one are making a believer out of me when it comes to the potential of Malbec in southern Oregon. And $24? Get out of here. The Padigan Ranch’s blueberry scone, pencil lead and dark chocolate aromas are as welcome as an old friend. Flavors of boysenberries and dark plums are backed by firm tannins and lemon-laden acidity.” - Wine Enthusiast
The 2020 vintage was bottled when the winery was named Two Hawks. They were sold in 2024 (I think) and the name changed to Padigan, referencing a soil series in their vineyard. I’ve tasted there a few times and found their reds to be typical of southern Oregon, full, ripe and lush.
Ok redacted sleuths. Any ideas here? Seems like a cool project.
2022 Grands Periples Saint-Julien
I chopped up the info & fed it to ChatGPT.
Result:
Based on the information you’ve provided, it sounds like the château you’re referring to is Château Léoville Poyferré.
2nd best guess: Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
(this one makes more sense if you check the pricing)
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That’s a great idea. Thanks
Redacted 150 is likely WT Vintners Destiny Ridge Syrah.
The sneaky sentence in the write up…
"I think I’ll leave it there, lest I sprinkle too many clues and destine some intrepid internet sleuth to figure this one out.’
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R151 is Irvine and Roberts winery down in the Ashland area.
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Great call! Conspicuous as not being described as Willamette, or any other Oregon AVA, in the write up. Also only 25 bottles in CT inventory across ALL wines. I trust Damn Paul’s palate, but I’d need more than that to bite on this one.
Their pinot’s are among the best in S. Oregon, but don’t expect WV style; the season is considerably warmer and the grapes show it.
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R152 is Valdemar’s Roussanne. 93 Decanter, 91 Vinous.
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R153 is 2018 Balboa Sangiovese Pepper Bridge Vineyard, I think…
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R154: 2017 Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (per ChatGPT)
I’m guessing the review blurb is from Burghound (I don’t have access).
The late, great Josh Raynolds from Vinous gave it a 91.
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Did a bit of manual checking to confirm after my own AI sleuthing and feel confident its this one
My guess as well Gary.
R155 is the Nota Bene Una Notte GSM. I have not had a wine from this producer but here is a review from Paul Gregutt:
Paul Gregutt’s Northwest Wine Guide, November 2024
:Nota Bene 2019 Una Notte GSM Blend – Grenache dominates, with 11% each Syrah and Mourvèdre completing this GSM red. It’s got a few years of bottle age under its cork but retains plenty of fresh raspberry fruit, backed with darker highlights of earth and char. Those flavors continue through the finish, adding highlights of espresso grounds and charred steak. In fact a tri-tip might be exactly right for this bottle. 114 cases; 14.35%; $35 (Columbia Valley) 90/100
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Thanks for figuring this out. I have had several bottles of Nota Bene, plus tasting a time or two at events over the years, but last vintage I drank was 2010. They used to source Syrah from Red Willow and Ceil du Cheval. I haven’t had this blend, nor this particular Grenache vineyard either, but winemaking has always been solid on Nota Bene. For $15 not sure how it could miss too badly, but I’m not buying anything these days, regardless.
I have not had this particular blend but others I have had in the past have been solid. Nothing overly memorable but just good quality winemaking and sourced from well respected vineyards. The QPR is attractive on this offer.
Redacted 156 is likely RR Poet Allusion. 2021 RR Poet “Allusion” Red Blend — RR Poet
Listed as sold out on the winery page, because i’d assume Paul Z took remaining inventory off their hands. I haven’t tasted any of these wines, they are made by Billo Naravane at Rasa. I believe there was an announcement the brand was closing shop. @Brandon_R maybe?
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Pretty sure you are spot on. I purchased some closeout 2019 Alliteration just a week or ago directly from the winery. Never tried the Allusion but I’ll bet it’s pretty darn good too.
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