Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, plum and cocoa. Dark fruit on the palate, baking spices and oak finish.

🍇64% cab, 31% petit sirah, 2% malbec, 2% saint Macaire, 1% merlot.

🏅93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
🏅90 Points - Vinous — 5 days ago

Dave

9.5

Soft flex for Norman. This bottle of 15-year was not up to par, unfortunately. It lacked complexity and a lot of the typical flavor profile elements. It tasted hotter than usual, and there was a fair amount of peat, which is not right. Still, it beats Jim Beam.
Listening to Patsy Cline — 4 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Winegeeks chih @ dos aguas — 5 months ago

Shay A

9.5

Opened for a buddy’s birthday, alongside a 2005 Tatty Comtes, 2015 Cristal, 2018 Realm Falstaff and 2023 Kobayashi M/R.

I still remember my first Allemand seven years ago and how it immediately reeled me in and every bottle since has been the exact same. The rusticity and feral nature of Cornas is why for me, as a Syrah fanboy, it’s the best and most pure region for this wonderful grape.

Removed cork about an hour before pouring. Initial notes of olive, black pepper spice and herbs, some smoked meat and a brief blood-orange citrus aromatic. Deep red/black in the glass. There’s a layer of brett (low level, adds to the intrigue, doesn’t detract) and lavender bouquet before peppered strip, herbs, raspberries and blackberries, and a sanguine tang hit the palate. Not sure of whole cluster use here but seems there’s a little bit (which I love). Wild but civilized. Medium-plus bodied with beautiful acidity and plenty of tannin for this to cruise years. On the early side, but these are so hard to resist in every phase.

I wish I could drink this every day. I need to find a wine of similar style at a better price point. — 4 days ago

Adam Baker

9.1

Rowan’s Creek - vanilla. Smooth. Bartender said it was the master distiller’s favorite Willett because “it tastes like bourbon.” — 4 months ago

Dave

9.5

For some reason, this smells like peaches 😅 Actually, dark cherry, candied nuts, and cigar box on the nose. Flavors of apricot, honey, cinnamon candies, and pleasant oak. At 90 proof it's an easy summer sipper.
Listening to Chris Isaac (my neighbor is playing her music loud) Not complaining. — 5 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

Still reliable. $32 at Costco ! — 2 months ago

Vinny Brooklyn

9.0

The American counterpoint to an Irish whisky at the Embassy of Ireland in Japan (the recently opened Ireland House). USA a clear winner, even in the highball format. — 3 months ago

Dave

9.2

Brandon's bottle was better than mine. A little heat, a little sweet. Honey, cornbread, cinnamon, tobacco. Tight, clean finish.
Listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers. — 4 months ago

Ericsson

9.8

1st Growth Bordeaux comparison. Mind blowing. I mean, from a weak Bordeaux vintage comes this masterpiece which can be enjoyed now or saved for decades to come. Beautiful nose and almost perfumed with roses and black cheery and blueberry, cedar, and pencil shavings. The palate is pure bliss full of complexity, intensity yet balanced and the finish just goes on and on. Cheers. — 5 months ago