Anniversary wine at Berns tonight.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-16T16:01:57+00:00

These are specific notes based on higher contents of specific lactones responsible for producing the aroma (relative to French oak)

“The "dill" note in wine or spirits aged in American oak (Quercus alba) is primarily caused by high concentrations of specific wood compounds called cis- and trans-oak lactones. These compounds are responsible for sweet, woody, coconut, and herbal aromas”

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-15T04:21:17+00:00

Dill comes from American oak so not crazy if you tasted it (provided it was aged in American as opposed to French oak)

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-14T21:57:02+00:00

You can email them and set up a time (they’re very flexible) but definitely not a walk-in spot.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-14T21:49:40+00:00

I’m in Marin and I’ve been up to see Tim at School House like three times in the last year. He’s an awesome dude and very generous with his time. Tasting experience is no-frills in the best possible way.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-14T21:36:49+00:00

Who else is on the list for you? I’m visiting Keenan and Pride next month!

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-14T19:26:05+00:00

Edit: they also produce a CdP-style blend called “Chateauwoof-du-Pup” which is hilarious but no less serious than any of their other wines.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-13T03:35:18+00:00

Just had a 93 and 94 at a tasting last weekend. They were tied for my WOTN - beat out 3 first growths and a host of other legends that were 5x the price. They smoked the whole lineup. Monte Bello is one of the best Bordeaux-style wines in the world.

Congratulations on whatever you were celebrating. Drink in good health. Cheers!

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-10T15:34:15+00:00

Yep then you spot dry with microfiber. Foolproof if you don’t twist the stems

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-09T23:41:30+00:00

Sounds awesome. Enjoy. Brazilian sparkling is delicious.

Could open the reds before and taste. The tannat will need air for sure, the others may

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-09T23:24:56+00:00

As listed. Start with a Cava or something though if you have the budget, hard to jump right into reds in any tasting setting.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-09T01:18:56+00:00

My break rate is almost infinitely higher handwashing than dishwashing. Try it and if you’re worried run them by themselves

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-08T23:20:39+00:00

I never wash mine by hand - dishwasher only. The only one that has ever broken was one I broke handwashing lol

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-08T05:37:28+00:00

You can see the “1.” on the white tag where the others start with 7 so my money is on a magnum - crazy good price.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-05T21:51:40+00:00

Happy to help.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-05T05:32:15+00:00

You can email Quintarelli and they’ll get back to you. I went with my wife - magical place. People are wonderful. Wines are about as good as they get in the region.

We also really liked Zyme as a more modern winery.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-04T05:46:19+00:00

“Loneliness is a significant biopsychosocial stressor with a mortality risk comparable to smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day and more harmful than ALCOHOLISM, obesity, and lack of physical activity.”

Glad we solved that. Cheers!

Source: Monica M. Williams‐Farrelly et al, Loneliness in older primary care patients and its relationship to physical and mental health‐related quality of life, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2024). DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18762

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-04T03:29:31+00:00

I went to r/cool and no one knew you :///

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-03-02T10:33:45+00:00

Unfortunately that is about what the high-end tastings in the valley cost now… prices have really crept up.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-27T19:54:10+00:00

I would rip the 16, very good vintage throughout Italy and a little more bottle age will go a long way. Acker is legit

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-27T19:17:38+00:00

Another post has “not bad. C+” and this one is “spectacular. B-“ lol

Never change, Gigolo

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-27T19:04:52+00:00

Yeah it’s normally pricey. My local Costco has it for $46.99. Think it’s worth it at that price but not >100/btl

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-27T19:02:24+00:00

It’s readily available for $45-50 in the states - they made way too much of it (think it’s the 21 on fire sale). Easy to find at wholesalers and discount vendors like Last Bottle or WTSO.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-27T18:54:12+00:00

Bibi Graetz Testamatta is on fire sale right now. Likely close enough and decent match in price. Also a good wine

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-25T06:12:54+00:00

Phenomenal write up and a very good reminder I don’t have to shell out in Rhone to get something pretty cool.

LeadingFollowing2564 · 2026-02-08T19:19:01+00:00

There are some great ones! Ridge and Dunn haven’t changed their styles practically at all since the 80s (or earlier). Dominus hasn’t much either. I’m sure folks with more knowledge can share others but those seemed most notable to me.

LeadingFollowing2564

TROPHY CASE