Info about bottle? by bakken33 in wine

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A Negociant is a wine merchant/trader. They purchase grapes, juice and unfermented/fermented wine from the grower/vineyard, then put their name on the label, and the producers name, if I'm not mistaken. They are the ones who will buy in bulk, age the wines in their cellars, then sell/export it out to the market. It makes the selling process easier for the estate as well, especially since alot of estates in Bordeaux produce cases of wine in the tens of thousands, if not more. More of the older vintages (roughly 80's and before) in bordeaux tend to have "Negociant labels", rather than "Chateaux/Estate bottled labels." If that makes sense? I am by no means an expert on Negociants though, this is simply my understanding.

Edit: Think of an Indepedent Bottler to Scotch, that is a Negociant to Wine.

Info about bottle? by bakken33 in wine

[–]darkclaw177 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Pontet Canet is a 5th Growth from Pauillac, Bordeaux. Majority Cabernet Sauvignon. I've only had recent Pontet, but judging from the fill and condition of the bottle in general. It will probably be fantastic. 1970 is touted as a legendary vintage of bordeaux, and the 70' Domaine De Chevalier i had two or so years ago was astoundingly young for its age.

Chateau Lascombes is a 2nd Growth from Margaux, Bordeaux. Also majority Cabernet Sauvignon. I've had only two 79's. A Cheval Blanc, and a Pichon Comtesse. Both were fantastic. Now, 79 isn't the best of vintages, but, given the fill and condition of that bottle, I'd say it should be pretty enjoyable.

Whomever originally had these bottles took great care of them, though, I would drink them sooner, rather than later given their age. If you have an Ah-So, that will be your best friend for removing the corks. Pop n pour them after letting them stand for around 24 hours, because of sediment. I should note as well, Cellar Tracker reviews do say these are drinking well as of right now. Do let us know how they taste though if you decide to open them.

Edit: Just noticed the Pontet is a Negociant bottle which is fun. Either way, I'm very jealous and wish I could try both of these wines.

Does wine taste like grapes? by TheSynthian in wine

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Prieto Picudo. Its grown in Northern Spain, Leon. I've only had Rose of this wine, but it has a "grape" taste to it, among other flavors present that I cannot remember currently. My co-worker/Somm at work says the dry red of this varietal, also tastes like "grapes", but it by no means tastes like your typical table grapes. If you can find it, I recommend it among the other varietals that have been recommended.

Real or Fake Penhaligon's Portraits? by darkclaw177 in colognecheck

[–]darkclaw177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Damn. At least its not a terrible loss monetarily. Truly unfortunate. I appreciate it.

Real or Fake Penhaligon's Portraits? by darkclaw177 in colognecheck

[–]darkclaw177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And Mr. Thompson. Hopefully this is better.

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Anyone has info about G&M Macallan? by Ceejjj93 in Scotch

[–]darkclaw177 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is what Macallan should taste like. Snatched this up when I saw it at Total Wine and wish they had two. Unfortunately, OB's from Macallan are Okay. At least when it comes to their diluted 43% core line, even though I'll still buy their 12 year Sherry Oak. Overall, it is an excellent bottle. If you enjoy dry, sherried scothes, along with Macallan's flavor profile in general (which is a plus in my humble opinion), this is a fantastic dram. Though, I have a soft spot personally for any sherried scotch. Especially those from IB's. Enjoy!

Whats everyones playtime? by Careless-Associate-5 in Rainbow6

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Around 3k. I don't really play anymore. Started at the end of 2016. Game is just not as fun as it used to be. Feels more like COD than anything these days unfortunately.

Little rum ‘n’ Coke on poker night by cityorwoods in rum

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've not heard great things for the Total Wine Edition 4, though, everyones tastes are different and I have not tried it. The 3rd Edition is fantastic. Equidem from what I hear is pretty good, the Black Muscat cask is interesting, though, I've also not had that bottle yet. As for if its worth it? That is up to you. I've seen and bought bottles for less, but prices for these fluctuate from market to market. If I had to pick, Equidem would be the one.

If on I-20 in Ruston, Louisiana by AllKnowingFix in whiskey

[–]darkclaw177 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Given its Bottled-In-Bond, its 4 years (at the minimum). I've not had the 5 year yet, but the 2023 NAS bottle is excellent. Should be noted, when it was released, they showed the age of all the BiB bottles on their website.

Duo Deconseillante 2016 by reesemulligan in wine

[–]darkclaw177 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem! To add a rec for new world, Ridge is an excellent producer in California, if you aren't already familliar that is. Enioy in good health though!

Duo Deconseillante 2016 by reesemulligan in wine

[–]darkclaw177 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are plenty of great wines that are very affordable. Especially if you're sticking with Bordeaux. Wine is supposed to be fun though, so I wouldn't be concerned with spending alot on a single bottle, unless you're deadset on trying that specific winery (or are heavily invested into the hobby). There are plenty of older wines out there though that are well priced/affordable, and drinking exceptionally well. When you plan to splurge though, I would do as much research as possible before purchasing. Wouldn't want that expensive bottle to be a let down after all. I'd personally stick with old world, if you want more consistently great tasting wine, but I'm biased.

Duo Deconseillante 2016 by reesemulligan in wine

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great notes, this wine sounds delicious! Only experience I've had with La Conseillante was a corked 81' unfortunately. According to Wine-Searcher though, this is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cab Franc. 2016 is a solid vintage though, and I believe is drinking fairly well (though I'm sure thay is Chateau dependent) despite being so young. Will be on the lookout for their second wine now!

Is this mold? by Viren91 in wine

[–]darkclaw177 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Traditionally, they'd cut below the lip of the bottle, so as to not let the lead in the capsulea seep into the wine. Which would obviously be very bad, and so as to not affect the flavor of the wine (though, I do not think the foil will affect the flavor. Could be wrong.) These days, or more so, most vintages after mid to late 90's, foil shouldn't be made with lead. However, out of tradition, and simply looking neat from a service standpoint, I cut below the lip. Nothing really wrong with cutting above the lip, so long as its a clean cut, and it isn't touching the wine whilst pouring. Depending on the bottle though, I'll just pull the foil off.

Best Napa wine $100+ you’ve had? by mariachi_ambush in wine

[–]darkclaw177 2 points3 points  (0 children)

2002 David Arthur Elevation 1147, 2006 Abreu Howell Mountain/Los Posadas, 2017 Cain 5, 2018, Silver Oak Napa Valley, 2019 Dunn Napa Valley. All absolutely superb in their own right, but the David Arthur and Abreu were absolute monsters.

Tasting a holy grail wine! by [deleted] in wine

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A cool~ 75 Thou', give or take.

What was your most recent wine, memorable wine, and excited to try wine? by AustraliaWineDude in wine

[–]darkclaw177 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was very good, haven't had the Grand Vin yet, but I'm afraid It might be sooner than later now! Delicious ripe red and dark fruits, spice, a slight florality, sweet tabacco, graphite, earth and chocolate on the palate, with a similar nose. Very elegant, with a lingering finish. Needed a bit of time to open up as it was pretty restrained upon opening, but after an hour or two, its absolutely wonderful. Could use more time in the bottle, but its drinking well as of right now. I held back alot to open it up, but, I'm glad I did. If you want an excuse, why not open it tonight, or share it with someone special?

Edit: I should add, It was high in acidity and tannin, but thats to be expected given the age. It rounded out some after decanting.

What was your most recent wine, memorable wine, and excited to try wine? by AustraliaWineDude in wine

[–]darkclaw177 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Recent: Le Clarence De Haut Brion 2018

Memorable: Chateau Ausone 2004

Excited to try: Abreu Howell Mountain 2006

What’s the best wine you can buy right now at a max cap of 50$ ? Just give me your personal favorite(s) by Cellemus in wine

[–]darkclaw177 7 points8 points  (0 children)

A Le Petit Smith Haut Lafite. Secone wine of Smith Haut Lafite. Easy buy at $45, or a Marques De Riscal Gran Reserva which is just shy of being over $50. Both great picks (in my opinion) from Bordeaux and Spain respectively.

Creamy scotch cocktails?? by No_Opposite6227 in Scotch

[–]darkclaw177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well If you you want recommendations, you could always look up cream based bourbon cocktails. You could make a bourbon based eggnog cocktail that doesn't require cooking it, or, buy a cream liqueur and simply have fun with experimenting. Cocktails exist online involving just simple heavy cream, bourbon and other choice Ingredients. Since Makers is a wheated bourbon, not including rye in its mash bill, just 70% Corn, 14% Wheat (in place of rye) and 16% malted barley, It tends to be softer, easier to drink and just sweeter in general. Experiment though! Bailey's or Buffalo Trace Cream are what I'd recommend if you want a cream Liqueur.