Well we should all inspire to be in as good of health at 70. My friend Tom hosted a smaller gathering to celebrate his 70th birthday. Here were the wines.
- 2020 Morgen Long Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola – Amity Hills (8/20/2025)
Day 1: My friend Tom is turning 70 tomorrow and thought what starter wine should I do that will be better tomorrow! Well this one! Served at 65 degrees which is perfect for world class Chardonnay. Yes the normal rules are far outdated. Liquid gold with a touch of honey, wood, lemon, orange peel, minerals, stone, shells and white flowers. Not many wines in the world that capture my attention like Morgen Long! Outstanding. 95+ (95 pts.) - 2013 Frank Family Vineyards Blanc de Blancs – USA, California, Napa Valley (8/21/2025)
A touch of sweetness with honey, lemon, spice, toast, minerals and pear. Medium finish and nice acidity. A fun wine for a party. (90 pts.) - 2016 Mitolo Shiraz Marsican – Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (8/20/2025)
Day 1: Saw some notes on the 15 that were not the most encouraging but the 16 not only is great on a pop and pour but will be even better tomorrow for my friends 70th birthday. High octane in a good way with blue currants, black pepper, minerals, raspberries, wood, dust, tar, rose petals, exotic spices and dark chocolate. Super long finish on this one and can’t wait to try this one tomorrow. Joe at the WA nailed this review. Cheers. 96 points (96 pts.) - 2020 Greenock Creek Shiraz – Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (8/21/2025)
Everyone agreed this is a good value at $19.99. Bigger fruit with blackberries, Bing Cherries and Raspberries. Spice, black pepper and tar. Complex offering and a great everyday value. (92 pts.) - 2017 Kirkland Signature Barolo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (8/21/2025)
Very weak wine and past prime. Earth, light fruit, spice and rose petals. Shorter finish. Easy pass. Had in 2022 and much better then. (81 pts.) - 2018 Antica Bottega Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (8/21/2025)
Excellent with leather, spice, raspberries, rose petals and earth. Medium finish. (94 pts.) - 2017 Il Pozzo Barolo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (8/21/2025)
Funk, spice, red currants, floral notes, dust, earth and floral notes. Long finish. Outstanding. (95 pts.) - 2016 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Howell Mountain – USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (8/21/2025)
Even better than last time. Oak, blue currants, spice, cherry, floral and minerals. Long finish. (94 pts.) - 2022 Result of a Crush Syrah The Unnamed Series – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (8/21/2025)
Black pepper, spice, mint, minerals, earth and floral notes. Medium finish. (93 pts.)
Wines sound great John. Cheers to you and your family.