Josh Morgenthau

9.5

It’s been a crazy time for us, these last six months. First, Em and I got married. Then, a few weeks ago, my mom passed away, after a long battle with cancer. Now, despite the strange timing we’ve just closed on a new place and are in the process of moving in. Heads spinning, we’ve had no shortage of emotions, or reasons to open good bottles of wine.

At first this was totally closed down. Into the decanter and a few hours later a fleeting high toned floral perfume develops. Glimpses of violets, some tart, just ripe black currants, red and purple fruited forest berries, and a hint of black pepper. So elegant, it’s hard to believe this is a Cali cab. It doesn’t taste old or new world really. It just is. Lithe, elegant, and transparent, with thrilling acid and gentle tannins. The structure is there.

All that said, the nose closes up some, after that initial flirtation. Seems to be shut down overall; tertiary qualities yet to develop. The potential is evident. 9.5++ — 19 hours ago

Josh Morgenthau

8.9

Swirling violets. As this opens it reveals more and more candied floral notes. Clean and suave with silky tannins. Really pretty, just subacid and sweet on the finish ... too much for my taste. — 3 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.1

Nose is fantastic. Orchard flowers. White peach. Orange blossom, honey, apricot. A great long finish. Just not as mineral/acid driven as the best Savennières in more classic vintages. Just slightly off dry. Has the ‘18 ripeness that I’ve found nearly overwhelming. Nothing wrong with it but the wines are less crisp and versatile. Will probably avoid purchasing more of the vintage going forward. — 5 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.6

Swoon. Smells like an artisan bakery early in the morning... there’s that really fruity pungent sourdough starter smell, mixed with a whiff of bread that’s just started to brown in the oven. Then it’s just an insanely fruity, pretty, complex nose, with hints of pear, quince and raspberry. Palate is absurd; spot on acid, enough chalky minerals to keep it interesting, but it isn’t austere at all.

In fact, it’s one of the most seductive young champagnes I can remember trying. The sweetness on the finish is perfect and so natural. A real stunner. Would not think twice about paying 2x what this sells for. Disgorged 2020. — 20 hours ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.5

Lovely lithe expression of syrah with viognier adding voluptuous notes. Floral Cote Rotie-esque perfumes with a delicate pepperiness. So transparent and elegant. By night two this is showing purple and pink flowers, candied violets, iron, fresh black raspberry, brambly notes, a touch of tropical fruit. Definite structure, but it’s all grace and poise, like the muscle of a ballet dancer. Perfectly judged hint of sweetness on the finish. — 2 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

Bright, light, pretty gently extracted. Glimmering with red and purple berries on the palate, plus some subtle herbal and (light) green vegetal notes. Joyful. A fresh rendition of syrah in the Souhaut mold. — 4 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

8.3

Nose is earthy, spicy and classic st estephe. Palate is doa. Flab. No acid. — 2 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

Wow you can tell this is good stuff. Elegant and pure. Lemon custard and lime, coconut. Zippy minerals. Perfect use of oak. But needs a lot of time. Don’t be like me and open this now... Still way heavy so2 from bottling. Not sure there’s a quantum leap between this and the excellent Bourgogne blanc. — 2 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.5

Just ripe slightly green strawberries on the nose, crushed limestone, red baking apple, so mineral, a hint of butter. Acid wash on the tongue. Finish lingers and lingers. Killer bubbles. Aubry always delivers. — 3 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

Dusty minerals, some purple fruit, a little va and a minty, slightly soapy aroma. The nose never uncoils fully. The palate more than compensates. It is lively, bombastic, clean fruited and fun. Musty herbal black currant flavors, plus some ripe red fruit and a clever balance of structural tannins & acids with a juicy sweetness, though this is definitely dry. Good wine.. root day? — 6 days ago