Azelia
Barolo Nebbiolo 2015
Bright Rudy leaning toward translucent garnet in the glass. Outstanding fruit purity and transparency at year 10. Strawberry, sour cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, and blood orange sprinkled with rose petals, dried porcini and licorice. Elegant medium body. Mellow dusty tannins leads to a long juicy finish with aromatic lift.
A very pretty Barolo. — 11 days ago
Giovanni Viberti
Buon Padre Barolo Nebbiolo 2020
Old school showing restraint and tradition. However, the fruit is a bit muted cherry and takes a backseat to earthy tones of forest floor, leather, and dried herbs. Tannins are firm yet balanced, and the finish carries a touch of tar and rose.
A solid entry level Barolo. — 11 days ago
El Enemigo
Gran Enemigo Mendoza Red Blend 2012
The 2012 is a blend of 40% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% each Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, all from the Gualtallary vineyard.
Deep layers of blackberry, plum, fig, and cassis, framed by notes of violets, tobacco, and dark chocolate. Hint of green olive as well. Big frame but gentle and warm on the palate. Silky tannins. Touch of graphite on the long finish. This is at its peak but should continue to drink well for the next 3-5 years. — 16 days ago
Bernard Magrez
Clémentin de Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan White Bordeaux Blend 2019
The 2019 second label blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc with 10% Sémillon, aged about 15 months in French oak barrels, foudres, concrete eggs, and stainless steel.
The vibrant nose bursts with peach, apricot, mandarin, and an exotic hint of tropical fruit over subtle dried herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate offers supple texture, bright citrus-driven acidity, and a lingering, elegant finish.
Among the finest Bordeaux Blancs I’ve tasted. — 7 days ago
Gaja
Rossj - Bass Langhe Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2018
This 2018 Rossj-Bass continues to impress with its vibrant and layered expression. On the nose, the Sauvignon Blanc influence lends bright aromatic lift, offering ripe peach, zesty lemon peel, and a delicate touch of passionfruit, all woven together with nuances of almond and a whisper of jasmine. The palate is beautifully balanced, round and texture with a medium-full body, yet lifted by a lively, refreshing acidity. The finish is polished and harmonious. Effortless drinkability. — 6 days ago
Aston Estate
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015
Aston was one of two Pinot projects by Schrader, Boar’s View being the other. I believe it’s now solely under TRB’s helm.
The winery makes just two bottlings: one mostly from sourced fruit, and this, from 100% estate vines. The nose offers ripe plum, cranberry, black cherry, cedar, a touch of baking spice, and steeped tea. The palate is generous yet lifted by bright acidity, with a hint of sweetness on the long finish. Should have 5–6 more years of prime drinking ahead. — 10 days ago
Hedges Family Estate
Red Mountain DLD Cuvée Marcel Dupont Les Gosses Vineyard Syrah 2014
This is my last bottle of this remarkable single vineyard Syrah, the first bottle consumed about 6 years ago.
The nose opens seamlessly with ripe plum, blueberry compote, and cassis before evolving into savory waves of smoked meat, dark cocoa, dried violet, and aged soy. The palate is full and silky, with a refined sweetness and integrated spice driving a long, savory finish. Still powerful but now balanced and restrained. In peak form. — 13 days ago
Ming L
I’ve tasted couple excellent bottles of well aged Pinot from Ashley’s vineyard. This Chardonnay is young but very good too.
The 2022 combines the AVA’s coastal freshness with the vintage’s generous ripeness. Aromas of lemon zest, yellow apple, and grilled pineapple mingle with vanilla, brioche, and a saline breeze. The palate is sleek yet plush, balancing citrus-driven acidity with creamy mid-palate weight. Subtle spice frame a long juicy finish.
8 months in French oak barrel, 30% new. — 4 days ago