A penetrating nose features gooseberry, cassis, apricot and apple, and suggestions of seeds and pits – as well as a nettle-like prickle – lend invigorating crunch and piquancy to the brightly animating, cheek-scouring acidity that emerges on the palate. But even as you feel the impact of the acids, there is a sheer juiciness that keeps them from turning uncomfortably severe. And the penetrating finish here, predictably, delivers a decisive impression of wet stone and displays admirable balance as regards sweetness. This sole “regular” Müller Kabinett of its vintage (there’s also an Alte Reben bottling) has plenty of cellar potential. And it makes up nearly half of this year’s combined Scharzhofberg and Braune Kupp production. (David Schildknecht, Vinous, March 2018) — 7 years ago
I've had this in the fridge for 20 minutes and it reads a perfect 18.0 degrees on the Vinotemp monitor. Ruby - purple colour to the wine and don't let its transparency fool you, this does have body and delivery! Instant thoughts were 'is this burgundy?!' (Despite obviously knowing better) it immediately reminded me of some of the darker - fruited and meaty interpretations of Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits but this feels ever so fresh. Olives in brine, blackberry and almost a dried prosciutto aroma the leaps out of the glass initially. The wine then started to show a lot more bright, red fruited character as time goes by. The olive brine and blackberry has nestled right in to the background playing quite a nice supporting role. Aromas of fresh raspberry, juiced oranges, ripe blueberry, sarsaparilla and a spicy, floral incense have arrived right at the forefront and there's barely noticeable oak work in sight. The palate follows with raspberry and blueberry but there's a dark chocolate that comes through with the faintest of bitterness, however not off-putting in the slightest. One very noticeable feature of structure here is alcohol; or the lack there of. I've found myself double checking the alcohol at times which sits at 12.5%. The palate flows seamlessly. There is a raspberry-like acidity and the softest lick of tannin. The balance here is admirable. Honestly, it's the type of wine I'm enjoying so much now for its freshness and I don't want to see this sit in my cellar for too long, in saying that I'd be very interested in seeing some bottle development in a few years time. — 9 years ago
This wine is one of my favorite whites that I keep on my shelves. While the producer does an admirable job with several reds, this is the real winner. This wine has a very satisfying multi-layered texture and is as minerally as they get. — 10 years ago
Sometimes wines called sec are low in flavor but not this time. Plus early, middle, late character and nice balance. Standing up well to grilled smoked salmon with pesto noodles. Admirable 12% ABV. Wine Cask $11.99. Well worth it. — 10 years ago
Bright, integrated and enticing nose with toasty French oak, bright red and black berry fruits all wrapped up in hints of vanilla and the faintest hint of stem inclusion. In the mouth the wine shows vanilla first, then fruit, mineral, oak and has admirable balance and length in the finish. Quite fine, and a sick value at $25. If you need some, let me know. I know a guy. — 10 years ago
"One of the Finest Wines I have ever tasted from Tronquoy Lalande, this estate has been resurrected by the Bouygues family (also the owners of Chateau Montrose) capably assisted by Jean Bernard Delmas, the Wine Architect at Haut Brion between 1961 and 2003. A Blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and a whopping 10% Petit Verdot, the 2010 boasts a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of violets, black currants, earth and subtle oak. Admirable concentration, sweet, well-integrated tannin and a surprisingly sexy, opulent mouthfeel result in a Gorgeous Wine to drink over the next 12-15+ years". [Score: 90/93 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194), May 2011 / Score: 92 (205), March 2013] — 7 years ago
The most amazing winr of the tasting. Admirable — 7 years ago
Spice, cherry, light wood. Blackberry. Med to med- body but very pure, focused, and clean with acid and blue fruit on the finish framed by discreet tannins. Too early to open this one, most likely, but a really delicious showing from a producer with an admirable style. Excellent value. — 8 years ago
Wow. This review is from the heart. It's an old world style but the heart of this wine comes from the symbolism and the reason to create this blend. The name Nurok means diver. This Fairview South African label depicts the precious person (Wulf) bringing harmony between the Christians and Jews. An admirable reason to create a wine and an admirable philosophy #fairview #tolerance #peace — 9 years ago
A saturated purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of espresso, black fruits, cocoa, dried Provencal herbs and vanilla, an explosive attack, admirable freshness, and impressive concentration. Great BBQ Wine!! — 11 years ago
Pedro Ximenez grape. Very thick and syrupy, molasses in color and also almost molasses consistency, with very thick legs. Like the color of coca cola. Very good presence on the nose giving off aromas of dry prunes in brandy. Quite heavy on the palate; clearly the thicker wine that I have ever had. The performance of this wine in the palate is really admirable, with great entrance and very long, tasty and complex passage. Molasses, cane sugar honey, thick raisings syrup flavor, explosive acidity and finish, with black pepper notes. Very peppery, very amazing, very, very long. 98 pts. — 11 years ago
From the Cazenuve family, with Daniel Llose (of AXA MIllésimes) as consulting oenologist. Grapes are hand picked in cagettes; rare for any Bordeoux wines at this price point. Aged 15 months in 1/3 new barriques, blended late. The wine is of substantial flesh on the forefront, with warm undertones of coffee and tobacco, and admirable grip. — 12 years ago
Haven't had Durif in the longest time. Not my favourite grape but the last one I had was quite memorable, admittedly. Blinded... Rowly's durif viognier (Scion wines) was a stroke of genius... elegant and perfumed. This, however, was what some would call classic... elegant wouldn't be first thing that comes to mind... but it's well-built. Huge fruit, heaps of spice, oak wasn't particularly intrusive but present, tannins was as expected... the concentration was really admirable. I reckon the vine age does show. Imagine if this fruit was treated like Rowly's... Damn! Then again, what fun would wine be if everyone made it in the way I like it 🤣
NB: Would have been nice to see it after a couple of days. Tbh, I'm not sure about the vine age but the Petite Sirah from Stags Leap supposedly comes from pretty old plantings. — 7 years ago
Outstanding effort in a notoriously tough year. Softens after a day open into cranberry/raspberry fruit, admirable sappiness (as opposed to green veggies), wrapper leaf and good concentration. Textbook basic Chinon! #chinon #cabernetfranc — 8 years ago
My wine of the vintage and it never fails to blow me away. Beautiful nose of ripe cherries, licorice, minerals, earth, tree bark, cranberry and more. Just a massive aromatic spectrum. Palate just slays. Super elegant and ripe with depth, admirable power and structure and undeniable freshness. Sweet fruit and such refinement. A bit more closed than my last bottle out of the gates but only needs 30 minutes to get going. — 8 years ago
Great stuff! Still an admirable tannic bite. If I had to describe it, I'd say it's two parts Roagna Dolcetto and one part Cayron Gigondas. A lovely pairing to lamb rib chops and garlicky baby potatoes. — 9 years ago
Noticeably raveneau but broad, fleshy and quite exotic. All the honeyed and floral notes you're used to from valmur but it lacks a bit of the minerality and cut you'd expect from one this young. Admirable given the vintage and a delicious, if atypical, wine. — 9 years ago
Incomparable sweetness, admirable complexity. Molasses, chocolate. Pour it on your favorite dessert, or even vanilla ice cream. — 9 years ago
Dusty red and blue fruit, quite inviting aromatics
Lovely soft body juicy sour tannin core. Fresh balance is admirable and the whole bottle, delicious. — 10 years ago
2014...first bottle was so brilliant we ordered a 2nd, and there was a large variance between bottles. First, and best, was aromatic, rich, brilliant texture, delicious flavors, and admirable finish. 2nd bottle was seemingly shut down, not as rich and concentrated. Rating first bottle. — 10 years ago
A real treat to see a 34 year old Italian beauty. Dried herb and fruit. Earthy, dark dried fruits. Soft soft tannin with rounded acid. Lost its vibrancy and that bang that sucks you in. Admirable it has held up and a beautiful experience. 89 points. — 11 years ago
Deep salmon color. Aromas of toasted nuts, dried red fruits. Admirable focus and acidity. — 12 years ago
Jordan Wardlaw
Ripe and juicy as all get-out. Inky, intense, tannic and dense. Not my style preference for Barbera but admirable for its hedonistic appeal. — 6 years ago