Admirable Family Vineyards

Fratelli Alessandria

Priòra Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2016

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

Dr., Daniel P. and 3 others liked this

Egon Müller

Scharzhofberger Kabinett Riesling 2016

Delectable Wine
9.1

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

Severn, Sharon and 3 others liked this

Cantina Ar.Pe.Pe.

Rosso di Valtellina Nebbiolo 2015

This wine is like sending yourself flowers and including a secret admirer card and giggling about it but then realizing maybe you have done some admirable things in the past and maybe, just maybe, you do admire yourself in a secret humble way. 🌹🌹🌹 — 8 years ago

Kyle and Riddley liked this

Erich Pittnauer

Heideboden Blaufränkisch

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

Scott liked this

Domaine Yves Martin

Chavignol Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc

Nice stuff; admirable crisp minerality — 9 years ago

Marc Stubblefield
with Marc
Marc, Aaron and 11 others liked this

Domaine Richou

Chauvigné Anjou Chenin Blanc 2014

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

Alice liked this

Domaine Le Capitaine

Les Aumones Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2014

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

J. Wilkes

Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2013

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

Mark liked this
Mike Mayer

Mike Mayer

I've got to try some of the J Wilkes offerings very soon. Where in Houston can I find them?
Wes Hagen

Wes Hagen Influencer Badge

That would be a question for Curtis Reis, and the email has been sent. More soon. whagen@jwilkes.com if you'd like to reach out. I feel like Wilfred Wong rating my own wine. :-)

Dr. Loosen

Erdener Prälat Auslese Mosel Riesling 2012

Tom Elliot
9.2

Young and super concentrated. Admirable but needs time. — 11 years ago

Scott and Gary liked this

Château Tronquoy-Lalande

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

"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

Domaine de la Vougeraie

Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2015

The most amazing winr of the tasting. Admirable — 7 years ago

Azienda Agricola La Torre

Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese 2015

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

Ciro Picariello

Fiano di Avellino 2014

Erik Helms
9.3

Delicate and creamy, with excellent structure. Lemons, yellow apples, admirable acidity and an intriguing flinty finish. Avellino is the only DOCG Fiano for a reason. Tremendous length, high quality juice! So tasty. — 8 years ago

Lauren Vance
with Lauren
Lauren, Greg and 14 others liked this

Vaughn Duffy

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2013

Alder Yarrow
8.9

Bright and juicy, slightly candied, but with an admirable leanness. — 9 years ago

LM, Liz and 3 others liked this

Fairview

Nurok Viognier Blend 2013

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

Eric and Alex liked this

Château Laville Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1945

Showing its age but still admirable depth and structure. Fascinating wine — 10 years ago

Matt LichtenbergPaul Woolls
with Matt and Paul
Wes liked this

Clos des Papes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Hot brick and opulent sweet red cherry. Under layer of sweet spice and liquorice. Burgundian elegant mixed with Chateau-neuf. Such an amazing example of admirable Grenache blend! — 10 years ago

Phoebe LiCheryl Peng
with Phoebe and Cheryl
Serge liked this

Blackjack Ranch

Allusion Proprietary Cabernet Franc Blend 2006

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

Alvear

Solera 1927 Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximénez 1927

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

Kent liked this

Château Paloumey

Cru Bourgeois Superieur Haut-Médoc Cabernet Franc Blend 2009

Saman Hosseini
9.0

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

Saman liked this

Stags' Leap Winery

Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2013

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

Ron, Daniel P. and 8 others liked this

Domaine Fabrice Gasnier

Cuvée Les Graves Chinon Cabernet Franc 2016

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

Château Thivin

Cuvée Zaccharie Côte de Brouilly Gamay 2014

Lyle Fass
9.4

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

Doctor, Tom and 10 others liked this
Lyle Fass

Lyle Fass Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Marc Stubblefield I know why. Email me.
Roy Arias

Roy Arias Premium Badge

@Lyle Fass @Marc Stubblefield I want to know why also!!
Kyle Volkes

Kyle Volkes

I have to travel all the way from TOR to MTL for Thivin. Love the wines tho

Hatzidakis Winery

Santorini Mavrotragano 2012

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

Ira liked this

Domaine François Raveneau

Valmur Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay 2003

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

Naoko Dalla ValleLarry FriersonLindsay Lee
with Naoko, Larry and 1 other
Keith, LM and 1 other liked this

Valdespino

El Candado Sherry Pedro Ximénez

Incomparable sweetness, admirable complexity. Molasses, chocolate. Pour it on your favorite dessert, or even vanilla ice cream. — 9 years ago

Ashley Grech
with Ashley

Château Jouclary

Cuvée Tradition Cabardès Merlot Blend 2012

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

Abbazia di Novacella (Stiftskellerei Neustift)

Praepositus Valle Isarco / Eisacktaler Kerner 2014

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

Roy and Nathaniel liked this

Castello di Monsanto

Il Poggio Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 1980

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

Daniel Freitas
with Daniel

Jérome Coessens

Largillier Lieu-dit Brut Rosé Champagne Blend

Andrew Holod
9.1

Deep salmon color. Aromas of toasted nuts, dried red fruits. Admirable focus and acidity. — 12 years ago