Tom Wood

9.0

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

Jennifer

9.8

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

Conrad Green

9.2

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

with Matt and Paul

web bond

9.1

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

Raymond Tosti

9.3

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

Tom Elliot

Founder Northwest Wines

9.2

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

Jonathan Lipsmeyer

9.2

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

Tony Bubbles

9.0

Nice stuff; admirable crisp minerality — 9 years ago

with Marc

Brian Grech

9.1

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

with Ashley

Todd Trzaskos

9.0

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

Jinglin Zhang

9.5

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

with Phoebe and Cheryl

Michael Morgan

8.9

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

with Daniel

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.1

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

Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

8.9

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

Conrad Green

9.3

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

with Naoko, Larry and 1 other

Joey Hersh

9.5

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

Jan Walker

9.3

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

Wes Hagen

9.0

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

Carlos Mata

9.8

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

Saman Hosseini

Writer Maison Abattoir

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