Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Consistent both days. The 2017 Marqués de Riscal “Reserva” pours a deep ruby with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with dark cherries, ripe bruised strawberries, baked apple, hibiscus, toasted coconut, vanilla, new leather and some baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Medium+ alcohol. A lovely pairing with my sort of modern riff on paella for a quick Tuesday evening meal. More please!

Having enjoyed vintages going back to the early 1980’s, I think Marqués de Riscal “Reserva” is one of the last few, true bargains in the wine world. They are classic in the sense that they are unmistakably Rioja and they have the ability to age for decades. It’s very hard for me to think of another wine that is widely available for under $30 that can drink this well and cellar that long. Let’s enjoy the disparity while we can! — 8 months ago

Vanessa

9.2

It was wonderful to visit the @kostabrownewinery facilities in #sebastapol today.

🍷 We sipped on the 2017 One Sixteen Chardonnay, the 2016 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and the 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. We had a tour of the facilities, taking in the stainless steel, concrete, and oak vessels where wines are fermented.

Loved learning about the founders Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, also Chris Costello, the three of whom carried Kosta Browne to critical acclaim, earning Wine Spectator’s “wine of the year” award for the 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

The founders have since sold KB to @duckhornwine and the passion to produce exceptional wines continues with this label.

We also tasted a Champagne emblematic of what’s to come from KB under Julien Howsepian @jhowsepian
the current head winemaker. 🥂
We’re excited to taste this sparkling wine once available 🙌🙌
— 3 years ago

with Deked1

Rob B

9.0

Still drinking this only on occasion as the 2012 is no longer available (I checked everywhere). Love this big finish cab 9 years later, still so good! — 3 years ago

Dawn E.

9.0

I am never displeased with this wine, consistently available, and vintages show some variations from year to year. A little relaxed on the gooseberries, I love that zing! Finish presents with some creaminess which is different! — a year ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.4

This wine really opened up since my last try 2 years ago!
Lemoncurd, white pepper, sereh, ginger, saffron, vanilla, oak and a lovely savory note of wet wool and seaweed. Unusual concentration and creaminess for an albarino. But.... Variety typical acidity - bracing, electric and refreshing - is available in spades.
Terrific wine and a great pairing with a classic carbonara and asparagus...! — 3 years ago

Fredrik Finn

9.2

Chateau Yvonne Blanc 2018: Despite being youthful with a very bright future ahead is so moreish and delicious in its infant stage. Serve 10-12 degrees in your large burgundy glasses and even better after some time in the decanter. And most importantly, make sure to get som while its still available.

Dense concentration on the nose with grilled lemon, ripe peaches and nectarines, honey, blossom a very integrated oak profile and a chalky minerality.
A piercing and electric acidity dominates the palate and cuts through and brings balance to the a full body with a waxy and creamy viscosity. Pronounced flavour intensity with full presence through the complex mid plate. There is definitely a long and very serious finish but falls short from being a hall of famer.

A very smart craftmanship from the artisanal organic and biodynamic Chateau Yvonne, the Saumur Blanc went through malolactic fermenation and spent 12 months in oak (20%) new
— 3 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.3

One of the best east coast I.P.A.’s available. No doubt. — 2 years ago

Severn Goodwin

9.2

So...I had a birthday a couple weeks back.and due to scheduling, my regular bottle finishing team wasn't available until now, so we're finally doing it up in my grand, unique style.

Notes possibly tomorrow, scores honestly tonight.

Decanted 6H.

24-Hour Update:
Nose has crushed bricks, blood orange, ripe cherries, cranberry sauce and wet vines.
Palate has dried cranberry (unsweetened), chalk, orange zest, black currant and dried blackberry.
Seems a little shutdown, revisit 2023+. — 3 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.2

Hey, Delectable— this is the Visions 2018 North Coast Pinot, but the ID wasn’t available.

Unabashedly ripe and warm, but with a distinctive umami flavor (hoisin sauce?) that I’m really digging. Black cherry, black plum and even blue fruit on the nose and palette. Lovely satiny texture. Medium + finish.

Hedonistic in the way you’d expect from a winemaker mentored by the Wagners, but the suppleness and umami notes make this wine stand out in a sea of north coast Pinot Noir, and the absence of new oak lets the fruit do the taking. Perfect with chicken lettuce wraps and haricot verts smothered in Madeira mushroom cream sauce.

Owner/founder, Mac Macdonald, has been making his own California Pinot Noir for more than 25 vintages now and it shows. Side note: he’s also one of the better story tellers in the biz.

Initially sampled as part of a tasting with the #AAAV (Association of African American Vintners) and took the bottle home.
— 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Moscato d’Asti is available in a 375ml which is a nice size to pop open after a nice meal. A slight effervescence wine with a light golden color. Aromas of sweet fresh stone fruits and citrus layered with a bit of floral spice. On the palate flavors of peaches and apricots with a grape-like character. Medium finish ending with citrus, sweet spice and honey notes. A favorite, great value! Grab a 750ml for a larger crowd! — 4 years ago