Mason Balistreri

Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits

9.5

Okay, we get it, you like French Rosé! And who doesn't, especially from Provence? Well, ME for one. I'm pretty sick of these francophiles, and their adherence to trends and frankly, bullshit. The best rose I've had all year was made in California by Bedrock (yeah, that's right, from mourvèdre vines even older than those growing in Bandol). The second best in the domestic category is this Beckman, produced biodynamically and containing a sense of place (tastes like cali). It's luscious and forward, and I drank it slow because it has more going on than just straight up acid. To all the sommeliers out there, have fun pretending that this isn't delicious while you keep recommending $25 dollar bottles that cost less than €5 in France. — 9 years ago

Jimmy Hayes

Estate Director Mayacamas Vineyard

9.7

1974. I'm not really one to get into the messy business of rating Mayacamas wines on here, but occasionally there's one like this that is a true rarity worth documenting. Thanks to @Matthew Beckman for bringing this to dinner last night. Nose transported me instantly to the 1985 Raymond Lafon Sauternes that we poured BTG aT Per Se for years. Super classic, spicy, bergamot and neroli tones. Beeswax, cardamom, green plum, white peach. Nearly dry on the pallet. A wonder of a wine I hope I get to taste again some day... #wow — 9 years ago

with Matthew

Bill Bender

9.3

Such a fun treat offered up from Beck Mattman masquerading as @Matthew Beckman. Sweet perfumed heat on the nose throws you off a little. Flavor profile was ever changing. Burnt earth, cedar, tobacco leaf....the classic MV eucalyptus starts to show up. I kept it in my glass and re-poured an hour later and the fruit was still there. Maybe a slight fade at the end letting the '84 creep past it for my WOTN but a very strong showing. I haven't had an aged Martha's since I finished off a 3 pack of the '85 ten years ago or so....and now I will source more. — 9 years ago

with Matthew, Greg and 2 others