Benchmark Wines

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rosé Blend 2022

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2022 pours a pale coral color with a transparent core; medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with a refreshing mix of tart and ripe red fruits; strawberry, watermelon dry underbrush, red flowers, and wet stone minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry; tannins are light with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and saline. Lovely texture. This continues to be a benchmark for rosé. Drink now through 2032. — 2 months ago

Lyle, Ely and 18 others liked this
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Raun Kupiec both Pibarnon and Pradeaux make great Provencial rosé too. both LdH Tondonia Rosado and Chateau Musar Rosé are in the same category
Raun Kupiec

Raun Kupiec

I know the Musar Reds from the Bekaa Valley. Really excellent. Didn’t know they did a rosé, it if it is anything like their red it must be wonderful.
Jay Kline

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@Raun Kupiec it’s actually more close in resemblance to their Blanc but yes, lovely stuff.

Benchmark Wines

Criterion Collection Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

6 person cab tasting first place votes and tied for first votes from the land down under this cab was very impressive loads of complexity here especially for the price chocolate covered berries on the front with a earthy middle and a spice finish not the loudest flavors but lots of them great complexity definitely something good going on in south Australia — 8 months ago

Ray liked this

Las Vertientes

Benchmark Red Blend

Love this wine - Christina — 3 years ago

Jacques Selosse

Lieux Dits Les Carelles Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay

Disg. 2/14…Always my favorite of the Lieux-Dits and without question one of the very best Blanc de Blancs Champagnes on the planet, it’s particularly special to have with some bottle age. It’s stunning today, rich and powerful with crazy depth to its layers with a deep, complex core of caramelized orchard fruit, roasted nuts, old rum barrels and candied white flowers, all seamlessly integrated. The palate is generous and detailed, with racy acids, waves of saline laced, chalky Le Mesnil minerals and a finish that stays with you. A BdB benchmark for my tastes. — 4 months ago

Jan, Vino and 6 others liked this

Benchmark Wines

Criterion Chablis Chardonnay 2022

Light golden color. Interesting aromas of lemon zest, apricot, honey and toasted nuts. More green apple and pear on the palate with additional notes of lemon/lime snd minerals. Crisp acidity and a pleasant creamy texture (neutral oak?). Crisp and clean. Solid food wine. Nice white wine choice, Keith S! Revisited in August 2024. Outstanding! Thanks for the wonderful gift, Keith S! — 5 months ago

Austin, Paul and 2 others liked this

Cullen Wines

Kevin John Margaret River Chardonnay 2015

3/6.75/9.75 = 19.5 out of 100 say 98
Eight year Kevin John - lovely with pear on the nose and pear with perfectly balanced acid on the palate. Sets a high benchmark for all premium Chardonnay.
— 10 months ago

William Hill Estate Winery

Benchmark Napa Valley Red Blend 2013

Really loved the body and finish — 4 years ago

Brent liked this

Pattes Loup (Thomas Pico)

Vent d'Ange Chablis Chardonnay 2020

Very muted in the nose… hardly anything at first, fresh saltiness, barely a hint of green apple & lemon peel. And yet, fresh & enticing.
And then, on the palate this sings! Simply beautiful! With a touch of roundness & creaminess on the palate but also vibrant acidity, salinity, stony minerality. Ripe yellow apple & lemon. Vibrant, juicy and quite complex. Great depth & length.
A benchmark for Chablis & delish!
— 5 months ago

Ira, Pinotman and 3 others liked this
Daniel M

Daniel M

I keep seeing this producer posted on here a lot but I must confess I had never heard of it while I was still living back home. Now I want to discover it 😊 thank you for sharing!

Enderle & Moll

Muschelkalk Pinot Noir 2022

Fleshy and big at this point with amazing tannins. Too young. Cherry 🍒 driven at this point - the classic E&M black forest herbs are there. Seems to me comparable to a GC Vosne. This is a tremendous effort and will improve over time to a glorious benchmark Pinot. I suspect my rating will go up to a 9.8+ in 5 years. What a wine! Should have bought cases! — 6 months ago

Spencer, Scott@Mister and 5 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

What does this price out at retail?
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Check with vom Boden the Importeur in New York if they have this. Muschelkalk translates into/= Limestone from sea shells. The other rare wine from them is called Bundsandstein/Red Sandstone. Typically the winery makes only 1-3 barrels and I have not seen the wine on the shelf recently. My guess would be ca. 80$. These wines are underpriced for what they are and i have been following them since 2009. I did get my bottles from Lyle Fass an E-mail direct Importer for ca. 60$ and are sold out every year. They might not carry the prestige of a Burgh but for me these are the most interesting Pinots.

Descendientes de José Palacios

Pétalos Bierzo Mencía 2017

Benchmark Mencia! Unusually elegant style for Spain grace to the cool Galician climate while the old vines ensure intensity. Slightly oak driven and not overly complex. — 4 years ago

Ira and Peter liked this