Ken Schmidt

9.0

2013. Valerie and I had it with spicy chicken and squash. Noticeably dry. Bought two at Bevmo! probably with 5¢ sale. (2014 is no good.) — 10 years ago

Michael Horkay

9.0

Here is a benchmark in mineral driven Chenin blanc. Amazing balance and a touch of ripeness hints at sweetness. A lovely wine from an amazing producer in the Loire. — 10 years ago

Hector Escaton

9.4

The benchmark. Hooked up again by the homie at 14th St Quick Pick Liquors who hides this in the back. — 11 years ago

Jason James

9.2

Really good, easy to drink new world style Pinot. I could drink the 2009 all night long. Paired it with chicken Marsala, delicious. — 11 years ago

Darren Delmore

10

Where do I even begin? I was the winemaker's assistant this vintage for a very stressed and haunted man. David Hirsch didn't believe in air pumps then, and the press that was installed at the winery wasn't quite high enough to press into barrel with Gravity.... So I can honestly claim that I punched down every lot everyday every time, and I hand bucketed every drop of wine in paint buckets out of the press and up into barrel. Still I never got a bottle of the stuff until I bought it recently for 35 off Benchmark. As dangerous and chaotic of a harvest gig it was, the wine now sure tastes worth all the hellfire. — 11 years ago

Daniel Darahem

9.8

Benchmark. — 11 years ago

Peter Granoff MS

Master Sommelier, Founder/Partner Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant & Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant

9.7

Always a benchmark for Sancerre . . . — 13 years ago

Trevor Maskell

9.3

08. Brilliant condition. Just a benchmark Chablis from the masters. Underlying minerality and pure fruits. Great weight and focus. Gorgeous length. Yes please. — 10 years ago

Matt Wilson

9.4

Tight and young but my god the fruit is divine. A benchmark of the best Napa can offer. — 10 years ago

Rx Wine Lab

9.0

Old school as they come! This reserva is a benchmark for those wanting to hone in on Rioja. 10 years of aging has muted the fruit of sour cherry and pomegranate skins and secondary aromas are dominant with cedar, coconut flan and dill. — 10 years ago

Chris Paul

Wine Educator Copain Wines

9.5

Sublime wine from AV. Drink it yesterday. — 11 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

Another masterful wine from #NYWE14, a benchmark wine from this region this had everything you want in a great white wine. — 11 years ago

Jon Bonné

Wine Editor San Francisco Chronicle

9.1

Sangiovese benchmark. — 11 years ago

Mike Bernard

9.6

Still my favorite Viognier on the planet and definitely my benchmark white that I measure all others against. I love the PCV Viognier. I still have a complete vertical of every year Alex has made this. Someday! — 12 years ago

Ron R

9.2

Popped with my family. My wife and her twin brother-in-law were born in 76, so my reputation is resting on Phelps!

The appearance is exquisite. Visibly, it is showing only slight signs of age, with the wine at the quarter shoulder.

On the nose, I detect prunes, cinnamon, tree bark and saddle leather. On the palette, the wine is superbly balanced and harmonious. Tannins are, of course, integrated, but the stature of the wine is still so graceful and refined. Flavors of caramel with a hint of cedar wood and truffles . The finish is sweet and utterly consistent.

For its age, this is an outstanding example. Purchased from Benchmark.

PS - My reputation is still intact 😌 — 10 years ago

with Julie, Pierre-Alexandre and 1 other

Sam Rethmeier

9.2

Benchmark example of St Joseph — 11 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.2

Love it, especially at the price. Benchmark Chinon. — 11 years ago

Scott Tallman

9.6

Benchmark Rose - worth the tarriff — 11 years ago

with Sheela

Doug Thomson

9.1

My benchmark for Oregon Pinots. Under-rated. 2012. — 11 years ago

Paul Weil

9.0

A well-balanced Bordeaux-style blend, this wine offered rich licorice and mocha flavors with thick tannins. — 12 years ago