Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

The albariño grapes are harvested from higher-altitude vineyards plots at Goian (Argallo), slow ripening in cooler temperatures. Light straw yellow with aromas of white flesh fruits and citrus. On the palate this un-oaked wine is crisp with Apple, pear and white peach adding some lemon zest, clean and fresh. Bright acidity, this easy drinking wine finished with some tart fruit on a long ending. Very Nice! — 9 years ago

Andrés Solís Lira

9.2

Had it with the winemaker: a vehement and honest French ex-pat who sources grapes from a couple of plots in the much-lauded Alto Cachapoal. Without touching the acidity or manipulating the alcohol, Machalí is elegant and poised, having precise aromas and complexity, but miles away from that über-common chocolate. — 10 years ago

Rob Patchett

9.1

Great fruit and savoury, not hot, stainless steel. Mixture of four plots — 10 years ago

Cathrine Todd

9.7

Essence is an interesting idea from the Vins et Vignobles Dourthe company in Bordeaux, which is widely known in the UK and Europe, but they are recently placing their focus on the U.S. market. It is a blend from the best plots of some of their well-known chateaux. Only 500 cases made. This 2008 was simply dense, dark, and lovely. Espresso, licorice, intense graceful fruit & long finish. — 11 years ago

Devin Bray

9.3

Young and a bit closed, but dignified and serious nonetheless. 3/4 of a bottle per plant, this is a world class producer very committed to the health and upkeep of his small plots. A one man show from soil to bottle. Bold and big, with unripe and slightly sour black cherry mingling with gamey animal notes, and a kick of white pepper at the end. Very well balanced and integrated. — 9 years ago

Martin Bergo

8.9

Said my 14-year-son as I decanted this wine and let him take a sniff: "It smells more than any other wine I ever smelled before!" The notes of red PN-typical fruits are really intense and interesting, and, on the one hand, the wine delivers hints of horse-stable and earth, and on the other hand, has a lovely sensual perfume; the mid-palate-dominated wine has soft tannins, a northern-Rhône-like "meat-savouriness", and a rather short finish that nevertheless reveals potential for developmemt. Some new oak is evident on the palate and alcohol seems higher than the restrained 13% indicated. The La Justice commune-appelation plots are located northeast of the Gevrey-Ch. village. Will try again in 2018 (and then I will remember to play the same recording of The New World Symphony as today; music & wine is as important as wine & food to me). Had with gruyere and spanish ham cut from the hiney of a pata negra acorn-fed pig. — 10 years ago

Fabien Lainé

Blogger VinDeling.com

9.1

Domaine Porte Rouge Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012: a small 2,6Ha domaine, over 6 plots, 85% Grenache & 15% Syrah, it was one of the only 2012 that showed more than the others, most of the 2012 were sleeping. This wine is aged in old barrels, displaying fine tannins structure, a bit atypical from the others, floral and juicy, a generous wine. — 11 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.1

Low on the radar and I hope it stays that way as enjoyable as this wine is.
45% Marsanne, 30% Ugni Blanc, 20% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc
From seaside vineyards, the plots lie within direct sight of the Mediterranean in some cases or are towered over by the palisade like cap Canaille which forms part of the coast in Cassis.
The aroma is of stone fruits, fresh white spring flowers, fennel spice, all accented salty sea air. The palate is juicy white peaches sprinkled with sea salt, with a touch of licorice like spice. Excellent acidity and body, with a refreshing and clean finish. #cassis #realprovence — 9 years ago

Anthony Vincent

9.8

These magnums of 1998 HJP did not have labels since it was from the Caves of Beaucastel. ~60 percent Mouvedre with the rest made up of Syrah and Grenache from the best plots at Beaucastel. — 10 years ago

Jimmy Hayes

Estate Director Mayacamas Vineyard

9.3

Loved pouring these alongside Laurent Lignier yesterday at #lapaulee Verticals. Always been a favorite domaine. The VV 1er comes from two 1er plots in MSD - one planted in 1950, the other in 1936. 00 was a stunner. Ethereal, but with a brooding, earthy power. — 11 years ago