Kelly Way

9.1

Tart apple/lemon fruit long finish. Refreshing high acid. 40% Chardonnay 40% Savagnin 20% Riesling — 4 years ago

with Jill

Michael J Ferraro

9.1

Oregon Pinot burgundy style - terrific — 5 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.7

It’s usually a good sign when the winemaker can articulate what the wine is about like this: “Ceras is Botanica’s counterpoint. Its color is more purple than red. It is more about minerals and herbs than fruit and flowers. It is a focused and elegant distillation of rock rather than an opulent cascade of fruit. It is an expression of the geology that lays beneath our land, the tart blue fruits of the coast range and the tender herbs that one finds amongst the trees and mushrooms of the Northwest forest.”

Her 2013 Ceras is yet another example of Maggie Harrison’s sorcery over the vines at Antica Terra. The focus and intensity of flavor is off the charts, yet it maintains an almost ethereal weightlessness, only emphasizing the layer of silk that separates you from the wine. The pungent rock is so on point and distinctive it instantly reminded me of the scent of lichen growing on rocks, which I experienced in Colorado when I was 7 or 8 years old. This sets the stage for the level of complexity exhibited. The fruit has both an extraordinarily high level of purity and yet the woven tapestry of herbs and spices and even fruit blending are impossible not to notice. The key being that nothing is forced.

The nuance of complexity only being noticed when desired is nearly an impossible feat. I can’t help but recall James Conaway quoting Andy Beckstoffer in his recently released book: Napa at Last Light: America’s Eden in an Age of Calamity. “If a wine was a model with a chipped tooth, you’d have to give her something to compensate with. If she needs better shoulders, better breasts, give her some. But her real charm is in how she carries the defect.”

After reading his book, I can tell you I’m definitely not certain whether you can accept his quotes verbatim. One thing is certain, though, Maggie Harrison’s Antica Terra wines carry the defect like no other. — 6 years ago

Mark Lindzy

9.5

Single parcel very old vine field blend, rocky volcanic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Black cherries tossed in volcanic ash, white pepper and smoked sea salt. 600ish bottles produced. #nospitting — 8 years ago

Andrew Fortgang

8.9

Vlad the imp aler. Choice of a rainy Halloween afternoon. I wish I remembered what year it went into our cellar. — 9 years ago

heath y

9.0

Really nice. — 9 years ago

Eric Guido

9.6

The 2010 Auguste Favier Reserve is drop dead gorgeous with it’s fresh and bright ripe strawberry tones, giving way to zesty red florals, sweet smoke, white pepper and dusty cedar.  It’s velvety on the palate, yet not weighty, instead poised and remarkably fresh, as red and blue fruits cascade across the senses over a core of brisk acids, leaving a mineral twang with savory spiciness. The finish is long and structured, with youthful tannins still holding something back for the years to come, yet still so alive and focused on purity of fruit.  The 2010 is worth checking in on, but don’t forget to keep a stash in your cellar for at least the next five to ten years. Wow. — 4 years ago

Hector Escaton

9.6

2014. Intense raspberry balanced with basil, mint, and black pepper. Fantastic. — 6 years ago

Dennis Can

9.2

Sooo smooth. Very mellow — 6 years ago

J B

9.2

Ooooo wow. This is very interesting. I like. — 6 years ago

Matt Bowman

9.2

So damn good — 7 years ago

Nico J. Snyman

9.2

Solid expression of a sour. I really wish more producers would venture into sour production. — 8 years ago

Shane Lopez

10

Notes of smoked Gouda, leather, wet soil. Perfectly ripe dark and red fruit and tannins so silky they make you want to cry. Intense smoke on the nose with a cascade of fruit, earth and thyme. Absolutely stunning. — 9 years ago

Eric Guido

9.1

The 2017 Pierre Boisson Blanc is wonderfully fresh, yet enriched by notes of hazelnut and dried peaches, as a mix of smoky minerals and floral tones add further depths.  On the palate, an intense display of sizzling acids, minerals and citrus-tinged green apple cascade across the senses while tugging at the cheeks. The finish is medium in length and remarkably fresh, resonating of tart orchard fruits and mouth watering acidity. — 4 years ago

Amber Archer

9.0

$32 @bdwinecenter •
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From what I understand after translation, this blend’s contents were produced between Riomaggiore and Volastra (of and around Cinque Terre). In my travels through Italy this past summer, I actually had the chance to visit Riomaggiore. In this seaside town of Cinque Terre, I learned that the wines produced there are very hardy. Not only are the majority of these Cinque Terre vineyards constructed into the side of the cliffs/mountains/hills (whatever you’d like to label them, they’re featured on the bottle), they are also mere meters from the sea in some cases. I remember one of the local ladies of one of the five seaside towns telling me of one vineyard (can’t remember which one, probablyyy had too much wine that day) that was only 60 meters away from the surf. With this info in mind, you know that salt water will be absorbed through the grape vines, influencing the grapes’ taste. This results in a very light, delicate brine. It almost reminds me of a sea urchin, and on a lighter note, Haruno’s seaweed salad. 😂 I really dig this wine. A very translucent gold, almost a straw. Definitely let this one warm up a tad, from drinking it completely chilled to room temp, it’s an amazing change. Definitely prefer it after some warmth has reached it. And can we talk about how amazing it is that this wine had the chance to come to the US from like 5,000 miles away where the populations probably don’t exceed a couple of thousand people—and a select few of those choosing to devote their entire lives to cultivating these grape vines? Cheers to finally getting off work 🍻#cinqueterre #manarola #riomaggiore #wine #winetasting #photooftheday #instagood #italy #blend #white #travel #love #bisson #rosenthalwines — 5 years ago

J B

9.5

Lite sour beer with nice hints of pumpkin and apple. — 6 years ago

Cynthia Garcia

9.2

Dark sweet cherries, spicy vanilla incense, slightly smoky on the finish. — 7 years ago

Mike Mantia

9.5

Phenomenal Pilsner — 8 years ago

Cate Meng Zhang

9.1

More sophistication needed. Too simple! — 9 years ago

Morgan Harris

Head Sommelier Aureole New York

9.5

So rad. I'm partial to the sweeter fruit sours, as the sour-on-sour nature of this is a little relentless. The vanilla and orange aromas really pick up on the finish, and add an extra layer of complexity. Texture is creamy and full without being cloying and it's a necessary contrast to the barbaric intensity of the acid. Not for the faint of heart, but really rewarding. Continuing my thoughts that they have to be one of America's greatest sour ale producers. — 9 years ago