Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

This is a remembrance of Sofia & my trip to Franciacorta & visit to Ca’ del Bosco in 2015.

If Italy has a kind of equivalent to Champagne, it would be Franciacorta. This is not Prosecco. It is made in the traditional method.

It is a beautiful part of Italy with both Lake Garda’s, one smaller (closer) & one much bigger and is a summer haven.

Excuse the fussy pics. I bought a new iPhone 7 just before we left & it had a defective camera.

The nose shows fruit blossoms, pineapple, green, apple, golden apple, white peach, tropical melons, vanilla, frothy cream, some caramel, soft volcanics, chalk & spring flowers setting in greens.

The palate has nice, soft, mousse. Ripe fruits; fruit blossoms, pineapple, green, apple, golden apple, lemon, lime, white peach, tropical melons & mango. Vanilla, frothy cream, some caramel, soft volcanics, sea spray, saline, chalk & spring flowers setting in greens, beautiful, acidity, well balanced, nicely structured & toned with an elegant finish that last a full minute and lands on volcanics. — 4 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.7

Cata winegeeks cdjrz magnum
5to lugar — 6 months ago

Carter White

9.0

Red fruit, green, polished, balanced. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

M. Chapoutier “Monier de la Sizeranne” Hermitage Rouge 2020, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Hermitage Syrah sourced from several parcels including Les Bessards, Le Méal, and Les Greffieux. The vineyards combine granite and clay soils that give the wine both structure and richness.

Aromas & Flavors
Raspberry, blackberry, and cassis are complemented by black pepper, licorice, and subtle smoky notes.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet structured with concentrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Venison, roasted beef, duck, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A refined Hermitage Syrah that captures the balance of power and elegance characteristic of the appellation.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully structured Hermitage Syrah that showcases the depth and elegance of the appellation with impressive balance and complexity. — 7 months ago

michael pandolfo

9.0

Mature but amazing. Lots of savory red fruit. — 9 months ago

Makhanna Seerattan

9.6

Really nice, flavorful but felt light. Mom liked. Rich liked. — 10 months ago

N B

9.0

Nice light red via Utah? Ok! Via DomaineLA — 6 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.1

Has tamed a bit w age — 10 years ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

Inaugural vintage and showing better than it did in August. Mostly old-vine Grenache from the era before the domaine began entirely destemming. This is big, burly, epic, and velvety CDP. Like hugging a fuzzy bear. — 12 years ago

with Elena

Patrick Quinlan

10

FOGO w/ the beagles — 13 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2022 vintage. Medium-heavy body. Needs time/patience but shows pretty well currently if you're out of either/both. 6.3.26. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

The fruit for “Pi” is sourced from Foillard’s oldest vines on Côte du Py. These vines are believe to be more than 100 years old. Popped an poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2014 “Pi” pours a deep ruby/purple color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of funky dark fruit: black cherry, purple flowers, a whiff of horse blanket, sous bois and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Beautiful stuff. Drink now through 2039. — 6 months ago

Ericsson

9.4

Vintage at it best At Petit Comptoir, Reims FR. — 7 months ago

Charlie Frago

9.0

Overall nice red blend. Well balanced, moderate fruit. Enjoyed — 8 months ago

Greg Koslosky

8.9

Very mature a disappointment for the vintage . Had a 1985 the week before and it was more youthful. Not the best vintage for this cuvée. I have tasted this Champagne a few times — 8 months ago

John Wilmot

9.3

Christmas Day wine — 10 months ago

Nathan Renfro

9.3

Great champagne! — 5 years ago

Michael Meyer

9.3

Gamay fever in full swing this summer. Catch it! — 9 years ago

Paul Kaan

Winemaker/Blogger FilthyGoodVino.com

8.9

Fun, at the extreme end of maturity, plenty of aldehyde and funk with a solid core of fruit. Better drinking 5 years ago. — 13 years ago

Leif Sundström

Importer/Sales Michael Skurnik Wines & Terry Theise Selections

9.1

More voluptuous than typical for variety — 14 years ago

KA

9.5

Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse Denver — 4 months ago

Eric Grasser

9.9

Very full and deep Napa expression. Black and blue berries, dried tobacco, Napa dust, sandalwood and floral accents. Extremely good — 5 months ago

Jamie Lauder

8.9

2024 vintage.
Grenache and Syrah blend.
Bright ruby colour.
Medium bodied, spicy, lively and juicy.
Plums, cherries, raspberries and currants with a woodsy, slightly earthy and a white pepper finish.
— 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

M. Chapoutier “De L’Orée” Ermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
One of Chapoutier’s most celebrated single-vineyard Marsanne wines, sourced from very old vines (60–70 years) in the Les Murets parcel. The ancient alluvial soils contribute immense concentration and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Intensely aromatic with citrus, acacia, caramel, ripe orchard fruit, and floral undertones, layered with toasted nuts and subtle spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, powerful, and incredibly complex with remarkable length and precision.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, foie gras, roasted poultry, or rich cream-based dishes.

Verdict
A monumental expression of Hermitage Blanc that demonstrates the extraordinary potential of old-vine Marsanne.

🍷 Personal Pick
My absolute favorite of the lineup. This single-vineyard Hermitage shows the firepower of old vines with stunning depth and complexity, easily among the best Marsanne ever tasted. Phenomenal.
— 7 months ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Ripe blackberry, faint mineral, much more fruit-forward than this cuvée usually presents, really drinks beautifully tonight, lovely Beaujolais! — 9 months ago

with Jim

Daniel McCullough

9.4

Really vibrant, in a good spot with plenty of brioche notes — 5 years ago

Lauren Duda

9.1

The cuvee is always lovely. Not too in your face but great body and balanced earthiness. — 8 years ago

Nora Grossman

9.0

Light, spicy red paired with turkey — 11 years ago

Nick Heineke

10

Great Beaujolais! — 12 years ago

Mark Bellott

9.6

Quite good! — 13 years ago