Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

The US is now their #1 export market. You would be surprised at what some producers spend on labels. It is more than you think. All those countries, languages and different requirements for what needs to be written on them.

I think this is in a dumb faze or just closed down.

The nose is muted and not all that revealing. Soft blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries with powdery raspberries. Clayish soils, some clove, dark earth, very light herbs, notes of baking soda, sandalwood and dark withering flowers.

The palate is a little flat..showing stubbornness. Ripe but dullish; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries & raspberries. Dry clayish soils, dry top soil, limestone minerals, dark spice, clove, dark, rich earth, very light herbs, notes of baking soda, sandalwood that falls into cedar, soft tobacco with dark withering flowers and violets, its acidity is very good, the finish while balanced, polished, somewhat elegant, lacks some complexity today and lasts a minute.

I would reserve a full assessment of this one tasting it again in 5+ years. It is in need of further evolution. — 4 days ago

Shizuka Tanoue

9.0

コスパいい！
私たち多分酸味強すぎるのダメだけど、ちょうどいい！
ポルトガル万歳🙌🏻ヴィーニョヴェルデ万歳🙌🏻笑 — 4 years ago

Patricia Schnitzer

9.5

May 16, 2020. SD dinner w/ Jack D. Purchased this at the vineyard March 1 following a library tasting. It was good then and I remember having a hard time deciding between this and another wine, they were all good. Last night, by itself I’m so glad I got this one. It is an EPIC wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of dark fruit (cassis, black cherry), more smoke, tobacco, and a tinge if mint. So good. — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

The 2020 “del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba” is a traditional blend of three MGAs from Serralunga: mostly younger vines from Baudana, Cerretta and now, some fruit from Costabella. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2020 pours a beautiful garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe notes of Morello cherry, pomegranate, talcum powder, red roses, dry earth and old wood. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly savory. I took the opportunity to enjoy this alongside the “Baudana” and this didn’t have the same elegance but it’s a very complete and balanced Barolo. Drink now through 2040. — 5 months ago

Brandie J Krey

9.1

Nice taste but a little juicer than I normally like. Nips at the tip of your tongue but goes down smoothly. — 3 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The Seasonal Grand Opening of the D&S Lounge. That’s going to require some BSR to celebrate.

As well, going to detail notes of this with my new Riedel Vintage Sommelier flutes, center picture. I’ve been wanting to write notes on this Champange in the new flutes as I wanted to do it one I am very well acquainted. As @Paul T- Huntington Beach & @Severn Goodwin have pointed out the many times I have posted it.

The nose is definitely more vibrant. Tangerines lead where they haven’t in my previous notes now using the new flutes. More pink rose petals, blood orange, pink grapefruit, leaner; strawberries, watermelon, warmed, creamed raspberries, apricots & cherries, liqueured marmalade, hints of scorched rhubarb, lemon/lime aid, chalky powder, delicate, grey volcanics, sweet, sea spray, bread dough, baguette crust, touch of brown sugar/molasses light, haunting, dry herbs, limestone and bouquet of; white, red, pink & orange roses.

The body is round with some gummy or gluiness. Everything about the mouthfeel is more delicate and softer. The bubbles smaller & more refined. Pink rose petals, blood orange, pink grapefruit, leaner; strawberries, watermelon, warmed, creamed raspberries, apricots & cherries, liqueured marmalade, hints of scorched rhubarb, almost a date presence on the long set, chalky powder, delicate, grey volcanics, sweet, sea spray, lighter intensity of white spices but, still has the heat & palate penetration, bread dough, baguette crust, touch of brown sugar/molasses light, haunting, dry herbs, limestone and bouquet of; white, red, pink & orange roses. The acidity is all fresh & lively with this cuvée. But, even that seems better. The finish is as always; well knitted & balanced, polished, fresh, persistent and never disappoints.

Photos of; the best room in our house for 6+ months of the year, our backyard. Aka, the D&S Lounge on Memorial Day Weekend 2020. — 5 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.3

In beautiful shape, better than I remember the last bottle being. Dried red and black fruits, dry dusty tannins, forest floor, dried porcini mushroom and old leather umami nodes, cedar, dried herbs. Did I mention it’s dry? But it’s a beautiful wine, the flavor profile exudes sun baked warmth but the alcohol clocks in at less than 12% so it doesn’t fatigue the palate — 2 years ago

Ming L

9.3

Broken cord, so I double decanted it.
Ripe, earthy and a bit medicinal. Then red fruits came to life the 2nd day. Balance and well integrated acidity and tannins. At its peak, but will have staying power for 3-4 years.
— 2 years ago

Aravind A

9.5

Lot 12, solex UW, Disg Feb 18, 2016. I said god d$!n! — 4 years ago

with Peter

Anthony Lombardi

9.2

Felt a bit like smelling Nebbiolo. Lots of roses & tar aromatics. Darker fruited to be sure, well structured and more complex than many bottles of Barbera. I tend to love this grape with a variety of different food and this bottle is an excellent example of bright dark cherry and a juicy finish. — 5 years ago