Domaine De La Font Du Roi

Y Rousseau

Le Roi Soleil Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Ming L
9.4

A wonderful Mount Veeder Cab that has aged elegantly.

The nose shows blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum laced with savory notes of cedar, tobacco and dried herbs. The palate is concentrated yet vibrant with silky tannins has firm grip, finishing long with hints of cocoa and espresso.

Restrained power and finesse, Yannick brought both Veeder’s rugged characters and French precision. Last bottle.
— a month ago

Tom, Dave and 1 other liked this
Ming L

Ming L

Lol….I don’t know @Dave . sentimental? I actually gave the same score to the same bottle 2 years ago.
Dave

Dave

Well, I guess that means you are a consistent and seasoned pro! 😀
Ming L

Ming L

Thanks for the kind words @Dave ! I’m just an amateur at best.

Château Gigonan

Clos du Roi Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2019

Somm David T
9.1

First time having this producer.

Right off the top, this is much sweeter than the CNP’’s I am used to drinking. The fruits here are crazy ripe. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries. Not much in the way depth or grilled meats. It is highly drinkable. I don’t want to throw them in with Caymus’s modern style but it is hard not to think it. There is some mid spice here, moist, clays, dry stones, some very light herbaceous notes, some barrel dust, light black pepper, loads of red flowers, nice round acidity and decently balanced, elegant, round, lush finish that lasts a minute.

If you like a young, pop and pour easy to drink CDP for under $35, this for you.
— 5 months ago

Daniel, Ming and 6 others liked this

Domaine P. Dubreuil-Fontaine Père & Fils

Clos du Roi Corton Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2021

Lyle Fass
9.4

Needs air but so elegant and gorgeous. Pretty. Roses, mid season. cherry, mineral and very open palate that is fleshing out minute by minute. Gorgeous, elegant tannins and very pure. Let’s see what air does. Such a wispy wine. — 7 months ago

Jay, Ray and 9 others liked this

Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard

Clos du Roi 1er Cru Beaune Pinot Noir 2022

Lyle Fass
9.4

22’s having a moment now. This has glorious texture and mouthfeel and just takes over your palate with clear fruit and lovely spice. Out of the gates it’s raging. We will see if it closes up. As this opened the nose had dizzying spice and gorgeous, clear black cherry fruit. Unreal fruit density and sapidity. So close to a 9.5. — 2 months ago

Daniel, Ray and 7 others liked this

Pierre Ferrand

Ambré Grande Champagne 1er Cru de Cognac

Cognac. Love it ❤️ 😍 — 4 months ago

jesus, Robin and 2 others liked this

Mas Grange Blanche

La Font des Bessounes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2020

Mas Grange Blanche Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Font des Bessounes” 2020
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A traditional Southern Rhône blend featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, among other permitted varietals of the appellation. The 2020 vintage is considered one of balance and finesse, producing wines with both fruit concentration and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Intensely aromatic with red and blue bramble fruits, black pepper, mulling spices, licorice, and hints of tobacco and biscuits. On the palate, it’s medium-to-full-bodied, showing layers of cherry, blackberry, and subtle earthy notes, wrapped with freshness and minimal oak influence.

Mouthfeel
Structured yet approachable, with balanced acidity and polished tannins. Displays good complexity, moderate weight, and a long, savory finish that speaks to the terroir.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested grapes, vinified traditionally with careful extraction to preserve both fruit character and elegance. Aged with minimal oak to highlight purity and balance.

Food Pairing
Pairs wonderfully with roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Its spice and structure also work well with Mediterranean herb-driven dishes.

Verdict
A well-structured and gratifying Châteauneuf-du-Pape, showcasing the elegance of the 2020 vintage. Balanced, aromatic, and age-worthy—drink now or cellar for added depth.
— 5 months ago

Dave, Daniel and 1 other liked this

Château Font du Broc

Côtes de Provence Red Blend 2019

Reliving from the Provence trip - a good easy drinking red — 8 months ago

Domaine de Font-Sane

Tradition Gigondas Grenache Blend 2023

A surprisingly gorgeous evening in DC tonight at a favorite classic bistro. This Giggie has loads of ripe fruit, but is drinking really well already. Very soft, decent acids. Some savory notes. The alcohol (15%) pooks through on the back half of the palate. But it was served a little warmer than I’d like, so that probably amplified it. — 2 months ago

Dave, Doug and 15 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Tom Casagrande, I *think* the 2022 CdR from this producer was one of the Mystery Rhônes I purchased from a certain purveyor where you and I had a back and forth about undisclosed ABV. Glad to read here that you purchased, from wherever, a newer vintage from the same producer that also is 15% or higher!! 🤔🤷🍷
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

@Doug Powers.- I ordered it off the restaurant’s wine list. I suspected it would be 15% because that’s pretty much the norm these days for Gigondas. I held out a smidge of hope it would be less but was prepared to accept it anyway if was 15. I drink significantly fewer CDPs and Giggies than I used to these days because they’re just not as enjoyable in my view as they used to be.

Château de la Font du Loup

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2019

Very pleasant, cherries and mild tannins — 7 months ago

Domaine Font Sarade

Les Hauts de la Ponche Vacqueyras Red Rhone Blend 2022

Timothy Eustis
9.0

Subtle garrigue. Good acidity lightening this wine. 2022 — 7 months ago

Tom, Lyle and 1 other liked this