ESF

9.4

I think @Josh Morgenthau really nailed this note: recently finished Taylor Fladgate 20 yr which was always a favorite, but I picked this up in Duty Free and was blown away. Similar notes & flavor profile as TF, but the mouthfeel really sets this apart & above. So elegant, so refined, such great tension & harmony - the defined acidity highlight & elevate intense flavors. Bravo! — 3 years ago

Kevin Cahoon

9.3

Not quite as good as my last bottle in 2019. Lots of red cherry, strawberry and pomegranate fruit accented with deft touch of oak and just a hint of sous bois. A touch compact at opening but develops nicely wine air. Bright red fruit tones on the palate with brown spice, baked stones and a bit of dried earth. Quite fresh with good extract that plays nicely with the tannins. Finish of red fruit and Corton minerality. This bottle is missing a level of focus and depth that would really elevate the palate.
Drinking well now with potential for more developed. Certain to be enjoyable over the next 5 to 7 years. — 4 years ago

Lee Lightfoot

9.2

Whole cluster dominant still structured need a few more years to mellow and elevate the cherry perfume — 5 years ago

Sam Lee

8.9

This is a crisp, velvet and juicy blends red and made it a good pair with tonight’s shrimp lo mein 🍜 with rich shrimp sauce which elevate the wine velvety fruitful plum blueberry and cassis note, insides mocha and clean fresh green white grapes from pinotage
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🤵🏼
Finishings clean and white grapes springy
🌸 — 5 years ago

J. Kim

9.0

Fresher acidities elevate it to another level, the tension is still bit low, making it less compelling than some. — 6 years ago

Shengli Hu

9.2

3g/L RS, 80/20 PN/Chard, 2015, 2016. Richly textured, broad on the nose and palate. Lees, brioche, tangerine, peach, ripe apricot, honey, ginger. Elevate acidity, toasty long finish. — 7 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

The 2016 Pinot Noir The Prospect Sierra Madre Vineyard is stunningly beautiful. Deeply-pitched aromatics and beautifully sculpted fruit elevate the Sierra Madre into the realm of the truly exceptional. Rose petal, mint and red/purplish berry fruit all come alive. The 2016 Prospect simply has it all. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2018) — 7 years ago

Myles Keyt

9.5

Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 is a captivating wine that embodies elegance and complexity. With its 13% alcohol content, it presents itself with a mesmerizing medium ruby hue, gracefully transitioning into garnet at the edges, which hints at its well-deserved age.

On the nose, this wine offers a delightful bouquet of ripe raspberries and cherries, their natural sweetness harmoniously intermingling with the captivating aromas of tobacco leaf, vanilla, spice, cedar, and subtle undertones of sun-dried tomato. Each inhalation reveals new layers, enticing the senses with its intricate aromatic profile.

Upon tasting, the Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 showcases a medium body that elegantly caresses the palate. The wine's vibrant acidity adds a refreshing zing, invigorating the taste buds, while the sumptuous tannins provide a luscious, dry texture that is both refined and inviting.

This beautiful wine truly excels, delivering a symphony of flavors that dances across the palate. Its remarkable balance and structure make it a perfect companion for a wide range of culinary delights, enhancing the dining experience. With every sip, one's anticipation is rewarded, leaving a lingering desire for more.

In conclusion, the Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 is an exceptional wine that captivates both the nose and the palate. Its meticulous craftsmanship and enticing flavors make it an excellent choice for any wine enthusiast. I wholeheartedly recommend savoring this wine alongside a delectable meal, as its sumptuousness is sure to elevate the dining experience. A truly remarkable wine deserving of a score of 96 out of 100. — 3 years ago

Kevin Cahoon

9.2

Red and black cherry fruit mingle with floral notes, smokehouse meats, graphite and dried thyme in the intriguing nose. Palate has vivid black cherry, cranberry and blackberry fruit wrapped in notable austere Sangiovese tannins with subtle earthy tones. I nice brightness on the finish with mineral hints. Fantastic to sip and enjoy. It is missing a touch of textural depth to elevate it to a different level.
Three liter — 4 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

It’s pretty rare that a House’s entry level bottle can challenge other House’s more prestigious offerings. A pale gold hue with truly a plethora of lively bubbles. Impressive perlage. The nose is powerful and engaging. Strong notes of honey and green apples with butterscotch and lemon peels. A smorgasbord of delightful citrus aromas and brioche bread really elevate this.

Almost equal parts of the three Champenois grapes with a dosage of 7 g/l. Disgorged on 7/20 and using 35% of reserve wines, there is a depth to the champagne that many others simply can not compare with. It starts off a bit angular but soon develops nicely in the glass. The acidity is bright, the body full, and the mouthfeel rich. Biodynamic without certification.

The palate is the definition of precise with crisp fruit and beautiful chalky minerality. Pears, grapefruits, and light red cherries shine. Toasted bread, nuts, and more autolytic touches. Marzipan and a little oak just for kicks. This is outstanding wine and can stand proudly next to some of the bigger boys out there. — 5 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.3

A bit more loosely knit than the 2013 tried last week. Classic Barolo aromatics & weight. Approachable young and the structure & texture elevate some grilled chicken & risotto. Very nice. — 6 years ago

Seth Morgen Long

Broker • Arterberry Maresh / Winemaker • Morgen Long

9.3

There is a level of density and class to the Rias Biaxas of Nanclares which seems to elevate the wines above the rest of the appellation. Quintessential but out of the ordinary. Reminds me of the ways that Dagueneau or Miani transcends. This 2013 has pedigree and such a youthful fervor, no hurry here. — 7 years ago

Arden Barnett

9.0

Awful picture but really nice blend out of Washington. Had a glass right when opened but decanted another bottle for about and 1.5hrs and made quite the difference. Bright nose of fresh red fruit. Strong cherry, ripe strawberry, dried fig and vanilla notes. Medium acidity with a slight tannic finish helped elevate the crisp texture of the wine. Blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Great for the money. Served with a bone in filet with seared foie gras — 8 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

The 2021 Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra’s alluring bouquet combines honeyed florals, peaches and mint. It’s soft-textured and sleek, with vibrant acidity and tropical citrus to elevate ripe orchard fruits. Mango and chamomile stick around on the dramatically long and complex finish. Wow. $24.00 (Eric Guido, Vinous, July 2023) — 3 years ago

Ron from VA

9.2

This RESERVE offering was opened at 6yrs old and has proven Dave Collins is an east coast premier winemaker. He has overseen the complete development of those 60+ acres and understands how to elevate what the terroir gives. This extended aged Chardonnay had all the class and finesse of an aged burgundy. Beautiful crème brûlée, Fuji apple, and a touch of poached pear on the palate with tremendous mouth feel and an elegant extended finish. I have had some losers in my aging library project, but this was a clear walk off home run! — 4 years ago

Carter White

8.9

Fruit forward, cherry, plum, berries. Structurally, it has nice, grippy tannin. It maybe needs a little more acid and body to really elevate it. Solid Merlot effort for this region. — 5 years ago

Michael Walker

9.6

Good fruit but funky nose and too acidic, despite the age. Paired with ribeye and the meat seemed to elevate the acidity - not pleasant. After two hours, still wooden and musty. Though fruit persisted nicely — 5 years ago

Martijn

9.7

Its not that often that wine and food really elevate each other but this Chadwick 2008 and Beef with home made Stroganoff was a match made in heaven.
The pepper and sweets in the wine pushed the sauce next level and vice versa. — 5 years ago

Tim Eller

9.5

I read someone calling this wine "seductive", which might actually be reductive. Deep burgundy color and a mysterious opacity beckons the mind and the mouth follows willingly. Dark cherry and forest leaves supported by plum and velvety tannins elevate an earthy nose. Utterly enchanting. — 6 years ago

Cody White

9.2

I love Steve Matthiasson. I love his philosophy and everything that he stands for. But I've always struggled with the wines. They are undeniably great. Very well crafted, balanced, technical, and delicious. But they lack that "magical" quality that would otherwise elevate them to top tier status. Maybe too technical? Again, I have absolutely nothing to take away from these wines. Wine "magic" is entirely subjective, but it's always missing for me in these wines. But I'll keep drinking because I believe they're on the cusp and I can't wait until that sip when I find it. — 7 years ago