Fall From Grace
Matias Riccitelli
The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Malbec
Had w spring pea ravioli and lemon — 2 years ago
Henschke
Hill of Grace Vineyard Shiraz 2008
Voted WOTN for good reason. This has been a bucket list wine for me. Some sections of this famous vineyard were planted in 1860 but all of the vines are ridiculously old. It’s bombastic and really stands out from the crowd. Very expressive both on the nose and on the palate. Full bodied and multi layered. Creamy and rich texture. Dark berries, plums, coffee, cigar, orange peel, eucalyptus, soy, cigar box and an array of oriental spices. Probably at a peak right now, such a joy to drink. — 3 years ago
Philippe Glavier
La Grace d'Alphaël Champagne Blend
I honestly don’t know how I came into possession of this 375ml Grand Cru from Cramant. It works for a weekday 1/2 bottle.
100% Chardonnay.
It drinks easy but not eventful. Lemon, lime zest, white peach, tropical melons, tangerine, caramel notes, foamy cream, crisp limestone crumbles, white spice, sea spray-fossils, nice chalkiness, yeasty bread dough, yellow lilies, jasmine, white, spring flowers, zesty acidy and a ripe, rich, balanced finish that lasts 45 seconds and lands on crisp minerality. — 3 months ago
Savage Grace
Copeland Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
Purple red, very good clarity, medium pigment extraction. Cherry, raspberry aromas with some barrel wood. On initial pour, cola, black pepper and sour plum. Soft mouthfeel but slightly bitter finish. Needs time to open. After two hours, flavors resolve into tart plum and some cola with slight pomegranate finish, mild skin astringency, good balance, almost no bitterness. A different take from previous vintages but solid rendition of the variety. — 2 years ago
Hope & Grace
Cuvée Amor Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a non vintage blend and where the Hendricks fruit goes when Charles doesn’t deem it perfect for his private label Hendricks. This is what I miss from the new winemaker at James Cole, it is very elegant.
The palate is round, lush, ruby, creamy fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, blue fruit hues. Dark and milk chocolate-more dark, caramel, black and some red licorice/cola, herbaceous notes, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, sandalwood, barrel powder, soft Indian spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich soil, a fresh dark and mid red floral bouquet, excellent round acidity with a well structured, knitted, very well balanced and polish for days. Lasts two minutes plus. — 2 years ago
Henschke
Hill of Grace Keyneton Vineyard Shiraz 2019
This is the current release of Hill of Grace, the 2019, priced at $975AUD and incredibly Sold Out according to the website. Matched with the 2008 as both were from hot years. Initially a sooty, minerally earthy note on the nose. Then came Satuma Plum, blackberry, spice and pepper. Stephen said only 25% to 30% of the normal volume for sale. (Hence the Sold Out). He let us in on a secret that there will be no 2020 released. I asked if the fruit is used in another Cuvée. The answer is No - the grapes are removed and thrown out. Seems a waste. He went on to explain that H of G has a different spice character to Edelstone - more of an Asian spice. Mostly used oak is used to lessen the oak influence. Elegant yet intense and without a doubt one of the world’s great wines. Will live for decades. — a year ago
Henschke
The Wheelwright Shiraz 2017
This is a Henschke Shiraz Cuvée I haven’t tried before but it is from the Eden Valley where the legendary Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone come from. Made from 55 year old Shiraz vines. Cherry and raspberry aromas underpinned by savoury, peppery spice and dried potpourri florals. Not unlike Mt Edelstone in that respect. The palate is rich and round with some old vine persistence supported by bold tannins. Celebrating at The Melbourne Cup - the horse race that stops a nation on the first Tuesday in November. — 2 years ago
Brewer-Clifton
Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2020
The 2020 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a terrific appellation-level wine. Hints of pear, mint, lemon peel and white flowers all grace this expressive, sculpted Chardonnay from Brewer-Clifton. My only quibble is a slightly aggressive edginess that hopefully will soften over time. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 3 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Etude – Heirloom Pinot Noir 2012
Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Estate-grown from the celebrated Grace Benoist Ranch, this Heirloom Pinot underscores Etude’s mastery of Carneros terroir. Over a decade since harvest, it has aged with remarkable poise, offering proof that Carneros Pinot can rival the greats for longevity. This one delivers the wow-factor in spades.
Aromas & Flavors
Dried cherry, black raspberry, and plum layered with rose petal, tea leaf, and subtle leather. Mature accents of forest floor and truffle bring savory depth to the fruit core.
Mouthfeel
Silky and seamless, with tannins fully resolved into finesse. Bright acidity carries the wine gracefully, while the finish lingers in layers of spice, earth, and fruit. Quite literally, the wine dances in the mouth.
Food Pairing
A natural match with duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Comté cheese. The wine’s silky texture and earthy notes intertwine beautifully with savory, umami-rich dishes.
The Verdict
A captivating Pinot Noir that reaffirms Etude’s finesse and Grace Benoist Ranch’s pedigree. This 2012 shows the sweet spot for Etude Heirloom around the 10–12 year mark, where fruit, earth, and structure harmonize in peak expression. Among Carneros’ top benchmarks for age-worthy Pinot. Cheers! — 2 months ago