Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

From 375ml.

A very good Rhone producer visited in 2015.

At pop & pour, the fruits almost had a mid berry bubble gum character. That toned down almost immediately. Fruits are ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, baked plums, raspberries, dark cherries, juicy strawberries, chocolate bar to fudge, grilled, smoked meats, black pepper, dark spice, nutmeg, clove, iron pan, black tea, a touch of rubber toy, slight tarriness, dry herbs, roasted chestnuts, tobacco leaf, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, hints of mint, dark, red flowers, violet’s, nice acidity with a well balanced-structured, stiffly tensioned with a lush finish that lasts 90 seconds and lands on earthiness & spice.

Plenty of life left in this 2012, even in 375ml. — 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Double-decanted several hours prior to dinner and subsequently enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2012 Classico pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe notes of red fruit: cherry cordial, candied nuts, red flowers, some leather, rich wood and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannins and high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A very good, albeit modern expression of Barolo from a solar vintage. Personally, I find pre-modernist Pio Cesare more exciting. Thanks Andy! Drink now with patience and through 2042. — 7 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Medium lemon colour . This is showing a little more complex and detailed than the last time . Lemon rind , crushed rocks , ginger and white flowers , touch of brioche also . On the palate a bit more dense , but with good balanced acidity and lemon rind , brioche , ginger and toasty , mineral finish. Drinkable now , though best days will be in 5-10 years time , though I don’t think this will be as long lived as the 2012 . — a year ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.3

Signature Margaux aroma. Leather bound book, musty cabernet pepper, purple flowers, hickory smoke, and spice. Some pyrazines. Very silky texture and great volume. Tree bark and cassis on the palate. Fruit emerging after an hour. — 4 years ago

Alan Weinberg

9.3

n splendid condition, this wine just rips. Nose is citrus and flowers, there’s a thickness to the palate and lots of candied lemon peel with some minerals and chalk, gentle integrated acidity and a classy finish that just echoes. Why we cellar white Burgundy is evident in this glass. — 4 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.6

So excited to try this. Tons of dried flowers on nose and palate. Berries and cream with great acidity and tannins, but ultimately it’s just an insane floral bouquet and taste that make this wonderful for me. — 5 years ago

Perry Atha

9.4

Great way to start the pre Valentine dinner. Delicious Pinot -so smooth — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Flowers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

A beautifully expressive 100% Pinot Noir from the heart of Russian River Valley AVA, showcasing the classic hallmarks of the region in all the right ways.

On the nose:
Bright red cherry and plum take center stage, supported by subtle raspberry, warm notes of cinnamon and clove, and earthy undertones reminiscent of forest floor, pure Russian River charm.

On the palate:
Medium-bodied, with a finely tuned balance of vibrant acidity and silky tannins. The fruit shines, but the elegance and depth bring complexity. It’s polished, yet playful with structure that invites another sip.

A textbook RRV Pinot: layered, graceful, and food-versatile. Perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with roast duck, mushroom dishes, or truffle risotto.

Cheers to cool-climate perfection in a glass! 🍒🍂🍷
— 6 months ago

carl thornblade

8.9

Nice but subdued overall. Expected more for the price. — 9 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course two hours. The 2023 Morgon (S) pours a brilliant ruby/purple color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart red fruits: strawberry, raspberry, cherry, a touch of bubblegum, red flowers, licorice, black pepper, a mix of cool spices and rocky minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is a more dense expression of Lapierre’s Morgon which isn’t a surprise considering the vintage. Quite lovely with chicken pâté. Drink now through 2037. — 9 months ago

Hum

9.0

Has the stuff to go the distance. — 3 years ago

Conrad Green

9.6

Bright, lovely. Focussed. Very fine mousse and notes of lemon. Slate, white flowers. Really vigorous but subtle and finessed. Great stuff. — 4 years ago

with Lindsay and Bex

Mike Saviage

9.8

Popped for our 30th and taken to Sons & Daughters in SF. Straw gold color, still looks youthful. Spectacular nose. Notes of lemon curd, marzipan, wet river stones, white acacia flowers, tan spice and some petrol. Equally amazing in the mouth, this explodes in the glass with great structure and acidity, bounded by ample fruit. In short, this is everything you want in a white burg. Still easily has a decade or more of enjoyment at this peak performance. A top all time bottle for me. — 4 years ago

Dawn E.

9.1

Really nice Chardonnay from Arnot Roberts! Viscous lemon and apples...flowers ..Creme Brulee...guava and minerals!
Balance is nice...no heavy oak while supporting a really nice fullness! — 6 years ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Chalk and subtle lime. A bit under. White flowers, acacia, precise. — 6 months ago

with Lloyd and George

Zach D

9.5

A portrait in elegance. Initially the nose is shy, but unfurls into a full range of lemon, from underripe to meyer lemon; yellow flowers, lilies etc, a slight amount of flint minerality, lemon custard, hint of fresh almond. On the palate reminiscent of a delicious lemon custard accented with a touch of vanilla, fresh acidity, great texture, good length. What a great wine. My first from Brisset and I must say I am impressed. @Lyle Fass — 6 months ago

with Lyle

Conrad Green

9.7

At last! A great bottle of recent Leflaive. A real stunner. Rich and powerful. Sweetness, white flowers, a touch of honey, minerality, chalk, a whiff of mint. Fresh yet powerful and intense. A great bottle. Wow — 3 years ago

with Tony and David

Jason Keefer

9.1

Crushed stone, lime zest, lavender-like flowers. good acidity and mouthfeel. — 4 years ago

with Natasha

Josh Morgenthau

9.4

Signature manure and violets on the nose, purple flowers and forest floor. Very balanced and pretty, incredible acid and chalky minerals all the way through the finish. Great if not quite the brilliant energy and structure of 2014. Such a unique and iconic expression of cab franc. Upgrade to 9.4 after a few days open. Just beautiful. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Our favorite Spring day is when we get plant the yard. Especially, during Covid-19 lockdown. Never more enjoyable.

Flowers by Sofia. Garden is me.

A great weather day and worthwhile doing a cheers with of one of our favorite N/V Rosé Champagne’s.

With the lockdown, I am running dangerously low on Rosé Champange. I might have to Soda Stream some Rosé wine soon.

All my many, many notes still apply.

Cheers all and Happy Easter if you celebrate it. 🍾🥂🍷 🐣 🐰 — 6 years ago