Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

So Williams Selyem Pinots should be treated is the same fashion as good burgundy, with age. It will always be somewhat sweeter than red burgundy but nonetheless very good.

This shows w/ an array of mid berry fruits accompanied by some darker fruits. Strawberries, cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, raspberries, hint of rhubarb, blackberries and haunting blueberries. Mid berry cola, red licorice, fruit tea, eucalyptus, pine tar notes, pine tree bark, dark, rich soils/earth, dry herbs, mid, dark spice, dry crushed rocks, dry limestone powder, black pepper notes, dry river stone, dry fall leaves, bright florals that are; red, blue, purple with a mix of red & pink roses, late spring waterfall acidity with extreme balance, tension, structure with elegance & smart polish for days and long sets on tree bark/sap & spice.

Still ascending. — 22 days ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

When mature Jamet are on they’re sooo good. ‘98 is gorgeous tonight and even less evolved than a prior bottle. There’s such balance and clarity to its haunting richness wafting complex aromatics of deep blackberry fruit, smoked meats, camphor and black truffle with an elegant, satiny palate, melting tannins and a stunningly long mineral and savory finale. For my tastes, at its peak! — 4 months ago

Ericsson

9.6

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed. — 8 months ago

Conrad Green

9.4

A hint of tar, dried roses, tangy plum. Good soft fruit with a haunting quality Clearly aged but relatively fresh given it’s almost a centurion Pretty and memorable — a year ago

with Matt and Paul

Conrad Green

9.6

Soft and plush. Wild strawberry and wet stone. Some faint floral notes. Focused, delicate and precise. Haunting fruit. Still fresh.. a wonderful bottle. — a month ago

with Bex

Conrad Green

9.8

Both intense and haunting at the same time. Lovely clear complex fruit with raspberry, deep cherry, a hint of orange rind. Spice and brooding dark gnarly fruit underneath but still light and deft. This is so complex and beautiful — 2 months ago

with Matt

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Grgić Pošip, Korčula Island 2022
A Croatian white with California roots and Adriatic soul.

Crafted by Grgić Vina, the Croatian project of Napa legend Miljenko “Mike” Grgich (of Judgment of Paris fame), this 100% Pošip is sourced from steep, sun-drenched vineyards on Korčula Island, overlooking the Adriatic.

Pošip, a native Croatian grape born from a spontaneous crossing of two local varieties, delivers a crisp, dry, and complex profile. This 2022 vintage is beautifully aromatic, with notes of citrus, ripe melon, apple, and savory herbs, rounded by hints of vanilla, hazelnut, smoke, and lemon rind. There’s even a faint whisper of resin and orange blossom in the background.

On the palate, it’s voluptuous yet vibrant, a brilliant balance of brisk minerality, layered fruit, and a clean, snappy finish.

Pairing tip: It sings with seafood, think oysters, shrimp pasta, grilled white fish, or even creamy pasta with wild fennel. Also works nicely with soft cheeses.
A standout wine that’s both regional and refined, offering a true taste of Dalmatian coastal charm.
Cheers!
— 6 months ago

Conrad Green

9.7

stunning nose. Plush plum and black cherry. Roses and spice. Velvet and silk- a plush long mouthfeel. Haunting and resolved. Still young but great now. — 2 months ago

with Matt

Greg Giere

10

140 bottles of this treasure were found in the winery's cellar around 2011 before it was reconditioned, sealed with fresh corks, and released into the world a few years later. A portion of these made their way to the Portland market in 2017 thanks to a fantastic local distributor, Casa Bruno.

Popped and poured - pristine cork beneath the wax and beautiful color, not at all brown or tawny, more brickish, slightly orange towards the rim. First sniff- clearly this is a sound, complete wine that is without a doubt very much alive. Aromatically reminiscent of old Bordeaux with ample leather, earth, cigar box and tobacco, sandalwood veering towards old wooden cabinet (if that makes sense), clove and nutmeg and cola, fruit is still present- strawberry/pomegranate, orange, very herbal and floral with dried rose petals/potpurri, vibrant acidity and an impressively long, haunting finish. Incredibly elegant, silky texture, crystalline purity, finished very Burgundian. Really, a perfect hybrid of aged Bordeaux and Burgundy. As a friend put it, "somehow both aged and ageless." No question the best 50+ year old bottle I've been fortunate to try. Certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity, though I hope to track down another bottle someday. You'd never guess this was 105 years old.

— 2 months ago

with Bryan and Terry

Aaron Tan

9.7

I’m on a roll with Côte de Beaune reds lately! This 13’ Rugiens was absolutely incredible. Still brimming with youthful energy - it demanded patience, taking three hours to unfurl, but when it did, what unfolded was a wine of breathtaking purity, intensity, and drive. Dark cherries layered with musky florals and a whisper of spice mingled with a strikingly mineral core. It grew in stature across the palate, building to a finish that was both super long and fine, leaving a resonant, stony echo. Another profound lesson in weightless intensity! — a year ago