Tom Kobylarz

9.1

An "a-ha" wine moment from maybe 12 years ago that I have not seen on a shelf in maybe 8 years.

The moment was the brilliance of learning how acidity in wine acts as a preservative and enhancer of a wine (consumed over 3 days).

Sangiovese (70%) and usually a split of Merlot & Syrah from biodynamically farmed vines in northwestern Tuscany (Lucca). An odd combination that works so well in this instance. Nothing over complicated here in a great way, fresh red sappy cherry fruit, a touch of savory on a medium body frame with some firm and dry tannin. Not to mention that crackling and racy acidity! — 9 years ago

Ira Schwartz

9.1

The first bottle was corked. The nose featured fruit and minerals. In the mouth wonderful acidity acts as a tour guide for the fruit. Puts on weight and opens even more with air. — 10 years ago

Steve Matthiasson

Owner/Winemaker Matthiasson Wines

9.5

Has the vibrant red fruit and fresh rustic tannins that acts as a bullet straight to my pleasure center, especially when the food comes out — 11 years ago

Ryan Brazell

Rise Over Run

9.1

Acts an awful lot like Sancerre. Citrus pith and herbs. — 11 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

Acts half its age, fresh as a daisy which is something to admire in this vintage. Easily another 20 years here. Probably much better in 5 years. — 11 years ago

Agustín Vidal

9.6

Beautiful Nebbiolo which exposes delicious bitter cherries, violets and tar. Mouthwatering high acidity, together with appealing chewy tannins and great body, which acts as a columns and mingle this two factors together — 12 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.7

Whoa. If you can find this anywhere near $40- grab it. Acts and has the pedigree of wines priced twice that. Great. Great juice. — 12 years ago

Morgan Flom

9.7

Great Pinot with perfect subtlety and balance. Light with notes of earth and minerals. Mild red fruit acts as undercurrent throughout. — 9 years ago

Sean Trapani

Founder/Educator Wine Fluent, Consultant ABC Fine Wines & Spirits

9.0

No bubble gum here. Ten years later, wet leaves, porcini, and a dense lingonberry headline this intense wine. Surprisingly tannic. Paired better with the dark chocolate than with the cacio e pepe. — 10 years ago

Ed Matthews

9.0

2014. Barely colored and without a lot of nose. Very light fruit and plenty of citrus acid: this wine acts like a high acid white. Good seafood wine. Very slight tannin. — 10 years ago

Joe Herrig

9.2

I get the pinot/nebbiolo comparisons these wines get, but I think it acts a bit more like Grenache (aka Alicante or Cannonau in parts of Italy). I can see why they are on the rise. — 11 years ago

Ian Blackburn

9.8

Produced by Anselme and Corinne Selosse - owners of "les Avizes" hotel - a place I will visit to learn more about this fascinating producer. This wine is not like any champagne you have had before, your "initiale" impression might jolt your senses!! You must have an open mind and allow this wines innate qualities to take over. *oxidized style, a kiss of balsamic or sherry from time in wood and age of cuvée - this wine was disgorged in 2011 and is a blend of 03-04-05. I think a Tete de cuvée seeker will stumble on this wine and try to fit it in the wrong frame - at $250 it comes with expectations that a good Sommelier will need to steer. This is not like Krug or anything else - it is so unique that you probably need to totally remove your mind from Champagne.... With that said, this wine haunts my mind!!! Two days later it is all I can think about. I will attempt to describe: stewed apricot, lime zest, quince, balsamic, vanilla, and a bubble so faint that it acts like a housekeeper just refreshing the room that is your palate. Haunting - charming - devious - sensual - erotic - mind altering....must have again soon. — 11 years ago

Sophie Menin

9.8

A wine with two acts. Memorable... — 12 years ago

Melissa M. Sutherland

Importer Winebow Wines

9.5

One of the best showings of the night. Fine tannins, fresh fruit, maturity. All grown-up with a few more acts to go. Pleasurable and smart. — 12 years ago

Doug House

10

Vintages like 2015 float all boats up a little higher and turn "nice little wines" into "screaming deals." Plenty of Sancerre white and green citrus here with just a touch more body and richness than normal. Acts like that last squeeze of lemon on a nice piece of fish but more than generous enough to drink solo. — 9 years ago

Christopher Bates

Master Sommelier, Owner/Winemaker Element Winery

9.9

Well. I've thought a lot about this, and what to say. Drank same night as the drc I posted the other night. This is the bottle I have wanted to drink for almost a decade. I hoped to drink it the night I passed the masters but could not afford it. I've dreamt about it, searched for it, and boot strapped for it. While tasting blind is a wonderful way to evaluate wine purely on its content, this acts as an ultimate reason not to. I wanted to taste the wine, but more, I wanted to be a part of the story. I wanted to be a part of the time and the place. To make this only months after finally being released from a pow camp and finding vines that had gone wild on your return. To feel the joy, and despair of that year! It amazed me. And to share that story, that struggle through wine is amazing. I actually think I cried a bit (and now). Either way, it was an honor and a pleasure to finally get to open this and share it with some of my dearest friends. Oh, and story aside, it's one of the greatest wines I've ever had in my life. With story, I'm not sure I will ever get to taste anything so good again. — 10 years ago

with Isabel

Mike Evans

9.3

It starts with some smoke on the nose, which gives way to lemon as it airs out. A nice balance of richness and minerality and acidity, and while the oak is noticeable, it acts as a spice that complements the savoriness without overwhelming it. — 11 years ago

Vinny Eng

9.5

Savart, and @spume and I are donning aprons. All auspicious acts. — 11 years ago

with Eric, Wolfgang and 3 others

Rob Lateiner

8.9

Great with lamb + beef sausage. This really acts like Nebbiolo with oak. Rustic tannin (wood?). Lighter bodied like burgundy but tarry like the nebb. Cherry type fruit that could almost be either. Makes a great blinder. — 12 years ago

Christopher Hoel

Sommelier/Senior Wine Advisor Soutirage

9.8

Still a baby. Can you imagine a 14 year old white wine that sill needs time? Best closer to cellar temp (55 degrees) as it acts more like a GC Wh. Burg than Champagne. Supple and soft with a right lemony core and just a hint of fresh dough. — 13 years ago