inky purple; licorice, plum, black cherry, tar, vanilla, spearmint; dense, powerful black fruit, exotic spices, long velvety finish, surprising balance for 16.7% ABV; sourced from 130 year-old head-trained vines in the steepest non-terraced hillside vineyard in Sonoma County, Helen Turkey was consultant — 5 years ago
North branch inn. Ny — 7 years ago
A hearty, bold Pinot noir to be sure. Certainly youthful but not so much so that this cannot be enjoyed now. Matt Courtney worked with Helen at Marcassin and he clearly soaked up a lot—his Chardonnays are superb. I’d wait on this 2-3 years but they are tough to be patient with. — 7 years ago
Great wine I had at dinner at Joey — 3 years ago
Cat sitting gift from Helen — 5 years ago
One of the great Pahlmeyer Merlots made by Helen Turley. This reminded me of a top Right Bank Bordeaux showing dark berry, plum fruits with leather, chocolate, graphite, forest floor, exotic spices & tobacco that had good balance, length & a silky texture on the palate. Although fully mature this should continue to drink well for many years. — 5 years ago
So glad this “lost” cellar bottle was still in good shape. Candied and lightly stewed cherries, white mushroom, cardamom, cedar forest floor... all integrated, nothing overt. But, this is a big lush 14.9% Pinot ... New World, in a good way. Thanks, Helen. — 6 years ago
Ferren 2014 Lancel Creek Chardonnay. Winemaker Matt Courtney, former assistant to Helen Turley, The Goddess of Wine, at Marcassin. Back up the truck, and get all the Ferren you can afford. Petroleum and toasty oak along with peaches, pears and spice box on both the nose and palate. Also picking up some butterscotch and toasted marshmallow. Super lush and creamy texture. Decant the mofo out of this one. It will gain complexity and weight. Tremendous finish. One of the best Chardonnays I've tasted in quite some time. Right up there with Marcassin in my estimation. Nice job Matt! — 8 years ago
Bought in Helen GA, but enjoyed at home in TX 🇺🇸 — 4 years ago
Nice daytime white in hot weather — 5 years ago
Love these cool climate Shirazes from Canberra District. A riot of white pepper and spice. Medium bodied with earthy minerality with some charcuterie notes. Short term cellaring from this point. Took a bottle to the UK 23 weeks later on 26th July 2019 and had it with chicken at sister Helen and Nick’s place. Consistent tasting notes as above. — 6 years ago
I tried this right out of the bottle and was a little worried - super tight and one dimensional - but after two hours open it was singing and I was smiling. The nose has a more savory profile but the palate is full of bright red fruits with crushed gravel on the finish. Super smooth - the fruit and spice from the Grenache keeps the gaminess/savory flavors of the Syrah in check while the Mourvèdre adds richness. Helen Keplinger is a genius when it comes to these new world “old world blends” - I have yet to have one from her that hasn’t been fantastic. — 7 years ago
Uncle Joey dinner at Animal — 8 years ago
with jon and helen, pittsburgh, pa. nov 2016 — 8 years ago
FabianG
#wineaccess — 2 years ago