Aaron Tan

9.6

Wow, it has been quite some time since I’ve had a wine so profoundly pure and energetic. Tasting this rare bottling from Thibaud Boudignon is truly a privilege - a scant 1,000 bottles crafted from ungrafted vines within Clos de la Hutte. There’s a youthful reticence here, a sense of coiled power, even after a double decant and three hours of air. Yet the aromas are captivating: flint, chalk, and lemon oil intertwine with green apple, lanolin, and a touch of mint. On the palate, the wine is almost shocking in its intensity. Viciously taut, with enamel-stripping acidity, a saline spine, and gripping dry extract. Despite its lean structure, there’s a surprising volume and density that unfolds on the palate. The finish is remarkably long, staining the sides of the palate with a chalky salinity that seems to resonate endlessly. For me, this wine perfectly fulfils its intent - an unadorned expression of terroir, delivering minerality and purity without artifice. Absolutely my kind of wine. — a year ago

David Kline

9.4

Rollercoaster of orange, pineapple, tangerine, grapefruit, clementine and clove. Sweet almond notes intertwine with honeysuckle, honey, bee pollen and mixed marmalade. Orange marmalade prevails on the palate with poached pear and nectarine, quince and beeswax. Excellent in all ways.


#chateausuduiraut #sauternes #botrytis #bordeaux #sauvignonblancsemillon #noblerot #botrytiscinera — 3 years ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.4

Damn this is such pretty stuff. Pure whiffs of fresh bay, savory, rosemary as well as well as pine needles, wintergreen and forest berries intertwine effortlessly on the nose. Translucent tart cherry, cherry pit on the palate and into the long finish. Brilliant, elegant spatburgunder. — 5 years ago

Brian J.

9.4

Christmas morning wine! Love how the finely integrated tannins intertwine with lush candied sour cherries and blackberries. Rather invigorating fruit bomb that extends well...Santa was good to me!! — 7 years ago

Paul Weil

8.9

Another stellar release of this excellent Merlot, this vintage is labeled with the Napa appellation rather than the more specific Oakville. Are they the same grapes, at least in part? Uncertain but the flavors remain constant: beautiful bright blueberry and cherry fruits, nice rich mineral tannins, but not too thick nor too acidic. Hints of black pepper and vanilla are applied with admirable restraint. — 8 years ago

David Kline

9.2

Big black currant and licorice intertwine with smoky blackberry and charcoal aromas. Pine nettle and blackberry reduction with eucalyptus, anise and cinnamon, smoldering cedar, gum Arabic and grape leaves. A little tightly wound initially, but sprung open into an array of dark fruits in a charred black basket. #columbiavalley #washingtoncab #singlevineyard #ConnerLee #ava #washingtonstate — 9 years ago

with Courtney

Christine Lee

9.5

Fragrances of sweet fruits intertwine with hints of Mediterranean spices, vitalized by a bright acidity that is balanced by balsamic and fragrant notes. This extends the finish of this Sangiovese, This wine is light and versatile, pairing perfectly with lighter dishes, a salad or a vegetarian meal.
Lovely drinking by itself as well! Definitely must buy again!! — 2 years ago

Chase Heibel

9.3

The Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Syrah from Kick Ranch Vineyard in the Fountaingrove District AVA is a captivating expression that beautifully melds the characteristics of its unique terroir. This Syrah, a testament to region, presents a deep, velvety structure that echoes the influence of the diverse geology.

The nose opens with an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries and plums, showcasing the warmth of the Fountaingrove District's climate. Undertones of black pepper and subtle spices add an intriguing Old World charm, reminiscent of the Northern Rhône style. These nuances intertwine with delicate floral notes, perhaps a nod to the higher elevations and diurnal temperature variations within the AVA.

On the palate, the wine unveils a harmonious marriage of flavors. The well-integrated tannins, higher alcohol, and medium acidity, provide a structured backbone, reminiscent of the classic Syrahs from Sonoma County.

What sets this Syrah apart is its finesse—a balance between the bold, ripe fruit indicative of the region's warmth and the elegance reminiscent of Old World Syrahs. The Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Syrah is a delightful fusion of the best of both worlds, offering a unique and sophisticated journey for those seeking a Syrah that bridges the styles of the Northern Rhône and Sonoma County. — 3 years ago

David Kline

9.2

Young animal showing a woodsy woodsman axe chop of oak; lemon-lime where the lemon is sun-baked, the lime pithy, and living sage, mint and even ripe green apple. Lemon, chamomile and caper intertwine seductively with lime pith, lemon zest, lime zest, starfruit, green grape skin, cedar dust, dried carnation, green olive essence.


#burgundy #bourgogneblanc #whiteburgundy #whiteburg #burg #cortoncharlemagne #grandcruburgundy #arnaudbaillot #arnaudbaillotcortoncharlemagne #grandcru #appellationcortoncharlemagnegrandcrucontrolée #grandvindebourgogne #famillebaillot #misenbouteille — 4 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

Stunningly beautiful and perfumed nose that is distinctive Dujac. That seductive stemmy spice. The palate, although perhaps a wee bit less generous is pure silk. Regal texture and ultra lux mouthfeel with Grand Cru weight and intensity along with excellent precision and focus.

Black and blue fruit and pixelated minerals intertwine with Dujac whole bunch character along with a touch of cocoa on the backpalate and fine grain tannins, lead to a persistent and lifted finish. This is packed with tension and substance to age effortlessly for decades. Malco always a special wine. Baby Tâche ❤️ — 5 years ago

Raffaele Mosca

9.2

Barbera d' Alba 2016 - Giacomo Fenocchio. Vibrant and fleshy, with a deep mineral vein pushing forward its sweet aromas of gooseberry, mulberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Sharp acidity and terroir-driven salinity intertwine with mounting flavors of sweet red berries and blood orange. Finishes pure and lean despite the 15% abv . Awesome! — 7 years ago

Ely Cohn

9.3

So much going on here. Aromas of violets, black currant, raspberry, and just a little graphite. Fruit flavors intertwine with green bell pepper, raspberry, and pencil. Light bodied - at first soft and juicy but then firm with elegantly integrated grippy tannins. Finish of image evoking minerals. — 8 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.2

When it comes to under $30 reds from Napa I usually just avoid the category entirely. Much of it follows a Prisoner or Caymus formula with inferior fruit and perverse oak treatment. There's just too many wines that should be a third of their price... and even then I would rather overpay for a different style of wine. Kudos to the Titus brothers for producing an exceptional under $30 red blend from Napa that could easily pass for something twice the price. And props for the truth in advertising. Their own tasting note is so spot on that my only comment is 'ditto' ... "A berry basket of aromas immediately greet your nose with enticing aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberry cobbler, chocolate covered strawberries, raspberries and vanilla. On the palate, dark cherry, cassis and tart plum intertwine, setting the stage for wonderful acidity and well integrated oak. Another wildly delicious vintage of Andronicus, the 2013 is lush, lively and quaffable.” — 9 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.0

The 1975 Batailley is a vintage poured at a vertical at the Pauillac estate with Frédéric Castèja a few months earlier, but perversely, this bottle shows better. There’s a strong marine influence on the nose, and kelp and crustacea intertwine with slightly rustic but attractive black fruit, austere, compared to recent vintages, albeit typical of that period for Batailley. The palate is gentle, perhaps a little angular, though this bottle exhibited a touch more black fruit on the finish to counterbalance its obdurate tannins, a trope of the 1975 Left Banks. The aforementioned vertical will appear this year. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 2 years ago

Myles Keyt

9.0

The 2012 Fernand & Laurent Pillot Pommard Les Charmots Premier Cru is a truly captivating wine. With its deep ruby color and medium body, it exudes elegance from the very first glance. The fine lace tannins gracefully caress the palate, adding a touch of sophistication to this exquisite offering.

Upon nosing the wine, one is immediately greeted by a bouquet that is nothing short of enchanting. Plum and blackcurrant aromas intertwine with delicate notes of violet, cedar, and vanilla, creating a symphony of scents. Undertones of toasted coconut further enhance the aromatic profile, inviting the senses on a delightful journey.

On the palate, this wine shines with remarkable freshness and vibrant acidity. The blackcurrant flavors take center stage, accompanied by a subtle hint of white pepper that adds a touch of spice. The wine culminates in a captivating finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, the 2012 Fernand & Laurent Pillot Pommard Les Charmots Premier Cru is a beautiful wine that provides an exceptional drinking experience. It is particularly remarkable as a first introduction to Pommard wines, showcasing the essence of this renowned appellation. With its superb balance and complexity, this wine is truly enjoyable and deserving of a rating of 95. It is undoubtedly a wine that one would gladly revisit time and time again. — 3 years ago

Ming L

9.2

On the nose ripe dark fruits intertwine fresh raspberry. Black tea, pencil shavings, light black pepper and very subtle meatiness as well. The silky and soft palate belies medium to full body, with round acidity holds up the fruit density well. Ripe smooth tannins.
Still quite youthful. — 4 years ago

Michelle Brown

8.9

Bold wine with soft tannins and dark berry flavors. Blackberries, currants, and hints of cocoa intertwine to create a structured long-lasting finish. — 6 years ago

John Yu

9.0

bright crisp and amazingly clean. fruits dance. tamgh and citrus intertwine. short finish but just the right amount of dryness. excellent wine for the price point. — 7 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.7

It’s common to hear wine drinkers use the colloquialisms like “a good Tuesday night bottle” or “an excellent everyday drinker.” Well, this is a spectacular Saturday night wine; deserved of the spotlight and worthy of much anticipation.

Blue and black fruit compete for who’s more pure, while the savory creosote and cedar intertwine, and the acid and tannin do their dance. There’s timing and choreography... it’s wine in HD and Surround Sound. Extraordinary. — 8 years ago

Kevin Cahoon

9.1

Great to find a Burgundy on a list that is decently priced and ready to drink. Floral and dried leave notes intertwine with red and dried cherry, cranberry fruit in the nose. Supple and pretty with an elegant edge for a Nuits. Earth, mineral and forest floor support red fruit tones. Missing just a touch of density and complexity to merit a better score but it is a throughly enjoyable bottle. — 9 years ago