Severn G

9.1

Nose has lightly grilled lemon, wet limestone, oxidized green apple peel, minor oak char and vanilla creme.

Palate has day-old lemon zest, yellow apple pulp, dried white florals, slight lanolin and dry earth. Mild acidity, just doing wonderful tonight.

Our last bottle of 2016 😢. Paired great with large slabs of Steelhead trout on the grill, toasted orzo with garden herbs and a wonderful salad of microgreens with early lettuces from a local farmer. Our greens likely to be ready in a couple more weeks. 🤤 I really need a full on greenhouse, a cold frame isn't enough! — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

It has been a little while since we have had Olivier’s 2014. It’s our last bottle of three and the honey notes have definitely deepened.

The nose shows; sweet & sour lemons, green & golden apple, lime zest-candy, ripe pineapple, green melon, apricots, white peach, gentle, warm, white spice, beautiful chalkiness, caramel, vanillin, honey, candle wax notes, sea spray-fossils, understated limestone & volcanic minerals, fruit blossoms, yellow flowers/lilies, spring flowers, jasmine with mixed flower greens.

The body is full, thick & slightly waxy. Nice viscosity. sweet & sour lemons, green & golden apple, lime zest-candy, overripe pineapple, green melon, apricots, white peach, grapefruit w/ a touch of sugar, gentle, warm, white spice, beautiful, powdery, chalkiness, caramel, vanillin, honey, candle wax notes, light butter & cream quality, fresh herbaceousiness, sea spray-fossils, understated limestone & grainy, grey, volcanic minerals, light sulphur/flintiness, fruit blossoms, yellow flowers/lilies, spring flowers, jasmine with mixed flower greens. The acidity is round/phat...really well done. The nice finish glides gently with elegance, good balance, just hits the low end of rich & lush and depositing soft, powdery minerals as it long sets.

Photos of; Domaine Hubert Lamy, the road sign that lets you know your in St. Aubin, Winemaker-Olivier Lamy and their Domaine branding. — 6 years ago

Hanna R

9.0

Unbelievable garnet color. Still feels a bit young, but balanced with a hint of acid. Ripe fruits. Can pair with everything from sausage to greens to chocolate. $18.99 CM. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This is my second favorite food & wine pairing. The two together are a perfect 10. It is simply my favorite pork chop and there isn’t a close second.

This is the Mustard’s Restaurant in Napa recipe which, they have sold over a million.

There are a dozen different seasoning/spices to this two-day pork chop marinade that brings such depth of flavors & complexity to it. The spices penetrate deep onto the palate. The wine marries and complements all those seasonings & spices perfectly with just the right amount of restrained sweetness and texture.

The nose reveals; stone fruits, Meyer lemon, lemon meringue, lime candy, pineapple juice, green melon, applesauce, just a touch of petroleum, honey notes, waxy notes, touch of beeswax, light white spice, chalky saline notes, mixed greens, yellow lilies, jasmine and spring flowers.

The body is thick, rich, lush and waxy. Stone fruits, Meyer lemon, lemon meringue, lime candy, pineapple juice, green melon, applesauce, just a touch of petroleum, honey notes, waxy notes, touch of beeswax, light white spice, chalky saline notes, light, powdery minerals, mixed greens, yellow lilies, jasmine and spring flowers. The acidity is round and beautiful. The finish is; rich, lush, ripe, well balanced, delicious and persists nicely for minutes.

@Shay A Am I tempting you yet?

Photos of; the Long Shadows tasting room (just voted a top ten tasting room), the amazing glass blown artwork all over their tasting room and our dinner with this amazing American Riesling pairing. Green beans from our garden. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

The nose shows nice subtle yellow and white florals with mixed greens. Green apple, lime candy, meyer lemon, white peach, apricot skin, fruit blossoms, light white spice and soft chalkiness.

The palate shows bright, fresh, fruits of; Green apple, lime candy, meyer lemon, white peach, apricot skin. More pronounced white spice and soft chalkiness than the nose with fruit blossoms. The acidity again is high. The finish is a little out of balance with the fruit and alcohol.

Photos of; DeMorgenzon grounds, demarcated Chenin block, sign entrance and main tasting bar. — 6 years ago

David S. Lopez

9.2

The flavors lead with plum and berries. It has an amazing texture in the mouth which weighty but smooth. It is dry with an interesting finish that reminds me of fresh greens. This is truly outstanding wine that I wish I would have bought more of when I had the chance. Wine Enthusiast gave it a 96. — 7 years ago

with Mike

Jon Anderson

9.3

Nice pine forest inn the nose. Great with vegetable and greens — 7 years ago

Jason Lee

9.2

Could drink this little wiener dog ever day. Tastes like autumn at the union square farmers market. Like someone dropped a pint of Whole Foods blueberries on some dirty fallen leaves and trampled them with some hydroponic greens and made a juice. — 8 years ago

Susan Hanners

9.2

Would be great with bacon wrapped spicy pork and apples with butter greens — 5 years ago

Donald Williams

9.2

Didn’t know what to expect from this wine. It’s been in the cellar for a while, forgotten. Grabbed it to have with some BBQ ribs, collard greens, grilled asparagus, butternut squash, and coleslaw. A dynamite choice. — 6 years ago

with Bonnie

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Pretty sure I haven’t had a better bottle of Champange at $24.99 and even some higher.

The nose reveals; bruised green apple & Bosc pear, lemon meringue, overripe & slightly sour pineapple, lime zest, nougat, vanillin, soft honeycomb, oysters, sea spray, baguette crust, grey volcanic, pleasant chalkiness, whiffs of herbaceousiness, spring flowers, mixed greens and yellow lilies.

The entry is clean, fresh, rich and lively. Bruised green apple & Bosc pear, lemon meringue, golden apple, overripe & slightly sour pineapple, lime zest, nougat, vanillin, caramel, soft honeycomb, sea fossils & spray, baguette crust, nice white spice with some palate heat, grey volcanic, pleasant chalkiness, whiffs of herbaceousiness, spring flowers, mixed greens and yellow lilies. Crisp lively acidity. The finish is refreshingly delicious, well balanced, good, seamless, delineation, nice polish and persists with spice for several minutes on the long set.

Photos of; The House of Baron Fuentes, grapes at harvest, Proprietor Eric De Brisis and one of their Grand Cru vineyards. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

We started enjoying Davis Estates Chardonnay with their 2014 vintage and now starting to drink their 2016 vintage. Each has been really good with excellent QPR.

We don’t drink a lot of CA Chardonnay as most are over structured and oaked. We prefer White Burgundy on most occasions. The Davis Estates Chardonnay’s are the exception to that rule.

As for this 2016, it’s their best of three vintages we have come to know. It is spectacular!

A number of people love Aubert Chardonnays. We like them too but, for the money, give me this 2016 all day over the Aubert’s. It’s less than half the price! I find some Aubert characteristics & style in each glass of all three Davis Chardonnays vintages we’ve had.

The nose reveals; butterscotch, honey, green apple, slightly sour lemons, lime candy, overripe pineapple, ripe, green melon, white peach, cream, beeswax, vanillin, caramel, toffee notes, light white spice, beautiful, understated chalkiness, hints of saline, soft volcanic minerals, tree bark with drips of sap, mixed greens, spring flowers, yellow lilies and jasmine.

The body is thick, full, round and waxy. It’s simply delicious as it guilds over the palate. Loads of butterscotch, honey, green apple, some golden apple, slightly sour lemons, lime candy, overripe pineapple, ripe, green melon, white peach, haunting banana now & again, cream, beeswax, vanillin, caramel, toffee/creme brûlée notes, light white spice with just the right amount of heat, beautiful, soft, chalkiness, hints of saline & flintiness, soft volcanic minerals, tree bark with drips of sap, mixed greens, spring flowers, yellow lilies and jasmine. The acidity is round and near perfect. The long finish is, lush, ripe, soft, flat out elegant, well balanced and persists minutes. Beautiful CA Chardonnay in every way. Paired with soft white cheese.

Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone! Cheers! 🥂

@Ron R You gotta get some of their 16. Like a case!

Photos of; their Estate vines as viewed from their terrace, tasting room with their kitchen for food pairing in the back, entrance and their rotating water ball just of their terrace. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

@Delectable this is their 18 Chenin Blanc. Just their regular Chenin.

The nose reveals; wet wool, Meyer lemon, pineapple, white peach, tropical melon blend, grapefruit with a touch of sugar, light cream & buttery notes, mixed greens, honey notes, touch of vanillin, delicate powdery chalkiness and minerality with yellow and white fresh flowers.

The body is medium, delicately soft, creamy and beautiful. A touch of wet wool (less than the nose), Meyer lemon, pineapple, white peach, tropical melon blend, grapefruit with a touch of sugar, light cream & buttery notes, mixed greens, honey notes, touch of vanillin, light white spice, delicate powdery chalkiness and minerality with yellow and white fresh flowers. The acidity excellent. The finish is as balanced as it can be. It’s exquisiteness defined. Light rich, ripe and well polished.

Photos of; the entrance to Reyneke, tasting room lounge area, ancient stone tools found in their vineyards and their beautiful mountain view from their Cellar Door. — 6 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

Nose sports deep red berries and cassis, along with wet fur and stony minerality. Intense, soft, and savory in the mouth. Probably at its peak. Worked nicely with Orrechieti with tomatoes, mixed greens, and white beans — 7 years ago

with Angelo

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I am not the biggest fan of a lot of CA Chardonnays but, I have come to fully embrace Arnot-Roberts, this vintage & terrior.

This is not a wine you want well chilled...better just under room temperature. When well chilled, it loses too much of its beauty & sheer elegance. Shows more CA Chardonnay structure/backbone with big green apple. When it is cold it does pair better with the Lattebusche Piave Vecchio...a drier, harder cheese. When it warms, the best choice is the Jasper Hill Farms soft, full cream. white, Harbison.

After it has warmed & had about a half-hour of air, the nose is rounded, lush & ruby. Sweet & sour lemon, green & golden apple, overripe pineapple, guava, green melon, kiwi with skin, lime candy, caramel, gentle, white spice, just a glimmer of, herbaceousness, chalk, grey volcanics, melted, brown butter with yellow flowers/lilies, jasmine, spring flowers with mixed greens.

The body is rich, lush and full, a touch gluey with good viscosity. Sweet & sour lemon, green & golden apple, overripe pineapple, guava, green melon, kiwi with skin, tangerine, lime candy, honeysuckle, caramel, cream, gentle, white spice, just a glimmer of, herbaceousness, chalk, grey volcanics, limestone, melted, brown butter with yellow flowers/lilies, jasmine, spring flowers with mixed greens. The acidity is phat, round and really well done. The rich, well balanced, elegant, long finish is delicious, settling into persistent, delicate white spice.

Just misses 94.

Photos of; Arnot-Roberts vineyard, staff at harvest and Duncan Arnot Meyers (left) and Nathan Roberts in their vineyard in Forestville, where they have Trousseau planted. — 6 years ago

barak heller hayun

9.1

this bottle takes me back to Alsace.
i spent a weekend in Strasbourg in 2006 protesting/partying in front of the European parliament that's located there.
no wine was tasted as i sticked to self imported bottle of zubrowka vodka, drops of potent LSD (that were dropped to the tail end of the vodka by a really short vicious smiling man - true story) and local pilsner beer that i remember fondly that's called 'meteor' and came in large 750ml bottles(pretty good ice cold and just ok after the sun warmed up the last 3rd of the bottle).

and now... 13 years later. different tastebuds. but I'm still the same person essentially.

100% pinot gris

off dry officially but feels dry.

14% ABV

pale green 👀

🧀 rind, green apple, pear, very fresh lemon and finely chopped greens👃

full body. I'm guessing the rs helps to build it.
medium plus acidity.

creamy, tart and a bit fruity with added white pepper and maybe even ginger 👄

long lingering pleasent creamy 🎯 like tasty and slightly bitter 🍬

great wine, no doubt about it.
tasty and complex, plays with you and changes every sip, but always superb.

excelent vfm (110 nis). expensive but works hard for your money.

need to try the winery Riesling now.

had it all day on it's own while vacationing.
soft and spicy cheese platter could have helped but I'm too full. — 6 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Bright yellow gold. Nose of yellow apple and white flowers. Medium full palate is led by crisp yellow apple and quince layered with white flowers and fresh straw. Firm, almost stony acidity from entry to finish, is belied by the deep color. Firm white flesh fish, roasted or fried poultry, salad greens with apples, and a wide range of “classic” white wine foods will shine with this one, but it’s still friendly enough to be a sipper (but who pays this much for a sipper?). Drink now through 2025. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

I had this a number of times but, have never written notes. 🎶Tonight’s the Night!🎶

The nose reveals; lemon custard to candy, lime zest, grapefruit, pineapple, green apple, light stone fruits, green melon, lychees, cream, vanillin, light ginger, cream soda, mixed nuts, bread dough to baguette crust, light green herbs, beautiful, powdery chalkiness, sea shell fossils, volcanic minerals, yellow lilies, jasmine with mixed greens.

The body is; full, round, rich and slightly creamy. Lemon custard to candy, lime zest, grapefruit, pineapple, green apple, light stone fruits, green melon, lychees, cream, beeswax, vanillin, light ginger, white spice with some palate heat, cream soda, touch of caramel, toffee notes, nougat, marzipan, mixed nuts, bread dough to baguette crust, light green herbs, beautiful, powdery chalkiness, sea shell fossils, volcanic minerals, yellow lilies, jasmine with mixed greens. The acidity is crisp and sharp. The long finish is; rich, polished, elegant, nicely balanced, delicious and persists endlessly. Very good at its price point.

Photos of; the House of Piper Heidsieck, the train cave ride as Champange caves can run for miles and miles, artful cellar entrance and one of their Grand Cru vineyards. — 6 years ago

Robert Torretti

9.3

Part of a night of Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello and Ghemme (Sangiovese and Nebbiolo). Highlight of the night. Nice structure. Good brick red color but still somewhat translucent. Dark fruits, with some red cherry as well. Long finish. Served with southern fried quail, collard greens, lime beans with bacon, and gravy. — 7 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.5

This bodacious nectar will make you forget that you just dropped $80 on a Gruner. Deep golden hue, so layered and concentrated yet lively...spring greens, white flowers, spiced orchard fruit, honey, gun flint. Transcendent — 8 years ago