Corey Lair

8.9

This Pinot was a little earthy and tight at the first taste... However about 45 minutes into this bottle, the wine opened up and was very delicious! Whitehall Lane does it again. — 10 years ago

Brian McMahon

Sales Polaner Selections

9.4

Varietals: Gamay
Organic: Certified
Vineyard: A true clos (walled vineyard) and eight hectare monopole of Dutraive's. Vine age ranges from 30-70 years old. A true clos (walled vineyard) and eight hectare monopole of Dutraive's. Made from the oldest vines in the vineyard, planted in the 1940s.
Orientation: South, southeast-facing
Soil: Pink granite shingles
Viticulture: No herbicides or pesticides, organically farmed, certified since 2009 vintage.
Vinification: Traditional vinification without sulfur and with natural yeast at very low temperatures. Carbonic maceration and little or no filtering.
Aging: 100% in 1-5 year old french oak barrels

Rating: 92 JG
The old vine bottling from Monsieur Dutraive hails from a parcel of sixty-five to seventyfive year-old vines and is raised entirely in Burgundy barrels, ranging from one to five years of age, so there is a little wood influence to this cuvée. The 2013 is outstanding, offering up a deep and nascently complex bouquet of cherries, raspberries, coffee, gamebird, lovely soil tones, spice elements redolent of clove and mace, a bit of mustard seed and a nice touch of cedary new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and youthfully structured, with a sappy core, fine soil signature and a bit of tannin to resolve on the long, youthful finish. This is emphatically not a classic style of Fleurie, but it is an extremely well-made wine whose inspiration seems to be as much Vosne-Romanée as it is Fleurie. The focus and balance here are impeccable and I see no reason this wine will not age superbly well, and for those who are looking for a gateway Fleurie to make the transition from the Côte d’Or to Cru Beaujolais, this is a perfect wine! 2017-2030+. - John Gilman — 11 years ago

Kim Peters

9.5

Sweet and tart, notes of strawberry with a little zippy finish! Very light in taste and color 1/3/14 — 12 years ago

Kerry Whitlock

9.0

2012 vintage. Very nice. A little tannic. A little jammy. A bit of smokiness. — 10 years ago

Brian Hearty

9.0

2006. One of our favorite weeknight wines from the late 90's and early 00's. Bought this one then ignored in the cellar...nice cherry flavors, a little spicy oak, the tannins are still there but smooth. Paired great with grilled strip, roasted cremini, and stilton. — 10 years ago

John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

9.2

Toasty, smokey. Old school reds. A little umami/ soy without va. Perfect foil for some home smoked pork ribs. Old vine Mendocino Grenache & Petite Sirah - what John Parducci used to tell me was a great combination to slake hearty pastas or roasted meats. Nice wine. — 11 years ago

Chris Scanlan

Sales Amy Atwood Imports

9.1

John Lockwood ladies and gents, keep and eye out for his name. Blind tasting yesterday revealed 50% lovers of this wine, 50% felt it was one dimensional. I'd have to disagree... I think it's textbook Syrah. Yesterday I noted it "smells like a Pax or Arnot-Roberts Syrah" because of the white floral tones and the unmistakeable Syrah characteristics. Had a touch of EA, but I felt it made the wine more lofty, carrying other esters up from the glass. Blueberry, red currant, baked olives and a touch of cream. Standing great on day 2, EA is still there but still a positive note, not a nail polish remover, more like blueberry magic marker meets blueberry pie, brown spices- nutmeg and clove, a little walnut hull, dark chocolate. Color looks extracted, aroma's would imply the same, but its not overly so, soft yes, acidity is there but shaded by the fruit. The grapes are sustainably farmed, harvested at 23.5 Brix 100% whole cluster, gentle foot tread 1-2 times per day for a short cold soak, followed by a cool 10 day fermentation with native yeasts, pressed to barrel before dry to finish ferment, native ML. 13.7% alcohol 3.7 pH. 125 cases — 12 years ago

Ian Doody

9.3

Big fruit. Really enjoyed this on the couch with a little political commentary of John Oliver — 10 years ago

Jayme Henderson-Steese

9.3

Tasting great right now! Still needed a little decanting. Rich cocoa powder, chalky finish. Classic Cab Franc {30% Cab Sauv}. — 11 years ago

with Steve

Daniel P. Drake

9.6

Even though I have a cold and I know I shouldn't try this tasting with my senses all screwed up. My friend Erik had been talking up the Benton-Lane like it was something special which I tend to agree with. I do know from the Benton-Lanes I have had I definitely agree. I have recently had the 2010 which was exceptional and now I am going to give the 2011 Estate Grown Pinot a go. Right off the git is the tell tail funk that I love on the nose, strawberry, bing cherries, a little plum with some earthy notes. The palate has a good red fruit component, tart strawberry, raspberry, bing cherry, mushroom, and spice notes. There is a nice mild acidity with a good medium long finish. Very good wine again. — 11 years ago