Aaron Tan

9.2

I may catch some flak here, but I feel Chardonnay always takes a backseat in the presence of Riesling. Sure they both produce vin de terrior, but the acid and minerality in Riesling completely numbs ones senses to Chardonnay’s, making the latter look flabby even. Such was the case here. The 09’ Lafon Perrières was very good, just a little fat after an onslaught of Rieslings. Buttery, nutty, concentrated, and ripe (stone fruits). An undeniably Baroque wine! But that’s not to say there wasn’t any elegance as it was quite mineral with an iodine-like quality infused in the nose and stoney backend on the palate. It also had an elegant register of minty aroma and to me, sufficient acidity especially considering the vintage. Really excellent quality and was exceptional with cheese, but not a wine I could drink much of during the night.

NB: Surprisingly, not an ounce of premox which SC noted as typical across all the 09’ Lafon’s he’s had this year. Interestingly, oxidative notes were quick to develop the day after. — 2 years ago

Joel Haith

9.1

What a fantastic representation of what this grape can be. The 2009 is absolutely singing right now. On the nose there is a wonderful onslaught of violet followed with amazing cranberry notes with a dirt note undertone, A hint of white pepper on the back. An insanely silky mouth feel with anise notes, dark fruit and a stone component. On the pallet this lasts for a while. — 4 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Oh heavy and deep and it’s someone who gets into my head and body and soul. As Mourvèdre/monastrell/mataro does. It is in my body because it is balanced: alcohol acid and body seem to waltz whilst NOT waiting for the unbalanced part: the onslaught of flavor. Those parts are moshing(body): leather and funky high toned but aggro tobacco orange peel all sorts of sour red and black things and an umeboshi plum are the sharp acidic cinnamon veil over all so my soul is here thinking and... — 5 years ago

Andrew Schirmer

9.0

A high-acid, mouth-puckering assault on the palate. Tightly wound even with a decant, I can’t imagine this on a pop n pour. Layers of mineral & tart fruit; hint of petrol comes almost as a respite from the onslaught. Ok maybe I’m slightly exaggerating. Cool wine. — 3 years ago

with Alsu

MaJ CappS

9.0

Smells a little of those candied cigarettes or the baseball card stick back in the day..

Starts of as a little lighter style of Grenache, until the grape skins kick in - then the onslaught of basil, hay, licorice, with a unripe raspberry and some bitter Eastern European plum.
A bold sipper, in that there is much to talk about, especially while chewing on the acidity.
Wine from Madrid., a city I hope to see again..

— 4 years ago

Jeff Venier

9.2

Love this ‘17 Sancerre. Almost has a honeyed note. More golden than I’d expect but just lovely wine. Far cry from figgy Napa SB or the grapefruit/passion fruit onslaught of NZ... — 5 years ago

David Lincoln

9.0

Same as the Ramonet: I need to retaste. This followed an onslaught of northern rhones, barolos, and brunellos. My palate was already fatigued. I did pick up on it’s expansive mineralality and acidity. Only complaint was it seemed closed off and the oak was poking through. — 6 years ago

Willie Carter

8.9

A nice dark cherry red color with a wide brim. The nose opens up with some nice spice and green earth. Plenty of funk and fun on display here. Dense moss and forest woodland screams before the bright red fruits show up to play. The floral aromatics really set this one off.

45/30/25 of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, this is a Central Coast take on Chateauneuf du Pape and baby, it works. It’s a gentle onslaught of goodness. Mounds and mounds of bright, fresh fruits come in waves. Wild strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry. A hint of dark chocolate with menthol and more greenery. It seems like people don’t know how good these are and that’s a crying shame. Beautiful wine and so hard to beat. — 3 years ago

Lee Hill

9.0

Blackberry pie, jam, and dried on the nose. Very intense from both an onslaught of fruit flavors (mostly blackberry) and long finish from high alcohol. Very big wine but still with a vibrant acidity laying under the fruit and coaxing it all along. Fun and well executed but too much, and not my thing — 4 years ago

Evan Bienstock

9.4

This was amazing with a quiet Christmas lunch in the mountains before the onslaught of company comes tomorrow. I was blown away a bit, which is so fun! 🥂🎄🥂🎄 — 4 years ago