Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

100% Nero d’Avola. Medium ruby color with garnet highlights. Nose is full of organics (earth, burnt rubber and tobacco) as well as red fruits (cherry and pomegranate). Blend of cherry, blueberry and plum fruit on the pallet with hints of cedar and root beer. A light green note on the finish. Tannins and acidity are present but are not overwhelming. Solid wine and great value. — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. Outstanding vintage of this flagship Bodegas LAN Rioja. Intense and bright red color. Aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, black plums, dark chocolate and well aged balsamic vinegar. Additional hints of baking spices, rose petals, graphite and cedar. Hint of dried cranberries on the tangy finish. Medium plus body and excellent complexity. The fruit and organics are extremely well balanced, as is the acidity and alcohol. Make sure you give this one a long decant. Brilliant! Thank You, Kase. Revisited in January 2023. Still outstanding!! — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.4

The Vacheron family have been leaders in the appellation for practicing organics and biodynamics since the early 2000’s and generally follow non-interventionalist wine making techniques. Their dedication is evident in the beauty and expression of terroir in their wines. “Les Romains” is a single vineyard planted about 40 years ago on 100% Silex. Popped and poured; consumed over 2 days and it was delicious on both. In the glass, it appears a very pale straw color with medium viscosity. Medium+ intensity. Remarkably fresh with bright lemon-lime citrus with some melon and rocks. One the palate, silex, citrus and minerals with an uncanny steel-like texture. High acid. Long satisfying finish. An uncompromising blend of energy and elegance. It’s a wine you want to crush…but there’s a sophistication about it that makes you reflect on how damned good it is. Age-able? Undoubtedly! But it’s going to be hard to cellar something this good. Beautiful wine! — 3 years ago

Beth

9.3

Not as good as some others but still nice — a year ago

Delci Desiree

9.1

Yummy, got in Culver City at a co op market — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

What an incredible Valpo! Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%), Croatina (5%) and Oseleta (5%). Beautiful balance of fruit and organics. Black cherry, baking spices, Forrest Floor, cocoa and a touch of beef jerky waft out of the glass. Dark currants, minerals, and mocha flavors with just a touch of menthol on the finish. Not the least bit jammy. Silky and polished. Fine tannins. Beautiful. Thank You Kasey and Petey! — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

100% Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. No oak. Fermented in Stainless Steel tanks. Rich dark cherry and cassis fruit aromas with herbal, wild mushroom and tobacco notes. Full dark fruit flavors with herbal and leather hints. Touch of juniper berry on the full and long finish. Great balance between fruit and organics. — 3 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

Southern Italian stunner! My initial thought was “Why do I not drink more Aglianico?” This wax is primarily Aglianico (80%) with Piedirosso (20%) blended in. The nose is herbal and spicy with tobacco and coffee notes. Aromas of ripe blackberry and dark cherry are in the background. The pallet, however, is totally fruit forward. Baked and dried dark fruits fill the mouth with hints tobacco and black tea. Touch of minerals on the long and smooth finish. Opulent and pristine. Beautiful balance of fruit and organics. Quite a busy wine. (In a good way!) Simply brilliant! Great selection, Petey P. Thank You! — 2 years ago

Steve Reiss

9.1

In Paso - Thomas Hill Organics — 2 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

Right now nobody in Champaign is pushing the envelope with biodynamics and organics as much as Marguet from what I can see. The results are stunning over the years how he’s fine tuned his growing and winemaking philosophy to these natural pillars of winemaking.

Fine Mousse of tiny bubbles. Crystalline red berries, crisp lines, vibrant and dense but filigreed. Long in the mouth and finish. 

Young but very expressive now. Mouthwatering freshness washed over in waves on the palate like waves on a beach.

Very cool wines and not just asthetics, textures and style these or cool and sharp! — 2 years ago