Delectable Wine

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9.0

Smoky struck flint wreaths, white peach, fig and lime on the nose. The palate impression is glossy and lusciously-fruited, with a bittersweet, crunchy hint of cassis berries adding to its appeal. The residual sugar is supportive, yet not perceived as outright sweetness. Hints of smoke persist intriguingly in a lingering finish. This lovely example of “hidden sweetness” in Riesling – coincidentally harboring the same 17 grams of residual sugar as its vintage 2016 predecessor – weighs in at slightly higher alcohol (exactly 12%) but preserves a nice sense of lift to accompany its animating juiciness. The source this year is half from Hexamer’s Schlossböckelheimer In den Felsen and half from a nearly adjacent portion of Schlossböckelheimer Mühlberg owned by a semi-retired grower whom Hexamer says farms conscientiously and is proud of the grapes he sells. (David Schildknecht, Vinous, April 2019) — 6 years ago

Shawn R

9.6

@Martin G Rivard thank you so much for sharing this gem with Jennifer and I. What a fantastic way to end an evening after a mag of Clos De Tart at the Breakers in West Palm Beach. My first experience with this produce and it won’t be the last. A extremely limited production cuvée that shows sweet jammy black currants, campfire with great depth. Super approachable now. Thank you again Martin! — 7 years ago

with Martin

Daniel Duckett

10

The 2013 vintage is just as lovely as it's predecessor. Definitely value for money. — 10 years ago

Charles Schneider

9.8

Epic bottle of Austrian Riesling! When I spoke to Fred Loimer, in Italy, he was impressed we had this on the list. Props to my predecessor. — 12 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.3

Serious potential, if not as balanced or pretty as the 2014. Certainly more dense, inky and tannic than its predecessor. Showing vibrant sour cherry, raspberry, fresh cut purple flowers, spice cake, Asian spice and licorice. Tremendous mineral tension. Feels a bit extracted now but sure to be a winner. — 6 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

8.9

Perhaps not as exciting as the 2015, but always a fine effort. Simpler, unoaked and much more affordable Barbaresco than the official cru wines at this price is always a no-brainer for me. The typical flowery, tart red berry and mint profile but with a bit less density and primary fruit than its predecessor. Great value as always. — 7 years ago

Paul Weil

9.0

I am uncertain what "reserve" means for this Bordeaux style blend - but like its unreserved predecessor, it is full bodied, redolent with dark plum and Cherry flavors, and a smooth, slightly tannic mocha currant finish. Keep wearing the "gang" colors, Scott and Matt! 😸 — 9 years ago

Steven Foster

Wine buyer Belmont Wine Exchange

9.4

Just released. The new floral study no. 2 Sanguis white blend. Just the craziest I have had yet. Out of line as a predecessor and narrow and straight are to blame for the path that set this one. — 10 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.7

The 1990 Cristal is remarkable. Polished, nuanced and light on its feet, the 1990 is all class. Citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes are wonderfully lifted throughout. A slight reductive note adds character on the finely knit finish. I can’t think of a better way to start this tasting. Simply put, the 1990 is a total rock star. Moreover, it is much more delicate than most wines from this ripe vintage. Amazingly, the 1990 tastes like it is still not ready! “Nineteen ninety was my second vintage here,” says Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. “It was ideal. The fruit was just perfect. We blocked the malolactic fermentation completely and only fermented 6-7% of our lots in oak, as opposed to the more typical 20%, in order to preserve as much freshness as possible. The wine was made by my predecessor, Michel Pansu, but I was learning. This was the first year I started working with oxygen by reducing sulfites in vinification to pre-oxidize the Chardonnay musts, as I do know, which allows me to get rid of all the unstable, oxidative compounds. With Pinot, on the other hand, you need a little bit of sulfur at crush or you lose the brilliant fruit. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2018) — 7 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.0

We did both the '07 and the '08, temperature and humidity-controlled storage since their releases. Was a Barren Ridge red night with some choice ribeyes. Yea. Buddy.
After a modest decant, this puppy comes to life. It's far more than just 'holding up'- it's in what I believe is its prime. Big, ripe, juicy and even a little bit tight. Blue & boysenberry highlight the nose which is silky and just a smidge reserved. To my nose; it's acting like a kid in his adolescence in that it's shy to show you what it can really do. On the PALATE- it's potential-realized. Vibrant and beautifully balanced, the '08 'Meritage' out-paces it's beautiful '07 predecessor. — 9 years ago

with Beth

Jusden Aumand

9.2

This producer can lay down some Givry! 2013 has slightly tarter, more red cherry fruits and a little less barnyard than its predecessor, but what a complete intricate wine. — 10 years ago

August Deimel

9.0

Nope, not mine. Made by my predecessor. Aging out nicely - notes of butterscotch and candied apple. It washed down a burrito agreeably. — 11 years ago