Wulf Losee

9.1

I revisited this wine in July of 2022, and I am upping my rating to 9.1. I don’t know if it’s just a biochemical difference in my taste buds from day to day, or whether the wine is miraculously transforming itself within the bottle while I’m not paying attention to it. All of my previous descriptions still hold, except at the tannic structure has become fuller. And that holds everything together. My new opinion of this wine is that it’s very elegant, indeed.


My old review: 2019 opened February 2022. Disappointing but drinkable. Mint and nettles on the nose. Unripe strawberries on the front of the palate. It has a weak — almost watery — tannic structure that fails to balance the sour high notes that crowd in on mid pallet. And the pucker factor intensifies as it transitions to the finish, but it dissipates quickly leaving just a hint of lingering flint and menthol. Better than a fourth growth Bordeaux in an off year, but that’s not saying much. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous note from 73 weeks ago on March 2020. One of Australia’s great cool climate Shiraz. Noted for its spice and white pepper. Red fruited on the medium bodied palate and made in the historic blue stone winery which first made wine in 1860. Back then it was a vineyard surrounded by sheep but now Melbourne’s major airport, Tullamarine, is 20 minutes to the south. Wonderful balance and long living made by Pat Carmody and wife Dianne since 1976 after they replanted much of the vineyard. More in the style and weight of Burgundy than the Rhone. In the Langtons Classification under Excellent. Had another bottle 73 weeks later on the 5th January 2023 which didn’t show as well as it normally does. A touch of astringency. Going through a “dumb phase “? 88 points for latest tasting. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Happy Spring! It’s one of our favorite points in the year. More; daylight, a little warmer in CA and everything starts to bloom which, means a long summer of gardening and being outdoors every day/night is not far off.

Since it was such a great day and basically most Californians are shut-Ins, the voluntary self quarantining was getting to me. I did the landscaping and got an afternoon of fresh air today. A breath of fresh air...ahhh! Wow, was it needed after Gavin’s Newsom’s estimate of 25.5 million Californians would be infected with Coronavirus over 8 weeks yesterday.

So, a good night to celebrate another day of being virus free with my 2nd favorite N/V Rosé Champagne.

All my numerous previous notes apply.

Stay safe everyone and remember the new terminology of the new decade...social distancing! Cheers! 🍾🥂

Photos of; Spring in our backyard & a Billecart Grand Cru Vineyard.

— 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Long day cleaning & painting getting our rental property getting it ready for our new tenant. We are burnt but, a glass of Ruinart Rosé always perks us up.

We’ll be doing this a lot over the next two weeks. Hope everyone has better weekend plans than we do! Cheers!🥂

All my previous notes apply.

Photos of; the House of Ruinart, painting of Dom Thierry Ruinart, their caves & one of their Grand Cru vineyards. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Pound for pound, ounce for ounce, the best Blanc de Blanc champagne for the money and then some! IMHO!

All previous notes apply. — 7 years ago

with Christina and James

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

a classic Bordeaux style blend, previous older vintages they omitted Petit Verdot. Pouring a glass I noticed a deep purple wine with ruby edges and aromas of red and dark fruit with cedar spice notes. The palate showed ripe blackberries, blueberries and sweet red berry fruit, with sweet and savory oak notes. Very approachable for a 2013, but it needs 30 minutes to open up. On the finish tannins were smooth and firm, showing some minerality on the long finish. Faust wines do not disappoint, even when young. — 10 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See 2 previous notes - the most recent in February last year which is consistent with this tasting. Easily the most concentrated and rich Cabernet I’ve ever had from Tasmania. Mint, coffee beans, cassis and Cocoa on the nose. Medium plus bodied. Seamless. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance being Merlot Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot 4/4/2. Growing ripe Cabernet in Tasmania is achievable if you get the right site. — 4 years ago

Paul J

8.9

Always solid. See previous notes. Green elements that were more integrated into the fruit. Medium depth. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

Best Rose 🌹 in the world? The 17 was quite acidic. So it needs time. But the 18 is a total blow out wow. It lacks the herbaceous character of the previous vintages. Close your eyes and you think this is red Burgundy. A Volnay? Orange rind a potpourri of red fruit dark 🍒 raspberry cranberries,....But also Mexican limes. Fresh. Spectacular and as far as I know unfortunately only available from Lyle Fass. Sells out fast. A revelation and must know for any serious Pinot lover. I hope some of you will have at some point the opportunity to try wines from E&M. — 6 years ago

Paul J

9.7

Same as previous notes... — 6 years ago

with Brooke

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

It’s Friday and that always and forever calls for Champagne.

This is an amazing Blanc de Blanc Champange for $24.99. What a QPR! It’s like stealing.

Previous notes apply.

Happy Friday & weekend!!!

Photos, we are kicking in those chairs, full yard candlelight with the Baron and watching the World Series. It’s a good Friday and not in the complete religious sense but, close. Cheers!🥂 — 6 years ago

Jeremiah

8.9

2016 vintage, excellent consistency with previous years, bright tartness with a sweet and tangy nectarine finish, do not overchill this lovely fruity white — 9 years ago

Paul J

9.1

White in color with a gold hue. Flowers, veggies, and melons. Crisp and tart. Very nice. Similar to previous notes. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Paul J

9.2

Similar to previous notes. Always good and complex. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pale to mid crimson in colour. Red fruit aromas - dirty cherry with just the right amount of whole bunch adding the complexity. On the palate just medium weight but with structure and balance. A serious Pinot from the excellent Coal River of Tasmania. My first of 3 from the 2013 vintage. I should leave the next one for at least 2 years if I can keep my hands off it. Footnote: Our Delectable friend, Scott Rowe, who works for the owners has pretty much nailed this wine. Just read several of his previous notes. “Get some” he says! I totally agree. — 5 years ago

Paul J

9.3

Always lovely! 375ml. Similar to previous notes. — 6 years ago

with Brooke

Jim Wagonfeld

9.0

Drink more Galician wines. See previous notes. — 6 years ago

with Judy

Paul J

9.1

Always solid. Same as previous notes. — 6 years ago

with Steve and Brooke

Levi Glenn

9.3

Solid as always. Seemed a little more open then previous vintages. No reduction. Had the nose, medium weight and cut you’d expect. I think an above average vintage for this wine, although always reliable. — 8 years ago

Bradley Brown

Owner/Winemaker Big Basin Vineyards

8.9

Ripeness seems more in check than previous vintages. Beautiful texture and length. — 12 years ago