Leo Nissola

10

Notes of whirled earth and anise, complex, with a succulent in feel and oak prominence. Beautiful nose with strong black cherries perfume, and sharply delineated finish. — 4 years ago

with Ben

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

Super-vitaminized syrah in the Moroccan sun (drunk on the spot!). Cuvée admirably conducted by Alain Graillot renowned for his Croze-Hermitage: charming nose of ripe red and black fruits, and an explosive bouquet of dried flowers. Wonderful vinification with well-integrated fruit / wood tannins; a supple and velvety palate. Otherwise, it is still very alcoholic. This prominence can be attenuated per hour of ventilation and refreshed to 13-15 degrees. 14-18 € ok, but not more!

Syrah sur-vitaminée sous le soleil Marocain, bue sur place! Cuvée admirablement conduite par Alain Graillot réputé pour ses Croze-Hermitage: nez charmeur sur des fruits rouge et noirs bien mûrs, et bouquet explosif de fleurs séchées. Vinification admirable avec des tanins fruits/bois bien fondus; une bouche souple et veloutée. Pour le reste ça n’en reste pas moins très alcooleux, dont la proéminence sera atténuée par heure d’aération et rafraîchi à 13-15 degrés. 15€ euros c’est bien mais pas plus ! — 5 years ago

Byron Fuller

8.9

Unusual cuvee ten years in concrete vats (MV as well?)— still very fresh. Loads of wood, apparently russian oak. Disorienting match of freshness and wood prominence. Will be interesting to follow. — 5 years ago

Severn Goodwin

9.0

Blend of Noiret & Cabernet Franc.

Nose has mashed ripe cherry, but mostly dominated by dusty-chalky red fruits.
Palate has cherry, fresh plum, peppery forest floor with medium tannins.

The wine continues to evolve with air, the longer it's open the more the CF aspects start showing prominence in the blend. Nice effort for a sub $15 bottle. — 6 years ago

Colin Cahoon

9.4

This is an SLH Pinot from the winemaker who brought Wrath to prominence. The nose is lovely charred fruit. On the palate dark cherry, cooked strawberry, rhubarb and dark fruit. In the finish moderate-plus acid with some tannins to boot. Well done. — 7 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

This has a level of complexity unusual for a rose. Very clean earthy minerality vies for prominence with cherry, nectarine, and passion fruit. Dry and full, with great purity and refreshing acids. Top notch! — 8 years ago

Michael Hawkinson

9.2

Oaky nose, very fruit forward, sweet cherries and blackberries, peppery finish, after breathing the pepper and oak rose in prominence and fruit subsided — 5 years ago

Michael Seely

9.1

Structure and delicate prominence! Lovely 2016 from a fabulous producer. — 5 years ago

with Jeff and Joe

Michael Seely

9.5

This 08 is outstanding and provides a vivid glance of why the 08 s will be with us for even more time to come. This is an exquisite wine with soul and breathe. Distinguished character expressing terroir and full fruit that gently and fully expressing across the entire palette. She is to be adored and honored in the prominence attributed to the tradition of her full expression. — 5 years ago

with Jeff and Joe

Dave Bailey

9.5

A deep, full bodied blend with a prominence of Merlot (56%). Plum and apple notes with a soothing and mellow aftertaste..
One of the best I've tasted in the region.
A superb wine that I will be taking home with me... — 6 years ago

Austin Tabbone

9.2

Lively and bright with a nice yeasty prominence. Overall a fresher style. A nice moderate style of champagne. — 7 years ago

Septentrio Winery

9.2

Great Rioja Reserva! The Grenache and prominence of new American oak are the highlight. Aromas of toasted almond, soft leather and summer plum. Pomegranate, late summer cherry and spice on the palate with a hint of brown spice. Tannins are soft. Best if you’re looking for a white meat pairing as it seems like about 30-50% garnache. Nice little break from all the Tempranillo tannins — 7 years ago

Kimberly Anderson

9.2

Purple black in color. Hints of musty basement on the nose upon opening. Blew off to reveal lavender, blackberry and a smokiness. Blackberry, spice and hints of leather. Long, plush finish. — 8 years ago

with Chad

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

A perfect Chiroubles which honors the appellation. Light, airy, sensual, feminine Beaujolais. Red fruits fragrances deciliously intoxicating but without prominence. Multiple vegetal / floral nuances. The finish is discreetly persistent with very delicate tannins.

Un Chiroubles parfait qui fait honneur à l’appellation. Beaujolais féminin, sensuel, léger et aérien. Fragrances de fruit rouges délicieusement enivrantes mais sans proéminence, avec multiples nuances végétales/florales. La finale est discrètement persistante sur des tanins d’une grande délicatesse. — 5 years ago

James Forsyth

9.2

A little bit flat, the 1994 Phelps Backus has seen its best days. Took a little time to open up and a fine licorice note rose to prominence. Black current and leather, dried plums and autumn leaves. It's dark and a touch heavy. Maybe it isn't at its best but what a privilege to try this wine with some age. — 5 years ago

Jason Gelman

9.1

very different style of bordeaux but in a great way. believe this bottle has zero oak barrel aging so it’s a lot lighter bodied than your typical bordeaux. a lot of the familiar aromas are there (leather, tobacco, etc) but much softer and the fruit takes on more prominence. enjoyed the softer, more delicate style. fun to try. — 5 years ago

Kurt Krueger

8.9

Nice, not as heavy as some cabs. Pleasant red and black fruit prominence with a good finish. This is a 2014 vintage. — 6 years ago

Ian Staub

8.9

Wanted to drink more Sangiovese, and here I am. Doesn’t scream Sangiovese but there is some nice ripe cherry fruit and savory herbs as expected on the nose. Pretty substantial Brett aromas are present and some slightly astringent VA appears but oddly enough only after 40-60 minutes of decanting. Palate is clean and fruit-driven. Acid and tannins are both relatively soft, and the finish is clean but short. Despite the prominence of its “flaws” this was quite enjoyable with Marcella Hazan’s super simple red sauce. On its own, less compelling. Day 2-3: revising my rating upwards. Aggressive VA has dissipated and the length is somehow extended, acid-driven. The bretty nose is fun and engaging. A big hit! — 7 years ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

8.9

Heated cherry plum spice nose complimentary to the palate. A bit of oiliness and an astringent abrupt finish. — 7 years ago

Ken Rogers

9.3

Aged to perfection for our taste--dark berries, cassis, some hickory smoke and cocoa on the nose. Palate initially opened full of supple dark fruit--boysenberry--but as the bottle has continued to open, earthy notes have come to prominence. Beautiful, supple, complex, and paired beautifully with a grass-fed steak, grilled asparagus and baked potato. — 8 years ago

with Michael