Shay A

9.3

After opening a 2012 two weeks ago, I wanted to check in with the 2005. I also open a vintage L’Ermitage every 4th of July (as well as a bottle of zin), as it’s hard to beat this American sparkler at the price (and if you can, tell me).

Again, just a total QPR winner as evidence by this being 16yrs young. I believe this is the “oldest” L’Ermitage I’ve had, and my love for this sparkler is cemented. At its age, it really hasn’t oxidized much at all. I get a kiss of an autolysis flair here, but it’s more just rich and flamboyant. Yeasty/toasty. Toffee, honeycomb (always get that with these), sea salt and cinnamon topped golden delicious apple. Added notes of bruised pear and caramel round out the rich, yet vibrant, finish. The fact that these (yes, this vintage) can be picked up locally at $45-50 is just crazy. Takes a lot of restraint to not buy all they have. — 3 years ago

Eric

9.4

Such a smokin QPR. Year in and year out. — 4 years ago

Paul J

9.5

Sad they aren’t making this any longer.

One of the best QPR wines in existence.

Similar to previous notes, but much nicer texture and more French influence.

Loved it! — 5 years ago

with Brooke

Byron Hewett

9.2

I love this wine! Very aromatic. Spice, black pepper, olive, mineral, a bit tart, complex, layered and long. Excellent QPR! — 5 years ago

Brendan Baker

9.2

Great QPR as always... should have bought more — 6 years ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.1

A Margaux that really rocks!Very high QPR. I guess the merger is really paying off... — 6 years ago

Deborah M

9.1

Opened this yesterday. Decanted two hours. Disappointed and annoyed. Decided not to rate. Tonight it is a different wine (sorta like my teenager, sometimes she’s wonderful and sometimes she’s a teenager). This wine went from dull and thin to showing deep dark fruits, plush mouthfeel and lengthy finish. Complex. Betting this could age a few more years. Great QPR. Really in a great place one night later. — 3 years ago

Austin Hohnke

8.9

Great QPR. Well balanced. Oak wasn’t too judicious. Cassis and berries. — 4 years ago

Ryan Guy

9.0

Candied plums, black raspberry, spicy black pepper, and hints of rhubarb on the nose. Lush and smooth, with accents of tobacco and sage over plum and boysenberry fruit. Finishes in balance with length. Alcohol is kept in check. Great a QPR. — 4 years ago

Hanibal

9.1

pure fruit with notes of flowers and tar...a good QPR — 4 years ago

Por La Vida

9.1

Tremendous white. Find me a better QPR. — 5 years ago

Doug Sayed

9.1

2016 vintage. Savory red fruits with a supple texture and a nice finish. Outstanding QPR. Bravo Failla. — 5 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.4

Such a stellar project brought forth by Band of Vintners 👊🏻 Comprised of Mark Porembski, Stephane Vivier, Dan Petroski, Cameron Hobel, Barrett Anderson, Brennan Anderson, and Jason Heller, the BoV pulled strings, called in favors, worked their networks, and utilized their collective winemaking experience to produce this outstanding QPR selection. It’s classic Napa through-and-through with black currant, blackberry liqueur, fresh boysenberry, black cherry, damp violets, coffee, fresh leather, tobacco, and a flawless hint of vanilla and baking spices. This soft and silky offering is dynamite; I’m glad I have more on hand and that it can be purchased right down the road from me. This is a win 💪🏻 — 6 years ago

with Krystal

Matt Sterr

8.9

Durban juice. Always good QPR. — 3 years ago

Paul J

9.1

Classic Syrah! 30+ minute decant. Dark purple color. Stewed fruit, jammy, and deep. Silky. Medium finish. Excellent QPR. Definitely drinking young. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Loads of black fruit, violets and vanilla. Hint of black licorice. Dark purple color and Soft tannins on a reasonably long finish. Medium bodied with Balanced acidity and lovely almost creamy texture. Mild tannins. Good summertime vino as it can be served slightly chilled. Great QPR! — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Champagne is for celebrating, not that I need a celebratory reason to open a bottle as I am hooked on champagne. 💉

However, after installing 27 solar panels and waiting an additional seven weeks for my Tesla, I/we have almost erased our carbon footprint. Finally picked it up today. I believe we all need to do our part to save the glorious vines that bring so much happiness to our lives. 🍷🥂👍

As for the Baron Fuentes, the is a very good Champange and is perhaps the best QPR out of Champagne at $24.99.

Bright lemon, lime, grapefruit w/ sugar, bruised red apple & pear, touch of ginger & cider, bread dough, baguette crust, sea spray, white spice with some palate heat, sea fossils, grey volcanic minerals, spring flowers, lilacs and yellow lilies. The acidity is bright, crisp and lively. The finish is smartly polished, well balanced and persistent for minutes.

Whoo hoo! So close to carbon free! 🍾🥂 — 4 years ago

Dan Levin

9.1

Decanted for 3 hours and it was on point as a classic, well made Rioja. Really strong QPR. — 5 years ago

Philip Cook

9.7

Decanted for approximately 40 minutes. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, and a smidgen of Mourvèdre. The best vintage of this I think I’ve had. Generous with the red and black fruits, soft but firming tannins on the back end and posses a long finish. Great structure and balance. Surprised that I found a vintage of this age for a basic CDR at a grocery store and it is showing really well. Fantastic QPR. $14 @ H-E-B. — 6 years ago

Bret Ginter

9.0

Red and dark fruit, silky soft tannins. Fantastic qpr...very versatile food wine thats easy to drink. — 7 years ago