Kendra Larsen

9.3

Delish bottle of chimney rock. — 4 years ago

with Jon and Matt

Veronica Sweeney

9.0

A long time Turkey day favorite, that seemed to lose status as a Thankgiving staple has returned with triumph to our table. Velvet and rich, dark garnet. Flavors of blackberries and lingonberry. Loved the sturdy burst of flavor in my mouth. — 6 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.4

The best Cabernet Franc on the table. Although it really did not have much competition. This was the ONLY Cabernet Franc on the table! This one had lots of black cherry, graphite, cocoa, cola, and pie space to the front and middle. The finish still showed moderate astringency with a fair amount of oak, yet this was probably just about as approachable as I have ever seen a bottle of this Cabernet Franc. I would say this one is probably one to two years away from a pop and pour! — 6 years ago

with Dan and Bradley

Nate Lane

9.3

Cherry and spice, just like the label says. Great balance. This one is out of the park. — 8 years ago

with Karalyn

Aaron Means

9.7

THE. BEST. DOMESTIC. CHARD!!!!!! Yes, yes, yes. I'm blown away. This is the best domestic chard I've ever drank. This particular vintage is killer. I could poor this in a lineup of top notch Meursault and none would be the wiser, that's how good this is. Intense smoke/funk brought on by minerality that most domestic producers could only dream of. A legendary wine in my book. @June's All Day, Austin TX — 8 years ago

Rafael Chelles Barroso

9.1

School book example of balanced wine! Acidity, malolactic fermentation and eucalyptus going on the right proportion. — 8 years ago

Beachin Wino

9.3

Like Baby Blue the blueberry aromas jump right out of the glass. First glass, honestly didn't seem any better than the Baby Blue. One hour later with filet mignon the wine had opened up considerably and WOW! This is one to pair with a juicy steak🍷. — 9 years ago

with Fred

Luke Kilcup

9.7

Apparently the 2017 is the best vintage. But the 2014 kicks you in the mouth and then finishes smooth. Bold red fruit with manageable tannins. Best second bottle of wine in awhile! — 4 years ago

Jamie Lauder

9.2

2014 vintage. This is great wine from Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
The nose is full blown blueberries with cloves, smokiness and black pepper. More a combination of Washington State and Northern Rhone.
Tasting, bright blue/black fruit with hints of mint, sagebrush and bacon......mmmmmm.....who doesn’t like bacon??
This wine finishes so smooth with acids and tannins in beautiful harmony and balance.
— 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Joseph Phelps Party. Starting off with the 89 Insignia from 6L.

Notes of stewed fruits; blackberries, dark cherries, rhubarb, cherries & strawberries. Cola liqueur, steeped tea, limestone minerals, well softened and layered baking spices, menthol, dry herbs, underbrush with withering & fresh bright red & dark florals.

The palate shows similar stewed & baked fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, rhubarb, cherries, strawberries. Cola liqueur, steep tea, limestone minerals, well softened and layered baking spices, menthol, dry herbs, dry top soil, dry rock powder, old to & leather underbrush with withering & fresh bright red & dark florals. Beautiful acidity and a well balanced finish that persists with some dark spice heat.

Photos of, the Phelps party and food spread. — 6 years ago

Carl Fischer

9.3

Visiting family, which always require copious amounts of wine, and mom scored big time by having this one on-hand. I was excited to try this as I’ve heard great things about this winery and their wines. Layered and balanced this has streaks of both sweet and savory. Bacon, dark fruits, blackberry, vanilla, char. Full bodied. Strong tannins, but not overpowering. It was delicious. — 8 years ago

Carl Fischer

9.3

Renegade Wine dinner series at Rebelle NYC presented by sommelier Patrick Cappiello. Focus was on Cab Franc: 15 wines paired with 5 courses. Posting a few favorites.

Was excited to see this on the list. A very French style of Cab Franc - but a nice balance of savory and fruit. A touch sour but very smooth, round and refreshing. Was excellent with food (beet tartare).

— 8 years ago

Kevin Ortzman

9.3

A very consistent bottle of black cherry and licorice with sweet tobacco. Very fleshy !! — 8 years ago

Merritt Santino Raül Gilé

8.9

Pretty crisp. Granny smith apple and maybe a hint of melon and pear. Limestone. Mineraly. If that's a word. — 9 years ago

with Alison

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Big notes of caramel and vanilla on the nose. Blackberry, black currant and black cherry fruit flavors with notes of sweet spices and earth. Dark purple color. Full bodied and loaded with fruit. Plush and round with a touch of sweetness on the long finish. — 5 years ago

Michael B

9.3

Absolutely stunning Merlot! Big juicy dark fruits dominated by dark cherries, blueberries and hints of raspberries. Followed by long lasting slightly acidic medium tannin that is well balanced. — 6 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.0

First time trying this producer but I’d say Christopher Vandendriessche has got something good going on. This BDX blend offers abundant notes of ripe cherries, plums, pencil shavings and eucalyptus on the nose with ample supply of spices, graphite, blackberries, raspberries, and dried herbs on the palate. Tannins still haven’t resolved themselves so it needs time to integrate; I’d say this has a few more years left before it’s peaked for optimal drinking. — 7 years ago

with Krystal

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

A little Rosé magic from Sleight of Hand on Christmas Eve. The Magicians Assistant Rosé is one of better Rosés I had recently. On the nose; pink rose petals, beautiful fragrant soft minerals, powdery chalkiness and lean fruits of; watermelon near the rhine, cherries, strawberries & pink grapefruit w/ a touch of sugar. The mouthfeel is medium, rich and a touch gluey. The palate fruits match the nose. Minerals that grip softly, just the right amount of powdery chalkiness, pink roses, watermelon Jolly rancher, perfect round acidity and an elegant, balanced finish. Merry Christmas everyone ! May it be joyous! 🎁🎄❄️⛄️🥗 — 8 years ago

Pooneet K

9.0

Very interesting Syrah from the central coast. Very vegetal and almost medicinal nose; bit of a canned black olive quality (not in a bad way). Full bodied, dark and deep on the palate. Nice. — 8 years ago

Kevin M

9.0

The 2006 Rusty Shed Chardonnay is a blend of four blocks of Chardonnay on the Flat Rock Property. Grapes are hand picked and hand sorted before whole bunch pressing takes place. It was then cold settled in stainless steel, 100% barrel fermented and left on the lees for 10 months. Wild and commercial yeasts were used for primary fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity. The result?
Beautiful example of a mid to full bodied Chardonnay with butter, vanilla, apples and light spice on the palate. A lot of flavour and elegance at this price point. Sampled this 2006 in 2017 but this should sit well and perhaps develop more for a few more years. Best part? It's from Niagara! Loved it!
#chardonnay #flatrockcellars #twentymilebench #therustyshed #niagarawine #ontariowine #coolclimatechardonnay #vqa #2006niagaraharvest #niagaraescarpment #niagarachardonnay
— 8 years ago