San Nicolas

Arnot-Roberts

Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

2021. Drove to Omaha to attend an Arnot-Roberts wine class and tasting, and got there early to enjoy some delicious oysters with a bottle of fantastic Chardonnay that wasn’t on the tasting list. Unfortunately, Nathan Roberts flights were delayed and the class was cancelled, but we’re going home with a bunch of tasty wines instead! — 5 months ago

Vanessa, Dave and 7 others liked this

Rhys Vineyards

Alpine Vineyard Chardonnay 2016

Perfection, even in a bad glass. — 8 months ago

Paul, Rob and 2 others liked this

Wente Vineyards

Morning Fog Livermore Valley Chardonnay 2016

This yellow-gold wine rings the “old-style Cali” bell in all the right ways. A nose of apricots, mangoes and apples is helped along with the smell of buttered popcorn. Oak treats the palate as well, draping over the tropical fruit like a sunshade. The acidity is zesty, yet the mouthfeel tends toward creaminess due to the wine sitting on the lees for five months. The oak is a definite part of the wine, but the effect is softened enough so that it's a pleasure, not a pain. — 7 years ago

jesus, Scorewine and 5 others liked this

Cline Cellars

Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Zinfandel 2012

Sweet, fruity, mild spices that sustain. Holds its own — 13 years ago

Hirsch Vineyards

San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2014

Lyle Fass
9.2

It’s got that CA profile. Dusty earth and tooti frooti but also has some good spice. But yea, that CA profile. Elegant, sweet and balanced. Not big but small and pure. Nice. — 6 months ago

Jonathan, Scott@Mister and 6 others liked this

Domaine de Bellivière (Eric Nicolas)

Rouge-Gorge Coteaux Du Loir Pineau d'Aunis 2022

This was a by-the-glass favorite at the Loire property where we stayed. Biodynamic Pinot d’Aunis. Lots of wild red berries complicated by earthy, peppery and floral tones — 8 months ago

Tom, Ceccherini and 5 others liked this

Agricola San Felice

Il Grigio da San Felice Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2021

Light on the nose and medium body finish / very delicate flavor but rich notes of maybe vanilla, definitely black cherry, leather, hints of earthy tones. Delicious — 9 months ago

Rhys Vineyards

Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007

Wow! Tart dark red cherry. Opaque ruby color, still opening up. — 5 years ago

Eric Guido
with Eric
Daniel P., Josh and 4 others liked this

Bodegas Bernabeleva

Camino de Navaherreros San Martín de Valdeiglesias Garnacha

Bubbly amber apricot smooth cidery but not super tart — 7 years ago

Graffigna

Reserve Centenario San Juan Malbec 2014

Full body with a peppery after taste — 10 years ago

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Merlot 2010

Paired well with a lamb, eggplant purée, fava beans, piquolo pepper. Would also pair with a medium rare magret duck or other game. — 10 years ago

Bedrock Wine Co.

Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel Blend

A big wine in a big bottle that made a big group of friends very happy. The 2017 Evangelho Heritage (from magnum) is energetic with loads of sweet dark fruit. It doesn’t lack zing even though this year’s blend is short in Carignan — there are nice balancing acids and mild tannins. It is richer and riper than many vintages but still vibrant. — 7 months ago

Nicolas Joly

Les Vieux Clos Savennières Chenin Blanc 2019

Presented to me blind at Tasting Group. The wine appears bright yellow with medium viscosity; no signs of sediment, gas or particles. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe orchard fruit: stone fruits, lemons, white flowers, lanolin and minerals. On the palate the wine is off-dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of character. The alcohol is medium+. Initial conclusions: this could be Chenin Blanc, Riesling or Chardonnay from France, Germany or the United States. But I didn’t get any petrol so I eliminated Riesling and I don’t think you could get the balance of fruit and high acid from California Chardonnay (and the oak would probably be so pronounced). So I called Chenin Blanc from France, from the Loire, Vouvray Demi-Sec. Well…I should have known this could be Joly! Close…but some miles away from each other and I’d like to have the confidence to call producer in this case. Drink now through 2034. — 9 months ago

Jan, Ira and 11 others liked this
Jay Kline

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@Daniel M one of my favorite white wine producers on earth
Ely Cohn

Ely Cohn Premium Badge

Well done!

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 1999

Pale shade of a much younger wine . Zesty and Fresh at 16. — 10 years ago

Jay liked this