Swing
Peter Michael Winery
Estate Vineyards Les Pavots Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1996
Josè Dhondt
Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay
Another year, a new RM producer! An gorgeous, exuberant and lively Blanc de Blanc for José Dhondt (375ml). Preserved lemon, golden apple — fresh and baked — hazelnut and toasty brioche in abundance. That elusive balance of brightness and depth/richness….
En route home from the airport, I realized that I had no champagne awaiting me at home and risked a birthday passing without a glass (😱). Managed to swing by Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant on my way back to the East Bay 15 minutes before closing for this little gem. Well worth the 30 minute detour. — 3 years ago
Lunarossa
Quartara Giffoni Valle Piana Colli di Salerno Fiano 2018
A beautiful wine.
Nose: white flowers. Lemon. Mountain meadow. A hint of sponti.
Palate: so clean. Drinking a mountain stream. Finely powders minerals. Lemon flowers.
More than the sum of its parts. It has an elegance.
This wine seems to oscillate between very dense meursault and a wispy chassagne like thing from vintage to another. A huge swing.
Fass selections — a year ago
Domaine des Chazelles
Vieilles Vignes Viré-Clessé Chardonnay 2019
Does perfume mean "shit my grandma sprayed on before church"?? Gross. But it has that - however I'd call it "butterscotch coffee table treat + lilac "that bitch is stinky but better than grandma's cigarettes" in terms of nose. Also the nose fucks my macerated pear bussy. Giving me cobbler vibes - Hallélooh! In terms of tongue, she sits like a mineral princess on a southern porch swing - green apple and green grape with a micro green or basil down-played bitch slap to make me comfortable being THAT BITCH! Welcome - I'm that bitch and I love this! — 3 years ago
Cavallotto
Vigna del Cuculo Superiore Barbera d'Alba 2016
2020 spring / summer. While the swing back towards traditional winemaking in Barolo and Barbaresco is wonderful to see, it seems that there are still many banner barberas made with lots of new oak and the like. There are plenty of simple, delicious barberas made in a balanced fashion, finding a traditionally-made wine exploring barbera’s potential in top sites isn’t all that common. Here’s an example of why that’s a shame - effusive with black and red fruit, concentrated without being heavy, balancing acidity and tannin, and a bit of spice — 5 years ago
Realm Cellars
The Tempest Napa Valley Red Blend 2002
Wow. Surprise of the night. Bright. Balanced. Still in full swing. — 2 years ago
Narmada Winery
Yash-Vir Red Blend 2010
Perhaps a touch on the down swing, this luxurious and sophisticated build still provided plenty of pleasure for a holiday special meal. Complex from quality fruit… The special 2010 vintage provided ripeness for the CabSauvignon and merlot components. Thoughtful oak exposure provided just enough framework and the inherent herb inlay... particularly from the PV. Former Governors cup case gold — 5 years ago
Porch Swing
Reserve Sweet Red Concord
Smells and tastes just like purple grape juice with a hint of alcohol! Very sweet and slightly fizzy. — 6 years ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
1996 vintage. Last tasted 5.8.25 (9.5), 9.29.24 (9.5) and 8.2.24 (9.6). Decanted with some sed and tasted after an hour. Solid cork and fill. This was the worst showing of the last visits with less tannic structure and slightly more richness. Tasted a bit more like their "Au Paradis" offering. Not totally dissuaded from picking up another few bottles for enjoyment in the few 5 years or so tho. Three out of four bottles surveyed were fabulous and this wasn't a total swing and a miss. 07.18.25. — 4 months ago