Jay Kline

10

Served double-blind as a sort of epilogue to an already epic night. This was served alongside another red wine that was also presented double-blind. Immediately, I called this Southern Rhone and the other wine, Sangiovese from Toscano (it ended up being a 2012 Biondi Santi Riserva). This presented a bright ruby color in the glass with a transparent core. This wine…had an OMG nose. The kind of aromatics that could end all wars and bring a century of peace to all mankind. It’s both powerful and elegant. Both ripe and fresh. An androgynous wine that represents both masculine and feminine with a grace that would make Prince or David Bowie envious. Gorgeously layered red and dark fruits, exotic spices, licorice and garrigue wrapped in the most beautifully textured package imaginable. It reminded me of something similar a previous experience; like Fonsalette…but this was different, there was more here. When you taste this, everything becomes clear. You look at everyone at the table differently; for what you have more in common instead of what makes us different. An experience akin to an Odesza show on MDMA. It’s that profound and then you are forever changed. You wake up the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that and weeks go by and your worldview is different. You see love in everything. And then it was revealed to be a 2010 Chateau Rayas. *Insert expletive*. A magnificent wine. An epiphany and, as far as I’m concerned, perfect. This is not merely a great Chateauneuf du Pape. This transcends the appellation. It should be its own AOC. Drink now or whenever you’re reading this note. — 2 years ago

LM Segal

9.2

Most of the group had this as WOTN, but though it was beautiful and rich, there was a stewed fruit element that kept it off my podium. Otherwise beautiful saddle leather, soft cherry. — 8 years ago

Michael Park

9.2

Nice blend, well balanced. Just got better and better through the night — 8 years ago

Jeremy Lindsey

8.9

Termini, Italy — 10 years ago

with Daniella and Ashley

web bond

9.2

Le Chiuse "Stellare" Brut Rose Metodo Classico 2013. 2nd vintage. 100% Sangiovese Gross from B11 clone, which is the Biondi-Santi clone from il Greppo. 2 years en tirage. 2700 bottles produced. — 10 years ago

Julieta Ho

10

wonderful strong wine, lovely and smooth but full of character. wonderful italian wine with mum, auntie and Fabio at Nou restaurant — 12 years ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Declassified brunello for the 14 vintage. Tasty wine, but they were smart to declassify this year as the quality difference is stark. — 2 years ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.5

This was so much further along than the Biondi santi and was a very impressive showing. Already developing deeper notes and just felt more complete. Would immediately recommend and buy again! — 3 years ago

Karen Lowenstein

9.7

Absolutely delicious, a full bodied yet light brunello. Another great wine shared from Jesse. Went perfectly with a dinner of roasted salmon. — 5 years ago

Scott C

Founder / Co-director SR Wine imports

9.5

Biodynamic producer ! This is a steal , way better than a Biondi Santi at a much better price . Such great acidity and what a wine . — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Quality Sangiovese grapes which have been sadly overoaked to appeal to newbie Western Palates. After 30 minutes notes of earth and dried cherry came through. Many years to go with a good future when hopefully the oak will diminish. Personally I like the Old school approach from Biondi Santi where old oak and other procedures are usedresulting in wines which will age 50+ years. I tried a 2010 vintage of this wine from magnum in Italy 18 months ago which was also overoaked. — 8 years ago

web bond

9.1

Delicious...B11 clone, which is the Biondi-Santi clone first isolated at il Greppo. Le Chiuse fruit composed 60+% of Biondi-Santi Riserva through 1993 vintage. — 10 years ago

Ira Schwartz

8.9

Immediately attacked by red fruit and smoked herbs. Somewhat lean in the mouth due to the high acid. Lots of leather and earth but flavors are holding back. Will time fix all? — 10 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.1

My last note on this wine is relevant here. Like then, this was fresh, pure, and elegant. There was perhaps a touch more volatile acidity in the backend than expected which knocked back my score. — 3 years ago

Jeff Miller

9.2

Elegant and delicious Brunello for my 43rd birthday. I’m a sucker for the Brunellos coming from North of town of Montalcino like La Gerla, Il Marroneto and Biondi Santi. This offering from La Gerla was shy at the start but opened up beautifully after 4 hours. Notes are from two nights. Morello cherry, wild strawberry, dusty earth, old cedar, dried potpourri, dried rose petal, spice, licorice, dried Tuscan herbs, tobacco and worn leather Medium plus body, medium plus tannin, medium plus acidity and medium plus length of finish.

— 4 years ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Nice wine. Can’t argue with a good riserva Brunello. — 7 years ago

Hans-Ole Jochumsen

9.3

Dragsholm Slot aug 2017 — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Deep purple in color. Amazingly full bodied and "thick" for a Craiglee which one normally associates with spicy peppery cool climate aromas, but hardly a trace of this in 2003, a drought year. Some cherry vanilla notes. For all of our OS Delectable members, if you ever fly into Melbournes Tullamarine Airport, instead of going south on the Freeway to the city go north for 15 to 20 minutes and you will come to Craiglee. Vines first planted in the 1860s and best known for its marvellous long lived Shiraz. James Halliday tasted the 1872 (not a misprint!!) in 1993 and gave it 95 points! Challenges Biondi Santi Riserva re longevity!! I have a magnum of the 2003 which will stay sleeping for many more years. — 10 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

A lovely dusty pink copper color. Savoury and bone dry as expected. You would not imagine BS making a bad wine no matter what the grape is. Short term drinking. — 10 years ago

Fab Fab

9.6

Rio 240 rhs 2013 sept — 12 years ago