TheSkip

9.1

Rave reviews from the professionals. On the nose, there is kirsch, deep forest fruits and a note that I have a hard time describing other than "old". there are ripe blackberries and an intense mouthfeel. Despite this, the tannins remain well integrated. Nevertheless, I was expecting more. — 8 years ago

Shochuman

9.8

I visited Kenzo Estate with a group of friends and purchased Ai and Murasaki Cabernet Sauvignon after the tour and wine tasting. Asatsuyu was not available at that time. If you have not visited Kenzo Estate, I recommend everyone to do so to truly appreciate what they go through to make their wines. The estate is so beautiful it will blow you away. Kenzo Estate conducts wine event every year at the Halekulani Hotel which I attend and have bought cases of Asatsuyu, Aiko, and Murasaki set. You cannot purchase Kenzo wines at the wine stores. Some select restaurants carry them but the prices are extremely high due to difficulty in buying these wines. In Japan's high-end restaurants like Oak Door at Grand Hyatt in Roppongi, Kenzo wines like Ai and Murasaki were $900+. It's not every day wine but if you appreciate what went in to making these wine with the professionals Kenzo Tsujimura hired (Heide Barrett, Winemaker and David Abreu, Vinyard Manager), you know he hired the best in business to "create the greatest, most elegant wines."
Today is my birthday and celebrating this occasion with friend by sharing my Asatsuyu, Ai, and Murasaki. — 9 years ago

Steve Gulden

8.9

10 wine professionals blind tasting this wine and 1 called Cru Beaujolais. Fooled almost everyone, with textured and layered complexity. 2009! — 9 years ago

Max Jewell

9.5

Seriously impressive. I think professionals would have a hard time distinguishing this form a good quality Barolo. Very complex and sophisticated. — 10 years ago

Robert Branden Shine

9.1

Writing on the bottle is a bit over dramatic. But... A ruination that is accompanied by a full rich aroma with the look of a rose, count me in!!! Hit's ya like a freight train and cradles you like a baby letting you off from a punch in the mouth. I thank you for this double IPA... Professionals Only Apply!!!!!!!!! — 10 years ago

Arash Tafakor

9.5

The professionals are clowns rating this wine under a 9. — 10 years ago

Tracey LaPointe

9.5

Regarded as some professionals as the best Chardonnay coming out of the valley. I don't think I disagree. Fabulous wine, oak aged with beautiful fruit. Loved it $55 before tax — 9 years ago

Tamara

9.4

This is a delightful wine produced by local couple with a passion for wine. Successful professionals pursuing a dream. They used grapes from Paso Robles. It was sold at our local Whole Foods but sadly they gave up their dream and closed. We are sad and will miss drinking this wonderful Zinfandel from Benito Dusi vineyards by Patty & Chris Connolly. RIP — 9 years ago

Elizabeth Rice

9.1

Fresh tart fruits, bread, and herbs which was perfect on a warm night socializing with very savvy wine professionals/educators from around the world while discovering Napa's new "hot spot" which has a fantastic wine list! — 9 years ago

Ray

9.4

Damn The torpedoes, full speed ahead. Sometimes I don't care with the professionals think. I just care what I like and this one was awesome. — 10 years ago

Dana Thompson

9.0

Always a good question when rehabbing a new knee: "what Spanish Monstant goes best with a mixture of Oxycodone and brutal physical therapy?" While admittedly it's doubtful that my Orthopedic Surgeon or Cardiologist would be the ideal professionals to answer this question or would find it either entertaining or healthy I'm just the guy that can now answer it; Val De Calas '07! Sure it might be the Oxy talking but the nice balance of wood, blackberry and gravel keeps this deep but accessible Monstant right down my alley. I like the little note of almost Boudeaux funk that keeps it from being "just another good Spanish red". So if you're rehabbing or just sitting down to a meal of Albondigas try it out! — 10 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Rich full silky with plum notes. Long and intense. Many of these premium Barossa shirazes have a sameness about them. I would love to see a group of professionals taste say this Amon Ra, stonewell, Hanisch and Rockford Basket Press and talk about the differences? Many others could be added to this list with a similar flavour profile. 18. — 10 years ago

with Georgina

Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.3

A very adult RRV Pinot Noir made by one of the most insightful wine professionals of today. — 12 years ago

Laura Maguire

9.3

What happens when you run into professionals at the bar. — 9 years ago

with Kyle

Matthew Cohen

9.5

This wine is like the rebellious teen who grew up and got a MacArthur genius grant for Juan Darian. I had it young and it was discombobulated on open. Even now it took a while to settle down. It's genius wine. Genius. Unlike anything I've ever had. Smoky and mineral on the Nose. Just all over crazy on the palate. Acid. Minerals. Menthol or something. Finish is great. Like sucking on a rock drawn from a mountain spring and dipped in lemon. Totally for wine geeks. Will be the best wine of the night at a tasting for professionals. Bought from Fass selections. — 9 years ago

with Lyle

Vanessa Justice

9.0

Seven dimensions of flavor. Wow, this wine is a favorite with professionals and aficionados alike. It may not be appropriate for the novice but I'm not the wino to ever restrict the luscious from the thirsty. Drunk in good health. Dried jasmine enzymatic papaya nose, mellows out the taste with Meyer lemon watermelon seed with a hint of dried grass, lime peel. Pour with pretension or to let go of tension. Xoxoxo Vanessa — 9 years ago

Morgan Harris

Head Sommelier Aureole New York

9.0

I'm posting this at the risk of losing all credibility, but beverage professionals need to take a second look at Chilean carménere. The quality is great here (although it's very "made") and should be considered for anyone who's buying domestic Zin or Merlot and is looking for value for their guests. We may not want to drink them all the time, but these wines have a place of our lists. — 10 years ago

Pascal Levensohn

9.9

This is a totally unique blend of Gewurtztraminer, Chardonnay, and Colombard. This is what can make Israeli winemaking both different and distinctive in its own right. This will stump professionals in blind tastings. — 10 years ago

Rob Moose

9.6

The wine professionals preferred the 89. I liked this one with the food at L'Arpege. — 11 years ago

with Edward