Christine Havens

9.0

As the 2002 Lucien le Moine Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru develops in the glass it starts off with more classic notes of forest brambles, freshly turned tilth, dried rose petals and red fruit. The impression evolves, however, to darker black cherries and even a whiff of dark chocolate powder. On the palate, tart, high-toned red forest berries, dried cranberry and spice, along with an iron-tinged, metallic finish. My only criticism of this wine is that it falls short on the finish, that metallic note is predominant too, leaving me to wonder if this bottle has perhaps been subject to temperature fluctuations during storage. — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.5

One of the most profound Brunellos I've ever tasted, the Soldera Riserva 1999 has a nose that is both infinitely complex and pungent. Alluring aromas of dried rose petals, dark cherries, game, saddle leather, damp tilth, decaying leaves, anise, and sandalwood waft from the glass. Truly, it's the iron fist in the velvet glove—incredibly intense and powerful, yet totally refined, elegant and balanced. Caressing ultra-fine tannins shore up notes of sweet tobacco, dried herbs, and cinnamon bark. I am undone. — 11 years ago

Christine Havens

9.1

I would love to revisit this after its had another decade to develop, the 2012 Yves Cuilleron L'Amarybelle is classic Saint-Joseph, with complex layers that unfurl at a leisurely pace, revealing notes of blackberries, balsamic, damp tilth, incense, bay leaf, pink peppercorn, and violets. On entry, the initial impression is one of silkiness—a bit deceiving, because there is ample power and persistence on the finish, and a burst of acidity followed by masculine tones of iron ore, garrigue and spice. 12.5% ABV — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.2

A JK Carriere of momentous proportion, with a decidedly Burgundian sensibility, the 2004 Antoinette opens with expressive aromas of damp tilth, forest floor, roasted game, cranberry compote and rose hips. There is a wildness to this wine that is difficult to pinpoint, solitary treks through pristine forest in the Olympic Peninsula come to mind. The acid, the purity of fruit and absolute terroir shines through. Masculine yet elegant, it finishes with dried herbs, mint and pink peppercorn. — 11 years ago

Christine Havens

9.0

The 2010 Laurent Roumier Chambolle-Musigny is perhaps just entering its drinking window, though it is important to note that this is a half bottle. The aromatics are intriguing, and firstly floral. Lilacs and apple blossom give way to seedy raspberries, plum and damp tilth. Perhaps what is most striking are the camphor and mint notes that emerge after about 40 minutes. On the palate, its light and bright, red-fruited, and coolly energetic. The finish is medium-plus, and littered with crackly, dry autumn leaves.
— 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.2

Marly limestone enriched by traces of iron is the primary soil type in Clos de Bèze vineyard parcels, and this vineyard has under cultivation for a very long time, since the 7th century. The 2002 Bouchard Père & Fils Chambertin Clos de Bèze is rustic and austere, though charmingly so, with barnyard, wet hay, game, damp tilth, and dried cherry notes. Despite this, it's quite bright, with moderate, woody tannins and a raw, feral streak running through its mid-weight frame. Medium plus finish. 13.0% ABV — 11 years ago

John Vesey

8.9

Nose lime mineral, flavors lime citrus excellent acids, look pale yellow brilliant, light slow legs, light body controlled alcohol 13% Oregon Tilth Certfied Organic (OTCO), $12 will taste great all summer! — 12 years ago