Upward Projects

Aston Estate

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015

Ming L
9.2

Aston was one of two Pinot projects by Schrader, Boar’s View being the other. I believe it’s now solely under TRB’s helm.

The winery makes just two bottlings: one mostly from sourced fruit, and this, from 100% estate vines. The nose offers ripe plum, cranberry, black cherry, cedar, a touch of baking spice, and steeped tea. The palate is generous yet lifted by bright acidity, with a hint of sweetness on the long finish. Should have 5–6 more years of prime drinking ahead.
— 11 days ago

Tom liked this

Tardieu-Laurent

Cuvée Speciale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2017

I’m a big fan of this 100% grenache CdP. Still in an upward phase. Additional cellaring will be rewarding! — 3 years ago

Byron, Josh and 16 others liked this

Château Pindefleurs

St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET
9.0

I did a side by side tasting of all of the Moueix projects in Pomerol and St. Emilion (except Petrus) and this was our favorite and is wonderful for the price. It is smooth and elegant. — 4 years ago

Rosario Molina
with Rosario
Raul, Andrew and 7 others liked this

Marcel Lapierre

Morgon Gamay 2018

Didn’t get a chance to try the ‘17 as Cathy did, but I’m getting no Brett in the 2018. Reductive notes for sure, but in balance with acidity and mineral notes. Candied cherry deliciousness. Just as good on Day2, no funkiness, rating upward. A favorite Cru Bojo. — 5 years ago

Ira, Eric and 20 others liked this
Jay Kline

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🤤 Lapierre

Tenuta di Trinoro

Palazzi Rosso di Toscana Red Blend 2013

Jan A
9.4

Still in an upward trajectory. Alcoholic nose and some bitters that still need some time. No slouch though at the moment!! — 3 months ago

Jeroen, Tom and 8 others liked this

La Jota Vineyard Co.

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Soft, lovely, bread-y nose of black currant fur, licorice, light mint forcing upward, sprouting through potting soil. Cinnamon and blueberry warmly embraced by dark bread and small specks of black pepper. Fruit tannins thickly house-painted across your front teeth in a real sense. Muscle. Licorice-charcoal, bitters, blackberry, black currant, graphite-smoke halo, black cherry, oak and cedar, wound up and closed in places, but powerhouse lurking in the shadows.



#lajota #lajotavineyardco #lajotahowellmountainestate
#howellmountain #oakville #napa #napavalley #cab #cabernetsaugvinon
— 3 years ago

Severn, Serge and 11 others liked this

Dana Estates

Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Really nice tasting event with all of Melkas wine projects and Melka himself — 4 years ago

Daniel P., Billy and 9 others liked this
Billy L.

Billy L.

🤩🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Always special to taste wines W/Winemaker! Kudos & Cheers

Paul Lato

East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Shay A
9.4

I’m scoring as is today, but I really think this inches upward a bit over the next 5-7yrs.

This fell victim to curiosity (as well as a ‘21 Modus Operandi UV-Laguna Pinot). I’ve had a few of Lato’s entry and mid-level offerings, but this was my first Pisoni from them. Loved it.

Profile wise, this is similar to Dumol (not as big as Aubert, but not a lean style either). A very pretty down-the-middle style. While the aromatics here were lovely (honeysuckle, faint lemon cream, citrus and sweet baking spices), the texture of this wine was a standout. Sports much more depth than initially expected (yellow fruits, peach, apricot, pink cotton candy, limestone)…not quite a lees-y style, but close, while remaining elegant and light on its feet (good acidity). Oak is there but plays a supporting role. For being so young, this was a supremely balanced wine. I need to consider buying more.
— 2 years ago

Jan, Somm and 23 others liked this
Bryan Kesting

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@Shay A Paul Lato makes great wines. Many of them drink well on the early side. Great notes.

Braida

Montebruna Barbera d'Asti 2016

Still very primary, this wine bursts with life. Vanilla and spice, cherries and cinnamon. Lavender and crushed peppercorns. Razor sharp acidity, smooth tannin. Give it one or two years extra in the cellar. There’s upward potential here. — 4 years ago

Peter liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

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Appetizing picture
David Koenen

David Koenen

😀 thanks Peter

Emmanuel Rouget

Echézeaux Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1990

Tasted blind. Reddish tawny and young looking. Intense nose. Notes of raspberry, rhubarb, camphor, mocha, Asian spice and dark soil. Rich and intense in the mouth. We’re told this was given lots of air – which led guesses to be red burg more in the late 90s or 00’s. The reveal was exciting as none of us have had a bottle from this vigneron before. Super high quality juice, still on it’s upward climb. This juice will be around, giving pleasure to those that have it, for another decade or two and will undoubtedly improve with more age. — 4 years ago

Severn, Eric and 22 others liked this
Alan Weinberg

Alan Weinberg

first Rouget? Good to pop the cherry. Cros P next?