Amie Murphy

9.2

Consistent, universal appeal, blackberry, red raspberry, slight peppery finish — 4 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Vibrant red purple. Inviting, abundant nose of musty black cherry. Medium-bodied palate of that same black cherry with some light black tea, earthy pomegranate, and a hint of anise. Throw in medium plus acidity and medium tannins and we have a classic New Zealand PN that can hold its own with meals of any type (it’s the universal red, after all). New World meets Burgundy: that’s New Zealand. Drink now through 2029. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.2

My first pop of this vintage of Geyserville. I don’t open zin often, and when I do it’s normally on the young side, so I was unsure how this would show (perfect, too early or too much in a quiet period). I think this is a combo of the last two.

Following over two days (and out of a Zalto universal), this sports a beautiful dark ruby color in the glass, albeit closer to black cherry at its core. Aromatics really jumped on day two showing notes of rhubarb, rosemary, mint, and just a faint kiss of that classical Ridge American oak usage. Vibrant and energetic acidity on the palate...certainly not a jammy/flabby style zin. The palate reveals red and black berry medley, cherry infused mocha, cocoa, and a slight note of spice on the finish. I think this may be in a quiet period, but more than anything, it’s young...I’d decant a couple hours if opening any time soon. — 5 years ago

Tegan Marriott

9.3

I throughly enjoyed this cider fermented with their own pomace plus la garagista's wine, my personal favorite winery in Vermont at the moment . I think it's a great cider that is not too sweet & has enough acid and tannins to pair it with a nice pork dish meal. — 7 years ago

Chris Haywood

9.2

Shone dried leaves black cherry nose. Power tannins! White pepper and menthol more prominent in your trap. Chalky lavendar hints. Pleasingly huge and tight. More brutal, less primary than the 2016, oddly. Down a point as the appeal is less universal even though this is more to my taste. — 7 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.1

Things which are painfully underrated. One of New Zealand’s best bands, The Brunettes with their best record, Mars Loves Venus and a 2013 Collio Cab Franc. So many rocks to turn over in this world for great stuff. — 8 years ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.4

Banging. All natural, very bright, rich and round. Very happy wine. — 9 years ago

Vanessa

9.3

In my mind, there’s no better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with loved ones, watching the sunset, while sharing a delicious meal and wine pairing. This evening hits the mark!

This wine is a 2nd growth Saint-Julien from the Médoc, left bank, region of Bordeaux, France. When I say 2nd growth, that means the Château from which this wine hails received the second highest quality designation as of part of the “1855 Classification” that took place during the Universal Expedition in Paris in 1855. This quality designation remains intact today despite the centuries that have passed.

This wine is clear with a deep ruby hue and garnet rim variation. On the nose this wine has medium intensity(+) of developing aromas with a large focus on blackberry, fig, cassis, prune, potpourri, incense, anise, cedar, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, earth, leather, and tobacco. On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium acidity, a medium(+) body, medium alcohol, high tannins, and medium intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long.

Interestingly, the fermentation took place in various vessels, including those made from oak, steel, and concrete and then this wine aged in oak barriques (small oak vessels) until it was ready for bottling.

It was also cellared at the Château from harvest until shipping in 2015.

Château Léonville, Grand Vin de Léonville du Marquis de Las Cases, Saint-Julien, Médoc. Vintage 2005. ABV 13%.

This wine has complexity, balance, structure, and length. It’s outstanding. I’m not surprised to see a 100-point rating from Wine Spectator. Thank you @Deke for the amazing Birthday selection! — 5 years ago

with Deked1

Elizabeth S.

9.0

Zuriah’s medium red. Reminds me of France with Milena and Myles and Zuriah so I’m not objective. Seems like a very universal red wine. Zuriah says it’s smoky but not too much. I don’t taste it but I do smell it when she mentions it.
Bold but not bitter. I liked it a lot at first but I feel like all red wine’s unpleasant flavors build more than white wines — 6 years ago

Ira Schwartz

9.3

Served at red wine temperature. Baked apple was the dominant aroma upon opening but transforms into a sour ale nose with air. A creamy palate of white peach , apricot and a strong saline note. A wonderful accompaniment to all my dinner courses; Parisian ham , beef tartare, and fennel sausage. A unique wine that could divide the table. — 7 years ago

Chris England

9.3

Always reliable amazing QPR NV Rose bubbles @ £30-36 that is our go to Rose next to Bruno Paillard, LP Rose, Billecart Salmon, Perrier Jouet Rose ... oh ok we like too many NV Rose but hey it’s nearly Christmas 🎄🥂 & perfect in Zalto Universal glass 👍

📍 Bollinger Rose NV

🏵 93 points

🍇 62% PInot Noir, 24% Chardonnay & 14% Pinot Meunier with 6% still red

🍷 Peachy salmon glimmering pink

👃 Strawberry cream biscuit w/ raspberry & peach in rock minerals & a citrus mist

👄 Med bodied creamy fresh fine mousse of peach, strawberry, raspberry, red currant & grapefruit w/ red apple & a sweet citrus shortbread biscuit in med acidity

🎯 Long fresh red fruits w/ a dry biscuity grapefruit & red apple finale — 7 years ago

Obada Kteifan

9.0

Excellent grapefruit and citrus, very classic Marlborough Sauv Blanc. Really hard not to enjoy this. Acidity and alcohol balance are seamless. — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous notes. They still apply. All the hallmarks of modern Australian Chardonnay. Nutty leesy aromas with rock melon notes - from the cool climate district near the city of Orange. A light to medium weight palate. Proving that the Orange/Tumbaramba district is a great area for cool climate Chardonnay with Penfolds sourcing fruit from here for their top Chardonnays like Yattarna. Also Phillip Shaw (former winemaker for Rosemount when they were famous) has set up a winery here under his own name. — 5 years ago

Aravind A

9.5

Lot May 2011, disg. Feb 2014. Muted upon opening, but give this a little bit of air....then, oh my god. This is so much better than my last btl, it's hard to believe. On the nose: soft honey, dense lemon oil, soft vanilla, a touch of oxidative golden apple. On the palate: fantastic acidity, soft and fine mousse, gorgeous density and richness, pomelo, and a lovely soft, velvety finish. — 5 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark blackish purple. Inviting nose of blackberry cobbler and boysenberry syrup. Full-bodied palate echoes the nose adding supple, medium plus tannins and a backbone of medium acidity. A fantastic New World representation of the variety in which the signature body and structure sit squarely in a universal comfort zone. Enjoy with barbecue, steaks, pulled pork, or even American style cassoulet. Drink now through 2027. — 6 years ago

Alexander Vadas

9.4

Mind bending freshness at 15%abv! Venus strikes back! I’m a sea of dead wines this crackles — 7 years ago

Amanda Jones

9.1

Hazy pink, funk on the nose, with stone fruit and citrusy zest. Higher on acidity, dry, a delicious natural rosé! — 7 years ago

with Cameron

Martinez

9.0

Grapefruit, subtle oak, — 7 years ago

Jack Petras

8.9

Gulpable food wine with unmistakable Italian character, casual, dark berries, leather , like the universal donor of wine — 8 years ago

Brent S

8.9

Almost a fishy nose, but the flavor was interesting - in a good way - unlike anything else I've had. Not a universal opinion at the table though. Some hated it. — 9 years ago