Graham Brooks

9.1

Delicious, amber colour. Quite sweet with apricot and dried fruit flavours. Fortified with Brandy rather than pure spirit. It was delicious and popular with the cheese course at my 60th birthday meal in the Captain's House in Lydd. — 25 days ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

50% Tannat, 50% Merlot blend. A lesser-known cuvée by Alain Brumont. The result is in the Bordeaux spirit. Black dress, ruby reflections still suggesting aging potential. After two hours of absolutely necessary aeration, the wine delivers notes of black fruits, blackberries, blackcurrants, plum. The breeding is elegant and melted with tannins between tobacco, chocolate, caramel, eucalyptus... the evolution notes are perfectly integrated into the bouquet. A wine with a classic style, of great drinkability.

Assemblage 50% Tannat, 50% Merlot pour cette cuvée moins connue de Alain Brumont. Le résultat est dans l’esprit Bordelais. Robe noire, reflets rubis suggérant encore du potentiel de garde. Après deux heures d’aération absolument nécessaire le vin se livre sur des notes de fruits noirs, mûres, cassis, prune. L’élevage est élégant et fondus aux tanins entre tabac, chocolat, caramel, eucalyptus.. les note d’évolution sont parfaitement intégrées au bouquet. Un vin au style classique, d’une grande buvabilité. — 3 years ago

Matt Madia

9.4

Delightful. Baked bread honey and almond. Paired with caviar. — 4 years ago

Renato Grandmont

9.1

Well balanced and elegant. Very dark with good viscosity — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.4

Sweet, almost plummy fruit, spirit seems a bit separated even after a 9 1/2 hour decant, but then the finish really sweetens and lengthens with the Colston-Bassett Stilton, absolutely lovely Porto!! — 2 years ago

with Jim

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.9

Only about 2 years on wood. This has a bit of pear in it as well which shows in a delicate perfume of yellow skined fruits. This should be very interesting to riff with as a base for white spirit cocktails. — 3 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.2

Burgundian classicism combined with the "natural wine" spirit is what this bottle evokes, and more generally Sarnin-Berrux wines. Here we have a Pinot Noir with volume, material, freshness, fine oaky notes very discreet but very well mixed with the primary notes. The texture in the mouth is superb. Superb bottle. I'll be curious to taste with 10 years of aging!

Le classicisme bourguignon associé à l’esprit « vin nature » voilà un peu ce qu’évoque cette bouteille, et plus généralement les vins Sarnin-Berrux. On a ici un Pinot Noir avec du volume, de la matière, de la fraîcheur, de fines notes boisées très discrètes mais très bien mêlées aux notes primaires. La texture en bouche est superbe. Superbe bouteille. Je serai curieux de goûter avec 10 ans de garde tiens ! — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 2 months ago

Gene Buonviri

9.1

Born in Croatia, made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, which sourced a journey to New England in 1829. In the true American spirit, Zinfandel found it’s home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849.
This Dessert Wine is bold, lots of spice with a light peppery finish, rich smooth and jammy.
— 3 years ago

Gene Buonviri

9.2

Classic London Dry Gin made in Edinburgh, Scotland. Far from ordinary this gin very balanced and pack with 14 botanicals. Hints of Pine Nuts, Lemongrass and a Lavender finish. Kick back with your favorite G&T mix, act like a Brit, enjoy and have another.....Excellent. — 4 years ago