Edouard Vocoret
Le Bas De Chapelot Chablis Chardonnay 2018
There’s always something bright and shiny about Chablis, and this 2018 effort from Vocoret is no exception. Tart green apple, grapefruit, apricot, and briny acidity. Hits right in the center of your palate. Begs for oysters. Finishes tart and fades into a clean, lingering whisper. — 4 years ago
Portal del Priorat
Negre de Negres Priorat Grenache Blend 2016
Still young and slightly grippy, but still loaded with black fruit and earth. Smokey crushed cherries and prunes give way to subtle graphite and leather and cigar. Structure is on the meatier side and the finish is long and spicy. This is classic priorat that will only improve in the coming years. Very nicely balanced wine, ready to go now but will also reward some patience. Drink with charred meats and roasted veggies. — 6 years ago
Bodegas Muga
Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2015
Massive spice and smoked earth, vanilla, black raspberry, chocolate granache. Cedar and clove. Tannins are subdued while acidity is still medium plus. Long, boozy finish. — 4 years ago
Thomas Fogarty
Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2015
Perhaps 2015 was a challenging vintage for this stalwart producer. Perhaps the MLF fermentation didn’t go deep enough. Perhaps a few more months on oak could’ve been deserved. Perhaps this particular effort was over-extracted. None of these are really for me to say. All I can observe is that this wine was both tannic and acidic, offering hints of brilliance behind the aforementioned acid. I’ll lay down the other 2015 I have and check back in a couple years. I’m usually so totally impressed by Fogarty that anything less than perfection is a bit surprising. However I still think this wine will eventually show up...it will just require more time in true Burgundian fashion.
Pair with fatty brisket or soft cheese to offset some of the acidity. I would also suggest decanting for an hour prior to enjoying.
I look forward to a rematch with this vintage in due time! — 5 years ago
Colgin Cellars
Jubilation Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Luscious — 4 years ago
Jean-Luc Colombo
La Divine Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2012
Tasted blind...initially very tannic but settled down after a few minutes (or my palate was subdued into compliance). Elegant notes of dark, tart red fruit and earthy spices. Black pepper and smoke complimented the finish, which was tart but appropriate and enjoyable. I was surprised on the age but in hindsight this was a good thing, as the tannin has mellowed enough to allow for the fruit to really come through. Overall a very well done wine. Nice job Jean-Luc! — 5 years ago
Doniene Gorrondona
Bizkaiko Txakolina 2018
Excellence here from Spain. Unheralded txakolina is emerging as a perfectly acceptable substitute for traditional Old World whites. Zesty lemon, limestone, chalk, stone fruit, and underripe pear give way to briny acidity and a long, clean finish. There is just an elegant tartness and nice balance of acid vs fruit. Above average body and structure. The finish was screaming for seafood. So I indulged in oysters with lemon and vinaigrette. Well done, Gorrondona. — 6 years ago
Galen Antle
Fresh cut green peppers and jalapeños, grass, sour mix, and dark dry cherries and cigar. Smooth. Very approachable. — 4 years ago