Featured User: Alex Lallos

Alexander Lallos grew up a stones throw from the Pacific Ocean in Carmel Valley, CA. This is an area more known for car shows and golf courses than its small but exciting wineries, yet he was always intrigued by the ever growing local wine industry. Upon graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Alex had already traveled to Europe extensively with his father, where he immediately took note of the critical role wine played in daily life. With his historically trained eye and the desire to learn more, Alex fully immersed himself in the world of wine beginning at a Carmel Valley tasting room and from there into the cellar where he began to learn the art of winemaking from an energetic and exuberant winemaker. At the same time, Alex was learning more and more about the wines of the world from a highly esteemed local chef and mentor (Michael Jones - A Moveable Feast) armed with an artillery of knowledge (and old Boreaux) and the excitement of teaching young, dedicated individuals. Alex has taken the time to travel to Europe on multiple occasions where he has visited many wine growing regions with the intention of refining his palate and learning first hand the differences between regions. Alex now lives in Carmel Valley, CA where we works remotely with No Limit Fine Wines. Locally he runs the tasting room, wine club and marketing campaign for one of Monterey County's finest boutique wineries, Chesebro Wines in Carmel Valley. Delectable: What sparked your passion for wine? Alex Lallos: Coming from Carmel Valley California, I was always intrigued by the local wine industry, but my passion for wine really started during college, while traveling throughout Europe with my father. I saw some of the great vineyards of Germany , France and Italy , which drew me into reading more and more about wine, history and the great estates of the world. I immediately took up a career in the field. D: What wine region are you wild about right now? AL: I am absolutely nuts for Bordeaux , having traveled there for 7 consecutive en premieur campaigns. Naturally I am fond of my home 'terroir' here in Carmel Valley California as well as the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco AVAs which are literally my backyard. D: What is the most unusual wine you’ve ever tried? AL: The most unusual wine I have tried must be the Valentini Cerasuolo Montepulciano rosé . It is a wild wine! D: What is your golden rule for wine? AL: My golden rule for wine is drink what you enjoy and never let price be a factor (low or high). D: Say you’re not allowed to have wine, what is your second option? AL: No wine... Hmmm. I do love Chartreuse . D: Choose a movie, book, quote, or song and pair it with a wine AL: Ray Bradbury's 'Dandelion Wine' of course with Dandelion wine . It is a whimsical childhood fantasy... The way wine should be. D: If you were a wine, what wine would you be? AL: If I were a wine I would be Riesling . Versatile, nervy, energetic and never bitter.

Vignobles Mayard

La Crau de ma Mère Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2016

Alex Lallos
9.2

Dang this is good. A little got to start but then in the glass it turns into some really beautiful stuff. Violets and rose petals with some dark cherry and raspberry liquor. Glycerol and supple with a long finish that shows garrigue, berries and mocha. Nice! — 5 years ago

Alex, Larry and 5 others liked this
Severn Goodwin

Severn Goodwin Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Alex Lallos Congratulations on your Delectable Feature! Welcome to the Team 🤓🍾

Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé

Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1999

Alex Lallos
9.2

Beautiful color. At first we thought it was off but that quickly blew off. Slightly evolved nose but still in a lovely spot. Hoisin sauce, dark plum and dusty cherry on the nose. Fresh and supple on the palate. Long finish like silk. — 5 years ago

Ben EdwardsLee Lightfoot
with Ben and Lee
Sylvain, David and 6 others liked this
Ben Edwards

Ben Edwards

Shit was corked!!!
7.5

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 1999

Alex Lallos
9.3

Nicely aged. Needed a few minutes to come around but when it did boy oh boy. Brioche, nuts and lychee fruit. Excellent mousse. Tight — 5 years ago

Shay, Larry and 3 others liked this

Quilceda Creek

Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Alex Lallos
9.2

Always a hit! What a cab. Has its own style always and always lovely — 5 years ago

Shay, Stuart and 6 others liked this

Williams Selyem

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006

Alex Lallos
9.2

13 years old and right at its peak. Not sure why I would ever drink one less than 10 years old. Nice!!!! — 5 years ago

James, Andrew and 6 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

Could not agree more.

Domaine Leflaive

Les Pucelles Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Chardonnay 2004

Alex Lallos
9.5

No premox here just tons of citrus and a hint of reduction. The nose is totally leflaive. Such a beautiful wine. This particular bottle has a lot of life left. Excellent — 5 years ago

Ben EdwardsLee Lightfoot
with Ben and Lee
David, Tom and 8 others liked this
Ben Edwards

Ben Edwards

It was pretty for a minute and faded quick. The matchstick I usually get from Leflaive was not there. I don't know when to pop another
9.0

Bernard Magrez

Château Les Grands Chênes Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

Alex Lallos
9.0

Hitting way above it’s sub $20 price point. Find me a wine anywhere other than Bordeaux that can do THIS. Wow — 5 years ago

Ira, Dawn and 2 others liked this

Weingut Corll Johanneshof

Korrell Riesling Trocken 2018

Alex Lallos
9.1

Damn this is minerally and just delicious. Not imported yet but wow! Up and coming rising star — 5 years ago

Dawn, Tom and 2 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

Enamel cleaner this young.

Domaine Georges Vernay

Coteau de Vernon Condrieu Viognier 2016

Alex Lallos
9.5

Excellent. Fantastic. Pure and focused... in my opinion this is the top Condrieu with everything else coming in a far second. Such a beautifully floral nose complimented by essential oils. Orchid fruit galore — 5 years ago

Ben EdwardsLee Lightfoot
with Ben and Lee
David, Tom and 6 others liked this
Ben Edwards

Ben Edwards

Went back and forth from floral and fruity to heavy and woody. I'm a La Doriane fan. Thanks for bringing it.
9.1

Di Costanzo

Farella Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Alex Lallos
9.4

Exceptional. Best under $100 Napa cab bar none. Ultra plush with pure velvet tannins. Loads of fruit and exceptionally well defined. Would love to try with some age. Awesome with prime rib tonight — 5 years ago

Shay, Larry and 12 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

The makings influenced by Master Somm’s. What can one say?!
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

< $100 is a very competitive segment. Based on prior vintages from this producer, I’m looking forward to trying this vintage.