Brian Kelly

9.6

Loved this two years ago, love it even more now. A perfect pink/copper color, poured with a creamy mousse. Wonderfully yeasty and nutty on the nose. Honey crisp apples, meyer lemon and strawberries compliment the nutty, fresh baked bread flavors. As good of a bottle of bubbly that I've ever had. — 4 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.3

Birth year wine. Still quite drinkable, but the age is showing. The cork broke when opening, so I was expecting the worst. But, lots of good barnyard funk on the nose, very earthy on the palate, and a little acidity at the end. Tates great with some Halloween candy I stole from my niece. — 5 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.2

I know less about Rioja than George Costanza knows about women. But damn, this one is pretty good. End of bin special at Binnys so at $24, this seems like a steal. A real nice weeknight drinker. — 5 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.5

Last had this in 2012. The extra right years of age have somehow improved this bottle of bubbles. The carbonation bubbles aren't as tight as they were eight years ago, but they are still going strong. Yeast and green apples on the nose. Moderate acidity, strawberries with a finish off marzipan on the palate. Not as good as the Late Disgorged Reserve from a few days ago, but just an amazing wine. — 5 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.4

Our experience with aged Savennières is maybe 2-3 bottles - we typically drink recent vintages - so my frame of reference is non-existent. We opened a 2016 of the regular Baumard, for uh, science. The cork came out beautifully, never would have guessed it was 20 years old. Poured a deep golden color, like a sauternes or a 10-year old scotch. The nose is rich in character, highlighted with apples and honey. The mouth is amazing. Slightly oxidative, baked apples and pears, apricots, nectarines and honey. Acidity is perfect, and the finish lasts for what seems like an eternity. Aged Savennières is definitely polarizing, with the Mrs. thinking it is way past. I think this is a fantastic wine and am happy I don't have to share! Compared to the 2016, it's hard to tell these are the same grape. I feel like this would pair really well with smoked trout, popcorn or french fries. — 4 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.4

Our last bottle 😢. First had this at the winery in 2013, and slowly drank through our supply since then. It has held up really well and drinks well right now. Deep garnet color, showing some bricking at the edges. I get baking spices in there nose. Moderate tannins, good acid. Plum and berries in the mouth. Paired great with grilled lamb. — 5 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.3

The thinning of the cellar continues. Pride is always a crowd pleaser, and one of our favorites. With a lazy Tuesday just throwing a steak on the grill, this wine was calling my name. North coast all day (obviously), and is just a good, solid wine. — 5 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.5

I know less about pinot than George Costanza knows about women, but I'll be damned if this isn't an exceptional wine. Poured a beautiful garnet color. Forest floor and raspberries on the nose. Same on the month, with balanced tannins and moderate acidity. I can't articulate any other flavors other than "this tates good." A long, 30-second finish leaves me with no response other than, "more please, this is an amazing wine!" Having no reference point for other pinots, all I can say is drink up, this is a fantastic wine. — 4 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.3

Almost four years of age has mellowed out nicely. Still has a the bourbon hear letting you know it's there, but drinking very nice. Was a great finish to the night (and may have been a bad idea). — 5 years ago

Brian Kelly

9.3

Vertical from 2011-2013. PNP. Was a lot a fun to do. From the cool and wet '11 to the hot and dry '13. The '12 was the most dry off the three, but also seemed a bit closed off compared to the others. They 2011 is clearly a Merlot. The 2013 could easily be confused for a cab. After some air the 12 opened up and is quite nice. That's not fair to the others, all are very good, but the 12 benefited from some breathing while the others were good to go out of the gate. — 5 years ago

with Matthew