Winemaker, Amplify Wines.
Texier's '13 Brezeme strikes a superb balance between savory notes and high-toned lift. Meaty and sanguine, with a great pop of acid keeping things fresh. — 9 years ago
2013. Great example of Santa Maria Chardonnay. Lemon zest, just-ripe peach, and green apple overlay a pronounced impression of minerality. Deft use of oak that lifts the aromatics and texture rather than overwhelming it, adding subtle notes of toast and cinnamon to the finish. Singularly Santa Maria; stands head to head with something like Hanzell or Mount Eden but never sacrifices its strong sense of place. — 9 years ago
I love Gascony whites, and this is one of the better examples I've come across. Vaguely reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc, with a subtle grassiness, along with intense mandarin orange. Lively acid, nice weight, incredibly fresh; perfect weekday wine. 80% Colombard, 20% Gros Manseng — 9 years ago
Probably the best domestic cider I've had. Mineral, almost tannic crunch. Conjures vivid images of tiny little enamel-stripping cider apples. Great acid, nice lift, evanescent finish that leaves you begging for another sip. — 9 years ago
Textbook Savennieres. Weighty, powerful, but great cut. Prominent leesiness and a lot of bruised apple. Killer for the price. — 9 years ago
Really pretty, classically balanced Riesling from the Finger Lakes. Stony, great balance (8 g RS, pH 2.98!), vivacious, and fans out nicely over a couple of hours. Recalls a good Pfalz Riesling. Beautiful with bratwurst. — 9 years ago
Probably the single most stunning example of Syrah I've experienced from Ballard Canyon. There is a definite kinship with Cornas in its notes of Kalamata olive, iron, and meat. Yet there is also incredible intensity of fresh fruit, along with a distinctive note of Luxardo Maraschino, that puts it in California. — 9 years ago
Always a favorite. The '14 is subdued aromatically right now, but the palate is showing where it will go in a few years. Bright and briny, with spice and stone in the background. Right now the wine is about texture and structure, but should age into a real beauty. — 9 years ago
Pineau d'Aunis never ceases to thrill me. Smells simultaneously like a spice bazaar and a really good steak. Ethereal on the palate. Poised, yet with a wild side. — 9 years ago
Cameron Porter
Cameron had this 7 years ago