Michael Walker

9.8

This is a classic style Barolo from PW…excellent but still pretty tannic, could use some more time (and it’s a mag so maybe more opening) — 7 days ago

Michael Walker

9.7

Didn’t love this - aroma was classic Burgh fruit but palate didn’t match - overly musty/underwhelming - maybe needs some age. Or the sons aren’t up to the dads standard — 2 months ago

Michael Walker

9.8

This is the Noble Steiner Vineyard Chard not Pinot…I didn’t love it initially, though it had too much oak, but it’s grown on me after a few openings…definitely full bodied but nice peach fruit and not that acidic or metallic — 3 months ago

Michael Walker

9.8

This is the Heritage Red (not white) from Brannan….deep/dark/inky Zin blend from LB. Serious (but not egregious) blackberry fruit on the nose, really cleans the sinuses, and the palate follows along, though again not a bomb, even a bit of a light finish. Ends up reminiscent of a burgundy rather than cab. Quite lovely but would pair with serious meat, not the Asian chix stir fry I had — 3 months ago

Michael Walker

9.7

Have held onto a six pack of these for several years but it’s not been long enough…super sparkly, like it’s a ‘24. Despite decanting two hours! Love the Rafanelli but needs a lot of age. — 20 days ago

Michael Walker

9.6

Not a fan, at least this young - powerhouse cab but badly needs aging, has a plasticity to it that was not pleasant — 2 months ago

Michael Walker

9.8

I love these Thevenet Cru Morgons but they need a lot of age on them. The 2022 today has beautiful fruit on the nose but underwhelms on the palate. I feel like they add fruit and intensity as they age. NB it’s helped a lot by a long decant - even this young. Ps did adding Charly to the label take something away? — 3 months ago

Michael Walker

10

Stellar Barolo. Definitely of the new school, lighter color, lightly structured, but radiant fruit in a refined style. Decanted 2hrs. Perfect pairing for veal/osso buco, maybe less so for a roast. Some debate whether more age would refine the fruit further or cause it to dissipate. No idea but have two more so can experiment! Made me want to get on an overnight to Piedmont tonight. — 2 months ago

Michael Walker

9.9

Fantastic Spaniard, tastes a lot more youthful than it is - still bright and fruity but not sparkly and no earth — 2 months ago

Michael Walker

9.7

Dark, inky Hermitage Syrah….has that extreme earthiness I don’t love in these northern Rhônes - you get it right on the nose, and then has a slightly acidic/sour after taste - opens up a bit after a few hours — 3 months ago