Ming L

9.1

A blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, and Petit Courbu from the Irouleguy AOC in the French side of the Basque region, this immediate reminds me Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Blanc in its aromatic intensity but with more citrus and mineral snaps and less tropical exotics.

On the palate it’s refreshing and savory at the same time, with a saline and lightly herbal edge. Not as rich and textured as Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Blanc, but still has a substantial feel.

A fascinating white. — 2 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The nose bursts with aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, cocoa, dry herbs, a distinct iron-like minerality. The palate is rich and composed, with a vibrant streak of acidity. Velvety tannins frame the fruit without heaviness. The finish lingers long with subtle spices.

A powerful Rutherford cab with lots of finesses. Long life ahead. — 24 days ago

Ming L

9.2

A bit more advanced than expected, but this shows La Morra’s aromatics and elegance quite well.

The perfumed nose shows red cherry, strawberry, rose petal, cinnamon, forest floor, and hint of balsamic. Medium body. The palate is more savory than the juicy nose suggests. Cool acidity and gentle tannins. — a month ago

Ming L

9.1

From estate vineyard with vines age between 50-97 years, this is a lovely Muscadet.

The nose is quite fragrant for a Muscadet with green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, sea spray and hint of fresh herbs. The palate is crisp yet nicely textured with profound salinity. As good as it gets when pairing with raw oysters. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Cherry, raspberry, roses, pinecone, licorice, and hint of cinnamon and balsamic on the expressive nose. Quite muscular on the palate for a Barbaresco, especially considering 2018 is a lighter vintage, like a Barolo but in lighter frame. Polished tannins lead to a long elegant finish.

This small winery was founded by Guido Rivella the long time winemaker at Gaja in 2010 and acquired 2 tiny parcels in the Fausoni cru in 2015. — 13 days ago

Ming L

9.1

I really like the few Napa Valley Malbec I’ve tasted. This Sonoma Malbec is of high quality as well.

Aromas of crushed blackberry, plum, cedar, violet, black pepper, and hint of smoke meat. The palate is dense yet structured, with firm, grainy tannins and a solid acidic spine, finishing long with a distinct rocky minerality. — a month ago

Ming L

9.1

From a 5.45-hectare climat owned by the domaine since 1933, this is well structured and has some of the texture and oak-derived richness of Côte de Beaune Chardonnay, with a little more straightforward fruit and mineral freshness. Very nice. — 9 days ago

Ming L

9.0

A lovely Vermentino from Corsica. More aromatic than Italian Vermentino with fresh citrus fruits, light herbs, and hint of white floral. High acidity but with a round edge. Long saline finish.

Just what a hot summer day needs. — 12 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The light yeasty note when drinking young has eased into subtle toasted nuts. Ripe stone fruits are more prominent on the nose that I can remember. Rich, fleshy texture coats the palate, yet the bright acidity cuts through with impressive tension. Savory, chalky minerality anchors a long, polished finish.

Might benefit another year or 2 in the bottle to shed some weight, but it’s drinking nicely now. — a month ago

Ming L

9.2

For Bordeaux blend that can age effortlessly for 10-15 years but won’t break the bank, the Mariner and the BV Tapestry are my top choices.

The nose shows blackberry, black currant, baking spices, autumn leafs, iron, and hint of cocoa. Medium to full body. Excellent balance. Supple fine tannins. More Bordeaux like than the Tapestry IMO.

18 months in French & Hungarian oak, 44% new. — a month ago