Ming L

9.0

Have a soft spot for Mumm as I have fond memory of the windmill of Moulin de Verzenay.
And this PN leading cuvée is always solid. Grapefruit, yellow peach, citrus, and light yeast. Energetic creamy mousses. Clean finish. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Needs a hearty wine in this rainy cool night, and it delivers. Rich yet lively with only 13% abv.
Prior notes applied. — 12 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Named after two classic soil types of Napa Valley, Forward Gravelly Loam and Kidd Loam, this is a Petite Sirah leading blend. And I believe 2015 is the 4th and last vintage made by Merryvale.
Blackcurrant, fig, roasted coffee bean, and light fresh herbs on the nose. Some red berry fruits still lingers around on the smooth palate. Resolved tannins. In its prime. — 21 days ago

Ming L

9.1

No cru bottling in 2018, so this entry gets all the premium juice.
Beautiful nose of strawberry, sour cherry, raspberry, licorice, steeped tea, and rose petals. Lean medium body yet juicy. Tannins are still quite tight.
Good showing from a so-so vintage. — 5 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Quite new world in style, but in a subtle way. Lots of flavorful nuances. Quite tannic at year 6, probably the most tannic Rioja I can remember. Time will be kind. — 13 days ago

Ming L

9.1

A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo, this is the flagship wine of the bodega, only produced in good vintages in limited quantity.
Big and sumptuous, but a bit too woody at this stage. Needs another 3-5 years. — 24 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Charming chard from the Piedmonte icon. Aromatic nose, thanks to a dash of SB, with peach, lemon curd, hint of mix tropical fruits, almond, and white floral. Nicely textured medium to full body. Refreshing round acidity. Seamless from start to finish. — 25 days ago

Ming L

9.2

This is very similar to Les Jardins Philosophiques from the sister property Bouscasse, with a bit more nutty lightly oxidative notes that almost points you to Jura Blanc. Textured body contrasts the crisp acidity nicely.
Usually a blend of Petit Courbu and Petit Manseng, but the back label shows 100% Petit Courbu for 2015. This will cruise for another 5-8 years. — 7 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Unabashedly opulent and powerful, this cab leading blend is also quite refined. Perfectly ripen dark fruits scented with toasty oaks, black pepper, and violet. Rich, sophisticated, and layered on the palate with a soft touch. Supple tannins reasserted its authority at the end of long finish.
Yet another very impressive bottling from the Prisoner. — 13 days ago

Ming L

9.4

Great showing at year 15. Still quite rich and powerful but shows nice integrations. Blackcurrant, cassis, green olive, leather, autumn leaves, cocoa, and nutmeg on the deep complex nose. Full body and silky smooth. Soft mellow tannins lead to long candied finish. — 25 days ago