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. — 9 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The vineyard sits on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Range, immediately across the county line in Sonoma County, but I don’t know enough about the distinctions between Sonoma and Napa mountain Cabs.

The deep nose shows cassis, ripe blackberry, plum, cedar layered with violet, cocoa and subtle medicinal herb. The palate is dense, delivering rich, concentrated fruit without excess weight. Polished tannins lead to a long finish.

Jean Hoefliger is the wine maker.
— a month ago

Ming L

9.2

This Cab, blending with 14% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot, is rich and powerful but with good balancing structure.

The nose shows ripe blackberry and blueberry, casssi, cedar, incense, and light dried herbs. Full bodied, the palate has a luxury feel with cool vibe. Quite primary, and tannins still need time to soften. But very delicious now. — a month 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. — 10 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Michel Sarrazin is one of the benchmark producers in Givry and is known for using high percentage new oak for the 1er cru bottling.

Aromas of raspberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, black tea leaves, subtle baking spices, and hint of dried mushroom. Good depth and tension on the palate with silky texture that really shows off the high quality oak integration. Long savory finish. — a month ago

Ming L

9.1

Structured like a Napa Cab with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla, cedar, and dense texture, ripe tannins, long opulent finish. There is hint of violet that I would associate with Malbec.

The few Napa Valley Malbec I tasted were all really good. — a month 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. — 14 days 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. — 22 days ago

Ming L

9.0

More acidic tension than the 21’ vintage I can remember. Love the hint of bitter grapefruit skin note. Highly enjoyable on a hot summer day. — a month ago

Ming L

9.0

A summer delight. — 2 months ago