Jay Kline

9.3

This is the standard Côte Rôtie from Agnes Levet that’s a blend of different parcels. However, the philosophy and approach remain the same as “La Chavaroche” and “Les Journaries”. In the past, this bottling was known as “Améthyste” and only recently became more widely available in the US. “Widely” is a relative word, lol.

Opened about an hour prior to service. The 2021 pours a deep garnet/purple with a transparent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with a gorgeous bouquet all of the different varieties and colors of brambles your heart could possibly desire along with all of the seeds and stems, freshly cracked black pepper, dried herbs, some of the animale, purple flowers some hints of old wood and yes, perhaps a kiss of brettanomyces. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is forever long, drying and loaded with even more black pepper. This is giving me total 2014 vibes and if you liked that vintage in the Northern Rhône (as I did), you’re gonna absolutely love this. Drink now through 2036. — 4 days ago

Brian Ager

9.1

Grapefruit, lemon zest & creme fraiche come through on the nose & pallate.  The later presenting a smooth creaminess, providing a welcome balance to this wines bright acidity. An elegant approach to Sauvignon Blanc which was stellar by itself but also made a good pairing with a Mexican spiced shrimp bake! ($32) [2/5/22] — 3 years ago

Carter White

8.9

Lively, fresh, not much fruit, driven by a mineral core that gives it some grip. — 3 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.4

Firstly i love the whole approach they gave to what they do, the respect and adoration for their terroir and the belief that we are talking about an instrument to pass on the culture.
"Culture is the only good of humanity that divided between us all, instead of diminishing, will become greater" this sentence on the introduction of the wine gives a very good feeling about them and by meeting them repeatedly i know it being true.
The wine too is in line with all above.
A 90% Malvasia aromatica di Candia finished off with Ortrugo and Trebbiano macerated in 4000l oak barrels for 4 months that retains a fantastic freshness and has a sapid vein that's very unique.
It's more than intriguing, it's a glass you keep looking for. Very persistent flavour.
Stunning!! — 2 years ago

Steven Gullo

9.3

Opens up fairly quick with an earthy nose of rosemary, tobacco, wet leaves. Certainly a traditional approach to winemaking. Elegant and soft tannins. — 3 years ago

Iwan

9.4

I’ve been wanting to try a wine from Margalit for ages. For those that don’t know (and you probably don’t), Margalit Winery (in Israel) was founded by Dr Yair Margalit, a former physical chemist, who took a very science based approach to winemaking. He’s the author of several very geeky wine books that are used in wine education. This wine is an absolute stunner and did not disappoint. The finesse of St Emilion grand cru with the power of Napa. Even at 18 years of age this has plenty of life left in it. Soft velvety tannins, plums, and a long finish. This wine has a cool story but the experience lives up to it in every way. — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Poured through a bottle-top aerator. Shy but inviting nose of dusty black cherry and pomegranate. Austere and full palate of blackberry, black cherry, and tarry black fruit with a stern dose of woodiness. Firm but not unforgiving tannins; juicy medium plus acidity. Long, dark, tarry blackberry finish. Very young and though a vigorous decanting will render it approachable for most, better to hold on to it until at least 2026 (and approach with caution even then). 2016 is an excellent vintage throughout the region and the '16 Rossos are showing wonderfully right now. Drink those until this is ready. — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

A decidedly more natural approach to Chablis and I gotta say, this bottle was fantastic. All of the character one would expect from Chablis: bright citrus fruits, crushed shells, chalky minerals and racy acid…just amped up a little more than usual for a village wine. Theres an energy about this that’s truly compelling. Wow. — 2 years ago

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

8.9

Very pure. Very fresh #Mencia It is an approach to #mencía that I love and that is tricky to get right, because it borders on the green but is just ripe enough. Youthful and juicy. #valdeorras — 3 years ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.1

Difficult, where I found this wine terrific 1,5 years ago it wasn’t that good yesterday. Very tannic and bitter. Apparently yesterday was an off day to drink wine biodynamically seen. I’m starting to believe this approach more and more — 3 years ago