Freddy R. Troya

9.0

2023 El Esteco Torrontés
Salta, Argentina – High-Elevation Elegance

A beautifully expressive Torrontés crafted from two distinct vineyard sites in the high-altitude Salta region, some of the highest vineyards in the world.

This white delivers bright layers of lime zest and orange peel, lifted by a lovely floral edge. The mouthfeel is refreshing and round, with just enough weight to keep things interesting. Crisp, aromatic, and super clean on the finish.

Viognier fans, take note, this one’s got that same aromatic charm and soft, fleshy texture. A fun, vibrant white that keeps calling you back for another sip. Cheers! 🍊🌸⛰️ — a year ago

Shay A

9.4

Every time I have a Morlet Chardonnay, I wonder why I don’t enjoy them more often.

Pop and pour and 100% open for business. It has this unique toasted marshmallow aromatic that I always associate with Marcassin (funny enough, this vineyard isn’t too far from Marcassin in Fort Ross Seaview), along with such sweet, juicy tropical fruit like peach and guava, as well as honey roasted cashews. Up front is seems like it’s going to coat the entire mouth, but it fans out in a really elegant profile (sea salt dusted lemon scone, yellow fruits, honeysuckle) with a nice zip of acidity on the finish. Absolutely delicious right now, and I don’t see this getting much (if any) better. — 3 years ago

Adam Beasley

9.1

I always enjoy this wine, and the 2017 is another great vintage. Smells like fresh veggies, herbs, and tart red and black fruit. Great acidity with a spicy, grippy finish. Obviously, this isn’t everyone’s bag, but for fans of this style it’s very good. — 6 years ago

Severn Goodwin

9.2

Nose has dried loam, baking spice, mashed ripe black cherry, curry (?) or wet clay pot, interesting nose for sure. A little Gamay-ish at this very youthful stage.

Palate has fresh cherry, slight molasses cookie, charred red pepper, dehydrated/sweetened cranberries, faint saline traits, dehydrated sweet cherries with medium finish and fading acidity after more air time. Decanted 4H at time of notes, continuing to unfold...

Paired to Shakshouka, the spice/heat of the dish worked well with the fruity wine notes. We're always fans of red Burgundy with spicy Asian or Middle East style cuisines.

Honestly, a little too youthful for my pleasure tonight, drink 2025-2030+. — 3 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.3

The 2019 Chablis Vaillon 1er Cru has a gorgeous, intense bouquet of orange blossom, lemon verbena and light flinty scents, all beautifully defined. The palate is well balanced: quite extravagant for a Vaillon, yet tensile and edgy. It fans out wonderfully on the finish. Excellent. (Neal Martin, Vinous, October 2021)
— 4 years ago

Billy L.

9.1

Magnum, A bit disjointed, better really young for Fruitbomb Fans. Cheers 🍇🍷 — 4 years ago

Jeremiah Allen

8.9

Blueberry compote, Raspberry, Plum. Nice combo of rich fruit with and edge of tartness. All classic secondaries are present: cured meat, black pepper, smoke. Showing the vintage, for sure. I like this expression of Saint-Joseph and think Syrah fans of all regions would find something pleasing in this bottle. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.3

This bordered on “really good” and “exceptional”. With being so young for a white Rhône, I’m sure this will push in to exceptional territory rather easily within 5-10yrs.

A producer I don’t know much about, but being a fan of all things northern Rhône, I wanted to roll the dice. 100% marsanne. I opted to open this early as I have the opportunity to buy a few more bottles, so I wanted to check in.

The aromatics and palate are quite different. Channeling a kiss of that nutty and rich profile on the nose up front, but the palate sports quite a bit of bright lemon zest and almost more reductive like notes (smoky) before the finish fans out with honey roasted cashews, almond skin, and some wax. Orange blossom type notes are here, but faint.

This changed immensely with 2+hrs of air in the bottle, so the rollercoaster is just beginning. Delicious. — 3 years ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

One of Greece’s best kept secrets. Love the Koutsoyannopoulos wines. For fans of Hatzidakis and Sigalas. — 4 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.3

This is particularly beautiful and well-crafted as well as quite Burgundian. All of the typical floral and high toned red fruits of the region, but with a bit of manure and damp mushrooms. The fruit is sweet and sappy framed by firm muscular tannins and accented with intense minerality and white pepper. Energetic, focused and multi-layered. Highly recommended for Mencía and Burgundy fans. — 6 years ago