Ellen Clifford

9.0

Exclusively from their vineyards in the northern part of Vinho Verde, Monção and Melgaço. I’ve been there! That’s where I accidentally got up two hours early cause my clock switched to Spain time and I thought that meant I'dn need to get up an hour early. Contacto has a little more skin contact than average, turning up with a slight texture and friendly bitter bite. On the nose, it’s fresh lemon zest, wet stone and whetstone, with a bit of white flower. The palate is utterly thirst-quenching, veering into dried apricot territory and a bit of (as I said above) fun bitterness countering the fruit. It all wraps up with a sluice of salinity. Fun, fun, fun! — a month ago

Robert Adair

8.9

Rich in tannins,, beautiful and perfectly paired with marinara sauce and pasta with Italian sausage. Finish is full with red cherry.  — a month ago

Paul K

9.1

Nice with elk Osso Bucco. Increased from 90 to 91 after opening up. — a month ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

Great vintage for the La La’s. But it’s not ready. The nose is stunning, captivatingly aromatic after a few hours in the decanter, layered with Northern Rhône classicism of blackberry, camphor and bacon fat. The palate is massively concentrated but oaky and stiff. Needs more time to integrate but all the pieces are there! — 7 days ago

Scott Kahn

9.3

Beautifully balanced with pronounced red fruit and distinct tannic structure. Only purple, red color with a nice acidity to complement red meat. A great wine now that can easily cellar for many years. — 14 days ago

Austin Hohnke

9.3

Gorgeous blend. First time trying this and I’m in love with how it wears the nutty oxidation.
Pop ‘em if you’ve got’em in ‘06. — a month ago

Lyn Farmer

9.1

Smokey black cherry, strawberry, blackberry and forest floor. Starting to show tertiary character with leather and meat. Elegant tannins ands a lovely balance of fruit, acid and alcohol. Very good quality and delicious drinking now. — 2 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Drinking well with its big, rich flavors & beautiful aromatics showing dark cherry, berry, lots of spice, game, iron, underbrush, pepper & floral notes — 20 days ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

Love these wines! So allocated it's been a long time since I've had the Pialade from Emmanuel Reynaud and the Rayas estate! There can be lots of bottle variation but this was a good one. — a month ago

Conrad Green

9.6

Gorgeous and spicy. Pure fruit- deep plum and roses and a hint of leather and marmalade. Very pretty and poised. Gorgeous — a month ago

with Chris and David