Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a garnet color with a transparent core and showing some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red fruits: lightly stewed Bing cherry, strawberry, some funky horse blanket, red flowers, leather, green herbs, dry rocky earth and old wood. There was also a little bit of VA. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and freaking delicious. The alcohol seems a little elevated.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Sangiovese, Grenache (or based blend), Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir from Italy, France, or Spain. Because there was some light staining, I eliminated Nebbiolo and because the structure was so stout, I also eliminated Pinot Noir. I just felt like this reminded me of a Chianti Classico Riserva with a lot of age…from a producer like Felsina. So, that’s where I’m at for my final: Sangiovese, from Italy, Toscano, Chianti Classico, Riserva with 25+ years of age; call it 1995 since I have some reference there. Daaaaaymn!!!! 2014 Cuvée Laurence?! This tastes more mature (not too old or anything) than a recent 2014 Cuvée Réservée but maybe that’s due to the extra year in foudre? I got caught in the “triangle of death” but should have clued into the elevated alcohol a little better. Regardless…this is delicious. The structure is incredible! Drink now with patience and through 2039. — 11 days ago

Raun Kupiec

9.2

Unusual. Delicious. Excellent minerality, nice heft and mouthfeel. There is a fruit coming through that I can’t quite identify. And some baking spices, but not oak or vanilla. It’s very nice and moves from a floral aspect through a pithy citrus and into a nice tail. — 2 months ago

with Barbara

Jeroen Koenen

9.2

Double Magnum — 5 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Nose of red and black fruits with light wood, tobacco and chocolate notes.

Dry on the palate with sweet raspberries, cherries, light oak, licorice, chocolates, spices and earth.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Grenache blend is starting to drink very nicely now, with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.

Elegant and rich. Interesting and engaging. A very traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape in style.

Well balanced and good by itself as a sipping wine. Will also pair nicely with food.

A blend of all 13 allowed grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but mostly Grenache. Hand picked and whole cluster. Aged for 2 years in large French oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$110. — 16 days ago

Raun Kupiec

9.2

Hard to properly rate, was not decanted and not open long enough. Deep red & black fruit on the nose. The tannins are quite strong, this still needs time. It’s too young. But a lot of complexity under that. — 2 months ago

with Barbara

Brian Hearty

9.3

2022. Picked to pair with the trout with saffron nage, and it was fantastic. Loved the wine as it opened up but it was gone too quickly. — 5 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Deep ruby in color; blackberries, lavender, and dried herbs on the nose; high acidity, high tannins; tastes like maraschino cherries, black tea, tar, and clay pots with a long finish. — 14 days ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

9.2

Woah! Spicy — 2 hours ago

Raun Kupiec

8.9

Waft of fruit on the nose immediately, raspberry and cassis. Soft but with a dense round mouthfeel. Young tannins, front of tongue and sides. You can taste the Syrah coming through. Could use another year or two easily but very nice now. — 2 months ago

with Barbara

Brad Kalish

9.5

J/h. Excellent — 5 months ago