Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over two days. Maybe slightly better on Day 2 under a muzzle. The “Le Pucelles” pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and tart fruit: green apple, wild strawberry, raspberry, Meyer lemon, and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry and the acid is high. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Looking back at my previous notes for this wine from the same disgorgement, the fruit set has shifted a little but I’m no less impressed. The quality of the fruit is tremendous and the minerals dazzle. A dense Champagne and yet it never feels heavy. The cut and precision is undeniable. Drink now through 2036. Disgorged in October of 2022. Thank you @Lyle Fass for the assist! — a year ago

Amy Stotzer

10

Crisp, refreshing. Good for outside on the patio in summer. — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.8

Merry Christmas Delectable community! After the rather disappointing Côte Rôtie, I hoped this would come through with the goods and holy smokes, did it ever deliver. From the pull of the cork, this was absolutely singing. Gratuitous amounts of cassis with tobacco, espresso, and blood orange zest!? The palate is laden with black currants and minerals...ALL the minerals. They dazzle the tongue. Beautiful acid and firm but measured tannin. The finish lasts for several minutes. A wonder wine. My first experience drinking one of Ketan’s Beta’s and if this is any indication of what is to come at the Jasud Estate, we are spoiled. Leaving it late, this bottle is in contention for my wine of the year. — 7 years ago

Joe D'Angelo

9.4

Scharzhofberger is one of the most famous vineyard sites in all of Germany. This south-facing site is situated at an elevation of 180-280 meters with vines planted on very steep slopes with mineral rich soils formed from grey devonian slate. These characteristics are reflected beautifully in the wine, as the 2016 Scharzhofberger Kabinett Riesling displays an incredible combination minerality and brightness. This continues to dazzle as it shows incredible purity and elegance, with captivating aromatics of sliced apples, lime, orange zest, white florals and crushed slate nuances which all come together beautifully in the glass. This is every bit as impressive on the palate as it shows remarkable focus and precision with outstanding overall balance as it leads up to the succulent, mouth watering finish. While the 2016 is absolutely sublime today, it should also have a brilliant future ahead and continue to drink beautifully for years to come. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

For me, the Joseph Phelps Pinots have improved over the last 5 years. The 2011 vintage overall in Sonoma/Napa is far from my favorite. The growning season was simply not that good (too cool) and Joseph Phelps was still finding their way with their Pinots. This drinks easy and smooth but, nothing about it really stands out on the palate.

On the nose, sweet, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, black cherries, touch of blackberries and wafting blueberry notes. Light vanilla & cinnamon, black cherry cola. dark, rich sweet soil, hint of smoke/savory meat, limestone, dry crushed rock powder, black tea and dark fresh & withering flowers.

The body is medium edging toward full. It’s round, ripe and lush. It’s a good time to open your 11 JP Pinots and drink up. Their 11 Pinots aren’t waning but, not going to improve. The mid palate also leans a bit. Sweet, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, black cherries, touch of blackberries, pomegranate,, dry cranberries and wafting blueberry notes. Light vanilla & cinnamon, light medium intensity dark spice, black cherry cola. dark, rich sweet soil, hint of smoke/savory meat, limestone, dry crushed rock powder, black tea and dark fresh & withering flowers. The acidity is beautiful due to the cool climate. The finish is good, balanced, smooth, dances with elegance but doesn’t dazzle. Finishes a little short.

Photos of; their Sonoma Pinot vineyard, Sonoma Visitor Center which, is now closed and a couple shots of their Rutherford tasting room.

Each year since 12, the quality of their Pinots has inched up in quality and are more cellar worthy. — 8 years ago

Brittany Bowen

9.4

Perfect combination of sweet, dry and dazzle — 9 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2018 “Brézé” pours a light straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing…maybe even youthful with notes of mostly tart orchard fruit: apple, pear, white flowers, lemon curd and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long with saline minerals that dazzle. Technically brilliant, I get the sense this needs time before it has more to share. Better after 2028 and drink through 2040+?
— a year ago

Finn Urmston

8.9

Extremely drinkable, light, airy, subtle with fruity aromas. Crisp and well accompanying to a fish dish. A splash of dazzle and a twisting slap of freshness with every visit to the nose. The wine was alright too. — 2 years ago

i2

9.4

Easy to sip. Starts and ends semi sweet (possibly from blackberry), but if you prefer the dry side, this might as well be candy. But compared to desert wines, this would be a good transition to the dry side. Somewhere in the middle of your sip, something bold will pleasantly dazzle your palate, and linger slightly. Inexpensive as wines go, but there’s a slight Snoop D O double G tax, when compared to other 19 Crimes. I plan to keep a bottle around. — 6 years ago

Joe D'Angelo

9.2

The Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino is a superb showing in 2011, offering seductive aromas of blackberries, ripe plum, dried tobacco, leather, sweet spices, floral and hints of white truffle which build in the glass. This stunning Rosso continues to dazzle with its wonderful balance and finesse as it makes a seamless transition onto the long, silky finish. There should be no issues cellaring this for a decade, however this already has so much to offer and is extremely open and accessible. The grapes selection for the Rosso are the exact same as for the Brunello, the only difference in the two are the vinification and aging process. This is a world-class Rosso and should not be missed. — 7 years ago

Joe D'Angelo

9.9

Following last year's sensational vintage, 2016 was another stellar growing season in Bolgheri and expectations were once again set high for Sassicaia. The 2016 Sassicaia certainly does not disappoint, as it is an absolutely monumental effort that completely delivers, and in some aspects even looks to be more compelling than last years brilliant wine. Composed of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc, the 2016 is all about elegance, class and purity. It begins to impress with its striking aromas of fresh blackberries, dark cherries, fresh florals, exotic spices and wild herbs along with a touch of licorice and mineral characteristics all coming together to complete the seductive nose. On the palate this is nothing short of extraordinary, as it displays outstanding overall structure and balance along with remarkable clarity and precision. This continues to dazzle with its beautiful expression of incredibly pure red and dark fruits, along with exotic spices and floral characteristics which all work their way seamlessly across the palate before leaving a lasting impression on the gorgeous finish. The 2016 is without question another all-time classic vintage for Sassicaia, as it clearly possesses the elements that indicate an extremely bright future ahead, with the potential to evolve into a perfect wine over time. — 7 years ago

Conrad Green

9.0

Slightly marmalade colored. Signs of oxidation. Lovely mouthfeel and good tension but less brightness and dazzle than you’d expect... not showing at its best. — 8 years ago

with BOT, Matt and 1 other

C. Cole

9.2

Dark berries and light acidity went very well with smoked turkey. Very drinkable now but, given a few more years, this wine will dazzle. — 9 years ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Anyone who has been paying attention to my notes over the last five years or so will know that I have a strong affinity for the Champagnes of Paul Dethune. Everything they produce is noteworthy and delicious; particularly their fabulous NV offerings. However, if you ever get a chance to try any of their vintage Champagnes, the splurge is worth it. This 2012 example is stunning.

Popped and poured to celebrate the homecoming of a friend. The 2012 pours a beautiful straw color with tiny bubbles that dazzle and a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart forest berries and orchard fruit: raspberries, strawberries, apples, white peach, lemon bars, marzipan, some toasted brioche and minerals. On the palate, bone dry with high acid but it’s all fairly well balanced. The notes from the nose are confirmed and accompanied by chalky minerals…oh the minerals! The finish is long and devastatingly handsome. This is a seriously impressive Champagne in its relative youth but I expect a long life when considering the substantial fruit and acid. In the spirit of Bacchus, drink now and through 2042. — a year ago

Willie Carter

9.2

This is just the best. So damn good. Pale yellow color with teeny tiny green flecks. Pineapples and pears on the nose with vanilla and butter. A good bit of oak with a little smoke, to boot. Pretty flower aromas dazzle here.

A blend of five white grapes, all hailing from Rioja. Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Torrontés, and Malvasia. Really nice complexity and this is obviously built for the long run. Fresh and lively with a nice streak of acid. Oak and citrus dominate on the palate, along with stone minerality and dried herbs. This is a terrific white blend. I need more of this. — 3 years ago

C. Cole

9.2

Wow! I’ve had various Three Stick varietals, but this was one of the first (full) bottle of Pinot from the Vineyard (pre-Bob Cabral). Smooth upon opening, and it became more velvety and complex with time. Give it a few more years, and it will truly dazzle! — 7 years ago

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9.2

The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino from Le Potazzine is a total showstopper. All of the purity, the translucence, the energy, that makes Sangiovese so alluring comes through in Le Potazzine's 2016 Rosso. Bright red cherry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and cedar are all beautifully lifted in a refined, impeccable Rosso that will dazzle readers with its total elegance and class. I loved it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2019) — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The Cháteau Figeac is coming along beautifully and showing absolutely phenomenal after a decade in bottle. It instany begins to dazzle with its highly perfumed aromatics of ripe dark fruits which are surrounded by wet gravel, toasty oak and lovely nuances of tobacco leaf. On the palate this is displays a gorgeous supple texture with round polished tannins, which are nicely integrated. Showing a wonderful combination of power and class, this continues to impress with its mouth-watering acidity and layers of ripe blackberries, black cherries, crushed mint and roasted coffee flavors that continue to build and leave a lasting impression. Completely compelling now, the 2005 has only just begun to hit its stride, and should continue to provide years of drinking pleasure ahead. Drink 2019-2040- 95 — 7 years ago

David Kline

9.2

Jellied asparagus beneath lemon curd, ripe peach, white apricot and white roses, airy pineapple and golden raisin, frame a lemon marmalade on light toast. Almost oily mouthfeel that texturally resonates with a materializing jalapeño jam. Pineapple essence, poached Bosc pear, suggesting its white pepper near the finish line with tangerine pith, orange zest and fruitcake; all while staying sincere in its effort to dazzle the paparazzi with effortless gestures and perfectly-timed poses befitting its natural magnanimity. #grüner #grünerveltliner #gruner #grunerveltliner #austrianwine #austrian #weiss #weissgold #Nigl #NiglPrivat #kremstal #weingut #wein #wein #Senftenberg — 8 years ago

with Courtney

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Thought this would be more interesting. It's good but really doesn't dazzle or pop on the palate. It lacks concentration and some structure. Nose of; bacon fat, grilled pork, smoke, dark cherries, blackberries, strawberries, some baking spices, stones, loamy clay soils, and red florals. The body is medium and round. The fruits ripe; dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, strawberries, cherry cola, light intensity of baking spices, mocha powder, touch of spice, some pepper, smoke, bacon fat, grilled meats, stones, loamy clay soils, good acidity and an elegant finish that is good but just not impressive and leaves you wishing it had more. If you own the 08, I think it's hit its peak and not going to continue to improve. Photos of; the entrance to their downtown tasting room (that is rarely open even by appointment as they sellout by mailing list quickly and there is a fairly long waiting list), fine grapes ready for picking and Owner/Winemaker Christophe Baron. — 9 years ago