Bob McDonald

9.5

Aromatic red fruits, a little closed initially. This new producer from the Derwent Valley in Tasmania has taken the Australian Show system by storm winning the James Halliday Trophy for Best Pinot Noir at Royal Melbourne 2021 and trophy for Best Pinot Noir at the National Wine Show of Australia 2021. Red and black cherry with judicious use of whole bunch. Luscious with a touch of Sous Bois but mainly showing juicy fruit at this stage in its youth. A brilliant new wine from a brilliant new producer. Difficult to procure currently. The following night similar notes of black cherry. From the Fogarty Family group of producers. — 3 months ago

Nicolas Duchesneau

9.0

Aucune attente, Comme tout le monde sait, Ridge fait d’excellent produits. Au nez et en bouche c’est le cuir, le cedre, c’est un peu epicé, le bois est bien intégré, belle finale bien digeste. Rien à voir avec certain zin confituré et sucré, ca semble bien vieillir. Malheureusement avec les augmentations de prix de leurs zin, il fortement improbable que je me procure d’autres bouteilles à la SAQ. — 4 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Cut my hair and oh hell I’m Samson looking to Cali cab to be my strength and to be even more didactic I wanted quality, delicious Cab I could procure at my local grocery because in LA we don’t go out in anything more than a light drizzle. Fucking oh. Into this one. It’s solid and lush. Taste notes: goes well w classic bearnaise flavors which I stuck into a waffle but really? Make a protein of your choice and sip bearnaise on top and damn that’ll be good with a sip of cab. — 6 years ago

Paul Weil

9.0

This is another Lugana wine, 100% Turbiana. It differs from the “Clay” in that it’s 100% stainless steel, whereas the Clay has 10% of the grapes aged in (old) oak barrels. This is a common practice in the Lugana region; one wine release is “fresh”, aged in all stainless steel, made for immediate drinking, whereas the reserve release has up to 10% of the grapes in restrained oak, and is intended to be aged a bit, like a Riesling.

This “fresh” wine has stronger flavors than the Clay. It really reminds one of a top-tier New Zealand SB. The citric flavors are there, but not overpowering; however, the finish has that bright acidic buzz. The body has the grassy tones that I am coming to associate with this region/style. There’s a touch of sweetness, easy to miss, which comes to the fore when paired with spicier foods.

I wish these wines were easier to procure in the US! They’re made primarily for the German market, hence the similarities to Riesling. — 9 months ago

Gina Rawls

9.5

Easily the best Trader Joe’s reserve I’ve had. Robust and pleasantly rounded mouthfeel, almost velvety. So glad I was able to procure another bottle! — 4 years ago

Vincent Piquard

9.0

Un des meilleurs chablis que j'ai eu la chance de goûter.
C'est une belle structure acide Pierre à fusil mais qui tient en bouche et procure plaisir et gourmandise. — 5 years ago

Sarah Milsow-Guenther

9.8

Still my absolute favorite version I’ve had. Finally was able to procure a bottle. One of my favorite peated Scotches. — 2 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.2

The paradox of a wine that appears as "dead for then reborn" is the sensation that this wine provides, which we can't imagine drinking so old (16 years old). The dress is ruby-tile, unfiltered. In the mouth, notes of red fruits (strawberry) are always imposed with vivacity, supported by multiple and aerial notes of evolution. Light bitters bring a very interesting paradoxical dimension for those who love evolved wines.

Le paradoxe d’un vin qui apparaît comme « mort pour puis re-né » voilà la sensation que procure ce vin, qu’on imagine pas boire si vieux (16 ans). La robe est rubis-tuile, non filtrée. En bouche des notes de fruits rouges (fraise) s’imposent toujours avec vivacité, soutenues par des notes d’évolution multiples et aériennes. De légers amers apportent une dimension paradoxale fort intéressantes pour qui aiment les vins évolués. — 2 years ago

Andréa Soechting Jacobs

9.0

Complex combination of fruit and earthiness; a stand out Chianti. Will procure more to hold on to. #covidwinebingecontinues — 4 years ago

Joseph Minafra

10

Wow an amazing find at the Woodlands. Outside of Houston Texas. Crush is a wine bar that knows and is a big fan of one of my favorite wine makers Heidi Barrett. This was the best selection tonight of Dominus 2012, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, and Silver Oak 2007 Library release... all exceptional full bodied wines. If ever an opportunity to procure a bottle of the ever so silky smooth fruit forward Au Sommet please go for it. Incredibly complex blend of subtle flavor. This is a siping wine that needs to be appreciated with the most special people in your world. Obviously this is well paired with duck prepared as the French would suggest. My highest Regards to Heidi for conceiving this wine. — 7 years ago