Vanessa

9.2

“Nothing added, nothing removed” is a phrase some use to describe the philosophy of low-intervention (or “natural”) winemaking. 🌱

The winemaker is like a vessel, carrying Mother Nature’s gifts from the land (and vintage) to your glass, where each sip can transport you to a particular place and time.

Nicolas Joly is an illustrious vigneron revered for his deep commitment to biodynamics and minimal intervention winemaking. 👏 He leads his family’s estate – Famille Joly – located in the prestigious appellation of Savennières in the Anjou-Saumur region of Loire Valley and specializes in top quality, cerebral, age-worthy dry whites made from the Chenin Blanc grape.

This takes patience, strength, and resilience for which the seahorse is a spiritual symbol (among other things). 🌊 It’s no wonder the Famille Joly features this beautiful, gentle creature on its bottle and labels.

This wine comes from ‘Les Vieux Clos’ where vines are harvested at 25 hL/ha which is HALF of the appellation’s allowance of 50 hL/ha.  👀

As a result of favorable growing conditions and these low yields, the grapes were allowed to become ripe, which explains the high alcohol at 14% ABV and round but balanced fruit expression.

This wine underwent a wild fermentation, followed by a natural malolactic conversion (MLC), and then it aged 12 months in large neutral oak with no fining or filtering before bottling.

The color is pale gold. On the nose and palate are harmonious notes of yellow apple, quince, papaya, dried orange peel, citrus blossom, chamomile, ginger, saffron, cinnamon, cream, white pepper, lanolin, wet slate …

It has power and elegance, nuance and vibrancy, with a persistent finish.  We think it pairs nicely with the baked herb & lemon salmon, asparagus and couscous.

Cheers to winemakers who share a piece of their land and heritage with the world one glass at a time! 🥂🥂🥂
— 5 days ago

with Deked1

James K

9.1

This was quite good 1-2 hours after opening. Great nose of bright cherry fruit and classic CdP funk. Sadly, at hour 3, the nose became mute. Poor @Paul K arrived hour 3. — a month ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Killer again. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

It’s well known that I will bring bubbles to nearly any occasion. However, when a meal presents a particularly difficult pairing, such as traditional Thanksgiving dinner, bubbles are a no brainer. Besides, we’re celebrating gratitude!

This bottle of the 2018 Grand Cellier d’OR was popped, poured and enjoyed over the course of dinner. The wine pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing; bright with remarkable notes of lemon/lime citrus, green apple, tropical fruits, raspberries, and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid like fricken laser beams. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, delicious and…*ahem*…chalk-full (sic) of minerals. This is a lovely example from Vilmart who, at this point, really need no introduction. Drink now through 2038. Disgorged July of 2022. — 9 hours ago

Lauren

9.8

2003 from nennen and popop. Really good — a day ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.2

This is the wine of Jean-Claude Berrouet own estate. He’s former winemaker and Technical Director of Petrus and made 44 vintages of Petrus. Black currants, plum, earth, bay leaf, cedar wood, orange peel and a mineral finish. Fantastic value. — a month ago

Mike Evans

9.5

Leather, raspberry, and hints of minerals and dark chocolate, with fine tannin giving it support, some anise comes out with air, great depth and complexity, drinking incredibly well. — 7 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Very nice Pomerol in this so-so vintage!
Cherries, pomegranate, brown spices and freshly cut herbs. Although the tannines still are slightly coarse, IMO, this is drinking very nicely now. — 11 days ago

Grace Liu

9.4

Marty collection — 13 days ago

Conrad Green

9.0

Sweet and polished. Steeliness. Good. — 2 months ago

with Rick, Peter and 1 other