Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I attended a luncheon-tasting recently with the Chef of Roy Estate & several other wineries participating in the tasting. Roy tasted their 2016 & 2007. I bought both. The 16 better than the 2007. Both very different & quite good. This 07 on its own is not as good as it is with steak. Moves between 93 & 94 with the Ribcap.

The nose is lush & brooding. It shows; blackberries, black raspberries, extremely dark cherries, both plums, poached strawberries, blueberries, boysenberries, dark chocolate cake, dark spices, steeped fruit tea, mid berry cola, black & red licorice, nicely, gently, layered baking spices, sweet tarriness-forest floor, leather, dry tobacco, some graphite, caramel-mocha, light black pepper, soft charcoal ash, limestone, dry crushed rocks.-top soil, candied-withering dark, red flowers.

The palate is ripe, round, lush/plush with M-M+ velvety tannins. Nothing that speaks astringent.Blackberries, black raspberries, extremely dark cherry kirsch liqueur, both plums into pudding, poached strawberries, blueberries, boysenberries, some pomegranate, dark spices with mid penetrating heat, steeped fruit tea, mid berry cola, black & red licorice, nicely, gently, layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin in that order, herbaceous, savory notes, understated mint-spearmint, sweet tarriness-forest floor, leather, dry tobacco, some graphite, melted dark chocolate, caramel-mocha, light black pepper, soft charcoal ash, limestone, dry crushed rocks-top soil, candied-withering dark, red flowers, excellent round acidity with good tension/structure, well balanced, long length and elegant finish for minutes that long sets on spice & earth.

From their terrace, they have the best hillside rolling vineyards in Napa I have seen. — 20 days ago

Rusty Beall

9.5

1966 that we had with foie gras. It was excellent! — 6 months ago

Jonathan Warren

9.7

Loved this in a magnum. Tart cherry, earth, and red fruit galore. This is everything Pinot should be. Damn near perfection — 7 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.1

Medium deep garnet, ruby core with medium light garnet rim . This is quite meaty and deep on the nose , with earthy dark cherry , porcini , sweet blackberry and spiced sous bois . On the palate this is quite severe and serious , darker fruits , ripe blackberry , cherry and hint of blackcurrant, herbal hints. Quite gritty , slightly drying tannins , fresh acidity . Earthy , dusty dark cherry edged finish , ok medium length. Quite ambitious for a village and arguably not ready yet , tannins need a little more time to integrate. From now and over the next 5 years, if not longer . — 10 months ago

Ted

9.3

Digging this watching the final 4. Really good stuff. — 3 years ago

GaryWEdwards

9.4

Dark berry with earthy game to nose and pleasing to palate with a long finish. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This showed nicely from Magnum.

Beautiful, bright, dark, ripe dark and mid red fruits. Softly layered baking spices, excellent earthiness, bright florals with excellent acidity and finish.

Roy estate has one of the best rolling vineyard views in Napa Valley. — 2 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.0

N: sulfur blows off then faint pink roses
P soft but tasty. Good density. Some spice. Licorice. Dark blackberry. Some rubber. Some bitterness.

Interesting

Steak wine.

Mercer 48 — 2 months ago

Garen Staglin

9.4

Excellent. Bright cherry flavors. Long finish. Many years to go — 6 months ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.1

Cute label. Color is pretty. Smells of the river rocks and berry compote. Hint of smoke. Flavors are juicy and complex. Plenty of minerals. Balance is great. Floral and fresh. — 8 months ago

Mike Evans

9.1

Still showing a lot of tannic and acidic structure, but enough fruit to keep it in check once it had a few hours of air, youthful still, and brawny. — 2 years ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.2

Mesnil sur Oger grand cru chardonnay. This is top notch cuvée. — 3 years ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Sharon Ambrose

9.1

Light enough for fish yet heavy enough for duck — 4 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.0

Bright in color. Modern in flavor. Acai and Cranberry. Should age well for the next 5-8. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Ropiteau Frères – Meursault – 2023
Meursault AOP – Côte de Beaune – Burgundy – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic expression of Meursault Chardonnay, showcasing the richer, broader style of the Côte de Beaune. The 2023 vintage leans into ripeness and texture while maintaining balance, delivering a layered and refined interpretation of this iconic village.

Aromas & Flavors
Stone fruit leads the profile, ripe peach and apricot, supported by baked apple and subtle citrus. Notes of toasted hazelnut, light vanilla, and a gentle touch of oak add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with a broader, more enveloping texture. Creamy yet balanced by fresh acidity, creating a harmonious and polished palate. The finish is smooth, layered, and persistent.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, or mushroom-based dishes. Also shines with richer seafood preparations.

Verdict
A sophisticated and well-balanced Meursault that captures the essence of Côte de Beaune richness, textured, layered, and quietly complex. Elegant without being heavy.

Did You Know?
Meursault is famous for its nutty, buttery nuances, often enhanced by lees aging and oak influence, yet the best examples, like this, keep everything in balance rather than leaning too rich.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautiful step up in texture and complexity, when I want Chardonnay with depth, presence, and that unmistakable Burgundy signature. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Ropiteau – Bourgogne Chardonnay – 2024
Bourgogne AOC – Burgundy – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A regional Bourgogne Chardonnay that highlights the accessible and versatile side of Burgundy. Crafted to be approachable, clean, and easygoing, this wine reflects the broader regional style, fresh, balanced, and unfussy, without the intensity of village-level expressions.

Aromas & Flavors
Light citrus, green apple, and subtle orchard fruit, with a gentle hint of floral tones. Straightforward and clean, without heavy oak influence.

Mouthfeel
Light to light-plus body with moderate acidity. Smooth, approachable, and easy on the palate, offering a soft and balanced finish without sharp edges.

Food Pairings
Grilled chicken, light pasta dishes, soft cheeses, salads, or casual appetizers. Also works effortlessly as a standalone sipper.

Verdict
A simple yet well-executed Chardonnay that delivers exactly what it promises, clean, approachable, and versatile. Not about complexity, but about everyday enjoyment and wide appeal.

Did You Know?
“Bourgogne” AOC wines can source grapes from across the entire Burgundy region, making them ideal entry points to understand the house style before stepping into village or Premier Cru wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
A perfect “anytime Chardonnay”, easy to enjoy, easy to pair, and a reminder that not every Burgundy needs to be complex to be satisfying. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Domaine Derey Frères – Marsannay “Les Vignes Marie” 2021 🇫🇷
Marsannay AOC, Côte de Nuits – Burgundy, France

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from Marsannay, the only Côte de Nuits village allowed to produce wines in all three colors (red, white, and rosé). “Les Vignes Marie” is a standout parcel that shows the classic finesse of Burgundy Pinot while keeping Marsannay’s hallmark freshness and approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry lead the nose, with hints of rose petal, subtle spice, and earthy forest floor. A touch of mineral undertone brings lift and precision.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and medium-bodied with silky tannins, lively acidity, and a refined structure. Balanced and supple, finishing with freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Winemaking Notes
The Derey family has been established in Marsannay since the mid-17th century, and their work focuses on organic farming and gentle cellar practices. The 2021 vintage, cooler and classic in style, emphasizes delicacy over power.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board. Its finesse makes it versatile across light meats and earthy vegetarian dishes.

Verdict
A graceful Burgundy Pinot that captures Marsannay’s balance between Côte de Nuits structure and charming approachability. For me, this sits as one of my most favorite wines in the Côte de Nuits — at a very affordable price point, it punches well above its weight and shows how Burgundy can still deliver tremendous value.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why Marsannay Matters
Marsannay, at the northern gateway of the Côte de Nuits, is often overshadowed by its neighbors like Gevrey-Chambertin. But its wines deliver exceptional value, showing Pinot Noir with purity, finesse, and terroir character — a smart entry point into Burgundy without the Grand Cru price tag. Cheers! — 10 months ago

Cristiano Humberto Naves de Freitas Azevedo

8.9

Good wine, soft tannins, nice aromas — 3 years ago

Alanna coby

10

Light and lovely, very easy to drink! No oakiness at all. — 4 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.3

Burgundy tasting at foreign cinema. Reallly great with seafood, there was excellent acidity and some earth flavors. Really liked it but was overshadowed by the Chardonnay. — 5 years ago