There is really only one grape variety that I know of in the world that deserves to always have an exclamation mark: Juhfark! Or as I like to shout, Juhfaaaaaaaark! (pronounced you-fark). Grown only on the tiny little hill of Somló, an ancient underwater volcano, in Southwestern Hungary, it is among my favorite grape varieties and simply one of the world’s coolest wines. @sap_somlo is one of the best producers of it, coaxing out its bee pollen and chamomile scents and electric neon lemon, citrus peel, and yellow herb flavors, all layered on top of the deep volcanic minerality. The longer you let these wines age, the more they taste like rocks. Tired of the same old flavors in your white wines? Get thee some Juhfark! — 3 years ago
Apple, lemongrass, peach, melon, slate and lime zest. Electric acidity and bold minerality. — 9 months ago
Super lean with reductive flinty minerality on the nose, lemon peel and tons of delicate white florals. The acidity is fantastic, lengthy and electric. Quite Chablis-like, less weighty than Beune — 3 years ago
Sticking with the “great wines from grapes you’ve never heard of” theme for a while longer, why not join me for a sip of this alpine gem. Grown in the northerly reaches of Italy’s Valle d’Aosta, just over the border with France and Switzerland, and in some of Europe’s highest altitude vineyards (1200 meters) this wine is made from the Prié Blanc grape. Prié Blanc is the region’s only indigenous white grape, and is rarely found within the Valle d’Aosta, let alone outside of it. Vibrating with mineral intensity, the wine tastes of green apple, lemon cucumber, dried honey, and a hint of herbs. Electric acidity and a sort of peach-pit tanginess linger in the finish. Because the region is mostly tiny growers, Cave Mont Blanc is a cooperative, and a very high-quality one at that. — 4 years ago
(Disg. 10/22) Initial is the most produced in quantity of the Selosse bottlings but certainly not to be overlooked, and 2022 disgorgment is electric with distinctive Selossien aromatics, a rich, powerful and textural palate with racy acids and a chalky mineral core. It has both freshness and oxidative complexity yielding a complete, balanced and utterly seamless Champagne. Nothing like Selosse. — a year ago
Wowza. Old vine Zin from Howell Mountain, treated gently and not too ripe, leads with an earthy black peppercorn note and this has it. Underneath is spicy dark berry fruit. On the palate the peppercorn earthiness follows through, but ripe crimson berry fruit is there, spice, and there is electric ⚡️⚡️acidity. Tannins are soft, zero jamminess. Just beautiful. — 2 years ago
Carter White
Baked apple, spices, creamy and electric. Opened up nicely ⚡️ — 2 months ago