Shay A

9.2

My last of a 3-pack the last few years. I chose this as one of my 2018 Cali BdB sparklers I opened to see how the sparkling wine scene is evolving (also opened was a 2018 Ultramarine Heintz BdB, 2018 Ultramarine Michael Mara BdB and 2018 Brick & Mortar Manchester Ridge BdB).

45 months en tirage, 4 g/l dosage

Clean and pure style. If you love Chablis or leaner champagnes, this is your jam. Grilled lemon, sea spray, hint of and honeysuckle aromatically. On the palate, it is mineral heavy (slate/limestone-esque) with sea salt, lemon scone, oyster shell, all wrapped in a crystalline profile. This is undeniably BdB and presents as a grower champagne type profile. Bright and elegant (showed a bit more classical compared to the other three). — a month ago

Jason Keefer

9.5

This is a review for Cepages d’antan since described couldn’t find it. But WOW! Super fresh, green apple and almond brioche. Really just reminds me of being in champagne, it tastes like the place! Made of rare varietals. But if you see! — 2 years ago

with Natasha

Melissa Rogers

10

This wine was so special. I know chenin blanc is a bit of a risk, but I had it in mind to pair with salty Chinese food, and found this VERY price-friendly organic bottle at my favorite wine store. It had none of the overt fruitiness or oiliness that sometimes comes with CB; rather, I think it was the perfect combo of the yellow apple richness of traditional CBs expressed in a very lean, dry, tart, wildly acidic sipper with just a hint of ginger spiciness. If you’ve read this far you can see I really loved this wine. 💛 — 4 years ago

Roberto Carli

9.3

Some white peach, almond, subtle plum skin. If you don’t see the color, it drinks surprisingly close to a southern Italian white like Greco di tufo — 3 months ago

Spencer Dodd

9.1

Interesting and good. Got at a steal so that helps. What an interesting fruit note, nothing quite I have tasted before. Almost a blue fruit with a tinge of Syrah notes that semi blow off paired with that good Italian acidity backbone. If you see it at a reasonable price buy it — a year ago

Roger Custer

9.4

One of our favorite reds. Not too sweet or tanic but a nice blend of fruit, wood, and soil. Laura nicely with red meat or cheese. — 3 years ago

Scott Soren

9.5

Eclectic Zin blend in its finest form. Rich berry and violets on the nose. At 8 years, the palate is more sublime. Notoriously fruit forward in the younger years, has evolved into a sensual experience. Black cherry dominates the palate with some cedar wood and structure driven by the Syrah and Mourvèdre. Tannins still present, and a rich mouthfeel. Do yourself a favor if you ever see this. BUY IT. — 4 years ago

Michelle Berryman

9.4

Complex, but approachable. This is an excellent Barolo. If you see this wine, buy it. — 6 months ago

Steve Rura

9.3

Other ratings called this “closed” which I completely agree with. The dense flavors took forever to open up. I popped it at noon for a 7:30p dinner of chick pea and potato pasta, and it was still developing. Highly tannic, but so layered if you have the patience. Darker fruits, yet still some tart red cherry, lavender, rose petals, and ashy dryness. Complex, classic Barolo (from my limited experience). I’ll save my second bottle to see how it develops. — 8 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.2

Back in the day a friend and I went in on 2 cases which got us a nice discount and I think we paid about $23 a btl. I was clueless back then and finished my case rather quickly. Fast forward my friend called today and said I’m having people over for dinner on Friday take a look at my inventory and let me know what you think I should serve. I was shocked to see he had almost a full case left. I told him I think this would be a great choice if it was alive. Why I say it’s always good to have great friends. He sent a bottle over for me to try. I was very happy to oblige. A pristine bottle with a great fill. When I took my first sniff , I was immediately taken by the scent of green peppercorns and earth. The flavor profile was that of currants, plums, a hint of olive, tobacco and mostly resolved tannins that combined to provide a surprisingly long finish. Simple joys!
PS, I would decant for sediment but would return it to the bottle because I found extended air time was not a friend. — 3 years ago