A solid first encounter from this up-and-comer producer from Lombardia. According to the importer, Nicola’s bubbles are on “every” top restaurant wine list in Italy. Wow, I can see why - Nicola sports the right narrative (natty, maverick), but the proof was in the bottle itself! The Quattrocento, which is Nicola’s late disgorged offering (40 months on lees), could easily give many Champagne’s a good run for their money. It was textural, incisive, and expectedly leaned more towards an oxidative and autolytic profile, with flavours of pastry, almonds, baked apples, and hints of spice. Admittedly, I was looking for a little more length and intensity, but the wine had good energy and drank with little resistance. A win for me! — 2 years ago
Drank at Maverick in San Antonio as a pairing for duck breast. — 4 years ago
Very good!
Nice spice, dark fruits and a bit of a bit matched the pot roast perfectly — 10 months ago
Jeb 99 pointer, Another 2nd day wine, if you’re looking for a typical Paso Fruit bomb go to Austin Hope. If you want real wine head to L’ Aventure
Some history,
Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L'Aventure Winery, began making wine in 1982, following his education at L'Ecole Oenologique de Macon, Burgundy, France. In that same year, Stephan established Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux. He and his family later purchased Chateau Fleur Cardinal and Chateau Robin in the Cotes de Castillion, Bordeaux. Over the next 15 years, Stephan developed into an artisan winemaker of fastidious craftsmanship and gained a reputation as a maverick vigneron. However, his true desire was to be more innovative than AOC law would allow. In 1996, this led him, his wife, Beatrice and his three children, including his daughter Chloé on a quest for a great terroir, where he could pursue his ideal as a winemaker. After searching for over a year among the world's great wine fields, ranging from South Africa to Lebanon, Argentina to Napa, they found Paso Robles. Stephan and Beatrice immediately "fell in love" with the unique terroir of west side Paso Robles. The rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, the deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influences of the renowned Templeton Gap all combine to produce a world class wine country, with the potential to craft some of the world's greatest blends. It is here, in Paso Robles, that Stephan and his family began their adventure, "L'Aventure" in 1998. — 3 years ago
Icy flint ghost, oyster shell, lemon pith, lime seeds, and grapefruit crystal aromas. Plenty of ripe lemon to hold up the walls. Citrus super-bomb mic drop to tsunami acidity roaring for food. Oysters! CAblis! Lemon pith, big coppery pineapple, lime and grapefruit, but signature tarragon, zucchini? , perhaps snap pea. Wow! Generous, friendly, but pointy as a porcupine! Gotta love a maverick!
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#iruai #iruaimineralrangecharfonnay #chardonnay #Trinitylakes #cachard #chard — 3 years ago
This is a GMS. Delicious! — a year ago
Nice Cabernet Sauvignon with a simple flank steak and blue cheese. Smooth stuff - easy drinking — 2 years ago
Remnants of a revolution
An oldie from one of my favourite saké producers, Hidehiko Matsumoto, who's been a maverick in the world of saké with his "interpretation" of traditions and championing of terrior. Sadly, this may well be the last bottle of Shuhari I get to drink considering Matsumoto-san's highly publicized departure from the family brewery (Sawaya Matsumoto) last year due to internal conflicts. Fret not! Matsumoto-san's got some exciting projects in hand (Suginomori Brewery being one of them), so it won't be long before we get to taste his creations again.
Golden in the glass, with aged aromas of soy and nuts looming over melon and peach notes. The palate's surprisingly energetic and youthful considering the maturity of the nose - rich and juicy with a light spritz and herbal undertones. Signature Shuhari texture (reminds me of white wine phenolics) and acidity in the bitter-sweet finish. Paired perfectly with our wagyu donburi. — 3 years ago
Dimes
Great story on the label but let down in reality when u take price into account — 5 months ago