Scott E. Becker

9.0

[Tasted on April 5, 2026 at Home]

Purchased during October 2017 visit to the winery. Pear, green apple, grapefruit and mandarin orange, with notes of celery, chamomile and fennel. Racy acidity. — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Not the champagne I had in mind for tonight, but sometimes circumstances play their part.

This is pleasant enough. It will go well with my almond tart later.

The mouthfeel shows nice mousse, somewhat lively acidity, bruised golden/red/green apple to apple sauce, bruised pear, white citrus blend-grapefruit w/ pith leading, quince, touch of brown sugar, some yeastiness, baguette crust, graham cracker, volcanic minerals w/ clay, white spice, caramel notes, vanillin, sea spray, grippy, grainy chalk, sea fossils-oysters, limestone marl, withering lilies, spring flowers, nice acidity and a well balanced, good length, elegant finish that lasts nearly 90 second and lands on mid intensity minerals and spice.

Photos of; the champagne house of Veuve Clicqoit and the widow herself. You see her under the metal gage and plated over the cork.

#DSLounge — 5 months ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Grapefruit - strawberry — a year ago

Anders Berglund

9.3

God zinfandel traditionell smakDracks på Karnelund i Gislöv — 4 years ago

Betsy Schermer

9.5

Love the Blanton’s! — 5 years ago

with Buddy

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The White Burgundy was excellent but, still have to have my BSR 375ml. It’s been awhile for us.

It is a little better tonight following the Burgundy & soft white cheese.

The nose on this bottle really flows out of the glass tonight. Beautiful lean fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, cherries, strawberries, watermelon near the rind, blood orange, orange & tangerine & some pomegranate. Crisp volcanic minerals, saline, sea fossils, baguette crust, vanillin, whiff of caramel, soft white spice, pink flowers and rose pedals.

Everything on the palate sings just a little louder tonight as well. Fruits are even a little richer than normal. Ripe & slightly gummy not as normal leaner fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, cherries, strawberries, watermelon near the rind, blood orange, orange & tangerine & some pomegranate. Crisp and grippy, volcanic minerals, beautiful softer, powdery chalkiness w/o quite the sharper edge it normally has, soft, hints of Provence herbs, saline, sea fossils, baguette crust, vanillin, whiff of caramel, soft white spice, pink flowers and rose pedals. The acidity is crisp, lively and dead on as alway. The long, rich, well balanced finish is deliciously refreshing and persists minutes.

Photos of; one of their Grand Cru Vineyards at sunset & inside and the Estate grounds of the House of Billecart, — 6 years ago

Stephen Fitzpatrick

9.0

Very interesting and unique Willamette Pinot. Cherry, spice, and heavy earthy aromas on the initial opening. Allow time to breathe so it can fully open up. Slightly chewy for a Pinot, but immensely flavorful and full bodied. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Raats — Original Chenin Blanc 2023
Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
An approachable, unoaked Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, delivering expressive aromatics, bright natural acidity, and effortless drinkability. Crafted in a clean, purity-driven style, this wine highlights Chenin’s fruit clarity and freshness rather than oak influence, making it an easygoing yet polished crowd pleaser.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh melon, ripe pear, subtle citrus peel, and gentle tropical notes lead the nose. On the palate, juicy stone fruit and honeydew glide alongside light floral tones, finishing with clean citrus lift and refreshing clarity.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied, supple, and silky with crisp acidity keeping everything lively and balanced. Smooth texture without weight or heaviness, making it dangerously easy to enjoy by the glass.

Food Pairings
Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers. Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette. Sushi or ceviche. Soft cheeses and light antipasti. Perfect as an aperitif.

Verdict
A joyful, highly drinkable Chenin Blanc that delivers aromatic charm, freshness, and balance without trying to overcomplicate things. A reliable crowd favorite that showcases why South Africa continues to shine with Chenin.

Did You Know?
South Africa is the world’s largest producer of Chenin Blanc, where the grape is historically known as Steen. It thrives in the Cape’s sunshine and cooling maritime influences, allowing producers like Raats to craft styles ranging from crisp and approachable to world-class age-worthy bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is pure “easy pleasure” wine, aromatic, refreshing, and endlessly drinkable. Perfect for casual gatherings, warm afternoons, and effortless sipping when you want quality without overthinking the glass. — 5 months ago

Jenks

9.3

Brickhouse’s flagship Pinot, estate fruit, best barrels. Integrated tannin, cherry fruit, some savory forest notes, enjoyed over a several hours without food and the last glass was the best. Worth the wait, I dig it. — 2 years ago

Andy Hall

9.4

Terrific. Opened this to make sure it wasn’t baked from a shipping issue. Obviously it wasn’t but I am amazed how approachable this wine is at such a tender age. 5 more years of bottle age and this will be a stunner! — 5 years ago

Julie Gorsline Perry

10

Black cherry and spice with a chocolate finish — 6 years ago

Beth Segrest

9.1

Beautiful Chardonnay, oakey and buttery with an excellent aroma. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

@Plate & Bottle Dinner

Dessert Course, Warm Berry Cobbler, House Made Vanilla, Lemon Verbena Ice Cream.

Amazing dessert. Pairing the cobbler with the Ruinart Rosé and the Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve as well. Both good/appropriate for the dual aspects of the cobbler.

Dessert has blackberries and raspberries with lemon and crumble on top (tiny bit of cinnamon) and vanilla lemon verbena ice cream. There are flavors here that call for Rosé & Blanc de Blanc Champange.

Photos of, the dinner & our friends Jeff & Hedy beautiful backyard. — 7 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

This had aged into something quite elegant. Only 13.3%, it’s got some fruit still but is quite “claret” like. I love how old school this is. — 4 months ago

with Dan and Angelo

Sean Townley

9.0

Some funk up front. Better on day 2 — 6 months ago

with Mairead

Ryan Scannura

9.5

Smokey earthy smell, reminds me of wet leaves outside. Notes of pomegranate, cranberry. Acidic, good with tuna tartare — 7 months ago

with Julien, Amanda and 1 other

Teresa Teixeira

9.6

2021 not to dry perfect — 4 years ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Good on its own — 4 years ago

Judi Kruse

9.0

Nice, bold Sauvignon Blanc. Will definitely buy again. — 6 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

A very tasty Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Showing black fruits with cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, earth, chocolates, tobacco and herbs.

Bone dry on the palate, and full bodied with medium acidity.

Needs time to open up properly.
Still young and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly.

Wine Advocate 92 points.

Spicy and tangy finish with firm tannins.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$43. — 7 years ago