The aromas are tropical lemon blossoms and being on a pebble beach. Lemon custard and the hint of pineapple (including that feeling on your tongue that pineapple gives you - in a very light good way) round finish. Vintages 2014/2015. Disgorged 1/6/2018. TBL — 4 years ago
With Bob Whalen at Pebble Beach. — 5 years ago
This is their 2002 Vintage Brut but the top of the bottle reads 250 ANS? Maybe, an anniversary bottling. I do seek out Veuve Clicquot as much of what I’ve tried from them hasn’t to my liking. There are simply producers I enjoy more at or under their price points. But, this was quite good & the best offering I've had from them. Enjoyed it. Better than all the vintages of Grande Dame I've had. Having said that, it is not on the same par as the 02 Rare and 02 Billecart.
It was showing the right spot to starting drinking it. More reductive than oxidative. Lively, fresh acidity. Citrus blend, some of both apples, a little white stone fruit, nice brioche, soft playful yeastiness, excellent fine chalkiness, alluvial limestone, spring flowers and well done, balanced, structured, tensioned, elegant and not overly polished finish that lasted 90 seconds.
Pour at the Saturday Pebble Beach Food & Wine walk around “From the Cellar” dinner — 8 months ago
Bae and I went to Kontakosta Vineyard when we stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast beach house minutes within walking distance of the place.
We visited three vineyards, and this one tucked away at the very edge of a large lawn leading up to the shoreline had expansive views of the Atlantic. Just a memorable, scenic experience smacking of adventure, tranquility, and wonderful wine.
Had saved this for a year and the vintage is 2018, so it’s right at the recommended two year mark for Sauvignon Blanc.
Soon as I popped open the bottle, the fragrance just wafted into the air — strong Meyer lemons, grapefruit zest, pine resin, and a woodsy appeal.
Lemon peel open up to a flowery sweetness, pine, and a slight buttery mouthfeel.
Reading into it, I’m getting a honey quality that texturizes and coats every sip.
Cannot wait to go back to make new memories and pick up the other bottles in their lineup. — 4 years ago
Bruce Phillips and his wife were pouring their 2021. Talked w/ him at length. Very nice couple.
The 2021 showed well young with room for improving with 10-25 years in bottle and beyond. It showed some evolution, wasn’t all primary. Elegant, very well balanced with excellent structure and finish. Drink 2033-45 properly stored.
The general Napa consensus on 2022 vintage will be a story of did you pick before or after the 6 days of extreme heat during the harvest window. One producer told me his would add 5% of 2023 to some of his 2022’s, which is allowed. He mentioned that he was going to add 15%. But, I think he just misspoke? Get ready for an amazing 2023 vintage from Napa. It was a cooler, not hot-hot, which was a near perfect growing season for long slow even ripening. Some say a vintage of a lifetime and others would only say exceptional.
The Saturday-Sunday Pavilion tasting at Pebble Beach Food & Wine is an excellent four hours to taste a lot wine, taste curated dishes from chefs from all over the country and meet the people behind the bottle. These short ribs were one of the top two or three things I tasted at the Pavilion Saturday. — 8 months ago
Day 2 of WineBoyz Wineapalooza. We move to Pebble Beach the next day, where a spectacular lineup has been assembled. Tasted blind. Medium gold color. High-pitched nose. Notes of citrus, pineapple, tan spice, some honey and some sea breeze and sea shell. Rich and powerful in the mouth. Got better and better as we went back to it multiple times during the day. Guessed 90 Raveneau Clos. — 3 years ago
You want? I have a couple cases of half bottles in pristine condition. Stored at a private cellar In pebble beach since release. $25 ea! Absolutely fantastic. Light ruby color. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and spice with red cherry, sandalwood and tobacco. Ready to drink or cellar for many more years. Decant for sediment though ***Don’t forget to sign up for my emails at Alex@nolimitfinewines.com for up to date offers on rare and limited wines at the best prices USA... ask anyone, I don’t disappoint!** — 5 years ago
Anna Sangiacomo
Served at Pebble Beach Food & Wine lunch at Peppoli. — 8 months ago