Michael Walker

9.7

Third of the K Laz tasting - marginally better than the Mending Wall but again unsubtle CA blend with too much Merlot/Malbec influence - but definitely more drinkable — a month ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.5

There are outstanding wines and then there are really really good wines that just get you: for me, Aurelian Laherte gets me every time from his entry level wines to his tete de cuvées. Fuck it, why do I need a preface—this is an outstanding wine, with both low and high brow appeal.

There’s a nostalgic & almost primal appeal that reminds me of 90’s strawberry / cherry jello layered mousses. Perhaps because this is one of the most fruit forward champagnes out there (tart cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, cranberry, pomegranate) as a blend of red wine, saignee meunière and direct press meunière. The wine is enriched by decadent layers of vanilla and pastry (no hate for the genius use of oak barrels here). The color, the packaging, the generous nose — everything about it is very easy and enjoyable if a little bit confected—hedonistic, yet complete & complex.

This wine treads the line between red wine and champagne offering the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you get fascinating depth and richness with a dosage of only 2.5g/l —fruit is prominent, flavors are concentrated but the acid delivers an unbuffered punch. The vibrancy and character of the Laherte Freres wines across the spectrum and vintages continues to impress me.

Please don’t spread the word though as these are still some of the most affordable grower champagnes out there…

— 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

From a 375mL. Popped and poured. Preface was, allegedly, a re-label of some project that Philippe Melka was/is involved with. This was my last bottle from an original purchase of seven. Much more complex at this stage in its development. Fascinating nose of cassis, plums, pipe tobacco, chunky beef stew, leather, spices, and alfalfa. On the palate, it’s rich with dark berries, espresso and spices. Tannins are fine and mostly integrated at this point. Long finish. Probably drinking at peak pleasure right now but has plenty of staying power. — 6 years ago

Matthew Cohen

9.2

2/3 cab 1/3 merlot cab franc Malbec

Nose: beautiful. Floral. Lovely herbal.

Palate : a bit green. Green tannins. — 2 months ago

Martinez

9.0

100% Gamay from the lieu-dit “Les Berthaudieres” in Brouilly, the southernmost and most extensive of the Beaujolais crus. Aged in concrete and barrels. Super smoky on the nose (smells like mezcal!). Elegant, savory, crunchy red fruit. Unusual, very interesting bojo. — 2 years ago

Jonathan Wall

9.3

This Melka / Skipstone ‘Preface’ towers in tiered structure. As a preview wine for the prominent portfolio, it is accurate and a relative bargain. Great stuff! — 4 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.8

Must preface this post with the admission that a wine like this can never fully live up to its hype; regardless, it was a sensational bottle: powerful and muscular with precision and grace; dried orange peel, sandalwood, cedar, red brick and just a hint of sour cherry fruit. We didn’t decant or open early for fear of losing those delicate, appetizing, evocative aromatics (sotto bosco, white truffle, roasting game, roses, sandalwood again) unique to old Barolos. This wine is wonderful today, but don’t anticipate it getting any better—then again I don’t foresee a wine built like this falling apart any time soon. A wine for kings (and birthday week princesses) indeed! — 4 years ago

with Maura

Pooneet K

9.0

Very different St Joseph. Tons of brambly dark fruit. Nice acid and tension on the finish. But oddly lacking in tannin and structure. Savory and I appreciate the 13% abv but I think it’s missing a dimension given the price point. — 6 months ago

Paul J

9.6

I’ll preface this with the fact that I don’t drink a lot of Pinot as I’m not a huge fan.

This was an awesome rec from the guys at Amathus! 30+ minute decant. Lovely red color with ever so slight brown edges. Nose contained oak, vanilla, and strawberries. Cherries, cream, maple syrup, and cinnamon on the palate. Definitely on the sweeter side. This was like drinking cheesecake with cherries and cinnamon on top. Reminded me of the Dimchurch Shiraz, except in Pinot form. Could have been a little deeper, but had a great finish! Paired lovely with a sausage stuffed chicken breast, small Cornish potatoes, and cinnamon covered pears. One of the best dinners I’ve cooked in a while too, so I’m sure that impacted the experience and rating :)

Best Pinot I’ve ever had!! Buying more! — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Paul J

9.3

2nd half bottle of the night. 30+ minutes open in the bottle. I’ll preface this by saying it followed a strong nosed Bordeaux. One that has me checking my shoes for cow shit!

Dark red color. Nose could be mistaken for Napa but has French elements. Vanilla and cherries dominate. Not kidding, tastes like cherry cheesecake! The OH is definitely noticeable even though it’s only 14%. Medium+ finish. Very nice but totally different from the preceding wine so it’s tough to rate, especially as this is too “American” for me. — 6 years ago

with Brooke