Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Something for the Jasper Hill Farms, “Willoughby.”

I am not much for Brut these days. Prefer Extra Brut. But I had this 375ml left before I shifted gear’s.

Having said that, this is still very sound and consistent. Think I enjoyed it more once upon a time. It seems sweeter now having a steady stream of EB.

Nice mousse. Lemon, lime pulp w/ a bit flesh, Bosc pear, red apple, yellow stone fruits, tropical fruits, quince, ginger, whipped creams, graham cracker, nougat, light & soft volcanic minerals, nice chalk powder, sea fossils, gentle saline, yellow flowers & lilies with hints of jasmine, pleasant, lively acidity, good balance, structure-tension & a smartly polished elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and long sets on white spice-ginger.

Excellent pair w/ Key Lime Tart.

@SimplyRedVirtualLiveHamburg — 19 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Star bright yellow gold. Inviting nose of quince and white pepper. Medium full palate confirms the nose adding an earthy mineral (at once) note all supported by firm (medium plus) acidity. White rose(!) on the lengthy, palate continuing finish. This 50/50 blend of Gouvelo and Voisinho makes an excellent upper entrée into Portuguese whites; a category most have yet to explore. It's a great pair for roasted fowl or pork and of course most Iberian fare. Drink now through 2026. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pardon the label. A humidity malfunction in one of my wine fridges. Luscious and sweet on the front palate yet finishes dry with diminishing acid and an attractive acidic bitterness on the back palate. Quince, nectarine, peach and apricot with that moreish bitterness. A beautifully made new world Pinot Gris which is dangerously moreish. I will now open an Alsatian Pinot Gris to compare. I’m tipping the Dry River to prevail. — 4 years ago

Vanessa

9.6

Where do I begin… this wine is stunning.

It is positively golden in color with concentrated notes of caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, creme brûlée, dried apricot, yellow apple,peach, nectarine, yellow cherry, kumquat, baked quince, lemon curd, honeysuckle, butter cream, lavender,, dried herbs, fennel, beeswax, honey, chamomile, hazelnut, praline, honey, & wet stones…

It’s textured!!! Waxy & mouth coating, full bodied, round, & opulent.

Alcohol is high at 14.5% ABV — it’s warming but balanced and integrated with the deeply rooted flavors and elevated, vibrant acidity. Yum!!!!!
— 5 months ago

with Deked1

Douglas Braun

9.0

2018 Vintage - nice pear / quince , wet wool , honey , dry, medium minus body, medium acidity — 3 years ago

Aravind A

9.2

You either love it or you hate it. I happen to love it. Soft mousse, quince, soft bitter notes. Mousse was very soft. — 4 years ago

with James and Peter

Mark S.

9.1

Honey rich citrus pear. Ample aroma. High density, volume. Acidic. Slight Oak. Chinese quince. Meursault La Vigne de 1945 21 @19800, Dmar, 250424 — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Significantly better on Day 2 as the wine completely opened up. The 2021 Amador County pours a pale yellow color with medium+ viscosity and no signs of particles or gas. On the nose, the wine is clean; developing with notes of golden apples, quince, lemon verbena, white tree flower, lanolin, and wet stone. On the palate, the wine is dry with super sneaky, high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with a woolly texture. Lovely stuff. Drink now with patience and a lot of air otherwise better after 2026 and should be great through 2035. — 2 years ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.2

A surprise. Has some kerosene excellent very bright plenty of acid. Austere. Quince. Touch bitter. Cardonnay’ish. — 3 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.6

Finesse, delicacy, complexity and focus
Quince, cedar and thyme tea
White pepper, almond spread and white choc
A field of flowers(mainly yellow)
Lemon curds, dill, breadcrumbs and more and more
Seaweed and strongly marine
Whispered rather than shouted class
Every swirl is a discovery, a subtle win of aromas
Toffees and cappuccino coming out of the glass with the rising temperature
It goes without saying the fun
So long aftertaste
12% in alcohol
This is the gotha of the Italian white wines
Still decades ahead i am sure
It could easily rank a Grand Cru status
Grab it if you can..and then age it — 4 years ago