Savory & James

Pierre Gonon

Saint-Joseph Syrah

Saint-Joseph 2018 – Northern Rhône, France 🇫🇷
A bold, complex expression of 100% Syrah from a vintage that gifted power, structure, and finesse. The V.2018 shows off the Northern Rhône’s savory elegance with a well-knit depth that speaks of place and patience.

Aromas open with an inky burst of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, followed by savory black pepper, nutmeg, and hints of honeysuckle and dried herbs. Deep and inviting, with layers that continue to evolve in the glass.

On the palate, expect a symphony of smoked meat, tapenade, and roasted herbs de Provence. There’s a velvety interplay of dark chocolate, licorice, and a touch of oak. Earthy yet polished, with that unmistakable Rhône grip.

Mouthfeel overall: Full-bodied and structured, with round, supple tannins and great tension between ripe black fruit and savory complexity. Black tea, bay leaf, and meaty notes add intrigue and a lasting, soulful finish.

A wine with serious aging potential, ready to drink it now with a decant or cellar for 10+ years to let the tertiary charm fully unfurl. A standout for Rhône lovers.

Pair with roasted lamb, duck confit, or aged cheeses. Santé!
— 16 days ago

Ted liked this

Martin Woods

Jessie James Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

This seems more integrated than the Hyland Vineyard, same vintage. Anyone have insight? — 7 months ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Serge, Sharon and 15 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah

This was surprisingly open & expressive with rich dark fruits, sweet on the palate, savory spice, meat, pepper mineral & violet — 8 months ago

Severn, Tom and 9 others liked this

Saxum Vineyards

James Berry Vineyard White Blend 2019

Shay A
9.4

One of the bottles from my annual WWC hosting, opened alongside a 2020 Chateau Beaucastel Blanc.

46% Grenache Blanc/31% roussanne/23% Chenin Blanc.

More expressive and dialed up compared to the Beaucastel (not a big surprise). Medium gold in the glass. Bright and juicy roussanne notes of orange marmalade and apricot, alongside white peaches and a powder-sugar funnel-cake type aromatic. The Chenin gives this a good spine of acidity to prevent the rich and full-bodied entry from being flabby. Honey-roasted nuts, honeycomb, lemon cream, underripe pineapple and a savory/waxy finish. The warmth comes out at the finish, but it’s not substantial. Really nice with 1-2hrs of air.
— 3 months ago

Tom, Daniel and 18 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1976

From a recently purchased owc showing the classic LB personality of red cherry, black berry fruit, cassis, leather, menthol, graphite, sweet savory spices & tobacco. This has been fully mature for a while where perfectly stored btls are still drinking well. — 6 months ago

Shay, Jan and 7 others liked this

Jean-Marc Burgaud

James Côte du Py Morgon Gamay 2014

Earthy and smoky. Aged well — 7 months ago

Ira and Tom liked this

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2012

Great vintage for Jamet showing dark cherry, berry, meat, graphite, olive, savory spice, mineral & violet — 2 months ago

Tom, Shay and 10 others liked this

Château Gruaud Larose

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

It has a nearly opaque, dark fruited appearance that opens up to very appealing and persistent aromatics and flavors of blueberries and blackberries.

There is still a good amount of primary fruit; it is medium/full, well structured with a good balance of juicy acidity and refined tannins at the finish. New oak is there, but unobtrusive.

Overall, this 2010 is a reserved and savory St. Julien that doesn’t whack me over the head with gobs of oak and loads of sweet jammy fruit. It is definitely “worth a search” if you don’t have it.
— 5 months ago

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Drinking well showing black fruits, graphite, leather, wet earth, savory spice & sweet tobacco. No rush with plenty of years ahead — 7 months ago

Juan, Ira and 11 others liked this

Saxum Vineyards

Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard Syrah Grenache 2013

Exceptional blend. Mostly Syrah but the Grenache shines. Bold red with great depth. Lovely floral nose of violets and berries. Big winner tonight. — 9 months ago

Shay, Raul and 1 other liked this