Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on October 11, 2024 at Home with Jay, Eric and Lillie]

Wine is Annabelle’s Block Pinot Noir from Klopp Ranch in Russian River Valley. Purchased wine at Donelan tasting organized by Ned and Beth on May 8, 2024. Tart black cherry, boysenberry and black currant fruit, with nice acidity, spice and chalky note. — a month ago

Mandi Speidel

City Territory Chicago, Maverick Wine Company

9.5

Birthday Sushi 🍣 Saki Date with my 12-3-30 Partner in Crime — 3 years ago

Aura Novembre

9.7

Surprise girls staycation organized by Lucy - with Ilana and Fleur — 3 years ago

Martin Sher

9.2

Could use a bit of time - though not a crime to drink with at least 30 min of air. Unmistakable Zin - big fruit and spice. Thoroughly enjoyable and a wine that doesn’t require a high IQ to enjoy. — 5 years ago

Vanessa

9.3

“La Côte” of Domaine de la Côte is a DREAMY Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills AVA of California’s Central Coast region.

Here pacific coastal breezes stretch inland and cool the sun-soaked vineyards. Domaine de la Côte has a collection of 6 vineyards on the western edge of Santa Rita Hills. On the back label you see a map of several of their vineyard blocks, including “La Côte” which is organically-farmed and nestled on a steep southeast-facing slope, where it absorbs the radiant sun during the growing season.

The grapes that went into this wine were harvested by hand, cluster-by-cluster, affording a gentler handling of the fruit with reduced risk of oxidation and microbial spoilage.

This wine was then fermented in a concrete vessel using 100% whole clusters (stems and all) thanks to the process of wild, ambient yeasts in the vineyard, winery, and on the skin of the berries…

The result is a positively perfumed and pristine berry-fruited profile with concentrated notes of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry, boysenberry, hibiscus, rosewater, cherry blossom, and anise balanced by a firm backbone of acidity and reserved alcoholic profile (13.1% ABV).

Following fermentation, this wine matured for 10 months in oak (30% new oak), lending delicate secondary notes of vanilla, clove, and cardamom.

The Domaine de la Côte “Bloom’s Field” was among the wines featured in the Somm 3 movie; it was blind tasted next to other French and California wines in a 2018 retake of the 1976 Judgement of Paris that culminated in a tasting of wines by a panel of luminaries of the wine world: Fred Dame, Jancis Robinson, and the late, great Steven Spurrier, who organized the Judgment of Paris back in 1976.

It is a captivating wine and has the structure to age, though we are loving it in its current state. It’s a delicious pairing with the herb-crusted salmon, roasted asparagus, and crème fraiche / chive mashed potatoes.

Cheers!

— 2 months ago

with Deked1

Delectable Wine

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9.4

The 2016 Clos de Vougeot is an exquisite wine. A burst of sweet red berry and floral notes make a strong opening statement. Delicate and lithe on the palate, the 2016 is such a sensual Burgundy. Clean mineral notes lend vibrancy throughout. I would prefer to cellar the 2016 for at least a few years to let the bright acids mellow a touch, but opening a bottle now is far from a crime. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2020) — 4 years ago

Daniel M

9.2

Champion's league final wine.
Strawberry, green pepper, black pepper and some mineral stuff like pencil lead. The palate is wonderful. Strong acid backbone, strawberry all along, a strong grip on the sides, firm tanins, a long peppery, fruity finish and some bitterness in the end. This is glorious. So much craft put into making sure that every part I have described is well articulated and makes sense. Like reading a good crime story — 5 years ago

Matt

9.7

Ah, "Terras Gauda Rías Baixas Albariño'-a veritable jewel from the spectacular landscapes of Spain's Galicia, specifically the picturesque Rías Baixas DO, where the Atlantic whispers sweet nothings to the vines. This splendid Albariño unveils a bouquet of zesty lemon, fragrant white flowers, and a hint of sea breeze, tantalising the senses like a playful flirtation. The producer, Bodegas Terras Gauda, founded by the illustrious Ramón V. de Garay, is famed for its commitment to sustainable practices. Fun fact: they pioneered the use of genetic research in their vineyards-a cleverer endeavor than my attempts at crossword puzzles! Albariño, that beguiling grape, is renowned for its bright acidity and versatility; a wonderful partner in crime for seafood, particularly oysters, as the minerality complements their briny sweetness. It also loves the spicy embrace of Asian cuisine, where its zesty notes dance playfully. This delightful nectar has garnered praise, earning a commendable 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Truly, it's one to uncap whilst contemplating life or... other intimate matters far too risqué for polite company! — 2 months ago

Sherry Scheinman

9.4

A gift that makes me want to partner in crime with the giver. Really good! — 3 years ago

Lindsay Corrigan

8.9

The nose is abundant strawberry framed by French oak. Decanted 90 minutes & temperature cooled to 58F....the room temperature for a castle😉The flavours are balanced from front to back evolve as follows: cherry, red currant, black olive, graphite and lengthy green pepper finish. It’s colour is translucent Crayola purple with medium liquid weight and the tannic grip pairs well with the richness of CAB Ribeye, rustic garlic mash and any well buttered green veggie of choice.
Thanks to my wine sponsor #sessa 🍷 — 4 years ago