Donald Williams

9.4

Not the first thing that comes to mind from Scott Harvey, but this was fantastic. — a month ago

with Bonnie

Jay Kline

9.4

I met up with a buddy who is a huge Napa guy. It’s what he knows and to his credit, he has great knowledge of producers and has good taste. We decided to grab a bite at Buvette and he asked if I would pick out the bottle. He said he trusted my judgment, so I walked over to the Rhone wall and noticed the 2019 Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph. Knowing the style, I figured it would touch some of the things he would be familiar with, particularly right now in its youth.

Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2019 Saint-Joseph pours a deep purple color that stains the glass. On the nose, the wine is fresh and redolent of ripe black fruits and some blue fruits: blackberries and other dark brambly fruits along with some blueberries. The non-fruits were also there: beautiful purple flowers, black pepper, rocky minerals and some lovely vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine was big, full-bodied and had great structure, nearing that medium+ range across the board. The acid is fantastic and the finish was long and savory. It’s easy to draw comparisons between Chave and Gonon as anymore, they share a similar price point and both are known leaders in the appellation. From my perspective, the Chave S-J comes across a bit more focused on the fruit, floral and spice characteristics while the Gonon S-J highlights the bacon fat and rotundone. Otherwise, both are excellent examples. FWIW, my buddy loved the wine (chalk one up for the Old World!) and it was an excellent pairing with our braised short ribs. Drink now to enjoy its youth or enjoy through 2034+. — 2 years ago

Jason Miller

9.3

Wonderful white with J&S! — 3 years ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Just how Barbera should be. — 2 months ago

with Bonnie

Alan Weinberg

9.2

It’s Lassalle—2 S. Ever since a 96 Angeline stunned me a few years ago, I’ve followed this house, even visited the female-run Champagne house. Great wines up and down the range but this is my favorite. 08 is also quite good. This is my first 12—lovely wine that is also a great value for upper end champagne. Needs a few years but already very refined and integrated, orange and lemon zest, gentle mousse, some minerality. Nice stuff. — a year ago

Janet McGee

9.6

S: buttery and hint of corn nuts 😂 J: smooth and yummy — 3 years ago

Neal Ferry

9.1

Wonderful , thanks Tito Tom — 7 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1985 vintage. Decanted. Underrated vintage and port. 70's and 90's declared years got all the pub and ridiculous ratings. Still über-grapey but with decent structure. Another decade and a half should find this maximized for pleasure. 8.19.23. — a year ago

David Koenen

9.2

Really good. Thanks J. Thanks S. — 3 years ago

Angela Mazziotta

9.0

Bright and a tad hot. Some pepper/spice. Cherry cola with soft tannins and a TON of acidity. Almost an effervescence which never hurts my feelings. Smells candy sweet but drinks with a bit more maturity. — 3 years ago