Randy Fuller

Randy had this 13 hours ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is dark in the glass, with light barely getting through. The nose is dark as well, and when I sniffed it I got a blast of Cassis. The black currant and black berry aromas are forceful and a bit funky. Earth, tar, and cigars also play into the profile. The palate keeps the darkness rolling. The black fruit and forest floor are as brooding as one could wish. And the tannins …they are alive and well. Big acidity adds to the tingling mouthfeel. I’ve seen other reviewers say that this wine is not everyone’s cup, but those who shy away from it must not enjoy an adventure, because that’s what this wine is. — 13 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine has a medium-dark color. Its nose is as fruity as you like. Big, ripe, red berries are featured, along with tobacco, spice, and a bit of earthy funk. The tannins are firm and the acidity is fresh. The palate brings in cherry, black cherry, and blackcurrant for a pairing that will be wonderful with meat dishes. I slow-cooked short ribs with mine, while enjoying a glass or two in my easy chair. — 24 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine looks medium-dark ruby in the glass. The nose is electric. A whiff of smoke gives way to black cherry and currant aromas, but the smoke lingers and reappears on each swirl. The palate is elegant and smooth, with red fruit flavors draped in a savory shawl. The tannins are a bit tame, but the acidity is refreshing. Pair it with a mild, soft cheese, or a Nicoise salad. — 2 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine has a beautiful golden color in the glass. Citrus, apricot, almonds and a floral note define the nose. The palate brings steely acidity and citrus flavors. The acidity is bracing, and the finish is long and delicious. Pair La Bernardine with white meats or seafood of any kind. It also goes nicely with a soft cheese. — 2 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine colors up a pale yellow-green in the glass, with plenty of frothy white bubbles. The nose is full of pears and apples. On the palate, citrus and toast dominate, while the acidity tingles. Aperitif? Sure. Pair it with potato chips? Why not? Cheese plate, salami, birthday cake? Yes, yes, if you must.
— 17 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine has a yellow-green tint. The nose packs a powerful punch of buttery fruit, which settles down to a more fruity expression after sitting for a bit. The palate is extremely full, lush, even. The acidity is decent, but not demanding. It's the creaminess of the mouthfeel that stars here. Oak is apparent, but not overly so, past that initial blast of butter. The winery recommends pairing with tarragon chicken, creamy seafood chowders, and brie. These reccos are right on target. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.7

This wine has a medium-dark ruby color in the glass. The nose is what I always look forward to in a Syrah. The big cassis note, the faint earth note, the slight herbal note. The combination of mint, eucalyptus, dirt, and funk provides the perfect backdrop to that dark purple juice. The palate is as big and bold as one might expect, maybe bigger and bolder. Dark fruit flavors are buried in a savory mound of earth and herb. The tannins are firm. I’m going to make a rib eye steak before this bottle becomes empty. — 5 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine is tinted straw yellow in the glass. The aromatic nose features aromas of peach, apricot, and Meyer lemon, most noticeably the lemon. There is a fair amount of lanolin salinity to it as well. The palate is loaded with lemon, and carries a ton of acidity along with some refreshing salinity. The finish is very long and keeps the savory aspect of the wine in mind. Pair it with shellfish. — 16 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine has a medium tinted ruby color. The nose is a savory blast. The fruit is dark and muted by the aroma of pipe tobacco, earth, and black olives. The wine’s flavor profile has shades of black cherry and plum, again colored by the savory aspect of the palate. I expect to find some trace of wood, but there is none. The wine was fermented in cement, and half of it was aged that way, so the sip is very clean. The tannins are velvety and the acidity is lively. — a month ago