Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.6

Such a terrific vintage for this and a worthy successor to the stunning 2008. Nose is deep toasty brioche. Very fine. Smells like a Gougere. Just awesome. Some white cherries, some other luscious fruits. Apricot, green apple. Super mineral and awesome spice. So airy and clean. Palate is so elegant and sappy. Wow the elegance on this is something. Really elite. Most elegant Caillez I’ve had. Beautiful sap and purity. Amazing purity of fruit. Apples, citrus. So complex. Fine mousse. Terrific acid and a wonderful opulence to it. Real depth, power and concentration here but this is elegant as a feather. Just sick. It’s still got so much more to express. Incredible salty finish that takes over your mouth. Lowballing this maybe. — 4 years ago

Rick Baumgarten

9.4

In a double blind flight of Aussie Shiraz. No surprise that this was near the top. Our group called Oz Shiraz immediately on the flight. This was fresh and youthful, though fully mature. — 5 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.2

Second bottle in two weeks. Consistent results — 6 years ago

Edo Wachters

9.2

Made from 100% Nero d’Avola, where Avola is named after a small town near Pachino in the wine valley Val di Noto in South-East Sicily. The first vines were planted there hundreds of years ago. This Gulfi Nerobufaleffj is very elegant, silky, intense ruby red, with a bit of earthiness, black fruit. Delicious! — 4 years ago

Amit Srivastava

9.6

I might have had this wine last in 1997 ! This ‘97 vintage was awesome. Medium bodied , soft , balanced w a long finish. Dry like I like it . Decanted for 6 hours which seemed to help the wine. — 4 years ago

with Gunja

Patrice Conxicoeur

9.4

This is what Hermitage should taste at its peak. Very nicely balanced, and the noblest of Syrah interpretation. — 6 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.3

2009 and still youthful as hell. Exceedingly enjoyable to drink.
Honey, yellow flowers, lemon/lime zest, apricot and hints of tropical fruit balanced by wonderful acidity and a mineral salinity. With almost no detectable RS, this wine has a enjoyable viscosity/ creaminess to it—more than I expected. Medium plus finish. The slightest trace of of phenolic bitterness on the finish.
Paired with homemade green curry. — 4 years ago

Charlotte Rich

9.4

Blackberry, blueberry jam with smooth subtle power and a surprisingly long finish. Wish I bought a case of this. — 5 years ago

Allison Senter

9.0

Shared with co-workers. Brown color with a lighter rim. Notes of Almond, concentrated fruit and barnyard mustiness. Reminiscent of a PX sherry on the palate. — 5 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.5

1999 Sine Qua Non “Ox” Pinot Noir from the wonderful Shea Vineyard in Yamhill County, Oregon. 14% alcohol. I’ve always loved the simple label on this gigantic bottle with the cavernous punt. And I was all ready to wax poetic about the romance of opening one of these older SQNs as, based on a couple of recent tastings, I was told that this bottle is well over the hill. Well, that just ain’t so. At least not with this bottle which has been lovingly stored since release. Now I’m not going to try and convince you that the “Ox” is at its peak, but the old girl still has some tricks up her sleeve. Crystal clear, bright, medium garnet appearance. A little bricky on the edges. Smokey notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, truffles and clove on the nose. Quite vibrant palate of sweet strawberries and cola as well as spice box with a hint of vanilla, toast and that clove. A touch earthy. Nice acidity. Super silky mouthfeel. Short, but decent smokey finish with a bite reminiscent of Sweet Tarts candy. Tangy! Extremely enjoyable! Well made is well made. Chapeau Mr. Krankl! — 7 years ago