Raun Kupiec

9.2

Excellent. There is oak adding more body and roundness than some Chablis, but still with that flinty salty tail. And combined with a great lemony acidity and fruit. — 3 years ago

with Barbara

Jay Kline

9.1

My first experience with Tegan’s Chardonnay and I nerded out on this one. The fruit for this wine was the last harvest from the “Chuy” vineyard, a dry-farmed mountain vineyard at 1000ft elevation with 45yr old vines. It was particularly fun for me because Ketan Mody also harvested Chardonnay from Chuy in 2018 to make a one-off Chardonnay under his Beta label. Both are delicious expressions of the variety. My notes on this one below:

Popped and poured. A very brilliant color reminds me of a yellow diamond and beautifully transparent with medium viscosity. On the nose, kumquat, passion fruit, and lime. Slightly reductive. On the palate, tropical fruit and saline minerals with the silkiest of textures. Medium+ acid helps deliver a long, satisfying finish. Lovely now but could probably cellar for a bit too. If only I had been allocated more than one bottle. — 3 years ago

Julia Indik

9.2

First on the nose hint of flowers. Smooth blending of currants, apple, and fig together with oak and smoke. Rich and thick tannins then unfold and dominate a mildly acidic and long finish. — 3 years ago

S.S. Mandani

9.3

Oh my god. Red wine with oomph, how I have missed thee. My 31 year old taste buds thank thee for your powerful musk.

Italian wines smell like my grandfather. He was a Don. Capital D and all. Dark, spiced perfume of hot cinnamon, blackberry compote, cherry pie, a tannery, and black pepper.

Tannins are welcome here. A muted acidity allows the purity of the fruit and the smokey warmth of the baking spices to glow. — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.5

This superstar 2012 vintage just doesn’t seem to miss. Especially not when paired with the elegance of Bollinger.

A gorgeous rose copper color in the glass. Plenty of fine bubbles that seem to just go on and on. The approachability of these outstanding 12’s is immediate. Wild strawberries and herbs shine on the nose. Red currant, raspberries, and stewed plums. Some exquisite spice notes along with white flowers. Tangerines and watermelons play a part.

The vitality and sheer energy of this is amazing. 67% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Verzenay. 33% Chardonnay from Oiry and Le Mesnil sur Oger with 5% still red wine from Bollinger’s legendary Côte aux Enfants vineyard. Terrific youthful tension and balance. Zippy acidity with 8 g/l of sugar. Disgorged in August of 2019 and already showing some maturity.

Pure romance on the tongue. Silky smooth and elegant with fresh red berries and more spice on the palate. Saffron and honey with oak complimenting. The Lehmann Jamesse Grand Blanc provided more floral notes, while the Riedel Dom Perignon showed more ripe fruit and minerality. Both wonderful. Yes this will obviously develop over time and become so much more special but you deserve this now. So do I. Enjoy.
— 3 years ago

AJ Gubser

9.2

Black cherry, currant, pomegranate, dill, oak spice. Fairly bright and "Burgundian" on the palate with red fruit, spice, a bit of oak, and even a touch of VA. Long finish.

Really good, well made stuff with old world sensibility. — 3 years ago

Kai Wright

9.2

My first Mosel Cabernet Sauvignon… Feels tight after a fall hike through a forest floor. Fruit’s waning, but with aching beauty. — 3 years ago

Darren Dittrich

9.2

Grippy and delicious long-finish Timorasso. Grapefruit pith, melon, white flowers, balanced acidity… just great. — 3 years ago

Gilbert Van Hassel

10

A good night’s work: champagne dehours S, champagne selosse Le mes ik, keller abts E, Gantenbein chardonnay. Domaine de pallus la rougerie, soldera, Madonna delle grazie Marroneto, Clos vougeot arnoux lachaux and chateau d’yquem — 3 years ago