The 2012 Rauzan-Ségla has a similar colour to the 2015 although it has a hard time competing with the delineation, the crystalline nature of the 2015. Yet it compensates with the sheer aromatic flamboyance. This has really opened up in the last 18 months or so, quite lush and precocious black fruit, loam and iris, just a slight hint of bell pepper emanating from the small amount of Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. There is a lovely seam of acidity here that lends the 2012 a sense of focus. It is not a deep or lavish Rauzan-Ségla, in some ways a little more conservative than I recall. There is fine grip on the saline finish, perhaps a Margaux that is just beginning to close up for a while? This still has great potential. Tasted at the Rauzan-Ségla vertical at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2018) — 6 years ago
As it often is, the Blanc de Blancs La Bolorée (Pinot Blanc) is the most complete of these Champagnes, and that is saying a lot this year. Quite simply, the 2014 Bolorée is an utterly mesmerizing Champagne. A kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors and textures takes over the senses. Extravagant in its beauty, the Bolorée will thrill readers lucky enough to find it. In tasting, the Bolorée offers a level of richness that recalls Pinot, but with the brightness and focus of Pinot Blanc. Non-dosé. Disgorged: April 2018. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, November 2018) — 6 years ago
(all stainless steel) Pale brilliant pink. Lively strawberry and blood orange scents, along with hints of pungent flowers and fennel. Dry and focused on the palate, displaying energetic red berry, tangerine and floral qualities that deepen slowly on the back half. Finishes taut and long, displaying lingering stoniness and a touch of bitter orange pith. (Neal Martin, Vinous, January 2019) — 6 years ago
One of the highlights in this range, the 2017 Syrah is positively stellar. Black pepper, sage, lavender, blackberry and menthol give the wine layers of nuance, with an extra kick of aromatic intensity from the 100% whole clusters. Dense and yet also light on its feet, the 2017 has so much to offer. Once again, Tegan Passalacqua has crafted a decidedly old-school Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2019) — 6 years ago
Pale chartreuse color. Vibrant citrus and orchard fruit scents are complemented by suggestions of jasmine, green tea and chalky minerals. Fresh and incisive on the palate, offering nervy lime, green apple and quince flavors that deepen slowly on the back half and pick up hints of melon and white peach. Plays depth off of energy smoothly and finishes long, dry and precise, with a refreshingly bitter citrus pith note lingering. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2019) — 6 years ago
The 2017 Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is superb. Bright, focused and wonderfully energetic, the 2017 is simply magnificent. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, crushed rocks, blood orange and mint are all beautifully delineated. There is a real sense of energy here that is compelling. At times, the Peter Martin Ray shows a more somber side. It is that push and pull of elements that makes the 2017 so alluring. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2019) — 6 years ago
The 2018 Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc has an attractive white peach and yellow plum bouquet that is nicely defined. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with a fine touch of salinity, and brisk and vivacious toward the finish. Delicious. (Neal Martin, Vinous, August 2018) — 6 years ago
Vivid pale golden straw. Enticing aromas of ripe yellow apple, tangerine, lemon ice and sweet spices have a musky undertone. Then bright, lively and pure, offering deep, complex flavors of fresh citrus fruit, sage and minerals that linger impressively on the floral and very long back end. Another standout Moscato d'Asti from Romano Dogliotti; La Caudrina confirms itself as one of the true benchmark wines of the denomination (Dogliotti's usually richer, more concentrated 2018 La Galeisa will be released around March 2019). (Ian D'Agata, Vinous, December 2018) — 6 years ago
White currant, grapefruit, almond, struck flint and sea breeze aromatically anticipate the combination of bright citricity, mouthwatering salinity and smoky accents that inform a palpably dense palate. In addition, a sense of crushed stone suffusion and a raw oyster-like animal, mineral and herbal savor add to the dazzling complexity and salivary gland-tugging insistence of this bell-clear, vibrantly-sustained vinous tour de force. (David Schildknecht, Vinous, October 2018) — 6 years ago
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The 2014 Napanook is, once again, a very serious wine. Dark, powerful and brooding, the 2014 possesses remarkable intensity packed into its mid-weight frame. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, graphite, savory herbs and menthol add to an impression of gravitas. The 2014 doesn't quite have the depth or power of the 2013, but it leans in that direction. I would give it a few years in bottle to settle down. This is an impressive showing. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2016) — 6 years ago