Château d’Yquem 1998
What can be said about d’Yquem can only be expressed in poetry, even in a modest vintage like 1998. It is an inner sanctum, a fragrant garden, a poignant release that is both profound and glorious. Descriptors cannot do it justice, sensual and honey-drenched layers of apricots, vanilla bean, creme brûlée and almond pastry. Viscous […]
Louis M. Martini Moscato Amabile NV
Served in a tumbler, rather than a stem, this convivial Moscato from Louis Martini sees a long, cool fermentation that is arrested before the wine ferments to dryness—and closely resembles it’s northern Italian cousin, Moscato d’Asti. Slightly sweet and lightly effervescent, with notes of honey and pear, Moscato makes for a great pairing with a […]
Pieropan Soave Classico 2014
A lovely, spirited Soave Classico from the Veneto region, utterly fresh and bright with notes of Meyer lemon zest, white flowers, dried honey, and almond extract. Aged on fine lees in concrete, the effect of which is largely textural, lending minerally undertones of wet pomace, and slight autolytic character. A nice lingering finish. Clean and […]
Piccini Vino Spumante Extra Dry NV
A straightforward Prosecco made in the Charmat method from the Treviso province. Piccini’s Vino Spumante Extra Dry is bright and lively with notes of freshly cut yellow apples and cheery meadow flowers. On the palate, fine bubbles and a dash of citrus race across a lovely acid spine. It’s very pleasant and very quaffable. A […]
Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2013
The 2013 Ravines Dry Riesling boasts a sweet nose of acacia honey, lemon budino pudding, and golden delicious apples—a bit deceptive given the palate, which is lean and nervy, a shock of electric acidity. Lightening-like step leaders dance across the tongue, branching and splitting into lemongrass, petrol and briny oyster shell, all of which neatly […]
Château Belleuve Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2000
Earlier this year, I was invited to attend a dinner showcasing several vintages of Vieux Château Certan. François Thienpont was on-hand to explain the wines, and I felt lucky indeed to be seated next to him throughout the evening. Château Bellevue is managed by his brother, Nicolas and vigneron, Stephane Derenoncourt. A blend of 80% Merlot […]
Meyer-Fonné Crémant d’Alsace Brut Extra NV
A charming blend of 60% Pinot Auxerrois, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Blanc, and 5% Pinot Noir. The Meyer-Fonné Crémant d’Alsace Brut Extra sees only a minimal dosage and sports an autolytic nose of biscuit, apples and lilting white flowers. On the palate, a very fine, delicate mousse is bolstered by moderate acidity and subtle creaminess. […]
Chicken au Champagne with Crémant d’Alsace
While the original recipe for Chicken au Champagne calls for Brut Champagne, this dish is certainly versatile enough to partner with a less pricey option like a Crémant. In this case, I used the Willm Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Noirs and I particularly enjoyed how relatively easy this meal is to prepare, making it a satisfying weeknight […]
Trinchero Cloud’s Nest Vineyard Malbec Mt. Veeder 2012
Cloud’s Nest Vineyard, as the name implies, lies in the Mt. Veeder sub-appellation of Napa Valley and boasts incredibly steep, gravelly, well-drained soils and cool, easterly exposure. Tasted alongside Trinchero’s Haystack Malbec—it is the perfect illustration of terroir. Here, the wine shows lushness, with abundant structure. Dark notes of ripe plum and blackberry sauce ripple […]
NxNW Riesling The Benches Vineyard 2012
89 Points for this half-bottle offering from NxNW because it’s a good value. Made in an ice wine style, this late harvest Riesling was sur lie aged in stainless steel for three months prior to bottling, and it’s a wine of pure varietal expression. Tons of dried apricot throughout, with a dollop of bananas foster […]