M. Chapoutier Luberon La Ciboise 2014
Another great value from, Monsieur Chapoutier, one of the most prolific producers in France—and yet, he maintains quality across his dizzying portfolio of wines including projects in Portugal and Australia. The Luberon La Ciboise 2014 emits lively and fresh primary aroamas of blackberries, blueberries and crushed raspberries. Here Syrah and Grenache play nicely together, without […]
M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 2010
A delicious Châteauneuf from magnum, drinking beautifully at this stage in its eveloution. The 2010 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine has both finesse and focus. The grenache really shines through with aromas of macerated strawberry and Bing cherries, a touch of underbrush and spice. It’s a touch lighter and more restrained than I might have […]
Gaja Barbaresco 2012
Sampled at a trade tasting, the distributor told me that in the 2012 vintage the winery did not bottle their single-vineyard Barbaresco wines, rather this is a blend of all three sites. It’s elegant as Gaja wines are wont to be, with caressing notes of tart pie cherries, red forest berries, lilting spice and feminine […]
Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz 2014
I’ve been longing to try the Two Hands wines, so you can imagine my joy in coming across this Lily’s Garden Shiraz 2014. The nose explodes with juicy blueberries and ripe boysenberries followed by a lovely lingering top note of violets, anise and eucalyptus. My scrawled notes read, “a pleasure bomb” which differs from a […]
Murrieta’s Well The Spur 2013
vAnother label from Wente, Murrieta’s Well Winery The Spur 2013 is an estate-grown blend of 40% Petite Sirah, 26% Cabernet, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec. Sporting an opaque purple-hued dress, the aromatics are soft and expansive, with layers of plums, ripe boysenberries, black cherries, spice and cedar leading into […]
Murrieta’s Well The Whip 2014
From Wente, Murrieta’s Well Winery The Whip 2014 is an estate-grown blend of 29% Semillon and 27% Chardonnay, with the balance comprised of Sauvignon Blanc, Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli and Viognier. It offers up a lush bouquet of golden apple, dried pineapple, mango, lemon drop, lemon blossom, and vanilla. There’s as much range [of fruit] […]
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Rousillon Blanc 2015
An oustanding value as always, the M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Rousillon Blanc 2015 is an inviting blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Macabeu. The nose fills the bowl of the glass with d’Anjou pear, yellow apple, and flirts with quince aromas. The attack is round and silky, with orchard fruit […]
Lanson Champagne Extra Age Brut Rosé NV
Lanson Champagne Extra Age Brut Rosé sports a coppery visage, an undefined color at the midpoint between pale apricot and salmon. A blend of the 2002, 2004, and 2005 vintages, with ten years en tirage, this stunning brut rosé has considerable power amplified by a bolt of enamel-etching acidity. Vivid layers of stone fruit, orange […]
Mailly Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millesimé 2008
According to the producer, 2008 was their best vintage in 15 years, the explanation given is that the acidity and level of dosage are perfectly matched. Indeed, the Mailly Grand Cru Brut Millesimé is both vivid and creamy at the core. With pear and stone fruit; apricot and white peach overlaying a linear spine of […]
Jean Vesselle Bouzy Champagne Cuvée Friandise Demi-Sec Rosé NV
A lively conversation ensued around the Jean Vesselle Bouzy Champagne Cuvée Friandise Demi-Sec Rosé, a debate centered not on this wine’s formidable 32 g/l dosage, but rather it’s dark crimson color, which Delphine Vesselle insists is pink. Wafting aromas of cherry clafoutis, raspberry purée, rose petals and a faint smoky edge. The attack is more […]