A decent number of gatherings = more notes.
NV Alexandre Filaine Champagne Cuvée Spéciale - France, Champagne (3/31/2024)
2020 release, Base 2017. Another excellent bottle of this. A gentle, easy to love style that has grace and depth. So well balanced and good with food or on its own. (92 points)
2014 Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Sous Frétille Blanc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru (3/31/2024)
This has good density and cut, but it seems to be in an in-between zone in terms of flavor development. It's not poxed or anything, but the fruit seems to be changing shade and it's a little disjointed structurally. You can see what it wants to do but I don't see clearly that it will get there. Give it 2-3 more years and try again. (89? points)
2015 Laherte Frères Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut Les Beaudiers - France, Champagne (3/31/2024)
While still very good, this doesn't hit the highs of previous bottles. The fruit is more mature and it's less floral and bright. Still has a nice feel on the palate. This is my last bottle and I'm glad I got to it sooner rather than later. Drink up if you have it. (90 points)
2022 Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (3/31/2024)
Delicious, as usual. I know other people age this, and I have too, but it is so undeniable where it is I'm not sure I ever will on purpose. (91 points)
2022 Torre Dei Beati Pecorino Giocheremo con i fiori - Italy, Abruzzi, Abruzzo (3/31/2024)
Very similar to the last bottle. In a way, this reminds me of Briords in the intensity of the sea shell minerality but, at this time, doesn't have the same underlying fruit. Still, very enjoyable and useful in our rotation. (88 points)
2018 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru (3/30/2024)
Exactly what I would expect at this point. An interesting comparison with the recent 2012 as this is showing much more of the rich fruit of youth as well as the vintage. Very silky and layered fruit with the Vosne spice but it did seem to hit a point where it stopped opening up. I think I'll check back in a few years, but I expect that this will be another fine vintage of Chaignots. (91+ points)
2021 A. Christmann Konigsbacher Idig Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Pfalz (3/30/2024)
This is definitely more fine, subtle, and complex than the Vogelsang and also less intensely mineral. It also has more going on in the nose and palate, spices, herbs, flowers, lots of citrus zest and green fruits but it is still a mineral wine. Should really benefit from cellaring, but I don't have other experience with these wines. (92+ points)
2021 Clos du Rouge Gorge Côtes Catalanes Vieilles Vignes - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes Catalanes (3/30/2024)
I really liked this, it was a sappy, fresh version of Grenache, almost Foillard like in that way, if I were to name a kinship. While it drank well, I do think it is still a bit bound up and has room to grow. There was an herbal edge to the fruit that I get from old vine concentration, especially with Carignan. I may pick up a few more bottles to see what happens. (90+ points)
2019 Ch“teau de Béru Chablis Clos Béru - France, Burgundy, Chablis (3/30/2024)
Nice enough but surprisingly generic. For my palate, I'd prefer Picq VV. I'd be happy to drink someone else's bottle or ty one with soem age from a better vintage. (89 points)
2012 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru (3/28/2024)
Very similar to my last bottle in 2019. Beautiful Chaignots nose which brings in some Vosne floral notes to compliment the rugged fruit and earthy notes although things are a bit less rugged. The ripeness has receded and the wine has become more subtle. There is still a fine core of structure but once that releases, this should be superb. Try again is 3 years or so. (92+ points)
2009 Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur Blanc Brézé - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (3/28/2024)
Electric. Dense, fruity, mineral and light on its feet all at the same time. The fruit is all sorts of yellow things veering close to tropical and back to lemon drops. There is a distinct chalky feel to it but also some rounded beeswax. We made sure to slow our roll and enjoy it over a few hours, but it could have gone in minutes. Rougeard is like Godfather II for me, every time I want to tap out and sell I have a bottle that pulls me back in. Great now, potentially immortal. Who knows? (94 points)
2010 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Breclemae - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (3/27/2024)
This was a sullen bottle but we managed to get some enjoyment out of it even if it never really opened up. It's been five years since my last bottle and I guess I need to wait another 3-5 more for the next one. This should blossom if past performance is a future guide. (88 points)
2020 Elio Sandri Barbera d'Alba Superiore - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore (3/26/2024)
This is such a savory and soulful rendition of Barbera. It feels like someone grew it in a garden. There is a leathery edge to the fruit and savory herbs as well. The fruit is like dark plumbs and mulberry. This works so well at the table for us. The acidity of Barbera and the savory quality of the wine just meld with simple Italian inspired cooking. Good to go now, but I think this will improve over the next few years. One bottle wasn't enough, so we had to open another. I think 1 liter would be the perfect format for two. (91 points)
2021 Azienda Agricola Montesecondo Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (3/24/2024)
Delicious, full fruited, silky Sangiovese. Has everything I want in a Chianti with plenty of savory nuances and remaining light on it's feet with good acidity and fine tannin to be flexible at the table. I don't know if I drink any other Sangiovese from this northern area of Chianti so it is a bit different from our normal go to wines from Radda. If I could source this locally, it would be in heavy rotation as it was for years. (92 points)
2021 Cigliuti Barbera d'Alba Campass - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (3/24/2024)
Grapey, dark, smoky fruit with a hint of cocoa. Sappy and juicy with a nice leather and licorice slap on the back end. Worked really well with food. Another that I would put in the rotation if I could source locally. It's a modern, but not too modern, counterpoint to the Roddolo and Sandri Barberas we commonly drink. (91 points)
2007 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (3/23/2024)
This was fantastic. I think the higher elevation helped compared to the Brovia as this showed fresher, sappier fruit and more sharpness and detail in the cherry fruit and floral notes. On the palate the fruit was silky in the way I'd expect this warm vintage to be. Excellent length and still some structure here, but not imposing. I think this is at a plateau where it should stay for a while. My only regret opening it is that I don't have any more. (94 points)
2007 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Ca'mia - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (3/23/2024)
Very similar to my last bottle, it is a warm, inviting version of this wine. There are some dried fruits with baking spices on the nose to go with the macerated cherries underneath. As others have noted there is a woodsy, slight pine note mixed in with some earth and leather but it is the spice notes that linger on th palate. It is mostly resolved, very enjoyable and easy to drink. This was my last bottle and I think I times it great. (93 points)
2020 Domaine Guillot-Broux M“con-Cruzille Les Perrières - France, Burgundy, M“connais, M“con-Cruzille (3/23/2024)
This was denser and chalkier than the Mollepierre. Citrus tinged yellow fruit and the already mentioned mineral wash on the palate. Bracing like an ice melt spring. I don't have much experience with these wines, but I imagine that this will improve with some cellaring and become more complex when the density relaxes in a couple of years. (91+ points)
2020 Domaine Guillot-Broux M“con-Cruzille Clos de la Mollepierre - France, Burgundy, M“connais, M“con-Cruzille (3/23/2024)
This was more open than the Perrières and less dense and mineral. It showed more spring meadow and just ripe pear notes with a touch of baking spice. Really well balanced and juicy with the fruit gliding over wet stones. This may gain more complexity with age but is really good right now. (92 points)
2021 Thibaud Boudignon Savennières Clos de la Hutte - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (3/23/2024)
This just arrived and I wanted to check it out. Bracing and dense in what I recognize as the Boudignon and "new Anjou" style. White flowers with a touch of honeydew melon, then all sorts of other citrus and white pitted fruits. Distinctly mineral on the palate and finish. Honestly like great Puligny made from Chenin. Whether that type of thing appeals to you is a matter of taste. I think this is fabulous and drinkable now but will surely improve with time in the cellar. If I can, I'll wait a couple of years to try another bottle. (93+ points)
2019 Once & Future Wine Zinfandel Old Hill Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (3/22/2024)
Had with my mom's chili and it didn't really work. All I will say is that it seemed to be a bit closed. I'm not sure whether I should try another one soon or let them sit for a year or two.
2010 Le Piane Boca - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Boca (3/21/2024)
Double decanted about 6:30 PM for an 8 PM dinner. I should have opened this sooner, it didn't really pop until the last glass. Oh well. Has all the right Boca scents and flavors, it just still need a 3 or so more years in the cellar. Had with Rahsaan. (91+ points)
2018 Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Nahe (3/21/2024)
I continue to really like this and the other 2018 GGs I've had from Dönnhoff. There is big fruit, but I don't find it out of balance, just larger. This isn't for lovers of laser like, bracing wines. Texturally, it comes off more Alsatian but with Dönnhoff fruit and some sparkly minerals. I think this drinks well now, but I bet it will stretch out and show more mineral structure with some age. Had with Rahsaan. (92 points)
2018 Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon Côte du Py - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Morgon (3/20/2024)
OK, after the corked bottle, this was right on. Deep blue and black fruits of the seeded and pitted varieties. A bit of a stone type minerality. Some complicating iris notes and still has good structure. For me this is in a nice place with the fruit is boisterous still but not primary and the structure works well. (92 points)
2021 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Weissburgunder Trocken - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (3/19/2024)
Bright refreshing and light on it's feet yet with that waxy yellow pinot blanc fruit. I like this a lot. I need to see if my local distributor will start bringing this in as I'd love to have it around. (90 points)
2019 Azienda Agricola Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (3/18/2024)
Wow, this is promising. While enjoyable now, it has an enveloping density to it. Really pure Sangiovese fruit, if a little on the darker side. All of the other herbal, leather, floral components of Radda. I keep coming back to the depth of fruit. If this develops like I think it will, it will end up being really outstanding. I'll probably keep drinking it until it tells me to stop to get a better sense of the development curve of this wine. I'm much more familiar with the Caparsino. (92+ points)
2014 Pierre Gonon St. Joseph Blanc Les Oliviers - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (3/17/2024)
Waxy and fading. Doesn't seem to have the balance to go anywhere. It's certainly dense but comes across as heavy. I should have drunk all my bottles sooner (or maybe wait for 25 years like with white Hermitage). Not my thing. (87 points)
2013 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban Vieille Marsanne Domaine de Pergaud - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban (3/17/2024)
What is this? Super interesting. I think this has skin contact and I think it was aged in clay tinaja. It has a slightly brassy/bruised color. It isn't oxidized but the fruit is on the desiccated side. It drinks more like tea than normal wine (it would probably be really interesting with Japanese food preparations). My last bottle and I'm not sure Eric makes it anymore. (88 points)
2020 Tement Morillon Grosse Lage STK Zieregg - Austria, Styria, Südsteiermark (3/17/2024)
Lovely. Plenty of yellow fruits and a bit of floral lift. Nice shape and cut, decent acidity. It seems like it might see a bit of wood, but it is well integrated and doesn't stand out just add a hint of spices. If this was cheaper, I might be more interested, but the value proposition just isn't there for me. I'd like to try one of the cheaper cuvées if it crosses my path. (91 points)
1999 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru (3/16/2024)
Well, this time I did wait 5 years to try another bottle, and boy did it pay off. Really the whole reason to spend all the resources on cellaring wines is to experience bottles like this. In the intervening years, it has developed that elusive "bottle sweetness" around the velvet fruit. Dried flowers and spice whisper as the autumnal forest floor beckons. Still the pure fruit that makes Charmes so lovely, but relaxed. Everything in perfect harmony. One note seamlessly melds into the next and the aromas coat the glass after the last sip is gone. While I'm sure it will age gracefully, I think this wine is absolutely perfect now. (95 points)
2012 Domaine du Collier Saumur La Charpentrie - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (3/16/2024)
A truly great bottle of wine, as good a white wine as I've had this year and every bit the wine as a 2011 Dauvissat Clos alongside it (which was great in it's own right). Floral yellow fruits encased in quartz. Rich and pliant on the palate with a strong spine and structure. Has some classic lanolin and beeswax notes. I find the combination of richness and vibrancy thrilling. It took about 30 minutes to get going and never dropped off before we finished it a couple of hours later. Other notes are either not that enthusiastic or complain of an oxidized wine. My previous bottle of this was good, but this one was truly exceptional. Maybe it's the old axiom of no great wines just great bottles. (96 points)
2013 Azienda Agricola Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (3/15/2024)
I got some good news and wanted to open something special. Well, this may be special, but it sure isn't right now. Really closed in on itself. While not a heavy wine, there is a real sense of density. Prior experience makes me think it will be excellent, but really requires 3-5 more years. (89 points)
2016 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Ceps Centenaires La Mémé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/15/2024)
Honestly, my note is the same as it was 3 years ago. Delicious, deeply fruited, almost stately Grenache. Excellent length and overall balance. Wild herbs and stone scents on the berry/cherry compote center with hints of spice. There is a type of sweetness to the fruit that makes it almost singular. I think another 2-3 years will really see it come into harmony and reach the heights of the best vintages. There is the sense now that it is almost there, just not quite. (92 points)
2013 Bedrock Wine Co. Grenache Gris Gibson Ranch - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino (3/14/2024)
Bought on a whim to try. I think this is Grenache Gris vinified as a red wine. Pale color and some herby, strawberry aromatics. The palate is pretty lackluster. I don't think this was meant to age. (85 points)
2017 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (3/14/2024)
As good a bottle of Coudert as I've had in a while. Really open and generously fruited while still being restrained. Dark berry fruit with a cool sensation like being smashed over granite in the early morning. Power and grace combined. Delicious and good to go now. Given my spotty predictive record with Coudert, I have no idea where it will go so I'd start slamming this now. (92 points)
2022 Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (3/13/2024)
Another great bottle, even better than my last couple. Really driving this time. I'm running out so need the next vintage to be released stat! (91 points)
2017 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur le Sentier du Clou Blanc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (3/12/2024)
Good shape and minerals, wasn't dramatically open. I didn't pay much attention to it and when I got back to it many days later it hadn't held up. Will need to try another bottle because I recall liking this a lot.
2021 Vietti Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (3/11/2024)
Good but a little young. Nice fruit density and balance, good acidity. I didn't notice any wood. I'd say it will really open up with just a bit of aging 18-36 months. (89 points)
NV Alexandre Filaine Champagne Cuvée Spéciale - France, Champagne (3/31/2024)
2020 release, Base 2017. Another excellent bottle of this. A gentle, easy to love style that has grace and depth. So well balanced and good with food or on its own. (92 points)
2014 Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Sous Frétille Blanc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru (3/31/2024)
This has good density and cut, but it seems to be in an in-between zone in terms of flavor development. It's not poxed or anything, but the fruit seems to be changing shade and it's a little disjointed structurally. You can see what it wants to do but I don't see clearly that it will get there. Give it 2-3 more years and try again. (89? points)
2015 Laherte Frères Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut Les Beaudiers - France, Champagne (3/31/2024)
While still very good, this doesn't hit the highs of previous bottles. The fruit is more mature and it's less floral and bright. Still has a nice feel on the palate. This is my last bottle and I'm glad I got to it sooner rather than later. Drink up if you have it. (90 points)
2022 Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (3/31/2024)
Delicious, as usual. I know other people age this, and I have too, but it is so undeniable where it is I'm not sure I ever will on purpose. (91 points)
2022 Torre Dei Beati Pecorino Giocheremo con i fiori - Italy, Abruzzi, Abruzzo (3/31/2024)
Very similar to the last bottle. In a way, this reminds me of Briords in the intensity of the sea shell minerality but, at this time, doesn't have the same underlying fruit. Still, very enjoyable and useful in our rotation. (88 points)
2018 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru (3/30/2024)
Exactly what I would expect at this point. An interesting comparison with the recent 2012 as this is showing much more of the rich fruit of youth as well as the vintage. Very silky and layered fruit with the Vosne spice but it did seem to hit a point where it stopped opening up. I think I'll check back in a few years, but I expect that this will be another fine vintage of Chaignots. (91+ points)
2021 A. Christmann Konigsbacher Idig Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Pfalz (3/30/2024)
This is definitely more fine, subtle, and complex than the Vogelsang and also less intensely mineral. It also has more going on in the nose and palate, spices, herbs, flowers, lots of citrus zest and green fruits but it is still a mineral wine. Should really benefit from cellaring, but I don't have other experience with these wines. (92+ points)
2021 Clos du Rouge Gorge Côtes Catalanes Vieilles Vignes - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes Catalanes (3/30/2024)
I really liked this, it was a sappy, fresh version of Grenache, almost Foillard like in that way, if I were to name a kinship. While it drank well, I do think it is still a bit bound up and has room to grow. There was an herbal edge to the fruit that I get from old vine concentration, especially with Carignan. I may pick up a few more bottles to see what happens. (90+ points)
2019 Ch“teau de Béru Chablis Clos Béru - France, Burgundy, Chablis (3/30/2024)
Nice enough but surprisingly generic. For my palate, I'd prefer Picq VV. I'd be happy to drink someone else's bottle or ty one with soem age from a better vintage. (89 points)
2012 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru (3/28/2024)
Very similar to my last bottle in 2019. Beautiful Chaignots nose which brings in some Vosne floral notes to compliment the rugged fruit and earthy notes although things are a bit less rugged. The ripeness has receded and the wine has become more subtle. There is still a fine core of structure but once that releases, this should be superb. Try again is 3 years or so. (92+ points)
2009 Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur Blanc Brézé - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (3/28/2024)
Electric. Dense, fruity, mineral and light on its feet all at the same time. The fruit is all sorts of yellow things veering close to tropical and back to lemon drops. There is a distinct chalky feel to it but also some rounded beeswax. We made sure to slow our roll and enjoy it over a few hours, but it could have gone in minutes. Rougeard is like Godfather II for me, every time I want to tap out and sell I have a bottle that pulls me back in. Great now, potentially immortal. Who knows? (94 points)
2010 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Breclemae - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (3/27/2024)
This was a sullen bottle but we managed to get some enjoyment out of it even if it never really opened up. It's been five years since my last bottle and I guess I need to wait another 3-5 more for the next one. This should blossom if past performance is a future guide. (88 points)
2020 Elio Sandri Barbera d'Alba Superiore - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore (3/26/2024)
This is such a savory and soulful rendition of Barbera. It feels like someone grew it in a garden. There is a leathery edge to the fruit and savory herbs as well. The fruit is like dark plumbs and mulberry. This works so well at the table for us. The acidity of Barbera and the savory quality of the wine just meld with simple Italian inspired cooking. Good to go now, but I think this will improve over the next few years. One bottle wasn't enough, so we had to open another. I think 1 liter would be the perfect format for two. (91 points)
2021 Azienda Agricola Montesecondo Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (3/24/2024)
Delicious, full fruited, silky Sangiovese. Has everything I want in a Chianti with plenty of savory nuances and remaining light on it's feet with good acidity and fine tannin to be flexible at the table. I don't know if I drink any other Sangiovese from this northern area of Chianti so it is a bit different from our normal go to wines from Radda. If I could source this locally, it would be in heavy rotation as it was for years. (92 points)
2021 Cigliuti Barbera d'Alba Campass - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (3/24/2024)
Grapey, dark, smoky fruit with a hint of cocoa. Sappy and juicy with a nice leather and licorice slap on the back end. Worked really well with food. Another that I would put in the rotation if I could source locally. It's a modern, but not too modern, counterpoint to the Roddolo and Sandri Barberas we commonly drink. (91 points)
2007 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (3/23/2024)
This was fantastic. I think the higher elevation helped compared to the Brovia as this showed fresher, sappier fruit and more sharpness and detail in the cherry fruit and floral notes. On the palate the fruit was silky in the way I'd expect this warm vintage to be. Excellent length and still some structure here, but not imposing. I think this is at a plateau where it should stay for a while. My only regret opening it is that I don't have any more. (94 points)
2007 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Ca'mia - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (3/23/2024)
Very similar to my last bottle, it is a warm, inviting version of this wine. There are some dried fruits with baking spices on the nose to go with the macerated cherries underneath. As others have noted there is a woodsy, slight pine note mixed in with some earth and leather but it is the spice notes that linger on th palate. It is mostly resolved, very enjoyable and easy to drink. This was my last bottle and I think I times it great. (93 points)
2020 Domaine Guillot-Broux M“con-Cruzille Les Perrières - France, Burgundy, M“connais, M“con-Cruzille (3/23/2024)
This was denser and chalkier than the Mollepierre. Citrus tinged yellow fruit and the already mentioned mineral wash on the palate. Bracing like an ice melt spring. I don't have much experience with these wines, but I imagine that this will improve with some cellaring and become more complex when the density relaxes in a couple of years. (91+ points)
2020 Domaine Guillot-Broux M“con-Cruzille Clos de la Mollepierre - France, Burgundy, M“connais, M“con-Cruzille (3/23/2024)
This was more open than the Perrières and less dense and mineral. It showed more spring meadow and just ripe pear notes with a touch of baking spice. Really well balanced and juicy with the fruit gliding over wet stones. This may gain more complexity with age but is really good right now. (92 points)
2021 Thibaud Boudignon Savennières Clos de la Hutte - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (3/23/2024)
This just arrived and I wanted to check it out. Bracing and dense in what I recognize as the Boudignon and "new Anjou" style. White flowers with a touch of honeydew melon, then all sorts of other citrus and white pitted fruits. Distinctly mineral on the palate and finish. Honestly like great Puligny made from Chenin. Whether that type of thing appeals to you is a matter of taste. I think this is fabulous and drinkable now but will surely improve with time in the cellar. If I can, I'll wait a couple of years to try another bottle. (93+ points)
2019 Once & Future Wine Zinfandel Old Hill Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (3/22/2024)
Had with my mom's chili and it didn't really work. All I will say is that it seemed to be a bit closed. I'm not sure whether I should try another one soon or let them sit for a year or two.
2010 Le Piane Boca - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Boca (3/21/2024)
Double decanted about 6:30 PM for an 8 PM dinner. I should have opened this sooner, it didn't really pop until the last glass. Oh well. Has all the right Boca scents and flavors, it just still need a 3 or so more years in the cellar. Had with Rahsaan. (91+ points)
2018 Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Nahe (3/21/2024)
I continue to really like this and the other 2018 GGs I've had from Dönnhoff. There is big fruit, but I don't find it out of balance, just larger. This isn't for lovers of laser like, bracing wines. Texturally, it comes off more Alsatian but with Dönnhoff fruit and some sparkly minerals. I think this drinks well now, but I bet it will stretch out and show more mineral structure with some age. Had with Rahsaan. (92 points)
2018 Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon Côte du Py - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Morgon (3/20/2024)
OK, after the corked bottle, this was right on. Deep blue and black fruits of the seeded and pitted varieties. A bit of a stone type minerality. Some complicating iris notes and still has good structure. For me this is in a nice place with the fruit is boisterous still but not primary and the structure works well. (92 points)
2021 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Weissburgunder Trocken - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (3/19/2024)
Bright refreshing and light on it's feet yet with that waxy yellow pinot blanc fruit. I like this a lot. I need to see if my local distributor will start bringing this in as I'd love to have it around. (90 points)
2019 Azienda Agricola Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (3/18/2024)
Wow, this is promising. While enjoyable now, it has an enveloping density to it. Really pure Sangiovese fruit, if a little on the darker side. All of the other herbal, leather, floral components of Radda. I keep coming back to the depth of fruit. If this develops like I think it will, it will end up being really outstanding. I'll probably keep drinking it until it tells me to stop to get a better sense of the development curve of this wine. I'm much more familiar with the Caparsino. (92+ points)
2014 Pierre Gonon St. Joseph Blanc Les Oliviers - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (3/17/2024)
Waxy and fading. Doesn't seem to have the balance to go anywhere. It's certainly dense but comes across as heavy. I should have drunk all my bottles sooner (or maybe wait for 25 years like with white Hermitage). Not my thing. (87 points)
2013 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban Vieille Marsanne Domaine de Pergaud - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban (3/17/2024)
What is this? Super interesting. I think this has skin contact and I think it was aged in clay tinaja. It has a slightly brassy/bruised color. It isn't oxidized but the fruit is on the desiccated side. It drinks more like tea than normal wine (it would probably be really interesting with Japanese food preparations). My last bottle and I'm not sure Eric makes it anymore. (88 points)
2020 Tement Morillon Grosse Lage STK Zieregg - Austria, Styria, Südsteiermark (3/17/2024)
Lovely. Plenty of yellow fruits and a bit of floral lift. Nice shape and cut, decent acidity. It seems like it might see a bit of wood, but it is well integrated and doesn't stand out just add a hint of spices. If this was cheaper, I might be more interested, but the value proposition just isn't there for me. I'd like to try one of the cheaper cuvées if it crosses my path. (91 points)
1999 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru (3/16/2024)
Well, this time I did wait 5 years to try another bottle, and boy did it pay off. Really the whole reason to spend all the resources on cellaring wines is to experience bottles like this. In the intervening years, it has developed that elusive "bottle sweetness" around the velvet fruit. Dried flowers and spice whisper as the autumnal forest floor beckons. Still the pure fruit that makes Charmes so lovely, but relaxed. Everything in perfect harmony. One note seamlessly melds into the next and the aromas coat the glass after the last sip is gone. While I'm sure it will age gracefully, I think this wine is absolutely perfect now. (95 points)
2012 Domaine du Collier Saumur La Charpentrie - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (3/16/2024)
A truly great bottle of wine, as good a white wine as I've had this year and every bit the wine as a 2011 Dauvissat Clos alongside it (which was great in it's own right). Floral yellow fruits encased in quartz. Rich and pliant on the palate with a strong spine and structure. Has some classic lanolin and beeswax notes. I find the combination of richness and vibrancy thrilling. It took about 30 minutes to get going and never dropped off before we finished it a couple of hours later. Other notes are either not that enthusiastic or complain of an oxidized wine. My previous bottle of this was good, but this one was truly exceptional. Maybe it's the old axiom of no great wines just great bottles. (96 points)
2013 Azienda Agricola Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (3/15/2024)
I got some good news and wanted to open something special. Well, this may be special, but it sure isn't right now. Really closed in on itself. While not a heavy wine, there is a real sense of density. Prior experience makes me think it will be excellent, but really requires 3-5 more years. (89 points)
2016 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Ceps Centenaires La Mémé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/15/2024)
Honestly, my note is the same as it was 3 years ago. Delicious, deeply fruited, almost stately Grenache. Excellent length and overall balance. Wild herbs and stone scents on the berry/cherry compote center with hints of spice. There is a type of sweetness to the fruit that makes it almost singular. I think another 2-3 years will really see it come into harmony and reach the heights of the best vintages. There is the sense now that it is almost there, just not quite. (92 points)
2013 Bedrock Wine Co. Grenache Gris Gibson Ranch - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino (3/14/2024)
Bought on a whim to try. I think this is Grenache Gris vinified as a red wine. Pale color and some herby, strawberry aromatics. The palate is pretty lackluster. I don't think this was meant to age. (85 points)
2017 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (3/14/2024)
As good a bottle of Coudert as I've had in a while. Really open and generously fruited while still being restrained. Dark berry fruit with a cool sensation like being smashed over granite in the early morning. Power and grace combined. Delicious and good to go now. Given my spotty predictive record with Coudert, I have no idea where it will go so I'd start slamming this now. (92 points)
2022 Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (3/13/2024)
Another great bottle, even better than my last couple. Really driving this time. I'm running out so need the next vintage to be released stat! (91 points)
2017 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur le Sentier du Clou Blanc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (3/12/2024)
Good shape and minerals, wasn't dramatically open. I didn't pay much attention to it and when I got back to it many days later it hadn't held up. Will need to try another bottle because I recall liking this a lot.
2021 Vietti Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (3/11/2024)
Good but a little young. Nice fruit density and balance, good acidity. I didn't notice any wood. I'd say it will really open up with just a bit of aging 18-36 months. (89 points)
