February seems like another epoch. It included my birthday, you can probably figure out what day that was.
2014 Savart Champagne Premier Cru Le Mont des Chrétiens - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru (2/1/2020)
From magnum. No wonder all the instasomms love this wine, it starts out with the flinty, gunpowder nose like Roulot. That bit of reduction takes a while to unwind and it stays on the lean side with lemons and chalky minerals. Some subtle spices intermingled. This wine seems to be at the beginning of a journey. I have very little experience with it so I won't wait too long to have another, but at least another year or two. I'd love to try out of 750mL to compare. (92 points)
2005 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/1/2020)
Crap. This was meant to be part of the 2005, 2010, 2015 trio from magnum. Corked. (NR/flawed)
2014 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône-Brézème Vieille Roussette Domaine de Pergaud - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Brézème (2/1/2020)
This really needs a touch of air to get going like all previous bottles. It starts out seeming like it might be oxidized and it is a tad brassy. That falls aside and the wine shows a penetrating green fruit nose with all sorts of other crazy things floating around lifted by a bit of VA maybe. Really fascinating wine. (92 points)
2007 Domaine de la Pépière (Marc Ollivier) Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Granite de Clisson - France, Loire Valley, Pays Nantais, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine (2/1/2020)
Corked magnum. Damn, this has been such a towering version of this wine in the past. Oh well, hopefully someone will share a bottle with me one day as I'm out. (NR/flawed)
2008 Domaine Louis Boillot et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin (2/1/2020)
Another really nice bottle of this. Starting to show lots more minerals and earth with the fruit. More open than the last bottle but this still isn't a "round" wine. It is directional and mostly red fruited. (92 points)
2008 Domaine Louis Boillot et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champonnets - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru (2/1/2020)
Ugh. Trying to get a bead on this for Rahsaan, but of course it is corked. (NR/flawed)
2005 Domaine de la Bongran (Thevenet) Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet - France, Burgundy, M“connais, Viré-Clessé (2/1/2020)
This magnum was fantastic. It starts out with all of the kinky Bongran notes of ripe, exotic fruits bordering on over-ripe. After a bit it stretches out and those notes become part of a bigger whole and the wine seems to lighten and become more elegant. There is plenty of acidity to shape the wine and even some minerals at the bottom. I'm glad I put more of this wine away these days. Among my favorite chardonnay from anywhere. Great now and with no signs of slowing down, but why wait? (95 points)
2010 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/1/2020)
From the 2005, 2010, 2015 trio from magnum, this was on fire. Deep, mineral crusted cherry with a woodsy halo and perfect shape to the tannin and acid. What makes these wines so personally frustrating is that I often have no idea how to predict their best drinking window. Anyway, maybe it's time to start drinking these with abandon. Strangely, a recent 2010 Griffe showed very poorly. (93 points)
2007 Le Piane Boca - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Boca (2/1/2020)
Kind of the same as the last bottle I had, very good but shy of great. The palate has broadened and the spice nuances are more prominent. No sense on waiting for my bottles but more pristine bottles (these had half soaked corks, alas) might have a different experience. (91 points)
2009 Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brûlée - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (2/1/2020)
From magnum. I'm not really sure what I was thinking opening this. The fiercest and blackest of night. Deep, concentrated and mineral, but not heavy. The blue/black fruit is smeared on cold granite (I have no idea the soil type for the grapes here). The nose is also dark, dark fruit, dark minerals and violets. It has the kind of depth on the palate that says to me that there is great pleasure ahead. Give this another 4-5 years. (93 points)
2007 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Carellae - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (2/1/2020)
Showed broader fruit than either of the other 2007 Alto Piemonte wines that we also drank. There is a whiff of VA to the herby and leathery nuances around the deep cherry fruit. Mostly resolved tannin but with enough structure to provide a good foil for food. No need to cellar any longer but should drink well for a while. (92 points)
2005 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Riserva 150 Anniversario - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/1/2020)
From magnum this was an absolute beast. The strong virile fruit and tangy herbals notes mixed with some more refined floral and spice hints on top. Large scaled and tannic but delicious, especially with some food. Despite the structure and format, this was the first bottle of red emptied of many at the party. I think that speaks to its quality. This is a good 6-8 years from that first plateau and could be immortal. (94 points)
2015 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grézeaux - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (2/1/2020)
From magnum. Unlike my last bottle about 18 months ago, this wine was joyous. That Grézeaux signature dark, mineral earth. I get such a visual of the vineyard when I drink this wine and find the signature so distinct and alluring. There is also a ton of fruit, maybe black raspberry or boysenberry along with a hint of currant and violets. There are plenty of tannin but there is so much of everything else that they never take over. Surely has a long life ahead but there is happiness to be had right now. Don't cheat yourself. (93 points)
2007 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (2/1/2020)
Fully mature and very nice. Has a kind of orange zest and leather top note to the dark red fruit. Tannins ameliorated and some varnished grandmothers sewing room notes. I'll drink my last bottle soon but I'm sure that bottles of this will make interesting old nebbiolo if that's your thing. (90 points)
2015 Weingut Knoll Riesling Smaragd Loibenberg - Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau (2/1/2020)
Knoll is still my favorite of the Wachau producers. I think the longer elevage gives the wines a deep, serious quality. Then you add the exuberant fruit of 2015 on top and all the spindly fractious meadow notes. Plenty off depth and structure. Will probably age as long as you want it to. I think it'll be at its apex in a few years. (93 points)
2015 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/1/2020)
From magnum, this was closed and coiled in that Coudert way. It's such a tough wine to predict. Maybe manganese does even stranger things to wine than limestone. Anyway, I knew this might happen and it is my only magnum (sigh), but I wanted to have it juxtaposed with the 2005 and 2010. (90 points)
2014 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Clos de Guichaux - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (2/1/2020)
Lean in a kind of Burgundian way. Waxy yellow fruits, lively a bit of flowers and mineral. Not particularly expansive or deep in the manner of Collier. This may have more to offer in time but I think the fact that it makes such a convincing Burgundy ringer (an experienced ITBer asked me what Burgundy it was after he tasted a glass I handed him) might mean it never delivers a real Loire feel. It is still delicious wine, though. (92 points)
2012 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône-Brézème Vieille Serine Domaine de Pergaud - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Brézème (2/1/2020)
From magnum. It's been really interesting to follow the evolution of Eric's thought through these vines. I was worried about a tannic wine, but this wasn't. It was lively and snappy with red fruits and herbal top notes that changed to flowers a hint of smoky earth and then a darker red fruit. Really stayed lithe and lively and the tannins had such a fine bead to them. The palate presence reminds me of a great Taiwanese Oolong in how it is both light and strong at the same time. That all sounds pretentious and the wine is intellectual but I think that anyone would love it (this is my novice wine drinking aunt's favorite wine). I have no idea what age will do to this wine as I don't know that it has a modern precedent. I bought a decent amount, so I plan on following it regularly. (93 points)
2016 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese feinherb #3 - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (2/3/2020)
If anything the saline minerality is more pronounced in this bottle. That lick of rocky umami underneath the laser like fruit is just addictive to me. Fantastic. (93 points)
2012 Campi di Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (2/7/2020)
It has been a while since I've had a wine from Margherita and Francesca so I grabbed a few of these and wanted to check on a bottle. This was really intense and formidably structured. You could detect fruit, leather, earth, flowers and sundry attached to the frame, but it was unwilling to let them flutter outward. Kind of reminded me of young Bea Sagrantino in that it seemed like staring into a deep well where you can't see the bottom. There is also a lively feel and a noble rusticity that one doesn't find in Brunello much anymore. Not elegant like Stella nor silky like Poggio di Sotto but a real and singular expression of sangiovese. I'm burying my other bottles for at least 5-7 years. I'm curious as hell to see where this ends up. (92 points)
2008 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Ruchottes-Chambertin - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru (2/7/2020)
Absolutely electric acidity encrusts some deep, but distinctly red, fruit. The tannin are fine but far from resolved. A wine that is being deliberate in what it shows. The purity of the fruit is really compelling. I won't drink my only other bottle for 7-10 years, I think. It is interesting how much more shy this was than the Echezeaux from last October. I expect this wine to become regal. (93 points)
2013 Xavier Gerard Côte-Rôtie - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (2/7/2020)
To end the trio of "too young" wines this Côte-Rôtie has closed in on itself. There is a sense of dark olive brine to the dark currant and berry fruit without being olives themselves. The floral candy is being held down by a sense of power and a smoke and leather nuance. Lots of potential but wait another 3-5 years or so to open another. (92 points)
2015 Giovanni Canonica Barolo Paiagallo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/8/2020)
There is real aromatic lift to this wine, almost like perfume or eua de vie. Cherries macerated in rosewater. There are some savory notes and a bit of leather and spice. This is good to go right now despite a bit of grip underneath. I'm not sure what the aging curve looks like for this type of natural Barolo but if it's delicious now, why wait. We popped the bottle and drank it over about 2 hours with dinner. I'm not sure what a decant would do to it, so I wouldn't. (92 points)
2017 Ferme de la Sansonnière (Mark Angeli) La Lune - France, Vin de France (2/9/2020)
An interesting contrast to a recent bottle of the Amphores. This was less savory and with a richer feel on the palate. Real density and heft without becoming heavy. Great with a Thai yellow curry. I'm not sure what the rs is here but there is a sweetness to the fruit and a sappiness to the experience. For whatever reason, these wines just hit me in a tender spot that only they can find. (92 points)
2015 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé Tradition - France, Burgundy, M“connais, Viré-Clessé (2/9/2020)
Another great bottle. Such succulent yellow fruit. I love the yellow plum and apricot additions to the usual chardonnay flavor spectrum. (92 points)
2011 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rùfina Riserva Bucerchiale - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina (2/9/2020)
Out of magnum, I was worried about some rustic tannin but this wine was fully resolved. Lots of tobacco and leathery nuance to the licorice tinged cherry sangiovese fruit. Really worked well at the table where a bit of time in the decanter brought out a bit more structure. Probably a wine I should add to the cellar. (92 points)
2017 Ch“teau de Bonnezeaux Bonnezeaux Vieille Vigne du Fief Prévost - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Bonnezeaux (2/11/2020)
Consistent with previous bottles. This had a interesting sort of aloe density to it. A snap pea type green edge, that was very pleasant and interesting, to the brassy chenin fruit. This is a domain reborn and I'll be keeping a close eye on them. (91 points)
2014 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (2/12/2020)
Seems in a bit of a tweener spot right now. The bursting fruit of the first few years is stepping back a bit and the wine is lengthening and becoming more complex but the tannin seem more present. We had this rather quickly out of sub-optimal stems so I may be underrating it given how incredible it was out of the gate. I think a bit of air would have done it quite a bit of good. (91 points)
2016 Weiser-Künstler Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling Große Eule - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (2/13/2020)
A really interesting wine. I'm becoming a huge fan of these wines. There is a creamed rock quality to them that I really love. That is, they can have a gentleness and roundness on the palate but with intense notes of crushed stone. This particular wine was dry but not severe with a saline and herbal density without being ponderous. The fruit is more from families of heirloom apples rather than citrus or peach. Very cool. I need to step up my exploration of these wines. (92 points)
2013 Savart Champagne Extra Brut L'Année - France, Champagne (2/16/2020)
Nice creamy vinous style of Champagne. Some nice toasty and doughy yeasty nuance but really propelled by the fruit. While it showed well, I think a couple more years would bring more complexity. (92 points)
2015 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru (2/16/2020)
First night it was reduced but with really deep fruit. Re-visited over the next several days and it gradually opened up a bit. A wine of future potential but not for now. I think another 6-7 years before I dip in again. (91 points)
2013 Champagne Suenen Champagne Grand Cru "Les Robarts" Extra Brut Millésime - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (2/16/2020)
Bigger than I expected given my other experience with Suenen. Not austere but somewhat clenched. While the feeling of volume was a surprise, the intense minerality wasn't. Looking forward to having this with a meal rather than just as an aperitif with snacks. (92 points)
2010 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/16/2020)
I was just curious and I wanted to test my working hypothesis that it's fun to drink young Barolo. I've really come around on the Vajra wines over the last 5-6 years. I find that, for me, they marry a lot fo the things I love about traditional Barolo but with a more fruit driven profile and tannin management. This bottle was sumptuous. It was bursting with fruit but still silky. The structure is there and deftly balanced by the deep dark cherry and plum fruit. There are a bunch of floral, and not just rose, notes as well as a fine herbal component. We decanted it and drank it over about 2 hours so it never had a chance to shut down. I'd be hesitant to give this a long decant at this stage. I'd just get it off the sediment and go. This wine has a great future and given how fun this bottle was, I think I'll check in every few years until I have a negative experience. (94 points)
2009 Louis Roederer Champagne Vintage Brut - France, Champagne (2/16/2020)
Consistent with previous bottles. (91 points)
2008 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Vosne-Romanée - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée (2/16/2020)
Lacy red fruits intertwined with baking spices and a fine bead of acid. Has really come together and the palate has sweetened since my last bottle. This is the toughest M-G for me to figure out as it can be so harshly closed down in comparison with the other wine but this bottle was on fire. (92 points)
1996 Flavio Roddolo Barolo Ravera - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/16/2020)
One of the best wines I've had so far this year. I've really fallen in love with the wines from Roddolo. You get the sense that these wines are very personal and Ravera di Monforte is a little known site. There is a minty, almost mentholated quality to the deep black cherry fruit. The fruit is so deep and mineral laden and sits on top of some fine but substantial tannin so that you barely notice them. This could well drink for eternity and hasn't gone full tertiary so some folks may want to sit on their bottles. For myself, this gave me everything I was hoping for. I'm probably underselling the complexity because that fruit and mineral drive was so breathtaking. This was double decanted 3.5 hours prior to drinking. (96 points)
1995 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/16/2020)
This starts with a really complex nose with a piney, varnished wood component with other savory leather and dry herb notes. Hints of dried roses and dark red fruits, both pitted and with seeds. To me, the savory and earthy notes that the wine is showing perfectly complements the fruit which is the mark of a mature wine in plateau. It will certainly get more tertiary and had an older profile than the Roddolo. With time in the glass, the fine grained and slightly ferrous tannins show themselves but are whisked away with a bite of food. I have one bottle left that I'll probably drink by 2025. This was double decanted 3.5 hours prior to drinking. (94 points)
2011 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/17/2020)
Better than a bottle of the 2010 recently but not where I thought this bottle would be. Seems to be all structure at the moment. There is still dark fruit and minerals at the core but I had hoped it would have filled out and developed more bottle sweetness. Coudert wines can be the ne plus ultra when they are on, I am just having a hard time figuring out exactly when that will be. Maybe I should have decanted? I guess the only thing to do is give it a bit more time. (90 points)
2016 Domaine Gramenon Vinsobres La Papesse - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vinsobres (2/18/2020)
Deep purple core gives a preview of the earthy, savory, dark, pungent fruit to come. More tannic than I expected from what is a pure grenache. Much better than the last bottle we had and really looking like it will be coming around in the next few years. While you feel the structure it is still a well balanced wine. (91 points)
2014 Briceland Vineyards Zinfandel Ishi Pishi Ranch - USA, California, North Coast, Humboldt County (2/20/2020)
I really like where this wine has ended up. A lithe version of zinfandel. All the structure has melted into baking spices and berry compote. With some air there are some floral and strawberry notes that emerge as well as a bit of fine tannin. This is my last bottle but it was in a perfect spot, I'd continue drinking this soon if I had more. (91 points)
2015 Caves Coopératives de Donnas Donnas - Italy, Valle d'Aosta, Donnas (2/20/2020)
A broad nose full of the ester of cherry, herbs and a bit of leathery earth. Mid-weight on the palate with juicy acids and polite tannin. Really nice length that continues with savory wrapped fruit. May not be built for the long haul but this is an excellent dinner companion right now. (92 points)
2009 Ch“teau Bel Air-Marquis d'Aligre - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux (2/21/2020)
Really interesting nose of tart cranberry and brambly wild fruits but kept in line by herbs, earth and leather all swirling around it. Very tight on the palate and while it isn't exactly coarse it is a bit rustic. There is an almost ferrous quality to the finish. The palate never really opened up in the decanter so we returned it to the bottle and into the fridge. If it doesn't change I think that another 5-6 years in the cellar are required. (90 points)
NV Eric Rodez Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (2/21/2020)
Last bottle was strangely corked (weird for Champagne) but this one was very good. Bright apple and mineral notes with a bit of biscuit underneath. The bead could be a bit finer and it lacks a bit of depth but a very good Champagne on the whole. This is an unusual for Ambonnay 100% chardonnay Champagne. (91 points)
2001 Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie La Chavaroche - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (2/21/2020)
The nose on this was fantastic from the decanter when poured off the sediment. Returned to the cleaned bottle for the dinner table it seemed to close up. The nose was still beautiful, if less expansive. Violets, lavender, smoke, minerals and red fruit that most resembled currants on the nose but then the palate was mid-weight but dominated by tannin. At least they were fine tannins and not big chunky ones. I kept going back to this over the evening hoping it would open up. Eventually, we gave up and put the rest of the bottle in the fridge. I guess I'll update if it changes. I have no idea what to do with my last bottle but I guess 3-5 years. (90 points)
1992 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/21/2020)
Dark earth, maduro cigar and coffee grounds over a bed of black currants with a hint of menthol. Still retains some tannins that in a perfect world would be a bit more suave. This was the most open wine on the night and was the only one we finished. Fantastic with the CO rack of lamb. I don't think there is any danger of this falling off its plateau any time soon and has a way to go before it is a wine of fully tertiary notes. The only thing that would concern me would be the remaining fruit dropping before the tannins fully render. (92 points)
2016 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Blanc La Croix Boissée - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (2/22/2020)
This is moving along nicely. Love the acidity that is starting to shape the density a bit more. (92 points)
2005 Domaine du Ch“teau de Chorey (Germain) Beaune 1er Cru Les Cras Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru (2/22/2020)
Reduced and a bit sullen. There is some density and sap here but since it isn't a wine I'm familiar with, I don't know exactly where it is headed. Old massale vines here are what peaked my interest. (88 points)
2014 Ceritas Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (2/23/2020)
Best bottle of this yet. Laser focused. Lemon curd. (92 points)
2015 von Winning Forster Pechstein Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Pfalz (2/23/2020)
Really interesting. Not sure it is really my bag but I was really happy to try it even though it's really expensive. Sort of Burgundy made from riesling. You feel the oak in the texture rather than taste. (91 points)
2012 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (2/23/2020)
Excellent. Rich and chewy with cedar and savory notes framing deep dark fruits. Still has lots of structure but I got a lot of joy out of this bottle. Still has some upside. (94 points)
2000 Domaine Charvin Ch“teauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Ch“teauneuf-du-Pape (2/23/2020)
Really pretty in the Charvin style. On the downslope but there is still a lot of pleasure here. (92 points)
2013 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/25/2020)
Hmm, tight and unyielding. I was expecting it to be a little more open at this point. Confusing. (88 points)
2017 G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba Superiore - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore (2/26/2020)
Big, rich and decadent. I prefer the 2016 a bit, but this is seriously good barbera. The year gives it a chocolate nuance. (91 points)
2014 Jean-Philippe Fichet Meursault Les Gruyaches - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault (2/27/2020)
Among the best bottles I've had of this. In a beautiful spot where it is relaxing from its young self and showing some self assurance. These 2014s from Fichet have been among my smartest purchases over the last decade. (93 points)
2014 Cappellano Barolo Piè Rupestris Otin Fiorin (Gabutti) - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/28/2020)
Man, I was hoping I'd catch this at an early open phase. Nope. I may skip this vintage as I have bought heavily the last few years and *might* have too much young Barolo. (89 points)
2010 Marcarini Barolo Brunate - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/28/2020)
Nope, not at this time. Did not like being disturbed at all. Give it 3-5 before checking back in. (89 points)
2010 Azienda Agricola Platinetti Guido Ghemme Vigna Ronco Maso - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (2/28/2020)
This seems to be in a perfect spot right now. The structure has taken a back seat and nuances of spice, leather and other earthy and savory notes swirl around the deep cherry fruit. A producer I need to keep buying and a wonderful visit if you're in the area. (92 points)
2014 Adrien Renoir Champagne Grand Cru Les Montants - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (2/28/2020)
A lean but powerful wine with a good bit of depth. I really like the shape of it and the balance of fruit and acid. I think this will end up improving, maybe a lot, with some years under cork but don't know for sure as this is a new wine to me. (92 points)
2018 Tiberio Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (2/28/2020)
This was great! Maybe even as good as the Pecorino. Bracing and lively with driving minerals and a whiff of the sea. Great value. (92 points)
2017 La Grange Tiphaine Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Epinays - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Montlouis-sur-Loire (2/29/2020)
These are wines that I don't drink often enough. A crystalline version of chenin with the breadth of the grape and its round yellow fruits with green apples and bracing minerals. If I had easy access to this locally it would definitely be more in the rotation. (92 points)
2017 Wilde Farm Wines Heritage Bedrock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (2/29/2020)
This was pleasant enough but maybe I was expecting more density and length. It definitely feels like a whole cluster wine and there is a whiff of VA. I'll continue to work through my bottles to try to understand the wine better. (88 points)
2016 Azienda Agricola Caparsa Chianti Classico Caparsa - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (2/29/2020)
Damn, this lives up all my hopes and dreams. Excellent density and breadth, good structure and all the notes and complexity of Radda. A little more wild than Monteraponi. (92 points)
2014 Savart Champagne Premier Cru Le Mont des Chrétiens - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru (2/1/2020)
From magnum. No wonder all the instasomms love this wine, it starts out with the flinty, gunpowder nose like Roulot. That bit of reduction takes a while to unwind and it stays on the lean side with lemons and chalky minerals. Some subtle spices intermingled. This wine seems to be at the beginning of a journey. I have very little experience with it so I won't wait too long to have another, but at least another year or two. I'd love to try out of 750mL to compare. (92 points)
2005 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/1/2020)
Crap. This was meant to be part of the 2005, 2010, 2015 trio from magnum. Corked. (NR/flawed)
2014 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône-Brézème Vieille Roussette Domaine de Pergaud - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Brézème (2/1/2020)
This really needs a touch of air to get going like all previous bottles. It starts out seeming like it might be oxidized and it is a tad brassy. That falls aside and the wine shows a penetrating green fruit nose with all sorts of other crazy things floating around lifted by a bit of VA maybe. Really fascinating wine. (92 points)
2007 Domaine de la Pépière (Marc Ollivier) Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Granite de Clisson - France, Loire Valley, Pays Nantais, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine (2/1/2020)
Corked magnum. Damn, this has been such a towering version of this wine in the past. Oh well, hopefully someone will share a bottle with me one day as I'm out. (NR/flawed)
2008 Domaine Louis Boillot et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin (2/1/2020)
Another really nice bottle of this. Starting to show lots more minerals and earth with the fruit. More open than the last bottle but this still isn't a "round" wine. It is directional and mostly red fruited. (92 points)
2008 Domaine Louis Boillot et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champonnets - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru (2/1/2020)
Ugh. Trying to get a bead on this for Rahsaan, but of course it is corked. (NR/flawed)
2005 Domaine de la Bongran (Thevenet) Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet - France, Burgundy, M“connais, Viré-Clessé (2/1/2020)
This magnum was fantastic. It starts out with all of the kinky Bongran notes of ripe, exotic fruits bordering on over-ripe. After a bit it stretches out and those notes become part of a bigger whole and the wine seems to lighten and become more elegant. There is plenty of acidity to shape the wine and even some minerals at the bottom. I'm glad I put more of this wine away these days. Among my favorite chardonnay from anywhere. Great now and with no signs of slowing down, but why wait? (95 points)
2010 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/1/2020)
From the 2005, 2010, 2015 trio from magnum, this was on fire. Deep, mineral crusted cherry with a woodsy halo and perfect shape to the tannin and acid. What makes these wines so personally frustrating is that I often have no idea how to predict their best drinking window. Anyway, maybe it's time to start drinking these with abandon. Strangely, a recent 2010 Griffe showed very poorly. (93 points)
2007 Le Piane Boca - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Boca (2/1/2020)
Kind of the same as the last bottle I had, very good but shy of great. The palate has broadened and the spice nuances are more prominent. No sense on waiting for my bottles but more pristine bottles (these had half soaked corks, alas) might have a different experience. (91 points)
2009 Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brûlée - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (2/1/2020)
From magnum. I'm not really sure what I was thinking opening this. The fiercest and blackest of night. Deep, concentrated and mineral, but not heavy. The blue/black fruit is smeared on cold granite (I have no idea the soil type for the grapes here). The nose is also dark, dark fruit, dark minerals and violets. It has the kind of depth on the palate that says to me that there is great pleasure ahead. Give this another 4-5 years. (93 points)
2007 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Carellae - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (2/1/2020)
Showed broader fruit than either of the other 2007 Alto Piemonte wines that we also drank. There is a whiff of VA to the herby and leathery nuances around the deep cherry fruit. Mostly resolved tannin but with enough structure to provide a good foil for food. No need to cellar any longer but should drink well for a while. (92 points)
2005 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Riserva 150 Anniversario - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/1/2020)
From magnum this was an absolute beast. The strong virile fruit and tangy herbals notes mixed with some more refined floral and spice hints on top. Large scaled and tannic but delicious, especially with some food. Despite the structure and format, this was the first bottle of red emptied of many at the party. I think that speaks to its quality. This is a good 6-8 years from that first plateau and could be immortal. (94 points)
2015 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grézeaux - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (2/1/2020)
From magnum. Unlike my last bottle about 18 months ago, this wine was joyous. That Grézeaux signature dark, mineral earth. I get such a visual of the vineyard when I drink this wine and find the signature so distinct and alluring. There is also a ton of fruit, maybe black raspberry or boysenberry along with a hint of currant and violets. There are plenty of tannin but there is so much of everything else that they never take over. Surely has a long life ahead but there is happiness to be had right now. Don't cheat yourself. (93 points)
2007 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (2/1/2020)
Fully mature and very nice. Has a kind of orange zest and leather top note to the dark red fruit. Tannins ameliorated and some varnished grandmothers sewing room notes. I'll drink my last bottle soon but I'm sure that bottles of this will make interesting old nebbiolo if that's your thing. (90 points)
2015 Weingut Knoll Riesling Smaragd Loibenberg - Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau (2/1/2020)
Knoll is still my favorite of the Wachau producers. I think the longer elevage gives the wines a deep, serious quality. Then you add the exuberant fruit of 2015 on top and all the spindly fractious meadow notes. Plenty off depth and structure. Will probably age as long as you want it to. I think it'll be at its apex in a few years. (93 points)
2015 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/1/2020)
From magnum, this was closed and coiled in that Coudert way. It's such a tough wine to predict. Maybe manganese does even stranger things to wine than limestone. Anyway, I knew this might happen and it is my only magnum (sigh), but I wanted to have it juxtaposed with the 2005 and 2010. (90 points)
2014 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Clos de Guichaux - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (2/1/2020)
Lean in a kind of Burgundian way. Waxy yellow fruits, lively a bit of flowers and mineral. Not particularly expansive or deep in the manner of Collier. This may have more to offer in time but I think the fact that it makes such a convincing Burgundy ringer (an experienced ITBer asked me what Burgundy it was after he tasted a glass I handed him) might mean it never delivers a real Loire feel. It is still delicious wine, though. (92 points)
2012 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône-Brézème Vieille Serine Domaine de Pergaud - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Brézème (2/1/2020)
From magnum. It's been really interesting to follow the evolution of Eric's thought through these vines. I was worried about a tannic wine, but this wasn't. It was lively and snappy with red fruits and herbal top notes that changed to flowers a hint of smoky earth and then a darker red fruit. Really stayed lithe and lively and the tannins had such a fine bead to them. The palate presence reminds me of a great Taiwanese Oolong in how it is both light and strong at the same time. That all sounds pretentious and the wine is intellectual but I think that anyone would love it (this is my novice wine drinking aunt's favorite wine). I have no idea what age will do to this wine as I don't know that it has a modern precedent. I bought a decent amount, so I plan on following it regularly. (93 points)
2016 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese feinherb #3 - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (2/3/2020)
If anything the saline minerality is more pronounced in this bottle. That lick of rocky umami underneath the laser like fruit is just addictive to me. Fantastic. (93 points)
2012 Campi di Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (2/7/2020)
It has been a while since I've had a wine from Margherita and Francesca so I grabbed a few of these and wanted to check on a bottle. This was really intense and formidably structured. You could detect fruit, leather, earth, flowers and sundry attached to the frame, but it was unwilling to let them flutter outward. Kind of reminded me of young Bea Sagrantino in that it seemed like staring into a deep well where you can't see the bottom. There is also a lively feel and a noble rusticity that one doesn't find in Brunello much anymore. Not elegant like Stella nor silky like Poggio di Sotto but a real and singular expression of sangiovese. I'm burying my other bottles for at least 5-7 years. I'm curious as hell to see where this ends up. (92 points)
2008 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Ruchottes-Chambertin - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru (2/7/2020)
Absolutely electric acidity encrusts some deep, but distinctly red, fruit. The tannin are fine but far from resolved. A wine that is being deliberate in what it shows. The purity of the fruit is really compelling. I won't drink my only other bottle for 7-10 years, I think. It is interesting how much more shy this was than the Echezeaux from last October. I expect this wine to become regal. (93 points)
2013 Xavier Gerard Côte-Rôtie - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (2/7/2020)
To end the trio of "too young" wines this Côte-Rôtie has closed in on itself. There is a sense of dark olive brine to the dark currant and berry fruit without being olives themselves. The floral candy is being held down by a sense of power and a smoke and leather nuance. Lots of potential but wait another 3-5 years or so to open another. (92 points)
2015 Giovanni Canonica Barolo Paiagallo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/8/2020)
There is real aromatic lift to this wine, almost like perfume or eua de vie. Cherries macerated in rosewater. There are some savory notes and a bit of leather and spice. This is good to go right now despite a bit of grip underneath. I'm not sure what the aging curve looks like for this type of natural Barolo but if it's delicious now, why wait. We popped the bottle and drank it over about 2 hours with dinner. I'm not sure what a decant would do to it, so I wouldn't. (92 points)
2017 Ferme de la Sansonnière (Mark Angeli) La Lune - France, Vin de France (2/9/2020)
An interesting contrast to a recent bottle of the Amphores. This was less savory and with a richer feel on the palate. Real density and heft without becoming heavy. Great with a Thai yellow curry. I'm not sure what the rs is here but there is a sweetness to the fruit and a sappiness to the experience. For whatever reason, these wines just hit me in a tender spot that only they can find. (92 points)
2015 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé Tradition - France, Burgundy, M“connais, Viré-Clessé (2/9/2020)
Another great bottle. Such succulent yellow fruit. I love the yellow plum and apricot additions to the usual chardonnay flavor spectrum. (92 points)
2011 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rùfina Riserva Bucerchiale - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina (2/9/2020)
Out of magnum, I was worried about some rustic tannin but this wine was fully resolved. Lots of tobacco and leathery nuance to the licorice tinged cherry sangiovese fruit. Really worked well at the table where a bit of time in the decanter brought out a bit more structure. Probably a wine I should add to the cellar. (92 points)
2017 Ch“teau de Bonnezeaux Bonnezeaux Vieille Vigne du Fief Prévost - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Bonnezeaux (2/11/2020)
Consistent with previous bottles. This had a interesting sort of aloe density to it. A snap pea type green edge, that was very pleasant and interesting, to the brassy chenin fruit. This is a domain reborn and I'll be keeping a close eye on them. (91 points)
2014 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (2/12/2020)
Seems in a bit of a tweener spot right now. The bursting fruit of the first few years is stepping back a bit and the wine is lengthening and becoming more complex but the tannin seem more present. We had this rather quickly out of sub-optimal stems so I may be underrating it given how incredible it was out of the gate. I think a bit of air would have done it quite a bit of good. (91 points)
2016 Weiser-Künstler Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling Große Eule - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (2/13/2020)
A really interesting wine. I'm becoming a huge fan of these wines. There is a creamed rock quality to them that I really love. That is, they can have a gentleness and roundness on the palate but with intense notes of crushed stone. This particular wine was dry but not severe with a saline and herbal density without being ponderous. The fruit is more from families of heirloom apples rather than citrus or peach. Very cool. I need to step up my exploration of these wines. (92 points)
2013 Savart Champagne Extra Brut L'Année - France, Champagne (2/16/2020)
Nice creamy vinous style of Champagne. Some nice toasty and doughy yeasty nuance but really propelled by the fruit. While it showed well, I think a couple more years would bring more complexity. (92 points)
2015 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru (2/16/2020)
First night it was reduced but with really deep fruit. Re-visited over the next several days and it gradually opened up a bit. A wine of future potential but not for now. I think another 6-7 years before I dip in again. (91 points)
2013 Champagne Suenen Champagne Grand Cru "Les Robarts" Extra Brut Millésime - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (2/16/2020)
Bigger than I expected given my other experience with Suenen. Not austere but somewhat clenched. While the feeling of volume was a surprise, the intense minerality wasn't. Looking forward to having this with a meal rather than just as an aperitif with snacks. (92 points)
2010 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/16/2020)
I was just curious and I wanted to test my working hypothesis that it's fun to drink young Barolo. I've really come around on the Vajra wines over the last 5-6 years. I find that, for me, they marry a lot fo the things I love about traditional Barolo but with a more fruit driven profile and tannin management. This bottle was sumptuous. It was bursting with fruit but still silky. The structure is there and deftly balanced by the deep dark cherry and plum fruit. There are a bunch of floral, and not just rose, notes as well as a fine herbal component. We decanted it and drank it over about 2 hours so it never had a chance to shut down. I'd be hesitant to give this a long decant at this stage. I'd just get it off the sediment and go. This wine has a great future and given how fun this bottle was, I think I'll check in every few years until I have a negative experience. (94 points)
2009 Louis Roederer Champagne Vintage Brut - France, Champagne (2/16/2020)
Consistent with previous bottles. (91 points)
2008 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Vosne-Romanée - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée (2/16/2020)
Lacy red fruits intertwined with baking spices and a fine bead of acid. Has really come together and the palate has sweetened since my last bottle. This is the toughest M-G for me to figure out as it can be so harshly closed down in comparison with the other wine but this bottle was on fire. (92 points)
1996 Flavio Roddolo Barolo Ravera - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/16/2020)
One of the best wines I've had so far this year. I've really fallen in love with the wines from Roddolo. You get the sense that these wines are very personal and Ravera di Monforte is a little known site. There is a minty, almost mentholated quality to the deep black cherry fruit. The fruit is so deep and mineral laden and sits on top of some fine but substantial tannin so that you barely notice them. This could well drink for eternity and hasn't gone full tertiary so some folks may want to sit on their bottles. For myself, this gave me everything I was hoping for. I'm probably underselling the complexity because that fruit and mineral drive was so breathtaking. This was double decanted 3.5 hours prior to drinking. (96 points)
1995 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/16/2020)
This starts with a really complex nose with a piney, varnished wood component with other savory leather and dry herb notes. Hints of dried roses and dark red fruits, both pitted and with seeds. To me, the savory and earthy notes that the wine is showing perfectly complements the fruit which is the mark of a mature wine in plateau. It will certainly get more tertiary and had an older profile than the Roddolo. With time in the glass, the fine grained and slightly ferrous tannins show themselves but are whisked away with a bite of food. I have one bottle left that I'll probably drink by 2025. This was double decanted 3.5 hours prior to drinking. (94 points)
2011 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/17/2020)
Better than a bottle of the 2010 recently but not where I thought this bottle would be. Seems to be all structure at the moment. There is still dark fruit and minerals at the core but I had hoped it would have filled out and developed more bottle sweetness. Coudert wines can be the ne plus ultra when they are on, I am just having a hard time figuring out exactly when that will be. Maybe I should have decanted? I guess the only thing to do is give it a bit more time. (90 points)
2016 Domaine Gramenon Vinsobres La Papesse - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vinsobres (2/18/2020)
Deep purple core gives a preview of the earthy, savory, dark, pungent fruit to come. More tannic than I expected from what is a pure grenache. Much better than the last bottle we had and really looking like it will be coming around in the next few years. While you feel the structure it is still a well balanced wine. (91 points)
2014 Briceland Vineyards Zinfandel Ishi Pishi Ranch - USA, California, North Coast, Humboldt County (2/20/2020)
I really like where this wine has ended up. A lithe version of zinfandel. All the structure has melted into baking spices and berry compote. With some air there are some floral and strawberry notes that emerge as well as a bit of fine tannin. This is my last bottle but it was in a perfect spot, I'd continue drinking this soon if I had more. (91 points)
2015 Caves Coopératives de Donnas Donnas - Italy, Valle d'Aosta, Donnas (2/20/2020)
A broad nose full of the ester of cherry, herbs and a bit of leathery earth. Mid-weight on the palate with juicy acids and polite tannin. Really nice length that continues with savory wrapped fruit. May not be built for the long haul but this is an excellent dinner companion right now. (92 points)
2009 Ch“teau Bel Air-Marquis d'Aligre - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux (2/21/2020)
Really interesting nose of tart cranberry and brambly wild fruits but kept in line by herbs, earth and leather all swirling around it. Very tight on the palate and while it isn't exactly coarse it is a bit rustic. There is an almost ferrous quality to the finish. The palate never really opened up in the decanter so we returned it to the bottle and into the fridge. If it doesn't change I think that another 5-6 years in the cellar are required. (90 points)
NV Eric Rodez Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (2/21/2020)
Last bottle was strangely corked (weird for Champagne) but this one was very good. Bright apple and mineral notes with a bit of biscuit underneath. The bead could be a bit finer and it lacks a bit of depth but a very good Champagne on the whole. This is an unusual for Ambonnay 100% chardonnay Champagne. (91 points)
2001 Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie La Chavaroche - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (2/21/2020)
The nose on this was fantastic from the decanter when poured off the sediment. Returned to the cleaned bottle for the dinner table it seemed to close up. The nose was still beautiful, if less expansive. Violets, lavender, smoke, minerals and red fruit that most resembled currants on the nose but then the palate was mid-weight but dominated by tannin. At least they were fine tannins and not big chunky ones. I kept going back to this over the evening hoping it would open up. Eventually, we gave up and put the rest of the bottle in the fridge. I guess I'll update if it changes. I have no idea what to do with my last bottle but I guess 3-5 years. (90 points)
1992 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/21/2020)
Dark earth, maduro cigar and coffee grounds over a bed of black currants with a hint of menthol. Still retains some tannins that in a perfect world would be a bit more suave. This was the most open wine on the night and was the only one we finished. Fantastic with the CO rack of lamb. I don't think there is any danger of this falling off its plateau any time soon and has a way to go before it is a wine of fully tertiary notes. The only thing that would concern me would be the remaining fruit dropping before the tannins fully render. (92 points)
2016 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Blanc La Croix Boissée - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (2/22/2020)
This is moving along nicely. Love the acidity that is starting to shape the density a bit more. (92 points)
2005 Domaine du Ch“teau de Chorey (Germain) Beaune 1er Cru Les Cras Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru (2/22/2020)
Reduced and a bit sullen. There is some density and sap here but since it isn't a wine I'm familiar with, I don't know exactly where it is headed. Old massale vines here are what peaked my interest. (88 points)
2014 Ceritas Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (2/23/2020)
Best bottle of this yet. Laser focused. Lemon curd. (92 points)
2015 von Winning Forster Pechstein Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Pfalz (2/23/2020)
Really interesting. Not sure it is really my bag but I was really happy to try it even though it's really expensive. Sort of Burgundy made from riesling. You feel the oak in the texture rather than taste. (91 points)
2012 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (2/23/2020)
Excellent. Rich and chewy with cedar and savory notes framing deep dark fruits. Still has lots of structure but I got a lot of joy out of this bottle. Still has some upside. (94 points)
2000 Domaine Charvin Ch“teauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Ch“teauneuf-du-Pape (2/23/2020)
Really pretty in the Charvin style. On the downslope but there is still a lot of pleasure here. (92 points)
2013 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (2/25/2020)
Hmm, tight and unyielding. I was expecting it to be a little more open at this point. Confusing. (88 points)
2017 G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba Superiore - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore (2/26/2020)
Big, rich and decadent. I prefer the 2016 a bit, but this is seriously good barbera. The year gives it a chocolate nuance. (91 points)
2014 Jean-Philippe Fichet Meursault Les Gruyaches - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault (2/27/2020)
Among the best bottles I've had of this. In a beautiful spot where it is relaxing from its young self and showing some self assurance. These 2014s from Fichet have been among my smartest purchases over the last decade. (93 points)
2014 Cappellano Barolo Piè Rupestris Otin Fiorin (Gabutti) - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/28/2020)
Man, I was hoping I'd catch this at an early open phase. Nope. I may skip this vintage as I have bought heavily the last few years and *might* have too much young Barolo. (89 points)
2010 Marcarini Barolo Brunate - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/28/2020)
Nope, not at this time. Did not like being disturbed at all. Give it 3-5 before checking back in. (89 points)
2010 Azienda Agricola Platinetti Guido Ghemme Vigna Ronco Maso - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (2/28/2020)
This seems to be in a perfect spot right now. The structure has taken a back seat and nuances of spice, leather and other earthy and savory notes swirl around the deep cherry fruit. A producer I need to keep buying and a wonderful visit if you're in the area. (92 points)
2014 Adrien Renoir Champagne Grand Cru Les Montants - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (2/28/2020)
A lean but powerful wine with a good bit of depth. I really like the shape of it and the balance of fruit and acid. I think this will end up improving, maybe a lot, with some years under cork but don't know for sure as this is a new wine to me. (92 points)
2018 Tiberio Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (2/28/2020)
This was great! Maybe even as good as the Pecorino. Bracing and lively with driving minerals and a whiff of the sea. Great value. (92 points)
2017 La Grange Tiphaine Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Epinays - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Montlouis-sur-Loire (2/29/2020)
These are wines that I don't drink often enough. A crystalline version of chenin with the breadth of the grape and its round yellow fruits with green apples and bracing minerals. If I had easy access to this locally it would definitely be more in the rotation. (92 points)
2017 Wilde Farm Wines Heritage Bedrock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (2/29/2020)
This was pleasant enough but maybe I was expecting more density and length. It definitely feels like a whole cluster wine and there is a whiff of VA. I'll continue to work through my bottles to try to understand the wine better. (88 points)
2016 Azienda Agricola Caparsa Chianti Classico Caparsa - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (2/29/2020)
Damn, this lives up all my hopes and dreams. Excellent density and breadth, good structure and all the notes and complexity of Radda. A little more wild than Monteraponi. (92 points)
