As we go through month 3 of social distancing at least we're drinking well. The Barthod and Gramenon were as good as any wine I've had this year. The Prudhon St. Aubins are a style that perfectly scratch my chardonnay itch. Ceritas wines continue to really perform for us. Hope everyone is safe and doing as well as possible.
2012 Ceritas Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/2/2020)
Beautiful bottle showing the exotic fruit notes from Heintz (sort of like a less wild Bongran) paired with a firm mineral spice and some secondary spice and floral complexity. Everything I'm trying from Ceritas these days I'm loving. Unfortunately this was my last bottle. (93 points)
2017 Girolamo Russo Etna 'a Rina - Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC (5/2/2020)
This was a fine accompaniment to leftovers but I would like a bit more depth than I'm getting out of these wines. I think this is a winery still finding their way. (88 points)
2010 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru (5/3/2020)
Hmm, so definitely don't start opening these yet. Oops. All the things I love about this wine are in there, they just don't want to play. Gotta try to wait 3 years or so before diving back in. The 2007 is so good right now that I'll just drink those. (92 points)
1999 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod / Barthod-Noëllat Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru (5/4/2020)
Ah, mature Barthod. Sometimes, I wonder if my faith was misplaced but when I have bottles like this all faith is restored. There is some darker berry and cherry fruit and the finish that makes one think of gravel rocks. Laced with spice and dried flowers permeated by an almost umami sous bois. Gentle and caressing but with enough acid and fien tannin to work well at the table. One of those wines that disappears while you smile. Beautiful. Should hold well for a while but if you're waiting there is no need anymore. (95 points)
2015 Ceritas Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/5/2020)
All the things from the recent 2012 just more bounded up. Still delicious with the type of acidity that briskly cleans the palate and drags the yellow fruit across it. Delicious now but a couple more years away from its best. (92 points)
2018 Marziano Abbona Dogliani Papà Celso - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Dogliani (5/6/2020)
Joyful, exuberant, delicious dolcetto. Juicy berries with purple flowers and a savory note that is sort of leathery and salty. Very cool wine that I should drink more often. (92 points)
2017 Wilde Farm Wines Heritage Bedrock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (5/7/2020)
Similar to previous bottles. I want to like this more. (89 points)
2014 Pierre Gonon St. Joseph - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (5/9/2020)
Elegant and silky with pure fine red fruits that can shade a bit darker smashed on a granite table. Complicating notes of flowers on the top and earth on the bottom. Has that pure olive note that I get with Gonon. Fabulous at the table. Sure to gain in complexity with more time in bottle but it is drinking really well now. (93 points)
2018 Domaine des Ardoisières Vin des Allobroges Cuvée Silice - France, Savoie, Vin des Allobroges (5/9/2020)
Fun with minerals and stones under yellow fruits in an Alpine meadow. Some savory herbs sneak in. (89 points)
2002 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (5/10/2020)
Not sure how much whole cluster there is here, but you get the spice and green notes on the nose. It merges with the cherry notes after a bit. Nice shape to the palate and good fruit but still not completely ready for business. I think it'll really come into its own in 3-5 years as there is still some tannin to resolve. Really good, but not quite great wine. (93 points)
2018 Tiberio Pecorino - Italy, Abruzzi, Colline Pescaresi IGT (5/10/2020)
This has become a regular part of our rotation. Zesty sea air and sappy tart fruits with a hint of flowers and salty minerals. Delicious. Maybe less dramatic than previous bottles. I wonder what the curve is for this variety. (90 points)
2018 Tiberio Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (5/12/2020)
Zesty and lively like the previous bottle. Really piercing and perfect with from the garden lunch as the days stretch out. (91 points)
2011 Flavio Roddolo Barolo Ravera - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (5/12/2020)
A really warm expression of Barolo with cherry compote and warm spices. Not a ton of tannin and lots of earthy, leathery notes under the fruit and spice. A bit of rose water. Delicious and ready to go now. (93 points)
2016 Domaine Santa Duc Vacqueyras Les Aubes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras (5/13/2020)
Berries and spices with hints of leather and some savory gaminess. Has really lovely balance and even a bit of snap. Fine tannin doesn't obscure anything about the wine even at this young age. Great at the table. We really liked this, unfortunately no more to be had locally. I guess that's the risk of try before you buy. (92 points)
2016 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Murgers des Dents de Chien - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/14/2020)
We're loving these Prudhon St. Aubins. Mineral and lemon laced acidity clears the yellow fruits and flint off the palate. There is a real sense of density here without being heavy. (92 points)
2012 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (5/14/2020)
Really outstanding nose of currants and blackberries with a leathery snap at the end. Full on the palate but shaped nicely by svelte tannin and good acidity. No mistaking the CA Mountain origins of this wine and a nice little bead of minerals show themselves as the finish fans out. Exactly the cabernet experience we were looking for in this bottle. Drinking well now if you don't mind some structure and should for a good long while. (93 points)
2014 Henri Prudhon & Fils Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignères - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet (5/15/2020)
Compared to the St. Aubins this feel a bit slender. Has nice acidity and citrus zing but lacks the complexity or flavor profile we're looking for. (89 points)
2016 De Fermo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Prologo - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (5/15/2020)
Inky with deep black fruits, tar and some savory herbs and spices. Dusty earth and tannins that slowly build on the back end suggest positive development although I think it shows well now. I found this really impressive and may be underrating it a bit because ti is new to me. Definitely going into the rotation. (92 points)
2016 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Perrières - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/16/2020)
So far, this is the best of the Prudhon St. Aubins. Really steely fruit with flowers and flint. Real depth and length and again, a sense of density. Really top notch chardonnay right in our wheelhouse. I guess these may age, but only by accident in our house. (93 points)
2014 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (5/17/2020)
Man, I have the worst luck with Coudert wines. I just can never figure out when to open them. I feel like I didn't used to have this problem 15 years ago. Anyway, closed for business and never opened up despite days of tasting and returning to the fridge. Your guess is as good as mine. (88 points)
2015 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur Le Sentier Du Clou - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/18/2020)
Compared to the 2016s, this is a fatter rendition. There is a musky quality to the fruit and a bit less flintyness but still nice acidity and some flowers and still delicious. (92 points)
2015 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/19/2020)
The distinctions between the vineyards smudge a bit in 2015 but this seems to have a bit more peach and more flint but less mineral on the finish. Still lovely and ready to go. (91 points)
2014 Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses Les Cloux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses (5/19/2020)
Now this is a lemon factory, lemon oil, lemon zest, all the lemons with stones and some subtle flowers. Zesty and fun. Lacks the delicacy of the Sous Fretille but lovely in its own right. Seems like it can go on for a while and maybe develop some complexity if it doesn't get the POX. (91 points)
2018 De Fermo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Concrete - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (5/20/2020)
An interesting blend of chardonnay and pecorino. A bit simple, but perfect as a an afternoon lunch quaffer. So far, everything from De Fermo has been great. (88 points)
2013 Le Pianelle Bramaterra - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Bramaterra (5/21/2020)
This is still a very young wine in need to age to really come together. It isn't disjoint, exactly, but each facet seems on it's own. There are macerated cherries, mint, herbs and some spices. There is a savory, herbal earthiness that haunts the edges. I think this will end up being really superb one day. I'd say 6-8 years or so. (92 points)
2015 Ferme de la Sansonnière (Mark Angeli) Les Fouchardes - France, Vin de France (5/23/2020)
At first pour this seems a bit dark and soft. A bit of air wakes it up and it even looks brighter, quite the feat. This wine just feels natural and I love the texture. It's a large, luscious wine that never feels heavy. Was awesome with Mapo Tofu. (92 points)
2017 Weiser-Künstler Enkircher Steffensberg Riesling - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (5/23/2020)
There is a really cool cream of stone thing that I get with Weiser-Künstler wines. This is the poster child of density without excess weight. Doesn't have the usual sharp rielsing flavors, these seem warmer and more gentle and nuanced. Has solid structure but that doesn't get in the way of enjoying it now although I imagine 3-4 years would help. These wines always catch my attention and make me think. (92 points)
2015 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Ceps Centenaires La Mémé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/24/2020)
Drank with the 2009 and you can see the line of evolution between there and here. Sappy, intense fruit with the same herbs, spice and flowers but in a more bound up stage. I think this will ultimately be a better wine than the 2009 but tonight the more mature wine is providing a more special showing. In a few years, I think this will start to fan out like the 2009. It's not Rayas but these wines scratch my grenache itch perfectly. (94 points)
2015 Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers Clos Saint-Marc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (5/24/2020)
I was just slightly disappointed with this wine, but that's a product of really high expectations. Seems really young and full of energy, I was actually expecting a bit more fruit given the year. Minerals and stones really drives through yellow fruits towards the finish. I think a couple of years should do it good. (92 points)
2018 Girolamo Russo Etna Nerina - Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC (5/24/2020)
Snappy lemon oil and maybe some melon with a snappy herbal and salty element. Snappy and delicious. Glad to have this around. (91 points)
2009 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Ceps Centenaires La Mémé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/24/2020)
One of the best wines I've had in quarantine. Really beautiful, deep grenache cherry fruit wrapped in waves of complex herbs, flowers and spices. Excellent shape and some velvety tannins. The finish includes a nice snap of cherry and spice. In a perfect spot and reminds me what beautiful wines these are. (95 points)
2015 Marcel Couturier Pouilly-Fuissé Clos Reyssié - France, Burgundy, M“connais, Pouilly-Fuissé (5/25/2020)
A touch round and exotic for my tastes and not in the Thevenet sort of way. Very clean and there seems to be some old vine density that expresses itself as an herbal quality. From what I understand, this is a producer going through some changes and on the rise. I'll keep an eye out. (88 points)
2017 Domaine de la Folie Rully Clos La Folie - France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully (5/25/2020)
Pear and lemon drop. Good acidity but lacks some minerality that I was expecting. A nice enough drop. (90 points)
2014 Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers Clos Saint-Marc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (5/26/2020)
OK, well this is a baby. Dense and deep but still lean and linear. There are all of the chardonnay things packed in here and it seems juicy but the firm finishes wipes that out off your palate. A few or 5 more years should make this fabulous. (92 points)
2012 Ceritas Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard Old Shop Block - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/27/2020)
Really delicious and seems like it is really at a peak. Deep red fruits with real sap and lots of meadowy herbs and flowers. This really pulls off the neat trick of Burgundian texture with CA fruit. I'll try to keep my hands off the reds for 5-6 years after release from now on out as this seemed like it was the best version of itself. (93 points)
2010 Flavio Roddolo Barbera d'Alba Superiore Bricco Appiani - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore (5/28/2020)
The fruit and earth and savory herbs all really jelled together spherically. There is so much soul and character in these Roddolo wines. Quickly becoming one of my favorite producers. So good, we had to open a second bottle. (92 points)
2013 Matthiasson Red Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/29/2020)
Very pretty currant and dark berry fruits with a bit of sage and cedar. Mild earthy complexity on the palate. What really impresses is the texture it is supple and flavorful without being particularly large scaled or chewy and the finish has a nice snap to it. I really like the style of this wine and it was even better with food. (92 points)
2015 Ch“teau La Fleur Garderose St. Émilion Grand Cru - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (5/29/2020)
Starts out funky and a bit of barnyard/Brett. Interestingly, this blew off somewhat after about 45 minutes so maybe part of it was reduction. Currants a bit of cocoa and saddle leather are the main players and it retains nice shape. The tannin build on the finish indicating that some time in the cellar would help. Good now with grilled steaks. Tighter than a bottle I had about 6 months ago at Rue Cler. (91 points)
2015 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/30/2020)
Consistent with previous bottle. Delicious. (91 points)
2018 Julien Sunier Fleurie - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (5/30/2020)
I really liked this wine. It seems right in the middle of something like Coudert and something more natural like Descombes. Has that hazy meadow full of herbs and flowers with deep berry fruit. Really beautiful shape to the wine with acid to lift and tannin to form. I'm impressed with this producer and it's easily available locally so may replace some of the KL wines in our rotation. (92 points)
2015 Clos du Rouge Gorge Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes L'Ubac - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes (5/31/2020)
I was a little concerned about this wine since the Vieilles Vignes had too much baby diaper. This had none of those flaws. Really beautiful magenta color and a nose of red and black fruits, garrigue herbs, stone and a wisp of smoke. Really driving flavor on the palate but also really well balanced. I like the texture a lot. This wine feels natural and it is. Should continue to improve for several years but there is no need to wait. I wish I had some more to see where it would go. (93 points)
2007 Ch“teau Pradeaux Bandol - France, Provence, Bandol (5/31/2020)
So, I had a great bottle of the 2007 X a few months back and was curious about whether the wine receiving normal élévage would show just as well. It is a bit younger seeming and more fiercely tannic than the X but still very enjoyable right now with the rich Flannery Picanha. Brmbly fruit and lots of garrigue and that unmistakeable bark-like note I get from Pradueax. Less of the florals that can come with age but plenty of fruit to balance the tannin. Will gain complexity and mellow some with age, but it's in a fun spot now with the right food. (93 points)
2012 Ceritas Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/2/2020)
Beautiful bottle showing the exotic fruit notes from Heintz (sort of like a less wild Bongran) paired with a firm mineral spice and some secondary spice and floral complexity. Everything I'm trying from Ceritas these days I'm loving. Unfortunately this was my last bottle. (93 points)
2017 Girolamo Russo Etna 'a Rina - Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC (5/2/2020)
This was a fine accompaniment to leftovers but I would like a bit more depth than I'm getting out of these wines. I think this is a winery still finding their way. (88 points)
2010 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru (5/3/2020)
Hmm, so definitely don't start opening these yet. Oops. All the things I love about this wine are in there, they just don't want to play. Gotta try to wait 3 years or so before diving back in. The 2007 is so good right now that I'll just drink those. (92 points)
1999 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod / Barthod-Noëllat Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru (5/4/2020)
Ah, mature Barthod. Sometimes, I wonder if my faith was misplaced but when I have bottles like this all faith is restored. There is some darker berry and cherry fruit and the finish that makes one think of gravel rocks. Laced with spice and dried flowers permeated by an almost umami sous bois. Gentle and caressing but with enough acid and fien tannin to work well at the table. One of those wines that disappears while you smile. Beautiful. Should hold well for a while but if you're waiting there is no need anymore. (95 points)
2015 Ceritas Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/5/2020)
All the things from the recent 2012 just more bounded up. Still delicious with the type of acidity that briskly cleans the palate and drags the yellow fruit across it. Delicious now but a couple more years away from its best. (92 points)
2018 Marziano Abbona Dogliani Papà Celso - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Dogliani (5/6/2020)
Joyful, exuberant, delicious dolcetto. Juicy berries with purple flowers and a savory note that is sort of leathery and salty. Very cool wine that I should drink more often. (92 points)
2017 Wilde Farm Wines Heritage Bedrock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (5/7/2020)
Similar to previous bottles. I want to like this more. (89 points)
2014 Pierre Gonon St. Joseph - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (5/9/2020)
Elegant and silky with pure fine red fruits that can shade a bit darker smashed on a granite table. Complicating notes of flowers on the top and earth on the bottom. Has that pure olive note that I get with Gonon. Fabulous at the table. Sure to gain in complexity with more time in bottle but it is drinking really well now. (93 points)
2018 Domaine des Ardoisières Vin des Allobroges Cuvée Silice - France, Savoie, Vin des Allobroges (5/9/2020)
Fun with minerals and stones under yellow fruits in an Alpine meadow. Some savory herbs sneak in. (89 points)
2002 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (5/10/2020)
Not sure how much whole cluster there is here, but you get the spice and green notes on the nose. It merges with the cherry notes after a bit. Nice shape to the palate and good fruit but still not completely ready for business. I think it'll really come into its own in 3-5 years as there is still some tannin to resolve. Really good, but not quite great wine. (93 points)
2018 Tiberio Pecorino - Italy, Abruzzi, Colline Pescaresi IGT (5/10/2020)
This has become a regular part of our rotation. Zesty sea air and sappy tart fruits with a hint of flowers and salty minerals. Delicious. Maybe less dramatic than previous bottles. I wonder what the curve is for this variety. (90 points)
2018 Tiberio Trebbiano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (5/12/2020)
Zesty and lively like the previous bottle. Really piercing and perfect with from the garden lunch as the days stretch out. (91 points)
2011 Flavio Roddolo Barolo Ravera - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (5/12/2020)
A really warm expression of Barolo with cherry compote and warm spices. Not a ton of tannin and lots of earthy, leathery notes under the fruit and spice. A bit of rose water. Delicious and ready to go now. (93 points)
2016 Domaine Santa Duc Vacqueyras Les Aubes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras (5/13/2020)
Berries and spices with hints of leather and some savory gaminess. Has really lovely balance and even a bit of snap. Fine tannin doesn't obscure anything about the wine even at this young age. Great at the table. We really liked this, unfortunately no more to be had locally. I guess that's the risk of try before you buy. (92 points)
2016 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Murgers des Dents de Chien - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/14/2020)
We're loving these Prudhon St. Aubins. Mineral and lemon laced acidity clears the yellow fruits and flint off the palate. There is a real sense of density here without being heavy. (92 points)
2012 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (5/14/2020)
Really outstanding nose of currants and blackberries with a leathery snap at the end. Full on the palate but shaped nicely by svelte tannin and good acidity. No mistaking the CA Mountain origins of this wine and a nice little bead of minerals show themselves as the finish fans out. Exactly the cabernet experience we were looking for in this bottle. Drinking well now if you don't mind some structure and should for a good long while. (93 points)
2014 Henri Prudhon & Fils Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignères - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet (5/15/2020)
Compared to the St. Aubins this feel a bit slender. Has nice acidity and citrus zing but lacks the complexity or flavor profile we're looking for. (89 points)
2016 De Fermo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Prologo - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (5/15/2020)
Inky with deep black fruits, tar and some savory herbs and spices. Dusty earth and tannins that slowly build on the back end suggest positive development although I think it shows well now. I found this really impressive and may be underrating it a bit because ti is new to me. Definitely going into the rotation. (92 points)
2016 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Perrières - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/16/2020)
So far, this is the best of the Prudhon St. Aubins. Really steely fruit with flowers and flint. Real depth and length and again, a sense of density. Really top notch chardonnay right in our wheelhouse. I guess these may age, but only by accident in our house. (93 points)
2014 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (5/17/2020)
Man, I have the worst luck with Coudert wines. I just can never figure out when to open them. I feel like I didn't used to have this problem 15 years ago. Anyway, closed for business and never opened up despite days of tasting and returning to the fridge. Your guess is as good as mine. (88 points)
2015 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur Le Sentier Du Clou - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/18/2020)
Compared to the 2016s, this is a fatter rendition. There is a musky quality to the fruit and a bit less flintyness but still nice acidity and some flowers and still delicious. (92 points)
2015 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/19/2020)
The distinctions between the vineyards smudge a bit in 2015 but this seems to have a bit more peach and more flint but less mineral on the finish. Still lovely and ready to go. (91 points)
2014 Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses Les Cloux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses (5/19/2020)
Now this is a lemon factory, lemon oil, lemon zest, all the lemons with stones and some subtle flowers. Zesty and fun. Lacks the delicacy of the Sous Fretille but lovely in its own right. Seems like it can go on for a while and maybe develop some complexity if it doesn't get the POX. (91 points)
2018 De Fermo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Concrete - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (5/20/2020)
An interesting blend of chardonnay and pecorino. A bit simple, but perfect as a an afternoon lunch quaffer. So far, everything from De Fermo has been great. (88 points)
2013 Le Pianelle Bramaterra - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Bramaterra (5/21/2020)
This is still a very young wine in need to age to really come together. It isn't disjoint, exactly, but each facet seems on it's own. There are macerated cherries, mint, herbs and some spices. There is a savory, herbal earthiness that haunts the edges. I think this will end up being really superb one day. I'd say 6-8 years or so. (92 points)
2015 Ferme de la Sansonnière (Mark Angeli) Les Fouchardes - France, Vin de France (5/23/2020)
At first pour this seems a bit dark and soft. A bit of air wakes it up and it even looks brighter, quite the feat. This wine just feels natural and I love the texture. It's a large, luscious wine that never feels heavy. Was awesome with Mapo Tofu. (92 points)
2017 Weiser-Künstler Enkircher Steffensberg Riesling - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (5/23/2020)
There is a really cool cream of stone thing that I get with Weiser-Künstler wines. This is the poster child of density without excess weight. Doesn't have the usual sharp rielsing flavors, these seem warmer and more gentle and nuanced. Has solid structure but that doesn't get in the way of enjoying it now although I imagine 3-4 years would help. These wines always catch my attention and make me think. (92 points)
2015 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Ceps Centenaires La Mémé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/24/2020)
Drank with the 2009 and you can see the line of evolution between there and here. Sappy, intense fruit with the same herbs, spice and flowers but in a more bound up stage. I think this will ultimately be a better wine than the 2009 but tonight the more mature wine is providing a more special showing. In a few years, I think this will start to fan out like the 2009. It's not Rayas but these wines scratch my grenache itch perfectly. (94 points)
2015 Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers Clos Saint-Marc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (5/24/2020)
I was just slightly disappointed with this wine, but that's a product of really high expectations. Seems really young and full of energy, I was actually expecting a bit more fruit given the year. Minerals and stones really drives through yellow fruits towards the finish. I think a couple of years should do it good. (92 points)
2018 Girolamo Russo Etna Nerina - Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC (5/24/2020)
Snappy lemon oil and maybe some melon with a snappy herbal and salty element. Snappy and delicious. Glad to have this around. (91 points)
2009 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Ceps Centenaires La Mémé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/24/2020)
One of the best wines I've had in quarantine. Really beautiful, deep grenache cherry fruit wrapped in waves of complex herbs, flowers and spices. Excellent shape and some velvety tannins. The finish includes a nice snap of cherry and spice. In a perfect spot and reminds me what beautiful wines these are. (95 points)
2015 Marcel Couturier Pouilly-Fuissé Clos Reyssié - France, Burgundy, M“connais, Pouilly-Fuissé (5/25/2020)
A touch round and exotic for my tastes and not in the Thevenet sort of way. Very clean and there seems to be some old vine density that expresses itself as an herbal quality. From what I understand, this is a producer going through some changes and on the rise. I'll keep an eye out. (88 points)
2017 Domaine de la Folie Rully Clos La Folie - France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully (5/25/2020)
Pear and lemon drop. Good acidity but lacks some minerality that I was expecting. A nice enough drop. (90 points)
2014 Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers Clos Saint-Marc - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (5/26/2020)
OK, well this is a baby. Dense and deep but still lean and linear. There are all of the chardonnay things packed in here and it seems juicy but the firm finishes wipes that out off your palate. A few or 5 more years should make this fabulous. (92 points)
2012 Ceritas Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard Old Shop Block - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/27/2020)
Really delicious and seems like it is really at a peak. Deep red fruits with real sap and lots of meadowy herbs and flowers. This really pulls off the neat trick of Burgundian texture with CA fruit. I'll try to keep my hands off the reds for 5-6 years after release from now on out as this seemed like it was the best version of itself. (93 points)
2010 Flavio Roddolo Barbera d'Alba Superiore Bricco Appiani - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore (5/28/2020)
The fruit and earth and savory herbs all really jelled together spherically. There is so much soul and character in these Roddolo wines. Quickly becoming one of my favorite producers. So good, we had to open a second bottle. (92 points)
2013 Matthiasson Red Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/29/2020)
Very pretty currant and dark berry fruits with a bit of sage and cedar. Mild earthy complexity on the palate. What really impresses is the texture it is supple and flavorful without being particularly large scaled or chewy and the finish has a nice snap to it. I really like the style of this wine and it was even better with food. (92 points)
2015 Ch“teau La Fleur Garderose St. Émilion Grand Cru - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (5/29/2020)
Starts out funky and a bit of barnyard/Brett. Interestingly, this blew off somewhat after about 45 minutes so maybe part of it was reduction. Currants a bit of cocoa and saddle leather are the main players and it retains nice shape. The tannin build on the finish indicating that some time in the cellar would help. Good now with grilled steaks. Tighter than a bottle I had about 6 months ago at Rue Cler. (91 points)
2015 Henri Prudhon & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru (5/30/2020)
Consistent with previous bottle. Delicious. (91 points)
2018 Julien Sunier Fleurie - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie (5/30/2020)
I really liked this wine. It seems right in the middle of something like Coudert and something more natural like Descombes. Has that hazy meadow full of herbs and flowers with deep berry fruit. Really beautiful shape to the wine with acid to lift and tannin to form. I'm impressed with this producer and it's easily available locally so may replace some of the KL wines in our rotation. (92 points)
2015 Clos du Rouge Gorge Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes L'Ubac - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes (5/31/2020)
I was a little concerned about this wine since the Vieilles Vignes had too much baby diaper. This had none of those flaws. Really beautiful magenta color and a nose of red and black fruits, garrigue herbs, stone and a wisp of smoke. Really driving flavor on the palate but also really well balanced. I like the texture a lot. This wine feels natural and it is. Should continue to improve for several years but there is no need to wait. I wish I had some more to see where it would go. (93 points)
2007 Ch“teau Pradeaux Bandol - France, Provence, Bandol (5/31/2020)
So, I had a great bottle of the 2007 X a few months back and was curious about whether the wine receiving normal élévage would show just as well. It is a bit younger seeming and more fiercely tannic than the X but still very enjoyable right now with the rich Flannery Picanha. Brmbly fruit and lots of garrigue and that unmistakeable bark-like note I get from Pradueax. Less of the florals that can come with age but plenty of fruit to balance the tannin. Will gain complexity and mellow some with age, but it's in a fun spot now with the right food. (93 points)
