Domaine Drouhin Lauréne Pinot Noir 2012
Elegant, developed aromas of black raspberry and mulberry, fig leaf and dried mushroom, decaying leaves and a dusting of iron ore. In the mouth, silken, fully-integrated tannins lend structure to ethereal tones of black tea, violets, dried bark, and stratified minerality that surface momentarily, winking in and out—shimmering shards on a backdrop embroidered in dark […]
Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorëns Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2017
A blend of 60% White Grenache and 40% Clairette, think of the Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Blanc 2017 as value in your glass—pale lemon yellow and bone dry, this classic Rhône blend offers up a convivial bouquet of bruised pear and yellow apple, lily of the valley, and a dusting of chalky minerality. In the […]
Château la Rame Sainte-Croix-du-Mont 2015
Crafted from 100% Sémillon grown in clay-limestone soil studded with fossilized oysters, the 2015 Château la Rame Sainte-Croix-du-Mont unfurls to reveal layered aromas of dried mango, pineapple, and acacia honey. It’s a luscious wine, with concentration and vibrant acidity that lends focus and lift to the palate, followed by a pleasant tide of pink grapefruit […]
Domaine Ostertag Les Jardins Pinot Noir 2016
Perfect for the holiday season, this complex biodynamic Alsatian Pinot Noir from Domaine Ostertag, the 2016 ‘Les Jardins’ opens in a forest glen—decaying leaves crackling underfoot, damp moss, bark, and forest floor, perhaps even a touch of barnyard. This more pastoral aspect wafts off to reveal sour cherries, spiced apple rings, and an evolving florality […]
It is very curious to watch this
By the light of the now brilliant moons I saw that he was but a shadow of his former self, and as he turned from my caress and commenced greedily.
Altemasi Trento Brut NV
A genial sparkling chardonnay from the Trentodoc, the Altemasi Méthodo Classico Brut has an aromatic profile yellow apples and pears, white flowers, and lemon curd. It’s crisp on the palate, with brisk, cascading bubbles and linear acidity. Lemon pith and wet shell at the close. 12.5% ABV | Sample Altemasi 88 Points
Château Dauphiné Rondillon Loupiac 2011
From the Loupiacais countryside, this golden-glinting blend of 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc opens with subtle earthiness—blooming forest mushroom that blows off to reveal apricot, tangerine, nougatine, sultana, and warm spice. In the mouth glorious, glycerolly-unctuousness and shimmering depth on the palate, punctuated by bright acidity. Kumquat, almond paste, and baking spice emerge on the […]
Chalone Vineyard Estate Syrah 2014
From Chalone’s historic estate in the Gavilan Mountain Range—it’s the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County, with an altitude of around 1,800 feet and limestone-based soils, the wines from this small AVA are incredibly distinct. The 2014 Vineyard Estate Syrah boasts roasted plums, blackberries, tobacco, cedar, tar, black pepper, oxblood, and even a bit of […]
Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2015
Aromas of stemmy raspberry, black cherries, and macerated blackberry followed by vanilla, sweet tobacco, white pepper, and Oolong tea. There is concentration and power on the palate, but lightness too—as I typically find in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the acidity has a signature energy to it—nervy and coated in marine influence, it dances amidst pure […]
Bodegas Altos de Torona Albariño Rías Baixas Sobre Lías 2017
A more fruit-driven expression of Albariño, the Altos de Torona Sobre Lias 2017 is fairly bursting with aromas of yellow peach, banana chip, green apple, and citrus. Lovely freshness and roundness in the mouth, followed by saline-tinged smokiness—the wine’s granitic origins come through on the finish as well as a rather haunting, singular banana note. […]