Moët & Chandon Champagne Dom Pérignon 1996
1996 was notably one of the best vintages in the past 50 years, according to, CIVC, Champagne’s regulatory board, the only other vintage it compares to is 1928, years noted for both full ripeness and high acidity. The Dom Pérignon 1996 is simply stunning, a kaleidoscope of layered aromas: shortbread, golden apple, hazelnuts, lemon zest, […]
Francesco Rinaldi Barolo Le Brunate 2006
Still in its infancy, the 2006 Rinaldi Barolo Le Brunate is stunning and impeccable even at this stage, though it is advisable to decant should you be tempted to open it sooner rather than later. Soaring notes of juicy black plum and black cherry enclosed in freshly picked sweet tobacco and mint. Voluptuous on entry, […]
Le P’tit Paysan L’Apiculteur Cedar Lane Vineyard Arroyo Seco Viognier 2013
From Ian Brand, the 2012 Le P’tit Paysan is 100% Viognier from Arroyo Seco. Penetrating aromas of honeysuckle, mandarin orange, and stone fruit. This is not a voluptuous Viognier, certainly the body and texture that are signature to the variety are there. This is Viognier stripped down to its core character, with a lean, coursing […]
Scott Paul ‘Audrey’ Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2006
Once an importer and boutique producer, the Scott Paul winery was sold to a long-time partner, Cameron Healy in 2014. I’ll be curious to see if the style of the wine changes under the direction of Healy. The 2006 Scott Paul ‘Audrey’ Dundee Hills Pinot Noir has developed nicely, showing pretty notes of black cherries, […]
Laherte Frères Brut Nature Blanc De Blancs Champagne NV
The Laherte Frères Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature is intense and precise, with bracing acidity and striking mineral overtones. Straw-colored, with a fine mousse, this zero dosage sparkler opens with notes of lemon zest, dried honey, pastry and white flowers. The palate is terroir-driven, chalky, calcareous, fossil-laden soils from the Mesozoic era come to […]
Françoise Bedel Champagne Dis ‘Vin Secret’ Brut NV
Fruit for the Cuvée Dis Vin Secret is mostly from the 2005 vintage, and is a blend of 80% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Noir. Biodynamic farming has bestowed discreet minerality to this elegant Cuvée, along with voluptuous notes apple galette, freshly-baked croissant, quince and buttercream frosting. Pale gold in the glass, with […]
Jean Milan Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Grand Réserve 1864 NV
From the highly acclaimed Oger region, the Jean Milan Grand Cru Grand Réserve 1864 is a blend of 100% Chardonnay from the 2003 and 2004 vintages. Add to the equation eight years of aging on the lees, and you’ve got a wine with both dimension and power. Lofty aromas of honey, cinnamon raisin bread, white […]
Xurus Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Xurus Sauvignon Blanc has seen 6 months on 40% new French oak, and 60% in one-year-old barrels. The color of pale straw, Xurus has a saturating nose of gooseberry, dried pineapple, papaya and nectarine. On the palate, medium-plus acidity carves through a round, rich creamy note of lemon curd or pineapple chunks in plain yogurt […]
Quilceda Creek Galitzine Red mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
With respect to Washington producers, Quilceda Creek is in a league of it’s own. I found the Galitzine to have a slightly different profile than their flagship Columbia Valley Cabernet, which often has a unique fingerprint of soy and Asian spices. Even so, this Red Mountain Cab is exquisite and pristine. Notes of violets, graphite, […]
Broadley Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir 2010
Broadley Vineyard’s 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir sports classic Oregon funk. The nose is fairly brimming over with aromas of decaying leaves, freshly turned soil, seedy red berries, dried mint, smoke and exotic spice. Tart cranberries and pie cherries mingle with cumin and coriander on the back palate. Perhaps the only detractor in an otherwise complex […]