Domaine Jean Royer Cuvée Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014
A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault from vines planted in the galet-laden La Crau and Les Grandes Serres lieux-dits, the 2014 Domaine Jean Royer Cuvée Tradition has slight bricking at this stage in its evolution, with layered aromas of black cherry, plum skin, sagebrush, loamy tilth, cigar box, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Venteux Paso Robles Grenache 2015
Limpid, translucent garnet in the Glass, the 2015 Venteux Paso Robles Grenache is native yeast fermented—and one of the more delicate expressions of the varietal I’ve found in this region. Eccentric rings of black cherry and fresh blackberry tumble from the glass, followed by a glorious and evolving profusion of cigar box, warm spice, dried […]
Leverage Acceleration 2016
A new find, Leverage is boutique Paso Robles producer focused on Rhône-style blends. The 2016 Acceleration is a soulful blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged in French oak puncheons. Blackberries, black raspberries, and plums tumble from the glass followed by waves of unsalted black licorice, olives, mountain herbs, sweet tobacco, vanilla, and macaroon. […]
Leverage Trajectory 2015
A polished GSM from Leverage, the 2015 Trajectory is a blend of 43% Grenache, 39% Syrah, and 18% Mourvedre. It unfurls slowly, revealing layers of plums and blackberry reduction sauce, sweet tobacco, cigarillo, spice, marjoram, and milk chocolate. On the palate, it’s not at all heavy. Beautifully lifted fruit is couched in fine tannins, deftly […]
Paul Jourdan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve de Leonie 2015
A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Paul Jourdan’s Réserve de Léonie Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015 is an excellent value with overtones of sauvage and earth, leather and tar vying for, and claiming dominance over more subdued notes of plum and black cherry. In the mouth, high-toned acidity makes this a wine that begs to be […]
Château de Pitray Premier Vin 2015
A right-bank, Merlot-dominant blend, Château de Pitray is now managed by the estate’s 25th generation. The wine is delicious for its price point—Merlot’s dark cherry and Damson plum notes are beautifully matched by Cabernet Franc’s delicate florality, combined with enveloping cigar box and warm spice notes. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with well-balanced acidity. The […]