Reviews

Château Figeac

I'll start off by saying that I am indeed a 2019 BDX fan, believing that a number of wines from that vintage display a budding exuberance and purity that make for some early consumption enjoyment as…

Domaine Darviot-Perrin Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières

I've written a decent amount on this wine already, but every time I pop the cork, 1.) I regret it, because I know Darviot-Perrin's Perrieres is near-impossible to find in the states, especially this…

Faethm / Fingers Crossed Head Held High White

Still holding on to your precious 2017 Fingers Crossed white (yes, singular 'white,' since most of you only have one)? Life too scary out there and ya just can't bring yourself to crack the 2018?…

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia

Aromas of leather, crushed dried roses, macerated red cherries, and alcohol peek through an otherwise muted nose, signaling a reticent Barolo that is wondering who in God's name set the alarm clock…

Antinori Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano

This hasn't budged much since my last note in 2020. Fine. moderately dandy. Sufficient. Nonpartisan. .....S'ok and all.

Château Lynch-Bages

Black fruit dominant, with charcoal, blackberry, soil, and bitter chocolate leading the charge. Dare I say "modern" on the attack, with a push of fruit and power at first, relaxing its flex halfway…

Olivier Bernstein Clos de la Roche

At first, this was a monolithic showing, especially next to some of the more ethereal and delicate wines also at the table. With air, the flavors deepened, but still remained somewhat primary and a…

Domaine Tortochot Chambertin

Red cherry water, cinnamon stick, strawberry, rose petal, and whispers of tobacco circling the flavor wagon, the 2012 Tortochot Chambertin is a lighter-entry wine holding its substance on an even…

Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano di Nieve

So, I don't know how some of you big ballers roll and from what la-di-da silk-stocking side of easy street from which you necessarily hail, but for an average schmo like me to have an opportunity to…

François Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Monts Mains

A chameleon of sorts, and not one I would have blindly pegged as Chablis, this Raveneau carries signature exquisite balance and breadth, but certainly plays in the luxuriant side of the sandbox. You…

Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon Rosé

With just the right amount of curvature-to-frame-to speed ratio on the scaffolding to best cradle the delicate strawberry and orange spray notes, this Dom settles into a perfectly seamless glide…

Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

@ Mourad in SF. This revisit on the 2018 Clos was very good and went well with every dish, including basteeya and braised beef cheeks. I'll say in short that this particular bottle was indicative of…

Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard

Man I tell ya, I last had this nearly five years ago and my note then is just as applicable as it is now. Solid stuff here that is absolutely able to (and perhaps should) age for longer. This…

Fait-Main Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras

Over four years since my last sampling this, the '16 FM LPV has gone from a high-rider taut teaser to a lush, plush, and gurgling gush of muddled blackberries and choc-o-late silkiness. If you know…

Christopher Tynan Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines Meleagris Gallopavo

This started out in a zone that seemed to be on track for greatness, but it shut down hard in under an hour. Like Aqua Net at a Stevie Nicks concert, it was initially swarming with wonderful acid and…

Three Sticks Chardonnay Alana

If you're a fat pufferfish of a kid who likes to cram butter-oiled popcorn in your face while sucking a jumbo 7-Up through your Red Vines straw, then you will likely find the Alana to be a bit too…

Bevan Cellars Syrah Moaveni Vineyard

I haven't had this wine in over four years, but this really held its own throughout the evening. Still a powerful and strong showing, but not overbearing or loud. When I kept revisiting it, the…

Saxum Booker Vineyard

Well, hot dang! What's up blackberry bombshell?! Huck a slab of tar in your face and top with some chocolate, gingerbread, and ...pine needles? ..and you got yerself a Booker that, once the booze…

Marcassin Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard

As a standalone, this wine was initially a tad confusing to me. likely more due to my general stupidity (as usual) than the wine being some sort of enigma. Here's why - The texture was exceptionally…

Vincent Dauvissat (René & Vincent) Petit Chablis

Solid and notably balanced. Everything in the right place, if just a bit less exciting than last year. I'm drinking mine in the nearer term.

Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles

A powerful showing, with all the components playing tug 'o war with each other. Seamlessness isn't where it needs to be yet, which is no surprise given its youth. With 5+ years of sleep, I suspect…

Robert Moncuit Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Les Chetillons

Comes off as a young pup, but still accessible enough that pleasure can be had now with a bit of air. There's a dash of copper and preserved lemons on the back end that taunt you into thinkng it is…

Domaine Taupenot-Merme Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte

Long story short, leave these alone for another 5+ years (probably more like 10+). Sealed with DIAM 30, so you have time. Even after a double decant for a few hours and a full decant for a few hours…

Faethm / Fingers Crossed Syrah

Me: I think I'll open you tonight. I've been patient enough, right?

Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir

This bottle was a bit of a shy guy for most of consumption. Decanting helped unearth some of the succulent peach and lemon confit flavors that added depth and dimension. 2018 is certainly a bit of a…