Jay Kline

9.0

A delightful “vin effervescent” made by a Champagne family from vines just outside of Champagne-proper (Aube to be specific). It’s balanced and light on its feet. A very nice mousse. White peach and white flowers with the slightest whiff of brioche. Actually, the most striking thing about this wine is the color which is very nearly copper, yet this is 100% Chardonnay. A touch expensive for something not technically Champagne but the quality is truly there. Charming. Drink now. — 16 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Talk about a massive step up from the young Rosso we drank just before. While the former was dark fruited, this was mostly red brambles with flowers and mushrooms. Impeccably layered with compelling texture. The tannins are still firm but integrating very nicely. Lovely structure. Long, slightly saline finish. My word, what a gorgeous wine! Perfectly appropriate to drink now but this will undoubtedly drink well for at least another five years. — 18 days ago

Jay Kline

9.0

A bramble bomb if there ever was one, this wine is unapologetically Grenache and teetered on the edge of being OTT but somehow...kept my interest. Yes, it’s got a shit ton of ripe fruit but there’s a nutmeg thing that’s kinda cool and the finish is savory rather than sweet which is not only welcomed but quite attractive. Just enough structure to prop it all up. Drink now. — 24 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

My first impression of the just released 2018 Zinfandel. Due to climate related issues, overall Zinfandel production was down in 2018 but regardless, Rafanelli only bottles about half of what they produce with the remainder being sold off to others. Some Petite Sirah (13%) made it into the final blend. Being so young, I opened the bottle around noon and poured it into a decanter with intentions to drink later in the evening. By dinner, this was more open and ready to enjoy. Obviously primary with loads of powerful bramble fruit, pepper, red rope licorice and baking spices. I absolutely love the balance. The acid that Rafanelli achieves in their Zinfandel always seems to bring a smile to my face; so much lift which balances the lush fruit giving an impression of freshness. Long, very satisfying finish. The tannins are pretty steep right now and they seemed to build as time went on. I expect this will be a vintage that can age very well. 18mos in a combination of new, 1-year and 2-year old French oak barrels. 6,500 cases were made. — a month ago

Jay Kline

8.7

My first experience with this producer. I’ve always adored the wines of Joly (same general area) and I totally dig Chenin so figured I would probably dig this too. This was made in an oxidative style and presented off-dry. I also think this saw extended skin contact because it came across almost like an orange wine? Anyway, this was definitely a wine that forced my attention. There was certainly a hefty amount of VA on the nose. The fruit profile would best be described as bruised and nearly fermenting Bosc pear and apricot. On the palate it was stone fruits and nuts. A touch boozy. The finish was long and just a touch sweet but certainly nothing dessert-like. The acid was enamel stripping. Maybe we consumed this too young? Hard to tell, I think it’s a very authentic wine, I’m just not head over heals about it. — 17 days ago

Jay Kline

9.0

I’ve been enjoying the wines of Tenuta delle Terre Nere since I was first introduced to them a handful of years ago or so. One thing that is very obvious is how much their wines vary from vintage to vintage...sometimes it’s dramatic. This 2017 vintage is predominantly dark fruited with powerful, almost rustic tannins. A slightly hulking verson of Nerello Mascalese that doesn’t need a lot of thought. Quaffable. Drink now but could hold for a few years with ease, but why? — 18 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

My first Reynvaan and I had high expectations. I poured this directly after the M.C.K. by K Vintners and it was a contrast of New World Syrah. While the M.C.K. was a black pepper bomb, this was a lavender bomb. The copious amount of lavender, was accompanied by soft blue fruits and grilled meat. For me, a step up from the M.C.K. in terms of refinement but not to the level of what I’ve experienced lately by the New World Syrahs from Christopher Tynan, and similarly far from what I expect from the great Syrahs from the Northern Rhône. Compared to the former, it lacked the complexity, power and structure. Compared to the latter, it lacked the nuance, verve and sense of place. A very good wine....but hard to justify the tariff IMO. — 24 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

I am more and more convinced that the wines from Chateau La Vieille Cure are made for the pleasure of those who truly love old school Bordeaux. There is absolute nothing modern about them. Dark currants, earth, pencil shavings, olive tapenade, and mushrooms. About as rustic as they come. Tannins are well integrated but the structure is holding fast. While I think it’s safe to say that the 2005 has entered its gradual, graceful decline, I have no doubt in my mind this will deliver the goods for at least a decade. — 18 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

On the pop and pour, this bottle was a little out of sorts with the slightest prick on the tongue of effervescence. It needed about an hour of air but it was singing after that. On the nose, it was actually quite exotic with red and dark brambly fruits, black pepper, sandalwood and Middle Eastern spices. On the palate it was more red fruited with anise and black pepper. The finish was quite enjoyable, last at least half a minute. By the last glass, this had become very well balanced and there is plenty of structure to last the next handful of years and perhaps longer. Based of this experience, I would say it reminds me of a really good Côte du Rhône-Village or Vacqueyras. It just falls a touch short from the depth I usually associate with Chateauneuf du Pape of Gigondas. — 21 days ago

Jay Kline

9.0

I don’t drink enough Syrah but I blame that mostly on the fact that the Northern Rhônes in my cellar are aging at a glacial pace so it’s hands-off for at least a few more years. That being said, from time to time, I like to see what the New World has to offer and on this night, it was a back-to-back tasting of K Vintner’s Motor City Kitty and Reynvaan’s “Contender” with M.C.K. going first. Talk about a black pepper bomb, holy smokes! It’s on the nose and on the finish and it’s the first impression you get on the pop and pour. However, there is a core of dark fruit that is very nice and while I’m not overwhelmed by it, I appreciate its uniqueness. But man, oh man, dat pepper tho! — a month ago