John Asbury

9.5

Mmmm, that was so good. Deep and rich with big notes of vanilla, tobacco and purple plums. This “Super Tuscan “ is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. This beauty is very full, and even jammy on the palette. Yet, the firm tannins make it stand as a great wine for heavy meats. We paired this angel with a slow-cooked oxtail & vegetable stew. Damn! — a year ago

John Asbury

9.8

Just beautiful! Seamlessly webbed flavors of bright cherries, red currant, almond and savory truffles, this wine-geek’s little secret stood out among many I’ve tried in recent years. It’s nose is rich with chalk and limestone from the particular soils that run through this slice of Burgundy’s Cotes de Nuits. Love this one! — 3 years ago

John Asbury

9.6

Wet stone over honeysuckle flowers and crisp apples make for a nose that really bloomed on the second day. As a matter of fact, with this type of Old-world French appellation, taking 24 hours to fully open is not unusual. This value-conscious Chablis boasted depth and clarity of flavor you’d expect in wines with twice the price tag. We paired it with grilled eggplant and roasted chicken casserole. It was delicious! — 4 years ago

John Asbury

10

8 years young and stunning, this Walla-Walla Chardonnay from the now shuttered Buty Winery was worth the wait. Enveloped in warm apple cobbler and toasted bread the scent flows right into a full mouth of American Chard delight. Light on new oak (a noted characteristic of Washington Chards) this delicious wine hits every point spot-on for me. The mint and lime finish carries on the flavor well, too. I’m going to miss the selections from Buty. They remain a solid favorite. — 2 years ago

John Asbury

9.9

Recently, I received word from Nina Buty (pronounced: Beauty) that she is closing down her family’s winery. Sad news, indeed. Buty had long been one of my favorite Walla Walla makers. Her reds are amazing, and her Bordeaux-style white blend is top-notch, too. Long lasting flavors of ripe peach, crisp apple and lemon zest, along with a note of grassiness are all rounded and balanced in this delicious white wine. It pairs so well with fish, salads and light cheeses. Easy and drink and to love. — 3 years ago

John Asbury

9.5

I saw someone use the word “Umami” to describe this wine. Agreed. That’s a fine descriptor. Deeply flavored, yet light and big on ripe citrus, herbs and sea breeze. Damn this one is a gem and a standard bearer of what Provence produces. Get some! — 4 years ago

John Asbury

9.6

So crisp and tart, with strawberries and red apple that it’s fun to drink all by itself. Finger Lakes cab franc makes some of the best rose’. It paired real well with spicy paella and jumbo shrimp. — 3 years ago

John Asbury

9.5

Lovely pairing with both soft and medium cheeses. Agreed with other reviewers on the nose and palate. Nice wine. — 3 years ago

John Asbury

9.0

I love digging out these hidden gems from my in-laws’ basement! After decanting, and opening for a few hours, this 54 year old beauty gave a full bouquet of rich pipe tobacco, damp earth and ripe red fruits. Complex and bone dry on the palate, it finished long and memorable. It was worth the wait. — 3 years ago

John Asbury

9.7

As we already know, Turley is synonymous with some of the best California Zin produced. When I saw they produced a rose’ I had to try it. Packed with heaps of tart strawberries, it’s also a bit meaty and savory. Fresh and lively it should pair up to any light meats seared on the grill. I’d surely buy this one again. — 4 years ago