Kurt Schuster

8.9

Burst of green bell pepper at the start that’s fading to dusty ripe fruit on the verge of jammy, but not there yet. Baking spices to an almost berry pie without a crust flavor. Tannins form a firm backbone and has a sweet to spicy to round ripe finish. Delicious. — 4 days ago

with Frank and Deborah

Kurt Schuster

8.5

The tannins never let up and lender a bit of bitter astringency that didn’t go away. Interesting blend with structured fruit. Maybe let it breathe more next time. — 15 days ago

with Frank and Deborah

Kurt Schuster

9.0

This one took some getting used to. For such a different great it was hard to categorize the flavors. Typically you would say rustic for a wine like this but in reality I think it’s a lot more bold and daring than your typical Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc. People are so used to white wines that are unoffensive instead of interesting. As I drank this over the course of a dinner I developed a greater appreciation for its unripe melon and bracing yet mild acid. It was almost like eating spicy food with the whole mouth burn instead of a tip of your tongue burn. Would definitely drink again. — 19 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.8

I bought this wine because I have been following the rule of following the importer, Serge Doré has not led me astray thus far and I had never tried a Gigondas. The best way I could describe this at first blush was tight. Right out of the bottle a good sniff and taste there was some high acid to it. Within 15 minutes it opened up to give a lot more floral perfume and spicy fruit but still had the high acid. The spicy baked flavors coming through are pretty fun. This producer still uses a hefty helping (30%) of Syrah rather than some producers who have gone to 100% Grenache. There’s even 10% Mourvèdre in this wine. As such it comes across hotter and heftier than some of its CdP neighbors. Good round and tart fruit with the spices turn into chocolate and slightly bitter cinnamon. Very interesting. — 9 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.7

Tried this interesting varietal again from this region of Spain. A hearty rustic wine with very fruit forward and slightly jammy flavors. Good, simple, and best with hearty foods. — 19 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.7

I’m not the biggest fan of 70 on Blanc because typically I get way too much acid and an almost ammonia flavor. This mild version was a lot more approachable. Good crisp fruit and yes the mouthwatering acid but none of the more malodorous notes you get from this grape. . — 19 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.6

Easy to quaff and had light flavors of tart cherry and strawberries. Much better win as cold as possible. Drink it with creamy potatoes au gratin and it cut through the heavy flavors very well. Would drink all day if cold — 11 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.7

Dry, very floral. Lots of rose and wild flower petal expression here, some dry violet and lavender as well. The finish was ripe but not overly warm. Fruit too dry to be juicy, but not dry enough to be completely desiccated. For the Costco price, worth it. Otherwise would skip. — 12 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.7

I’m a fan of Albarino, but I just did not like it in this iteration. Not to be too snobby but this type of wine from the new world just doesn’t seem to have that fullness of flavor and minerality that you would expect from Spain. It’s it’s a much more delicate and nuanced flavor. The problem is it almost verge on watery at times. Delightful and easy drinking yet without a ton of complexity. — 19 days ago

Kurt Schuster

8.8

A winner amongst the day drinking crowd with bright crisp acidity and flavors of strawberries and candied grapefruit. — 19 days ago