Ming L

9.2

I like to drink Rioja Reserva at 8–12 years of age, when the balance really clicks: the woody notes are fully integrated, lending gentle spice, cedar, and tobacco, while the fruit remains vibrant and expressive. The 2015 Contino Reserva shows just that sweet spot with ripe red and black cherry, dried herbs, and a touch of leather, framed by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. It’s poised rather than powerful, with a long savory finish.
Certainly has the stuffing for another 8-10 years development. — 3 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Notes of black plum, blueberry syrup, fig, licorice, and sweet spice. Despite its hedonistic density, the wine holds balance, lifted by polished acidity and firm yet plush tannins. The palate is opulent, velvety, and long, delivering a decadent but controlled expression of power.

Had not tasted a Clio in a while. So delicious. Made me so want to pull the 19’ El Nido. — 12 days ago

Ming L

9.1

A blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel, this shows the Prisoner’s trademark plush style despite its surprisingly modest 13.9% ABV. Dense blackberries, blueberry compote, and ripe plum, framed vanilla, cocoa, and toasted spice. The palate is smooth, dark, and velvety, with the richness and polish typical of the house, but with slightly more lift and freshness than expected. — 12 days ago

Ming L

9.0

Consistently delightful and delicious every vintage. My go-to Mascato. Pairs well with boiled chicken with minced ginger and scallion sauce. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Popped open on the night of college football championship game. I honestly thought the U would pull it off at the last second and kick the winning extra point as the expired.

Oh well… at least this is enjoyable as always. My reference point for rose Champaign. — 8 days ago

Ming L

9.0

Drinking alongside the Sliver, the ‘21 Chalk Hill comes across as richer and more extracted, offering dense layers of blackcurrant, blackberry paste, dark chocolate, and roasted herbs. The palate is deep and mouth-coating, showing ample oak sweetness and firm tannins, but the concentration slightly outweighs its sense of balance. Power and ripeness dominate, giving a bold, muscular Bordeaux style expression. — 12 days ago

Ming L

8.9

Vezelay gains AOC status only in 2017. I think of it as a softer Chablis.

This is a cut above the entry level Vezelay with some oak barrel aging. Fresh and citrus driven with nice touch of ripe stone fruits. Soft texture on the palate with good acidic lift. Hint of limestone minerals on the clean cut finish. — 19 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The gentle nose shows bright citrus, yellow peach, dried pear, and hint of crush nuts. On the palate it’s concentrated yet vibrant, with round acidity, spice and orange blossom, balanced by lively mineral drive and a long, lingering finish that meshes power with poise.

It’s bold and expressive, with a dynamic tension and savoury complexity that feels both immediate and age-worthy. At this young age, I like it better than the Art Series. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.4

The nose is clean and expressive, blending tropical notes of pineapple and melon with Grüner’s signature white pepper and a slight green, herb-tinged lift. A subtle petrol–flint edge is of particular memorable. On the palate, it’s energetic yet supple, carrying ripe fruit with a gentle hint of sweetness. The acidity is bright, the texture polished, and the mineral backbone distinct. The finish is long, focused, and quietly powerful.

This reminds me that I need to drink more Gruner. — 11 days ago

Ming L

9.1

2014 is not a blockbuster year like 15 and 16, and this bottle shows. Lifted aromas of red and black berries, cedar, and graphite. The palate is quite lean and linear, with bright acidity, fine tannins, and modest fruit concentration, revealing more tension than plushness. Subtle tobacco and mineral notes carry a long, somewhat austere finish. — 13 days ago