Ming L

9.1

An inviting nose opens with notes of pear, lemon peel, apple, vanilla, and a delicate hint of ocean spray and crushed shells. The palate is vibrant yet the texture has subtle
richness. Layers of citrus and orchard across the mid-palate, supported by lively acidity and fine mineral tension. Quite consistent regardless of the vintages and always enjoyable. — 5 days ago

Ming L

8.9

15.6%! I don’t recall coming across a white with such high abv. Yet remarkably, it never feels hot or cumbersome. Age in the bottle probably helps.

The nose bursts with ripe stone fruits, baked peach, and apricot, wrapped in a lush, opulent profile. The palate is rich and textural, yet there’s a cool-toned freshness that keeps the wine poised. — 10 days ago

Ming L

9.3

At year 15 this shows remarkable freshness, a testament to both the famed vineyard and the vintage. Bright blackcurrant and preserved plum notes remain vivid, framed by subtle graphite, dried sage, tobacco leaf, and a gentle hint of green pepper that adds lift rather than greenness. The palate is supple and harmonious, with savory sweetness, fine-grained tannins, and lingering volcanic minerality carrying through a long, composed finish. — 22 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The nose shows plush and rich profile with waves of blackberry compote, plum, cassis, mocha and cedar. Yet the palate is surprisingly restrained and composed. The modest 13.5% abv lends balance, allowing floral nuances and graphite minerality to emerge beneath the polished richness.

Often considered the least prestige of the 2nd growths, in a great vintage like 2016 Lascombes still delivers. A long life ahead. — a month ago

Ming L

9.5

Oh how I love the 2011 Napa vintage!

The expressive nose is layered with cassis, blackberry, fig, violet, cedar, sage, and hint of loamy soil. The medium to full body is elegant, with almost perfect acidity that’s lively and precise - bright enough but never intrusive. Finely resolved tannins lead to a long savory yet lightly candied finish.

This is in its prime, yet has ample concentration and structure to hold plateau for another 5-8 years. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Aromas of pear, citrus blossom, wet stone, and light hazelnut lead into a palate that is supple yet vibrant, with subtle oak spice and a mineral edge. The finish is saline, refined, and persistent.

Saint-Romain is often considered the leaner version of Meursault, but this shows the ripe and generous orchard fruit very well. The appellation is gaining renewed attention in a warming Burgundy climate. — 13 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Aromas of strawberry, pomelo, watermelon, rose petal, sea breeze, and hint of thyme. The palate adds additional red berries, citrus, and faint earthy notes. Medium body that is nicely textured. Fresh yet round acidity. There is off-dry sensation on the otherwise slightly savory medium finish.

Lovely but pricy rose. — 25 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Ettore Germano only bottles Lazzarito as a Riserva, which is the estate’s flagship bottling.

It’s not quite ready yet after a decade. The initial nose is dominated by iron, leather, and earthy mineral tones. After about 2 hours in the decanter, layers of red cherry, rosehip, and dried orange peel gradually emerge. The palate is powerful and tightly wound, framed by vibrant acidity and firm tannins that have yet to fully knit into the fruit. This is a serious Barolo whose best years still appear to lie well ahead. — 9 days ago

Ming L

8.8

The nose shows lemon peel, yellow apple, dry hay, hint of almond and fresh herbs. The palate is gently waxy with fresh acidity. Medium finish combining saline minerality with light herbal-citrus lift.

Still quite the savory expression of Garganega, though it blends in some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. — 18 days ago

Ming L

9.4

The nose opens with waves of ripe black cherry, cassis, plum liqueur, and dark chocolate Beneath the opulence lies impressive complexity with hints of espresso, violets, and peppery spice emerge gradually with air. The palate is dense and supple, showing warmth and generosity. Plenty of nuance beneath the lavish fruit.

Possibly the best value for a St-Emilion GCC. Will need to seek out more. — 24 days ago