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. — 3 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. — 10 days ago

Ming L

9.0

Aromas of pear, peach, and lemon zest, hint of white floral and fresh herbs. Full malolactic fermentation lends a smooth, lightly creamy texture, yet the wine retains the racy acidity. The palate is bright and focused with citrus lift and mineral edge. The finish is clean, energetic, and subtly rounded.

Very good value. — 12 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Dark cherry, blackberry, and black tea open on the nose, layered with earthy spice and a hint of violets. The palate is structured and firm yet more polished than expected, with ripe tannins supporting concentrated fruit. A subtle mineral edge carries a long, savory finish.

Still quite youthful, this shows Pommard’s power with refinement. — 13 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. — 4 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. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.1

My first Santenay 1er Cru, Clos Faubard borders Chassagne-Montrachet and has higher proportion of limestone than most of clay heavier soils in Santenay.

The resulting wine is more dark fruited underpinned by chalky minerals that’s reminiscent of Cote de Nuits. Raspberry, blackberry, steeped red tea, forest floor, light dried herbs, and hint of purple floral. Medium to full bodied with lively acidity and energetic mid palate. The fruits are a bit chunky on the palate, with fine rustic tannins. — 10 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. — 4 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. — 5 days ago

Ming L

9.2

I tasted the Alesia Anderson Valley bottling of the same vintage a while back and was very impressed. This might be better, leaning more savory and mineral, with cooler mountain tension.

The fruit has mellowed with age into deeper red tones, framed by forest floor, crushed rock, and a subtle herbal edge. The palate remains lively with fresh acidity carrying the medium body with poise. A long, precise finish. — 11 days ago