Ming L

9.4

From Austria’s benchmark producer of TBA, the 2019 Grande Cuvée No. 5, sitting at the sweet spot of richness and finesse, is quite majestic.

Deep aromas of apricot preserve, quince, honeycomb and saffron lead to a viscous yet racy palate. Intense sweetness is perfectly framed by vibrant acidity, finishing long and elegant.

Obviously drinking this too young. It will probably outlive me. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Avize Grand Cru with ‘17 as the base wine with 4g dosage, disgorged in 2023.

A clear step-up from the CV/19/30. More intense and pronounced minerality. Quite lush on the palate yet delicate and precise. — 14 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Each time that I tasted a PN from FRS reenforces my belief that it’s the best AVA for Pinot in Northern California, if not the entire CA.

The nose shows black cherry, plum, raspberry, wrapped in cedar, cinnamon, sea breeze and hint of forest floor. The palate is concentrated and robust, combining ripe berry note with wild herbs, and a subtle earthy minerality. Firm, fine tannins with good length. Powerful, polished, and quite expressive.

From estate vineyard blocks closest to the Pacific Ocean. Give it another 4-5 years to blossom. — 15 days ago

Ming L

9.3

This may very well be the best Petit Sirah I’ve tasted.

The nose is captivating with ripe plum and blueberry leading the charge. The palate is intense and powerful, with great depth of bold flavors and lifted by high tone acidity. The tannins are ripe, finely grained yet assertive.

An immense wine with complexity. Needs time. Worth seeking out. — 5 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Aromas of dried cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and sweet tobacco with hints of leather and dried herbs. The palate is poised and medium-bodied, with fine, still-firm tannins, bright acidity. finishing long and quietly elegant.

Though a bit more advanced than I anticipated, really drinking beautifully now. — 6 days ago

Ming L

8.9

My first vintage Crémant, this shows some development. Ripe citrus, lightly baked apple, pear, with hint of toasted brioche. The effervescence remains fine and persistent.

Easy drinking. — 20 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The nose opens with ripe yellow apple, poached pear, and a touch of roasted almond, all lifted by floral notes of acacia and a subtle, crushed stone minerality. On the palate, it is medium to full and layered, with a beautifully satiny texture that glides to a long, harmonious finish.

Expansive and elegant. — 22 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Sourced largely from dedicated parcels and younger vines in a frost-challenged year, it opens with red currant, graphite, and cedar, layered with subtle floral and savory notes. The palate is full bodied and precise, with polished tannins, fresh acidity, and restrained oak.

More akin to Clos du Marquis to Leoville Las Cases in spirit than declassified Grand Vin, this is a well priced Cuvée from Ducru. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.0

Domaine Olivier LeFlaive’s Champagne venture.

Unique and easy-to-understand naming pattern. this is 21% from Cramant Grand Cru and 52% from Vertus Premier Cru (CV) with 2019 as base wine and 3g dosage (19 l 30), disgorged in 2023.

Nose of white peach, green apple, pear, fresh brioche, and hint of white floral. Fine mousse and crystalline acidity. Clean and crisp. Finish with lovely ginger touch.

Very nice entry level BdB. — 14 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The winery was founded by Mark Tarlov, co-founder of Evening Land, and Louis‑Michel Liger‑Belair.

This is very good for an entry-level bottling. The fruits are remarkably fresh at 10 years. BlackBerry, raspberry, cranberry, strawberry along with steeped black tea and hint of cinnamon.
Salivating acidity with round edge. Great pairing for turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving! — 22 days ago