Ming L

9.2

Needs a hearty wine in this rainy cool night, and it delivers. Rich yet lively with only 13% abv.
Prior notes applied. — 5 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Named after two classic soil types of Napa Valley, Forward Gravelly Loam and Kidd Loam, this is a Petite Sirah leading blend. And I believe 2015 is the 4th and last vintage made by Merryvale.
Blackcurrant, fig, roasted coffee bean, and light fresh herbs on the nose. Some red berry fruits still lingers around on the smooth palate. Resolved tannins. In its prime. — 14 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Let’s see:
Single vineyard
45-year old vines
A fantastic vintage
A reputable producer
Aged in American and French oak barrels for 22 months, 25% new
Additional 6 years in bottle age (at time of purchase)
How is $15 per bottle possible?!
The wine itself is fantastic as well. Ripe black plum, blueberry, licorice, cinnamon, black tea leaf, and hint of dried mushroom on the nose. Supple and balanced. No rush but very delicious now. — 19 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Quite new world in style, but in a subtle way. Lots of flavorful nuances. Quite tannic at year 6, probably the most tannic Rioja I can remember. Time will be kind. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.1

A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo, this is the flagship wine of the bodega, only produced in good vintages in limited quantity.
Big and sumptuous, but a bit too woody at this stage. Needs another 3-5 years. — 17 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Charming chard from the Piedmonte icon. Aromatic nose, thanks to a dash of SB, with peach, lemon curd, hint of mix tropical fruits, almond, and white floral. Nicely textured medium to full body. Refreshing round acidity. Seamless from start to finish. — 18 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Fragrant nose of passion fruit, underripe star fruits, apricot, honey, and hint of white floral. Good match between sweetness and refreshing acidity. Light ginger spice adds to the lingering finish.
Lovely! — a month ago

Ming L

9.3

Unabashedly opulent and powerful, this cab leading blend is also quite refined. Perfectly ripen dark fruits scented with toasty oaks, black pepper, and violet. Rich, sophisticated, and layered on the palate with a soft touch. Supple tannins reasserted its authority at the end of long finish.
Yet another very impressive bottling from the Prisoner. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.4

Great showing at year 15. Still quite rich and powerful but shows nice integrations. Blackcurrant, cassis, green olive, leather, autumn leaves, cocoa, and nutmeg on the deep complex nose. Full body and silky smooth. Soft mellow tannins lead to long candied finish. — 18 days ago

Ming L

9.0

The ‘23 seems to have a bit more tropical fruits profile. Lush textured palate with refreshing acidic lift. Price is inching up every vintage but still reasonable given the quality of the fruits. — 21 days ago