Ming L

9.3

This really captures the tension and brilliance of the 2008 vintage. Prior notes applied.

Long, graceful, and finely tuned, glorious life is still ahead. But I’m down to my last bottle.

Remarkably, the current vintage release from Pommery is 2009. Looks to be a great buy as well. — 2 days ago

Ming L

9.2

I purchased the 2015 and 2016 on release for about $20. To me it’s one of the best entry level Napa cab money can buy. And in great vintage like 2016, it punches way above its weight.

It opens with a vibrant bouquet of ripe blackberry, cassis, and a hint of fresh mint. On the palate, the sun-drenched, dark fruit flavors are beautifully reined in by a core of fresh acidity. Supple tannins and notes of vanilla and cocoa round out the finish.

Will have another 8-10 years drinking window. — 8 days ago

Ming L

9.5

Tasted it about 2 years ago. Now it’s showing greater harmony, revealing layers of dark cherry, plum, rose, and cedar framed by supple yet still assertive tannins. The oak has begun to meld, allowing earthy spice and truffle nuances to emerge. From the lesser-known Grinzane Cavour, its muscular core is balanced with poise and depth, promising further refinement over the next few years. — 13 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The nose brims with orchard and tropical fruit layered with honeysuckle and fresh herbs. On the palate, the acidity remains crisp and lively, yet there’s a gentle creaminess that rounds the edges with quiet sophistication.

At year 8, this 70/30 Petit Courbu/Petit Manseng blend remains a thoughtful meditation in the glass fitting to its name.

— 3 days ago

Ming L

9.1

A good representation of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, this bursts with a juicy core of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and a hint of pomegranate with distinct savory undertone of fried herbs and forest floor. Plush and approachable now, but should age well for the next 5-8 years. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.5

This 2016 has a more powerful core and slightly darker fruits than the 2015 that o can remember. The structure is more pronounced, yet it remains impeccably balanced with seamless oak integration. Elegant!

Always a treat to taste a wine from Garguilo. — 9 days ago

Ming L

9.1

I could not verify the bottling from the label after receiving the shipment. So I reached out to the winery directly. To my surprise, they responded with detail information about it and assured me that it’s authentic and that the fruits were all from La Morra, though it’s not their regular La Morra bottling.

Indeed it delivers the village's signature perfumed and approachable style, boasting a youthful vibrancy and aromatic purity that is already a delight. While beautifully expressive now, it will age gracefully — 13 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Notes of black cherry, cassis, sandalwood, baking spices, and just subtle green olive, which are consistent with the notes from about 9 months ago. Delicious.

Prisoner’s Cab can age for 10-15 years. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.0

A monopole from the red heartland of Vougeot from the excellent ‘14 vintage (for white), my expectation was high.

Layers of lemon curd, pear skin, and crushed stone clouded by bruised apple and hazelnut on the nose. The palate is linear, saline, and mineral and has superb tension - maybe a bit too much.

Slightly over the hill, but compelling nevertheless. — 5 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The fruit has retreated, leaving somewhat a muted nose on the first day. But subtle of sweet cherry and black currants came back on the 2nd day, making for a complex bouquet along with leather, dried herbs, date, steeped red tea, and chocolate cream liqueur. The palate is savory, and silky smooth, with resolved tannins supporting a lean, earthy finish. A fully evolved, contemplative wine. — 12 days ago