2017 Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso. Single vineyard, high elevation. The exception to the assumption that Nero d’Avola is jug wine. — 7 years ago
One of my favorite Chardonnays in the last 5 years. Micro production, rich, supple and when you hear comparisons to Ramonet from top wine writers, you must try. Does not disappoint. Keep watch on Brendon. Crushing it. — 8 years ago
The purity and freshness of fruit with 4 years in the bottle is unmatched. Peaches, fleshy apricot, and orchard fruits slowly transition from delicate and airy to broad and expressive on the back of the palate, without being over the top. Begs for mollusks. — 6 years ago
Tim had this 7 years ago
Melka & Beckstoffer. Massively juicy Napa, with chalky minerality and soft integrated tannin. Banging for the money. Keep an eye on Dancing Hares. — 8 years ago
A real special effort, and a head turner with stylistically what I have come to expect from Anderson Valley. Typical pomegranate and freshly crushed red fruit, but the tannin structure here is supportive but not taking away from the vibrancy of the fruit. Almost a Nuits St George texture to it. Money well spent and a producer worth watching. — a year ago
Gun Bun does it again. Always shocked with how great their wines are for the money. Wines I believe are still being made by Keith Emerson. Cakebread, Martin Ray alum and cohort of Phillipe Melka. With how long these wines have been around, I still consider them an insider’s find. Under $20 a bottle. — 7 years ago
Tim Crakes
The heat from the vintage has bowed out of the fight, giving way to the vibrancy and horsepower of fruit these vineyards are known for. I tasted David Abreu’s 2009 Madrona Ranch at Vinous’ Napa in the City two years ago and am being reminded once again how magical of a vineyard site Madrona and Thorevilos are. — a year ago