Victor Hsu

8.5

Basic California red. Nice fruit, aroma and color, with acids and light tannins complementing each other, but frankly I was expecting more. Simple but too simple. Doesn’t remind me of the Rhone, doesn’t impress me as a Central Coast beauty, doesn’t impress—period. Had the 2018 vintage with homemade beef stew. — 2 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.2

Elegant and delectable, with a texture of fine silk. Tastes French but avoids the thin acidity that plagues weaker red burgundies and Oregon Pinots. Delicately perfumed with flowers and red fruit, anchored by mushrooms and earth. I paired the 2016 vintage with French Camembert Fermier (Ferme de la Tremblaye) and an excellent pain de compagne from Wally’s in Santa Monica. Astoundingly good. — 5 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.0

Nicely balanced Sauternes, with honey, flowers and golden raisins on the nose and restrained sweetness on the palate that lingers pleasantly. A little lightweight compared to other Sauternes I’ve had, but lighter and balanced beats heavier and cloying all day long. Enjoyed the 2017 vintage with contraband foie gras on New Year’s Day. — 5 months ago

Victor Hsu

8.7

This 2016 red Bordeaux was part of a quite fairly priced Costco quartet, in a handsome little crate. Wine Enthusiast rated it 92 points. I’m afraid I disagree. Vin ordinaire. Drinkable but not memorable. I’ve thought for years that WE suffers grade inflation and this just reinforces my belief. — 6 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.0

Baby Monte Bello, with big California Cab oomph and gripping tannins. This dark red also featured the typical fruit, earth and mineral notes that you would expect, but I just can’t get past those big, bruising tannins. Improved considerably after an hour of decanting. This 2017 vintage probably needs another half decade at least to soften and mature. Paired well with prime ribeye steak, cutting through the richness like a battle ax. — 3 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.0

Yowza! Inky and concentrated, tannic and muscular, but also fruity and perfumed. A big bruiser of a Central Coast Petite Sirah. Reminds me of a heavy Zin but with more balance. I enjoyed it but was just a tad disappointed that it lacked the nose of blueberry and violets that I always look for in Petite Sirah. Paired the 2016 vintage with bbq pork ribs (it stood up well). — 5 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.2

Better than expected Central Coast Chardonnay, with a pleasing fruity and buttery combination of apples and oak, minerals and spice. Hint of nutmeg and sufficient acid to pair with usual comestibles. Enjoyed the 2018 vintage with cave-aged Gruyere and Thomasville Tomme raw cow’s milk cheese, on home-baked bread. — 6 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.1

Lightly fruity and tart, backed by a pleasant creaminess, with a minerally finish. Would definitely get again. This was an impromptu birthday gift from the kind folks at Saddle Peak Lodge. Dreama and I enjoyed the 2015 vintage with Corbarina Pizza from Pizzana in Brentwood. — 3 months ago

Victor Hsu

8.9

Surprising amount of stuffing left in this 14-year old bottle, but then California Zins are always super sturdy. Still fruity and tannic, with enough acidity to pair with food (barbecued brisket, in my case). After this much time I had hoped the tannins would be softer but no such luck. Once a big bruiser, always a big bruiser, it seems. Had the 2007 vintage. — 4 months ago

Victor Hsu

8.9

I almost agree with James Suckling—he says 90, I say 89. Hearty red Bordeaux that’s not really quaffable on its own but pairs well with all the usual suspects. Tannins are firm but not punishing, acid is on point for a food wine. I just wish there was more perfume and fruit, or stronger earth, leather and mineral notes. That’s why it’s not higher than 8.9. Enjoyed the 2016 vintage with home baked bread and butter, like a French peasant. — 5 months ago