Abigail Curran

10

Wonderful wine. Not too acidic — 6 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2018 vintage. Etalon Rouge is a tiny 1,46 hectares vineyard (1,26 ha red with 100% Cabernet sauvignon and 0,20 ha white with 100% Sauvignon blanc) situated in the Blaye appellation, but sold as Bordeaux AOC. One of the best kept secrets in Bordeaux, the estate was owned by Gérard Depardieu and Bernard Magrez, followed by painter Thierry Bisch, and today by a group of 10 wine lovers worldwide. Maître de chai these days is Clarissa Schaefer, who is also a very talented painter. With her husband Leslie she owns the wine bar/shop La Petite Cave in Blaye, a must-visit if you are in the region, but they ship worldwide too. The wines of Etalon Rouge are fabulous and are sold on allocation only. The tiny cellar in the centre of Blaye is well worth a visit. This 2018 white is a terrific example of the potential greatness of perfectly ripe Sauvignon blanc in Bordeaux. Aged in French oak with stirring of the lees. Complex nose with white stone fruit (mirabelle, peach), ripe pear, a distinctive minerality and a hint of fresh rosemary. Concentrated and profound with enough acidity to balance the richness and alcohol (abv. 14,5%) in this warm vintage. The oak is hardly noticeable and the mineral finish is impressively long. Take your time to let it warm up to 14 degrees Celsius to capture all the complexity of this beauty. If you are lucky enough to find a bottle. — 3 years ago

Hiroshi Tominaga

9.0

Rich. Very good. Bought at La Cave de la Petite Maison for ¥5,780. — 6 years ago

Raun Kupiec

8.9

Nice petit arvine. Was having it with fondue after a few Glühwein, so not going to even try to describe it. — 2 years ago

with Barbara

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

The nose reveals; bright red florals and dark fruits. Blueberries, blackberries, plum, cranberries, black raspberries, sour cherries, rich dark soils, touch of smoke, black licorice, volcanic minerals, sandstone, warm toast and dark & light red & blue flowers.

The body at this stage was a touch austere on entry. Big structure and deep tarry tannins. Blueberries, blackberries, plum, cranberries, strawberries, pomegranate, black raspberries, sour cherries, rich dark soils, touch of smoke, dark spice, whiff of pepper, black licorice, volcanic minerals, leather, sandstone, warm toast and dark & light red, blue flowers with lavender. The acidity is waterfallish. The finish has nice length, well balanced fruit and earth, elegant but, needs time to flush out. Better things ahead for 16 Fearless in 3-5 years.

Photos of; Hunnicutt winery, Hunnicutt Winemaker-Kirk Venge. He of course, makes his own label, Venge. As well as, a number of others labels. Hunnicutt is also a custom crush facility for quite a number of other labels. The entrance to Hunnicutt’s cellar room and cave entrance as viewed from their tasting room. — 5 years ago

Hiroshi Tominaga

9.0

Rich and creamy. Very good. Bought at La Cave de la Petite Madison for ¥2,880. — 6 years ago

Raun Kupiec

8.9

Has a harder edge than some of the other petite arvines I have been trying. More minerality, and more oak. But no prominent vanilla and less rounded mouthfeel but still dense. I like it, seems more serious. — 3 years ago

Stephen Kent

9.0

Excellent natural wine — had at Septime La Cave in Paris. Enjoyed with great company! — 4 years ago

Darrell

9.0

Very good. Enjoyed it with Thai food. Very memorable from our recent trip to Paris (11/2018) — 5 years ago

K J

9.5

In beaune at le cave d'ange gardien. Orange. Leather Old library. Fall foliage. Visited chateau but closed — 7 years ago