Shay A

9.3

Had this a few times, but I was finally able to sit down and analyze it over an evening. Their only cuvée produced in 2014.

Upfront, rollercoaster aromatics initially…rich, then mellowed out with an hour of air. After a few hours of air, a much more ripe CdP profile came out. Great bridge wine from Cali GSMs to bigger CdPs. Deep red in the glass with aromatics of fig, brambly red and black fruits. On the palate, big but not unbalanced. No trace of brett. Soft fig, muddled underripe black cherry, garrigue (smoked herbs); lengthy finish. Kiss of black pepper. Big Grenache vibe here. Lovely with air. Probably best in the near term based on the fruit forward structure. — 7 months ago

Kirsten Christiansen

9.5

One of the things I love in a Sauvignon blanc is when it has that green pepper thing going on and Marlborough is one of the most consistent sources for that so I always celebrate when I find a good one. And this is a good one. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

A peppery note on the nose showing evidence of whole bunch in the ferment. Rich red fruits of cherry and raspberry on the palate showing more new world in the warm 2015 vintage with ripe tannins. Some new sources apparently in this year’s blend including declassified Beaune and Monthelie villages alongside the traditional Santenay villages and Santenay 1er cru Commes. Excellent quality for a Village wine and great QPR. — 4 years ago

James Forsyth

9.4

A delicious Chardonnay from Donelan. Certainly plenty of richness, apricot, white peach, floral elements too. But not remotely heavy. Nicely finessed and, goodness me, it's hard to resist a second or third glass.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Such fun being part of the community - thank you to everybody whose wines appear on my feed. I've learned so much from so many people and value the constant sources of inspiration from everyone. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Fruit sources from 7 organic vineyards over 3 AVA’s, Ruby with aromas of red/black fruits and earthy spices. On the palate youthful flavors of cherry and black raspberry, cacao, tea and licorice notes with elegant spice. Fine rich tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice, cedar and earthy mineral notes. Good value! — 2 years ago

Paul T- Huntington Beach

9.4

Shuts down quickly in the glass, I opened too soon obviously, Give it 5-10 years Winery notes, For the first time, we have combined the finest parcels in our two long-term Syrah sources – Hoppe-Kelly & our Green Valley Estate – into a single thrilling wine of grand scale complexity. The resulting wine is simultaneously harmonious, complex, expansive, and ethereal.

— 2 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.5

Awesome...and surprisingly approachable given that it’s in the early edge of the estimated driking window from a couple of different sources. 15min in that new decanter and it’s ready to go (althought it has years of evolution ahead of it). Just fantastic! — 4 years ago

with Vanessa

Bob McDonald

9.2

Very pale lemon in colour. Grapefruit notes on nose and palate. Mineral notes with a bit of funk. In the lean style still with brisk acidity. Bellwether is a Coonawarra winery but Sue Bell sources this Chardonnay from the cool climate Tamar River in Tasmania. When I did vintage in early April at Bellwether a refrigerated tanker of the latest vintage arrived from the Tamar River which we then transferred into a combination of new and one year old oak puncheons for maturation. An excellent wine for its genre. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2014 vintage. The website being very vague, the information is coming from other sources. A Sémillon (60%) and Sauvignon Blanc (40%) blend from selected parcels vinified completely in wood. Note that this estate produces more white than red, with 25 hectares out of 40 planted with white grapes. Brilliant light golden yellow. Exotic fruits and white peach with a toasted hint. Lightweight in alcohol (abv. 12,5%) but intense flavour of ripe pineapple and peach with crisp acidity and good length. Not particularly complex but attractive and probably at its peak. — 3 years ago

Chris B.

9.2

According to sources much more knowledgeable than me, 2016 was a fine year for the Southern Rhône. This was a sumptuous bottle and at $32, a bargain for the quality. Smells like a sandalwood candle and tastes like ripe stone fruit (cherries, plums) but there’s enough lingering herbs and tannins to give it staying power. Tastes a little more alcoholic than it actually is but this only adds to its luster as a wonderful dinner wine. — 4 years ago