Matt Lasater

9.6

Superb. Pristine and pure, medium framed, fully mature and impeccably fresh. Red Cassis and plum fruit, dried cherry, pipe tobacco, cigar smoke, cedar, forest floor, menthol, damp mushroom, peat, turned earth. For a fleeting moment I found myself falling back in love with Napa Cabernet. — 5 days ago

Adam Kincaid

9.0

Served with amazing Mediterranean lamb, nearly hitting the spot. Wish it had been aged longer or open more than four hours in advance, definitely can use some sharper definition.

At this point, it’s the freshman quarterback falling short on a last second, game winning, goal line play. Disappointing now but with a lot of future promise. — 14 days ago

with Jillian

Jay Kline

9.2

It’s been about 6 months since I last checked in on the 2016 vintage of Terre Nere’s Rosso di Montalcino. I was very impressed with the wine on release and I’m falling for how this wine is developing! Popped and poured; consumed during the duration of our Tuscan-inspired dinner. In the glass, a bright ruby with medium viscosity. Medium+ intensity. On the nose, waxy bing cherry fruit, flower shop, medium-aged Manchego cheese, bergamot, and dusty attic. I could smell this wine for hours and be satisfied! On the palate, a mix of red and dark cherry fruit, Earl Grey tea, tomato, orange citrus rind, and dusty earth. The freshness of this wine is simply awesome. Loads of structure for an RdM (some Brunellos may be jealous)…but it could also just be 2016 being 2016. The finish is long and as it lingers, comes across slightly saline. A fabulous wine with a long and exciting future. — 22 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

It’s 1/2 bottle n/v Billecart evening.

This is a more appropriate color of rose for the Rosé color of this champagne.

My go to n/v Rosé Champange for a number of reasons…quality & 1/2 bottle availability are right up there.

Blood orange, black cherries, Rainer cherries, lean strawberries, pomegranate juice, hints of raw rhubarb, grainy, grippy, sharp chalkiness, crunchy volcanics, limestone, sea fossils, baguette crust, deep white spice, orange lilies, peach roses, excellent, lively acidity with a rich, well balanced smart finish that starts clean, ripe fruits falling onto perfect minerality. — 6 days ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.3

Has all the silly stuff on the label. Flag like, face of ancient lord, weird crown on an egg symbol, and raised print on the name. Only subtle thing is that it’s grey. Lovely red, red rose color in the glass. Smells great. Flowers, rose hips, rocks in rain, wood. Flavors are also excellent. Savory edge with nice smoke. Plenty of tart berries. More rose hip and citrus. Some black tea. Almost an earl grey tone. This is a steal of a Rioja from Gross Out. Under $10 I think and it’s dense, complex and full of flavors that Rioja does so well often. — 2 days ago

Anil Saxena

9.3

Can I swear in this app?? This wine is fucking great. Simply put, it’s one of the best red blends I’ve had lately. Spicy, peppery, a little jammy, a little soft rain leaves, mixed together to make magic in your mouth. Yum. — 17 days ago

Ron from VA

9.0

Yes, this a chamboursin fortified build….nevertheless it may be one of the best I’ve had to date! The key, I think, was that 202 was a classic vintage - avg temps and rain….so more exaggerated sugar levels, rather balance in the red hybrid fruit. This actually took on a classic ruby port profile. A rare accomplishment…well done Nate! — 25 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Another go to n/v Rosé Champange because of quality & availability in 375’s. Although, most people think their recent price increases are unwarranted. In large part, I agree. They just haven’t passed my threshold.

Lots of strawberries, black cherries, blood orange, uncooked rhubarb, blackberries, peach, Rainer cherries, loads of white spice w/ heat, sea fossils, dry yeast, some bread dough, weighed, crispy, crunchy minerals, excellent, powdery chalkiness, red flowers & both pink & red rose, lively, crisp acidity, great length and balance with polished, ripe fruits and falling onto pronounced minerality on the long set.

The bottom photos tell you all you need to know as to why the region of Champange is so excellent. Not many places in the world have that kind of chalk & for me, that’s what makes them special. — 5 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Ribcap warm up wine.

First well aged TRB Rivers Marie. When you understand that TRB wines are a long hold, its not much of stretch to know it is can be a easy guess as who made this wine. Especially, after nine years in bottle.

The extraction level is all TRB. It’s not Belle Glos Cabernet/Pinot Noir but not Ferren or Williams Selyem. In between & closer to WS. Dark, ripe fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plums, dark cherries, raspberries, overtones of blue fruits, smoked meats, incense, dark spice with heat, alcohol fume, stones, dry crushed limestone, dry twigs, menthol, eucalyptus, mint, fresh; dark, red, blue flowers laid in a field of violets. Acidity is like a rain shower with balance & polish for days.

For my palate, this still needs time. Although, it very approachable for most. — 19 days ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.2

Love this wine. Nose is big. Ripe and mineral. Cooling. Nervous minerality. Palate is racy, rich and ripe. The 3 R’s. Amazing purity and sappiness. So clean. Bracing almost. My style of Crozes Blanc. Terrific concentration and freshness. Long, waxey and pure. Long. Just stellar. Nose has some wet earth/fresh rain happening now. — a month ago