David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

First Summa Vineyard from my allocation. It is quite nice. Still needs a few years.

The body feels thicker than other Pinots I’ve had. Plum pudding, dry cranberries, poached strawberries, blackberries, black raspberries, highlights of pomegranate & blueberries, mix berry cola, licorice nibs, dry herbs, moist volcanic clay, limestone marl, dry twig, dry crushed rocks, some grilled meats, dry tobacco, used leather, barrel shavings, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & vanillin, fresh & withering, dark, red, flowers, excellent round acidity and a well balanced, tensioned, structured with a well polished finish that lasts a minute. — 5 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

I opened this bottle of the 2013 “Cuvée Marie Beurrie” the day before and poured into a ship’s decanter for a couple of hours before returning to the bottle. In the glass, just, wow. This is developing still with the darkest brambles and stone with purple flowers and garrigue. This is so beguiling, so deep with tannins and acid for days. Full of power and grace and stunner with cassoulet, Toulouse sausage and duck confit. This could use another decade easily and drink well through 2053. — a month ago

Aaron Tan

9.0

For the price, I expected a lot more. So did the rest on the table. Probably too young as it did improve with air, but I’ve had youthful (and cheaper) Champagne’s that performed far better than this. Started off with heaps of pears, bruised apples, and almonds on the nose. The palate was concentrated, juicy and almost too fruity for me (apples and apricot for days!). Air brought about more cut and chalkiness, as well as some floral notes. In short, I expected more depth. I suspect I’m just not a fan of the vintage. Time will tell. — 2 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.0

The recently released (3/24) Bodega Theriot Chardonnay from Rivers-Marie is excellent. Sunlit straw color, subtle nose, beautiful white fruits, crushed stone and the slightest bit of oak at the back to round it off. This should gain depth from its existing heights! — 4 days ago

Vince Monaco

9.3

2022 Joy Road - Dark purplish with fruit, spice, and hint of licorice. Smooth finish. Excellent — a month ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Very nice. Quite full and on the somewhat darker side. But with a good chill this sings. Great pairing with chicken thighs in a soy garlic ginger marinade. Love the mouthfeel and some earth on the finish with some good acid. Nice. — a month ago

Tyler Felous

9.0

Showing dark ruby. Ton of structure. Overpowered by tannin on first open. Will revisit rating in a few hours. — 19 days ago

Edward Nelson

9.2

Light in body, cherry forward pinot juice. Nice, different, and a Tuesday. — a month ago

Mary H

9.2

Yeasty bread, ripe and slightly browned Fuji and honeycrisp apple, hint of pineapple. Crisp but not bracing, fine bubbles. — a month ago

Aaron Tan

9.3

Now this is what I’m talking about! Best of this Bouchard haul. I wonder how much vintage played a role. Dense and intense, yet so chiselled. Aromas of pears, peaches, brioche, white flowers, spices, and even a touch of jackfruit were just bursting out of the glass. Super dense, precise, and long on the palate. Has a really interesting plummy mid-palate note, and lovely salinity. Loved it! — 2 months ago