Master Sommelier

Paolo Bea

Pagliaro Secco Montefalco Sagrantino 2018

A master of the sagrantino varietal. Earthy, black cherries, smoked leather. — a month ago

Charles Heidsieck

Brut Réserve Champagne Blend

Nydelig champagne, deilig balansert! Ferirer master A — a year ago

Caillard

Mataro 2015

Mid Ruby red in colour with a tawny edge. Sour cherry with touches of pepper and cloves. Not as raspberry as I was expecting from old vine Mataro. With a couple of hours of aeration the raspberry notes started coming through finishing with Sandy tannins. This wine is made by the multi talented Andrew Caillard who is the supremo of Fine Wine retailer and auctioneer Langtons who allowed Andrew to make his superb range of wines under his own label using old vine Mataro and Shiraz; painted the exquisite labels himself and who achieved a Master of Wine in his spare time. I am lucky to have 5 of these beauties left. 96 points from James Halliday. — 3 years ago

Neil, Dawn and 22 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2012

Another great one from the master — 5 months ago

Shay, Jeroen and 7 others liked this

S.C. Pannell

McLaren Vale Tempranillo Touriga 2013

See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs. — a year ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 19 others liked this

Dow's

Master Blend Finest Reserve Porto

Sticky and sweet with heavy notes of cherry and plum — 3 years ago

Bodegas y Vinedos Ponce

P.F Manchuela Bobal 2016

Juan Antonio Ponce stands alone as the leader of the Manchuela DO and the master of the region’s indigenous Bobal grape. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with some floral spice, cacao and earthy accents. Medium+ finish, fine grainy tannins, ending with fruit and mineral tang. Nice value! — 4 years ago

Daniel P., Jayna and 3 others liked this

Schramsberg Vineyards

Sommelier Selection Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay 2020

Anniversary lunch at Terry’s in Carmel. This Blanc de Blanc was delicious with small bubbles, low alcohol, dry yeasty tastes and flavors of lemon and pair. — 8 months ago

Lou Ann Mowry
with Lou
Steve and Tom liked this

Jérôme Prévost

La Closerie Les Béguines Extra Brut Champagne Pinot Meunier

Although I find that La Closerie generally needs some bottle age to fill out and come into its own, LC19 is already showing fabulously flaunting deep, powerful layers of ripe orchard fruit with smoky minerals, toasted hazelnuts and exotic spices. The palate is impeccably structured and concentrated with a satiny texture and vibrant energy that gives way to a long mineral inflicted finish. Pinot Meunier from the master, it just can’t be matched. This is the best release since LC13. — 2 years ago

Shay, Andrew and 6 others liked this
Charles York

Charles York

Had my first bottle a month ago. Absolutely stunning, will forever search out.

Domaine Pothier-Rieusset

Les Épenots Pommard 1er Cru Pinot Noir

Stellar Pinot with lots of fruit and acidity. Mild color change to light red tones. I was impressed with the body and depth of the wine. Decanted two hours before and it could have used a bit more time. Elegant and structured and it left a definite palate impression after consumption. Pothier was a master of his cellar and crafted very classic wines from his domain. 89pts. — 3 years ago

Mike liked this