Ol' Grafter
Pierre Prieur et Fils
Domaine de Saint-Pierre Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Very solid Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Steep Hill Importer-I like their portfolio as seems to emphasize true to type varietals. Nothing flashy, just good ol fashioned terroir. — 3 years ago
Mas de Boislauzon
Tintot Special Cuvée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015
We pulled this from our cellar and brought it to V. Mertz for dinner. We enjoyed a couple of other wines as aperitifs and then ultimately did what anyone given the opportunity should do: pair it with lamb chops. We poured it into a decanter while we enjoyed the conversation and opening courses. Given the setting, there were no formal notes however, I can confidently report that the 2015 “Tintot” absolutely slaps. From the first sip to the last, it was all balance, power and class. It was also a spectacular showcase for Mourvèdre. It was hard to fully judge color because the lighting was so low but it appeared to be nearly opaque. A touch feral with a slightly gamey element to it but there’s a great big ol’ basket of black and blue fruits with red and purple flowers, garrigue, some black pepper and cedar chest. Structure is still quite firm but totally enjoyable. While this is an unusual assemblage for the region, it still comes across as a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was my first “Tintot” and it has left quite the impression. Drink now with an hour decant or over the next 7-10 years. P.S. it probably goes without saying, but the pairing with lamb chops was sublime. — 2 years ago
Dassai Sake Brewery
Dassai 39 Yamadanishiki Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Not always my favourite on the table, but always solid. Dassai's like the Penfolds of sake - producing high quality beverages at a scale that's accessible to the multitude. In 2013, Asahi Shuzo, Dassai's brewery, sold 1.14 million bottles of sake, which is peanuts compared to what Treasury does, but no mean feat in a struggling sake industry. For me, Dassai is at least large enough to have reached little ol' Kuching, and to have been one of my first encounters with a Junmai Daiginjo.
I've always found Dassai's quite rich and it's no different here. Exotic nose of melons, pineapple, candied fruits even. Palate's like a fruit punch, plush but toned back by herbaceous notes and some acidity. Clean, lengthy finish. Very approachable. The best drink on the table this time. — 5 years ago
Twisted Oak
Ol' Chumbucket Tempranillo Blend 2017
Tempranillo blend only tells part of the story. No telling what else is in there, but it sure works. — a year ago
Paul Chapelle
Gravières Santenay 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2012
What a deal/qpr -& released with some age. Persistent cherry life savers, some gamey notes. I used a big ol Pinot Noir glass for first time, kinda fun. Day 2 notes: so much deeper & nuanced, with the cherry life savers giving way to a meatier, meaner body. The QPR is now glowing. — 3 years ago
Good Ol' Uncle Billy
Petite Sirah 2016
My favorite! — 5 years ago
Podere Forte
Petruccino Orcia Sangiovese Merlot 2016
A solid performance as always from ye good ol’ Petruccino and a great expression of the diversity that Sangiovese can provide. 15% alcohol by reading the label, but only a bit warming, instead it brings texture that is well encapsuled by the dense fruit profile without loosing its freshness, superbly textured tannins and a vigourating acidity is drivning the wine forward with an athletic posture. Luxurious nose where the perfectly placed oak profile is well nurtured by the suave and dense fruit over a stony and stimulating background. — 5 years ago
Peter Sultan
May not have the character of say a Baudry or Raffault Chinon, but still a profoundly true-to-terroir Chinon with all that fine grained dark berry earthiness, low on the funko-meter, & just plain ol’ low alcohol fun. Paired with brunch cheesy egg casserole of Gruyère, nutmeg, Parmesan etc that soaks overnight in Half & Half. — 6 months ago