Tommy

8.9

Spicy and really enjoyable. — 3 months ago

Richard Russell

9.1

Wnr really likes this wine. Full body and good taste. — 4 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have posted notes on many Williams Selyem Pinots, but only my second from their Calegari Vineyard.

I have claimed tirelessly that WS is one of the very top Ca Pinots Noir producers. However, they aren’t until they have this kind of age and older. When enjoyed young, they are good but not brilliant. Like now! It takes cellaring to get there.

I haven’t tasted any of the vintages since Domaine Faiveley bought and took over and started making them in June 2024. Although, they carried forward some of the WS staff as consultants. My hope is they won’t change the style drastically. They are a red burgundy producer and I enjoy their burgundies with the same age. So…🤞

2011 was critically acclaimed not good for Cabernets, but think they flushed out better with age than young. Pinots from 2011, for me, have never been an issue.

The nose is; dark to mid berry fruits, brambly, tree sap, grilled meats- pork, hint of smoke, moist herbs, cola & dark to red excellent florals.

The palate is ripe, lush, brambly dark fruits. There is a dark core of them surrounded by dry twig, dark chocolate & mocha powder. There is some velvety tannin profile here. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum to pudding, black cherries, poached to slightly baked strawberries with pomegranate, blueberry hues with haunting raspberries. Shades of eucalyptus, tree sap, smoke, grilled meats, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dark mid spices w/ some heat, anise crawling to black licorice, mid berry cola, warm, muddy, grey clay, limestone marl, volcanics, dry river stone, dry, crush rocks, dry top soil, tumble weed, dry tobacco w/ ash, soft, used leather, just a hint of lead pencil, iron pan, fresh to withering; dark, red, blue florals with violets and a touch of lavender, excellent, rainfall acidity with a well; knitted, made, balanced, nicely tensioned/structured, elegantly, perfectly polished finish that lasts ninety seconds to two-minutes landing on spice, clays and beautiful earthy minerals. — 4 months ago

Vanessa

9.3

Hello, California Syrah!!

From everything we’ve read, the Alder Springs Vineyard sounds like a truly majestic place.

It’s isolated in an undeveloped part of northern Mendocino County, situated in California’s North Coast region, where the steep and rugged terrain meet sweeping views of the ocean, bordered by rivers, redwoods, and snowcapped mountains… elevation stretches up to 1,800 feet above sea level.

It’s no wonder so many acclaimed producers, like Pax Mahle, source their fruit from here, where vines are sustainably farmed and cared for by Stuart Bewley. We were fortunate to visit Pax in Sebastopol in 2022, where we picked up this 2011 Cahto Ridge Alder Springs Vineyard Syrah. We’ve been waiting patiently to taste it. And here we are.

100% Syrah. Whole cluster fermented. Aged 12 months in neutral French oak barrels.

This wine is deep ruby trending towards garnet. The aromas are concentrated with ripe boysenberry, black cherry, blackcurrant, next to violet, black peppercorn, licorice, cured meat, peat moss, smoke, clove, leather and olive notes. On the palate, it is dry with medium (+) acidity, a medium (+) body, high alcohol (14.6% ABV), medium (+) fine-grained tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

It’s both elegant and wild all at the same time and we love it.

Cheers! — 2 years ago

with Deked1

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I purchased this one in futures, likely in spring of 06 & delivered in late 07 to Spring of 08. Parked in my storage since then.

As it was then, 2005 was a grand vintage as acclaimed by critics. So, that is when you buy some fringe producers. Buy 2nd Bordeaux wines from excellent producers to fringe regions/producers. More often than not, you’ll find really good value as is the case here. $20 on release I think.

Long coravined two separate glasses.

The nose shows a touch of v/a, but nothing offensive. Mostly…it is good old fashion Bordeaux funkiness. There is mushrooms, soft cedar, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum skin, black raspberries, poached strawberries, mid berry cola, anise to licorice, graphite, tobacco, sandalwood, steeped tea, forest florals that are dark and in a violet frame.

The palate shows no sign of being tired. The fruits still fresh, lush, round & ripe; brambly blackberries, blackberries, black plum skin, poached strawberries, raspberry hues, noticeable, moist, grey, volcanic clay, some chocolate pudding, (it is Saint Emilionish), mid berry cola/licorice, dry tobacco, lead pencil, volcanic ash, dry top soils/crushed limestone, dark spice with mid intensity, some black pepper notes, soft, even layered baking spices-clove, hints of nutmeg & cinnamon, understated vanillin, moist herb notes, dark, rich, earth w/ dry leaves, dark, fresh & withering flowers/red roses, rainfall acidity, balance for days, excellent tension-structure-length with en elegant, round finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls on clay & gentle spice.

If stored as I have, will hold a few more yrs and last another 7-8 yrs. You could make a case for 92 here.

Now some history on a producer likely many have not heard of/embraced. From their site:

This Flemish wine merchant family invested since 1924 in the Pomerol vineyard of Vieux Château Certan and in 1920 with Troplong Mondot in Saint-Emilion (sold in 1935).

The following generation, in 1946, George and Monica Thienpont, coming from their natal Flanders, moved into Puygueraud, restored the XVth Century chateau. After a long pause in polyculture, undertook the reconstruction of the vineyard whereby the first vintage would see the day in 1983.

In 1981, Nicolas Thienpont, with his father, engaged in the transition between a production oriented viticulture to one of excellence. Since 1983, the first vintage year mark, this approach has continued.

Since 2009, Nicolas and his son Cyrille Thienpont, have worked hand-in-hand for the crafting of this wine that over the last 30 years has become the flagship of the Francs Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation and a veritable jewel of Bordeaux.

Photos of; Chateau Puygueraud, Director-Owner Cyrille Thienpont.

#DSLounge — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

River Road Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma County, California 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Chardonnay from Sonoma County, one of California’s most acclaimed regions for this varietal. River Road is known for crafting approachable, value-driven wines that showcase Sonoma’s balance of ripeness and freshness. This vintage leans toward a classic California style but with a refreshing lift.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright orchard fruit (pear, apple, and peach) mingles with citrus zest, tropical pineapple, and a touch of honeysuckle. Subtle notes of vanilla and toast from oak aging add roundness without overpowering.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and creamy, with a soft texture that’s balanced by lively acidity. The finish lingers with a clean streak of lemon and a whisper of minerality.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented in stainless steel and partially aged in French oak, striking a balance between fruit purity and soft, toasty complexity.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, creamy pasta, crab cakes, or a simple cheese board with Brie and Camembert.

Verdict
A well-priced, approachable Sonoma Chardonnay that offers both creaminess and freshness. It’s versatile, polished, and a great daily drinker with real Sonoma character. — 8 months ago

Vanessa

9.1

This wine has a medium lemon hue with refreshing and zesty notes of lemon peel, grapefruit pith, and kumquat, alongside juicy peach, nectarine, yellow apple, chamomile, white blossom, chervil, saline, and wet stone characteristics. 

It carries a relative richness lending balance to the fresh primary and mineral notes with a fuller mouthfeel.

This wine is made exclusively from the Godello variety hailing from northwest Spain’s Bierzo appellation in the Castilla Y Leon region.
 
It was produced by Raul Perez, an acclaimed, small-batch winemaker whose practices have built a beautiful platform upon which the fruit and terroir may express themselves to the fullest and purest extent.
 
A delightful pairing with pan-seared halibut with roasted broccolini. Cheers!

Bodegas Raul Perez Ultreia La Claudina Godello 2019. ABV 13.5%. — 3 years ago

with Deked1

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Pencarrow — Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Martinborough, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
A refined, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc from Palliser’s acclaimed Pencarrow range, showcasing Martinborough’s elegant, mineral-driven expression rather than overt tropical intensity. Built on precision, freshness, and aromatic clarity, this is Sauvignon in a restrained, food-friendly lane.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate citrus blossom, lime zest, green apple, and subtle white peach lift from the glass. Aromatics remain airy and focused, supported by gentle herbal nuance and fresh-cut citrus. On the palate, bright lemon, crunchy orchard fruit, and a faint saline edge create a beautifully layered, refreshing profile.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied yet energetic with crisp, well-integrated acidity. The texture stays sleek and clean, offering lift and tension without sharpness. The finish is lively and inviting, encouraging repeat sips.

Food Pairings
Fresh oysters or ceviche. Goat cheese and citrus salads. Grilled shrimp with herbs. Sushi and light sashimi preparations.

Verdict
Elegant, expressive, and effortlessly drinkable, this is a Sauvignon Blanc that prioritizes finesse over flash. A beautifully balanced example of Martinborough purity that delivers clarity, charm, and serious refreshment value.

Did You Know?
Martinborough’s gravelly soils and consistently cool growing season favor slower ripening and higher natural acidity, allowing Sauvignon Blanc to express aromatic detail and structural tension rather than overt tropical ripeness.

🍷 Personal Pick
Not a bombastic Sauvignon, this is a graceful, highly drinkable charmer. Crisp, aromatic, and dangerously easy to finish. The kind of bottle that quietly disappears faster than planned. Total chugger energy (in the best possible way). 😏 — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Lloyd by Robert Lloyd – Pinot Noir – 2019
Sta. Rita Hills AVA – Santa Barbara County – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from the cool, wind-swept Sta. Rita Hills, known for producing concentrated, intensely flavored wines. This vintage leans toward a richer, more powerful expression while maintaining varietal character.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and black berries, cherry compote, cedar, vanilla, and baking spices with a touch of clove and cola.

Mouthfeel
Fuller-bodied for Pinot Noir with warm fruit, medium acidity, and firm, well-structured tannins. Generous but balanced, with a lingering spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, duck breast, mushroom pizza, or truffle pasta.

Verdict
A bold, flavorful Sta. Rita Hills Pinot with depth, warmth, and structure. Ideal for those who enjoy a richer, more extracted style without losing elegance.

Did You Know?
Sta. Rita Hills is one of California’s most acclaimed Pinot regions, thanks to maritime winds that slow ripening and concentrate flavor, a key reason why the AVA consistently produces high-impact, age-worthy Pinots. — 5 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.4

No 2020 🔥 concerns with this acclaimed #threepalmsvineyard #merlot. A “relative” value for a 1.5L at a typically costly steakhouse wine list. Supremely elegant, didn’t have much time to properly taste at a customer dinner a fantastic wine with gossamer tannins. Beautiful pairing with a nicely cooked filet mignon. — a year ago