Jay Kline

9.4

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — a month ago

Francesca Verrucci

9.8

Chablis at the highest levels!!! Complex aromas of flowers , melon and ripe fruits with a touch of minerality, on the palate it reveals lots of freshness with a long finish. I adored it ! — 2 years ago

Matt McCullough

9.1

I adored this crisp and light drinking wine. Paired with buckwheat blinis, smoked salmon, dill creme, capers, and dill. Wonderful mineral, green apple notes, but so light on the tongue. I recommend for any warm day when you want a refreshing experience — 3 years ago

Some Dude

9.2

We adored this wine. Lively and tense eight acidity depth and a peppery verve, it was amazing with a steakhouse dinner, but equally wonderful the second night with salad, cheese and a hearty bread. — 4 months ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.4

This Rabaja is singing! Every aspect of this wine is right! Adored it big time! — 2 years ago

Casey @ Travelling Corkscrew

10

It nearly seems a slight rosé gold colour in the glass with super plentiful bubbles. Glazed Nashi pear, spice, florals, nuts and saltiness come through on the nose. It’s captivatingly complex. In the mouth it has such a smooth yummy texture to it. Think apple strudel sprinkled with freshly toasted nuts.

I adored every sip! — 3 years ago

Niki Gilbane

9.5

Drank this at Carbone (at Sadelle’s, due to COVID indoor 25% capacity). Adored this, especially when paired with the amazing meal. Would like to try again to see how it stands alone — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I had the previous bottle 37 weeks ago and this was, once again, outstanding. Sous Bois is still there along with red fruited (cherry), red florals (roses) and confectionery. Evidence of whole bunch in the ferment. My daughter, Georgie adored it and said it was one of the best if not THE Best wine she has had in her Australian visit for the past 5 weeks. She has now returned to Copenhagen. Only 1705 bottles made. On Saturday my wife and I are having lunch at Ten Minutes by Tractor and need to restock their excellent wines. — 4 months ago

with Georgina

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened nearly 7 hours prior to Tasting Group and slow-ox'd. Even though this wouldn’t be considered testable, I figured it would be fun to taste with the group, you know, to keep them on their toes! Presented double-blind.

The 2013 Merlot “Passata” pours a deep ruby color with medium viscosity. Moderate intensity; developing vinosity. The nose is redolent of raspberries, cranberries, jasmine, a mix of dried and fresh purple flowers, smoke, some spice, dried herbs, and stone. There are some pyrazines lurking underneath as well which , if nothing else, should have been some clue to others. On the palate, the wine is dry and generous with ripe red fruit mixed with some dark fruit, smoke and spices, leather, and tobacco. Acid is high with medium++ tannin…grippy, juicy tannins. High alcohol. Long finish.

Calls were all over the place, from Dry Creek Zinfandel to Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Truthfully, I didn’t expect anyone to call Langhe Merlot. That being said, there is an underlying Italian sensibility to this wine. The structure is all Italy and even though the alcohol was high, it’s not terribly unusual to see balanced wines from Langhe bumping up close to 15%. Anyway, this was outstanding and universally adored by the group. As far as age-ability, this is drinking quite nicely with a hefty amount of air. That being said, taking the structure into account, this should easily drink well over the next ten years. — 2 years ago

Crystal Felix

9.5

Adored this semi-sweet, light-bodied, fruity blend of wine that beautifully touches the palate and begs for another sip! Great white wine! — 4 years ago