Jessica Wicksnin

9.5

Smoky from Oregon at archipelago — 5 years ago

Alex Griffith

9.8

With no perceptive barrier between the warmth of the atmosphere, the spice carried by the winds of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, and the sirens call bouquet of this wine--vitality and strength are resonant. The power of the nose and the follow through of palette lead none to believe that it had spent more than two decades in bottle. A treasure, floating in through the Archipelago... 1995 vintage — 8 years ago

Martinez

9.0

Volcanic Verdelho do Pico (different from the Portuguese mainland Verdelho, also known as Godello in Spain) from vineyards located on 3 different islands - Pico, Graciosa and S. Miguel- in the Azores archipelago. Virtually at sea level and unusually close to the Ocean, vines grow on very poor volcanic basalt soils, surrounded by traditional stone-walled “currais” to protect them from the extreme Atlantic winds. Salty and mineral. Thirst-quenching acidity. Passion fruit. 🌋 🌋 — 5 years ago

Erik Nordman

9.1

Bought at a cool little combination vintage clothing shop/natural wine store in Tallinn. Super hip, I know; sue me. Natural Loire Valley (this is VdF but I'm pretty sure this producer is located in Touraine and I'm guessing the grapes are at least mostly sourced from there as well) rosé bubbles consisting of a blend of Grolleau and Cab Franc. Semi-sparkling/frizzante. Unfiltered, a quite small amount of sediment is visible floating in the bottle. Not sure whether or not this qualifies as a pet-nat since the production method isn't totally clear from bottle info but it fits the character of one regardless of production method. A bit funky but delightfully so and its not over the top at all. Slightly unripe wild raspberry and strawberry, some funky yeastiness that's almost lager-esque (also pours like a beer as well in terms of bubble texture/level of carbonation), a tiny bit of heavy cream, and wet granite and quartz stones, not unlike the stone of the beach of the island we just left (Hitis in the Finnish archipelago) where we spent a few days at my favorite place on earth, my family's shared summer cabin. Overall, somewhat like a sour beer in overall character, in a really cool way. Med. (+) acidity keeps it juicy and fresh. Super yummy. Great pizza wine. — 8 years ago

Erik Nordman

9.2

First non-Austrian Grüner! Pretty impressed. This is a good case for the Willamette's suitability for this variety. As you'd expect a bit riper and weightier than a lot of Austrian examples, but definitely showing varietal typicity. Nose of ripe green apple, ripe honeydew melon, and grapefruit, wet stone minerality (that actually kinda reminds me of the granite beaches of the Finnish gulf coast and archipelago), celery, sugar snap peas, slight fennel seed note, and some leesy hard cheese rind action going on too. The palate echoes the nose pretty congruently, sitting on a taught frame of intense acidity. Medium (-) body with leesy, oily texture. I might be slightly biased since this wine kinda makes me nostalgic for Finland but it's pretty damn good. Would like to revisit in a few more years. — 8 years ago

Gae Saccoccio - NdC

9.7

Salina is an amazing little island part of the Aeolian islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian sea north of Sicily... well, my dear friends #carlo and #andrea #hauner they transmit into their bottles all the aromas the essence the breeze the light the flowers the trees the cappers surrounding this paradise lost on earth. Regarding the unforgettable Passito Riserva paired with handmade house-fresh sicilian cannoli that's like to be in Arcadia Shangri-la Utopia... at one time! http://www.hauner.it/ — 9 years ago