Aaron Tan

9.8

I’m completely smitten, and while it may still be too early to call this the best young Burg I’ve had this year, it’d be a hard one to beat. “Extreme Aromatics,” was what I proclaimed when it first graced our glasses. The perfume was just so intense that you’d struggle to keep your nose in the glass, and so wildly complex that it was just otherworldly. It was like a perfumer’s dream; a top shelf Extrait de Parfum. Think roses, orange blossoms, ripe cherries, garam masala, bergamot, black tea, and hints of herbs/stems. Just insane! On the palate, it really exemplified “power without weight”. Incredibly concentrated and textured, yet totally effortless to drink. Pure with just the right amount of juiciness. For me, it felt very nearly complete, despite its youth and promise for more with time. Bravo, Thomas. Bravo. — 2 months ago

with Michelle

Jay Kline

9.2

It’s been about 6 months since I last checked in on the 2016 vintage of Terre Nere’s Rosso di Montalcino. I was very impressed with the wine on release and I’m falling for how this wine is developing! Popped and poured; consumed during the duration of our Tuscan-inspired dinner. In the glass, a bright ruby with medium viscosity. Medium+ intensity. On the nose, waxy bing cherry fruit, flower shop, medium-aged Manchego cheese, bergamot, and dusty attic. I could smell this wine for hours and be satisfied! On the palate, a mix of red and dark cherry fruit, Earl Grey tea, tomato, orange citrus rind, and dusty earth. The freshness of this wine is simply awesome. Loads of structure for an RdM (some Brunellos may be jealous)…but it could also just be 2016 being 2016. The finish is long and as it lingers, comes across slightly saline. A fabulous wine with a long and exciting future. — 3 years ago

Richard Rosensweig

8.9

Bitter orange, bergamot, pear and a hint of green pepper make for a satisfying four season Grüner. Granite soil provides a stern mineral dimension to the fruit profile not often found in the cultivation of this Teutonic noble grape. — 4 years ago

Maggie Harrison

9.6

way ok! enjoyed 11/2023. super aromatic. bergamot. dried red fruits. anise. leather. firm tannins. — 5 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

150 days in amphorae. Passion fruit, bergamot, curry. — a year ago

Tobin Spratte

9.6

This is phenomenal, one of the top three Rieslings I've ever had. Immediately, I noticed the heady floral aromas that make a top end Alsatian wine, then aromas of orange and lemon peel, dried apricot, petrol, must, and deeper bergamot, lemongrass, and french-milled soap. Racy but balanced acidity. Finish lasting for over five minutes. — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

100% Syrah from vines that’s are 10-65 years old and managed manually for the most part. Fermented in concrete and aged for two years in barrels of various sizes but mostly larger (225L-600L). Popped and poured. This bottle took about ten minutes to open but when it did, ohhhhh baby! On the nose it was a mix of blue fruits, dark cherry, and a high end yoga studio...you know, the ones with incense of sandalwood, gardenia and bergamot...basically everything but the patchouli. On the palate, things got even more interesting with firm blue fruits, tart dark cherries, lightly spiced meats and minerals. The finish lasts for five minutes. In fact, there is crazy effect after a couple of minutes that reminds me of Acmella oleracea (Sichuan buttons or buzz buttons). Absolutely wild! Never had a wine do that. No doubt, this is a Saint-Joseph of the highest level. Definitely a producer to keep an eye out for. — 4 years ago

Roman Ochocki

10

Another vintage. Love it. Again. No fruit or barely palpable. Very herbal, mint, bergamot, fresh pepper, allspice, sage. And dark chocolate finish. — 10 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

My fair and humble State is very fortunate to get what we get but when it comes to Azienda Agricola Montevertine, we often get plenty of the eponymous Montevertine and even our fair share of Pergole Torte. However, when it comes to Pian del Ciampolo, we seem to get slighted. Maybe the restaurants hoard it all? Anyway, I was able to get my hands on this one without much effort and I’m so happy I did.

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Delightful on both. Th enable is slightly different for the 2019 vintage in order to celebrate what would have been Sergio Manetti's 100th birthday. The wine pours a beautiful ruby color, medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is intense and complex with crushed raspberries, cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, bergamot, dried herbs, dusty earth, wet stone. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin, medium+ acid and confirmed the tart red fruits, dried herbs, orange citrus, and earth. Long satisfying finish that is somewhat savory. It does seem to gain just a little weight on Day 2 which was, for this palate, well received. A lovely, and classic example of Chianti Classico (though it’s not labeled as such). Killer with food yet lovely on its own as well. Drink now and over the next 10 years. — 2 years ago

Will Stanley

9.5

I get it, I get it. This is the first Chateauneuf that’s really wowed me. Having been left a little underwhelmed by the 2004 Beaucastel I had over Christmas (though I rated this highly at the time), I looked to Isabel Ferrando and her Domaine de Saint Préfert for some confirmation - in my untrained mind - as to the appeal of CNDP. And boy, did this bottle deliver.

This wine boasts a very powerful aroma, which drove me to profanity when I first smelled it; a mix of blueberry, liquorice, bergamot and coffee much of which continues on the palate. It’s incredibly ripe, full, seductive and has everything in check: fresh acidity, gentle tannin, and a long, velvety finish (think Turkish delight). My initial thought on composition was that this must be a Grenache-dominant blend given the ripe, fruit forward profile and high alcohol (15%), so as an amateur I was pleased to find out that, indeed, it’s 85% Grenache with 15% Cinsault.

A great wine that will age gracefully. I wish I had more. — 4 years ago