Vanessa

9.2

We were initially drawn to this iconic Art Deco label but fell in love with what’s on the inside…

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvèdre, produced by L’Oratoire des Papes.

It’s a youthful wine (considering its potential lifespan) bursting with fruit on the nose and palate, such as stewed strawberry, ripe raspberry, red and black plum, cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, kirsch, wildflowers, dark chocolate, vanilla, cured meat, graphite, licorice, anise, black peppercorn, clove, tobacco, and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with warming and well-integrated alcohol (15% ABV), a full body, and notable acidity that adds lift to the plush and fleshy characteristics. The tannins are ripe and smooth. The finish lingers.

We’re appreciating the balance of vibrant fruit and layers of non-fruit qualities. — 20 days ago

with Deked1

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Medium ruby/garnet color with a slight brick colored rim. Aromas and flavors of dried cherries, currants, boysenberries and blueberries with notes of orange zest, graphite and violets. Pleasant long finish. Soft tannins and creamy/velvety texture. Extremely well balanced. Silky tannins. Aging gracefully. — 8 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.1

Very nice Sauternes with delightful balance of fruit, flowers, sweetness and unctuousness, plus sufficient acids to bring it all together. Quite a delicious sipper. This was the very last bottle of Sauternes I could find at my local BevMo in Santa Monica, and it was just a half bottle at that. I should really go back to the Wine House or Wally’s for my wine purchases but this tells me how under appreciated Sauternes is in the U.S. A pity.
I enjoyed the 2019 vintage with homemade chicken liver pâté on toasted brioche. — 3 years ago

Nina Chen

9.2

Peppery nose, juicy black currant and cherry notes, legs for days but easy to drink. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

This was one of those surprise finds one sometimes has in the cellar. I only have the one bottle. Made from roughly equal quantities of all 6 permitted white varieties, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin fermented cool and kept on lees for 5 months, no malolactic. Initial notes of tangerine and pear. I don’t get tropical fruit like some reviewers have said. A waxy texture, mandarin/tangerine and very ripe grapefruit - low acid - developing nutty notes. Rhone whites are always an adventure - remains delicious. — 5 months ago

Meche

9.6

Smooth 2020 vintage. Highly drinkable and settles well on its own or with food — 3 years ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

Thoroughly enjoyed this classic CdP from a very dependable wine maker. Drink now — 3 months ago

Lyle Weston

9.1

91 for sure
— 3 months ago

Tom Heckert

9.1

Tart cherry with smoke and leather notes. Opens up nicely. Paired with strip steaks. — 9 months ago

PS Michaels

9.2

Temp is important here. Too cold and it shuts down. — 4 years ago