Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

On the southern edge of the rocky Bay of Biscay in northern Spain, this is Basque country and home to a slightly effervescent white wine, Txakoli. Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with a light spritz in the glass. On the palate flavors of green apple and lemon citrus, vivid briny acidity with floral notes. Medium finish ending with fruit and spicy mineral character. — 11 hours ago

Lydia Barnett

9.0

Glorious sparkling white from Basque Country, 100% Hondarrabi Zuri grapes, methode traditionelle — 7 months ago

Louis Martin

9.0

A bit bitter on its own, balances itself out when paired with a fatty meat (in this case, a Basque region raised pork loin). — a year ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.1

Brilliant sparkling from the Basque country. 3y on the lees, brut nature.
Very fresh & lively with yellow apple, lemon peel and salty wet stones. So fresh.
On the palate fresh, pure, focused yet with a fine creamy mouthfeel. Very fine froth, great balance & length. This has richness of matter yet is so poised. So fresh and so elegant.
Brilliant! — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Let’s face it, “Irouléguy” might fun to say…but it’s likely to be a hard sale at most tables. However, when the former, longtime winemaker at Pétrus is behind it, wine folks will perk up and listen. And that’s the situation we have here with Herri Mina. The story goes, Jean-Claude Berrouet after spending over 30 years as the winemaker at Chateau Pétrus, returned to his Basque homeland to create Herri Mina. He made two wines: a Blanc and a Rouge. This is the former and it’s fabulous.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2022 Blanc is a blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, Petit Manseng. It pours a bright straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe tropical and orchard fruit: pineapple, green apple, some stone fruits, yellow flowers, nuts, and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, slightly saline and there’s a rich, creamy texture. Classy. Drink now through 2032. — 18 days ago

Nathaniel Bouman

8.9

Very nice, not too challenging Basque cider. — 8 months ago

Nikki Goddard, DWS

9.4

Absolutely stunning Chenin. Aromatic, slightly oxidative nose, with notes of dried apricot, almond skin, Macintosh apple peel, Basque cider, preserved lemon, white truffle, and castelvetrano olive. Bracing, saline acidity on the palate with a slightly oily texture and a nutty finish. Just a pure delight!!! — 3 years ago

Karen Tripson

9.0

Nice! How cool to have a local brewery. — 2 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2022 | 80% Cabernet Franc from 30 y old vines and 20% Tannat from 150 y old vines. The CF brings a lovely frivolousness, the T structure. Basque Country nearby the Spanish border. | paired with a deerburger and salad. — 4 months ago

Phil Kessling

9.0

Redefining Txakolina for me. Crisp, citrus, wet rock and unfiltered. This is the way all Txacoli should taste. Perfect on a hot summer night. Seek this one out. — 2 years ago