Joe Weinberger

9.3

A little closed and unbalanced at first. Put back in the fridge for a few more hours and then this was singing. Absolutely gorgeous wine once it had the chance to open up. Incredibly pure. — 2 days ago

Gregg G

9.5

Recent notes suggested this wine was declining and the fruit fading.This was cause for concern as have a few of these I’ve been patiently cellaring. Well, I’m very happy to report this bottle, a Martine’s import, was stellar. To my palate, the wine is in a perfect place. Tertiary aromas and flavors dominate. Very complex aromas of sous bois, herbs de provence, wet saddle and red fruits. The palate is vivid and lively. Extraordinary depth and length that never faded. I can’t say enough great things about this wine. There’s no chance this bottle was fading or won’t last several more years. I don’t think it can improve as it’s almost perfection right now. Simply a stunner. — 20 days ago

with Conrad

Gor

9.2

Lighter than his usual wines but man this still has so much beautiful concentration, vigor and precision. If you tasted this blind there is a chance you would think it’s a young grand cru. To think this is not a village but a REGIONAL production wine is absolutely mind boggling. Typical fourrier aromatics - wild strawberries, herbs, cherries, floral notes. Amazing salinity and freshness on the palate. Fun and vibrant. Long finish. Just incredible price to quality ratio. Floored. — 2 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.1

The 2019 Chianti Superiore is made from 70% Sangiovese grapes and a 30% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Those grapes really get a chance to shine, since aging took place in concrete and stainless steel tanks for six months, then another two months in the bottle. Superiore serves as a sort of midpoint between the Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico. Alcohol ticks 13.5% abv and it generally sells for around $12.

This wine sports a nose that is laced with red and black fruit and earthy minerals. The palate features plum, blackberry and cherry, with fine tannins and a wonderful acidity. It tastes so fresh. The finish is medium long and fruity. Pair it with sausages or steaks, or a nice marinara sauce. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.6

Had a chance to taste this 100% Cab from 2 Beckstoffer vineyards and 2 vineyards in Oakville, aged for 22 months in new French oak. Deep Ruby with aromas of complex berry fruit aromas wrapped in toasty herb spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and sweet plum with licorice and cacao, adding cedar, herbs and tobacco notes. Soft velvet tannins, still young, long earthy finish, well integrated and nicely balanced, a joy to drink. Will age a long time. A Wow factor wine!! — 11 days ago

ESF

9.0

Never been a Chablis guy, took a chance with this and it’s pretty much what @Lyle Fass said, although I’m not as exuberant. It actually shows more like SB than Chard. It’s well made, had w/seafood pasta and it worked well @ cellar temp. Will hold this for awhile before I revisit as I think it will fatten up. — a month ago

Shay A

9.5

A library bottle I picked up when visiting the winery in Sept last year. The 2018 I had while there was absolutely astounding in how good it was, and jumped at a chance to try one with age. I truly believe this is easily a top-3 Bordeaux Blanc style coming out of Cali (and maybe my number one).

66 Semillon/33 SauvBlanc/2 muscadelle. The bright citrus notes started off faint (and were much more prominent at release) but soon gave way to beautiful honeyed tropical notes…honeysuckle, honeyed mango, ripe peach. The texture here has turned rich/creamy but not cloying. Notes of sweet spice, orange marmalade, lemon scone and finishes with a mineral-driven flair that had some serious length. Hard to believe this is 7-yr old white wine which seems to likely be at peak (and probably holds here for a few years). Fantastic! — 2 months ago

Ron from VA

8.9

Surprisingly good AFTER a lot of aeration. After 30 months in barrel and years on my rack I thought this would be in a good drinkable place from the cork, which was not unpleasant by the way. The predominant notes of Merlot and PV shown through in all stages, but the big take away was the breath and complexity increased with a couple days of air. (Vac’d plug of course) juicy, harvest fresh berries combined with just enough structure and herbal intrigue to make this delightful with artisan sausage pizza and our house smoky bacon bean soup. I had a chance to get a second bottle but it will be fun for someone else to taste a touch of North Carolina’s better half.  — 21 days ago

Craig Marino

8.9

Very nice once it has had a chance to breath a bit. Nice fruit without being “fruity” — a month ago

Vanessa

9.1

Yves Leccia’s 2019 Île de Beauté IGP Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Niellucciu, hailing from the northerly appellation of Patrimonio, Corsica.

Île de Beauté – the namesake for many wines produced on the island – translates to ‘island of beauty’ in English.

This is a beautiful wine, indeed. It is medium ruby with ripe cherry, strawberry, and kirsch notes leaping out of the glass; it also offers licorice, fennel, violet, and subtle meaty characteristics. The fruit is unmistakably intense and concentrated. I suspect it’s a reflection of the dry, sun-soaked climate on this beautiful, mountainous Mediterranean Island.

This is such a versatile and food-friendly wine – it’s definitely worth a taste if you have the chance (preferably while gazing upon Corsica’s coastal seascapes). Cheers to the wines of Corsica! — 2 months ago

with Deked1