Dry Champagne
A. Rafanelli
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days and best on Day 2. The 2022 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of ripe and tart red and black fruits: currants, blackberries, tobacco, leather, dry earth, a combo of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and a bit more tart than the nose previously suggested. So fresh right now. Drink now with patience; better after 2027 and through 2047. — 13 days ago
Jacques Selosse
Substance Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay
(Disg. 2014)…Some of the most captivating aromatics you’ll ever find from Champagne, stunningly complex with infinite layers, racy acids and chalky minerality. Such incredible intensity, verve and an explosively long finale. Nothing like Selosse. Untouchable! — 2 days ago
Billecart-Salmon
Brut Rosé Champagne Chardonnay Blend
Vivid pinkish-salmon hue with a fine stream of bubbles. Notes of strawberry, citrus peel, green apple, and brioche. Crisp acidity, a creamy mousse, and perfectly balanced dosage. Refreshing, elegant, and succulent, with a long, zesty finish. — 3 months ago
Charles Heidsieck
Brut Réserve Champagne Blend
The first two glasses did little to nothing for me, but that opening shyness turns into an expressive full-bodied mouthful as more air gets on it. Very dominate notes of pastry, the creaminess of baked apple pie, marzipan and apricot run into the richness and depth of aged reserve wines. Still has a polished feel that takes away some needed acid. Have it with chicken or pork dishes — a day ago
A. Rafanelli
Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2023
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Better on Day 2. The 2023 Zinfandel pours a ruby/purple color with a magenta rim; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of ripe and tart black, red and some blue fruits: black berries, black cherries, raspberries, fig, green herbs, a touch of rubber pool toy, black pepper, dry earth and some gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. From my experience, this is the most youthful expression of Rafanelli Zinfandel I can recall. Good, but to my palate this will probably be better after 2028. — 21 days ago
"Odedi"
Beautiful color of peach with a rustic tint.
Nose of over ripened apples, citrus, light red fruits, spices, minerals, yeast and brioche.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and small bubbles.
Dry on the palate with strawberries, sweet raspberries, cherries, citrus, apples, yeast, light earth, brioche, spices, minerals sea salt and herbs.
Long finish with apples and herbs.
This is a delicious Champagne. Elegant and rich. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Complex and interesting.
100% Pinot Noir grapes.
12% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$75. — 13 days ago