Bob McDonald

9.5

A perfect balance between oak and fruit (blackberry) from this Barossa Shiraz. Great winemaking from John Duval who has quite the CV. John was Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 until 2002 being only the 3rd custodian of Penfolds Grange after Max Schubert (creator of Grange) and Don Ditter. In 2020 this wine received Shiraz of the Year and 99 points from the James Halliday Wine Companion. The product of old vines in the Barossa. Luscious but in balance and overall - delicious. — 9 months ago

Norma Normington

9.8

On the nose ripe blackberries, boysenberry, and a hint of oak. On the palate - WOW! Each sip is a delight; just the perfect acidity and so flavorful. Will pair with anything but I’m looking forward to my steak and walleye dinner. — 5 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. — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2012 ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir by the talented Veronique Drouhin is a stunning effort at now seven years of age. Very pretty red rose petals aromas connect with shades of peat moss, white truffle shavings and black fruits, with smoky undertones that round out this fantastic nose. The palate has an incredible combination of freshness and richness, with gobs of minerality. The balance imparted is gorgeous, as vibrant minerals collide with ripe red cherry, guava, teaberry and cran-pomegranate flavors. While a delight to enjoy now, this is only starting to come of age. Drink 2019-2038- 95 — 7 years ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.4

Dark rubi robe, almost no signs of aging, very delicate nose of dark fruits and blackcurrant, very light on its feet with really velvety tannins, fresh, medium to long length. A delight and much better than early tastings were telling. This is great now but really no rush. Better than most 2000s. Recommended !!!! — 8 years ago

with Adriana

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Tried this a year ago, wow, still nice! Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. A delight to taste this wine. Straw with green edges, a blend from several vineyards, 80% from Uco, packed with aromas of rich stone fruits with citrus and floral notes. Flavors of peach, apple and Asian pear with toasty character. Well balanced, generous acidity, crisp on lingering finish ending with a gorgeous mineral tang. — 8 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.1

Light gold color. Aromas of rose water, Turkish delight, honey and stone fruit. Superb classic Gewurtztraminer flavors - great balance on alcohol and sweet notes. — 2 years 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!!! — 4 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Pale ruby color. Aromas of Turkish delight, strawberries and baking spices. Homemade chili, cornbread and Gamay... it works. — 6 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.2

Amazing, dry and aromatic Gewürztraminer. Clear straw color. Aromas of Turkish delight, honey and lychee. Flavors of rose petals, lychee, orange and a ginger finish. — 7 years ago

Bruce Leboff

9.5

Boom. Crazy evolution in the glass. Closed to open and complex. Still quite a bit of tannin Nice fruit and a delightful long finish. What a delight. Super long finish. — 7 years ago

with David

Mike Beltran

9.0

Light red color with a touch of brown on the edge. Lovely sweet fruit and soft tannins. Elegant is the best description for this wine. A delight given the vintage and age. — 8 years ago

with Joe

Michael Murray

9.2

This is one of the simplest inexpensive but incredible wines I have had. A true delight! — 8 years ago

Nelson Lee

9.6

Wow. Bubbly and dry — 3 years ago

Laura

9.5

A bold, deep red with top notes of cherry and blackberry and a sour cherry finish. Amazing on its own as a Friday night delight! — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Just the best Moscato d'Asti money can buy, you'll never have more enjoyment packed into another bottle!

Our final bottle of the 2017 vintage.

+

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, without orchestra or conductor 😉. Three humble souls playing an all BEETHOVEN program (Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor (Opus 1, No. 3) and Symphony No. 2 in D (Opus 36, arr. for piano trio by Beethoven)) with a few of the best players of instruments containing strings, Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Emanuel Ax (piano). A true delight for lovers of Classical music this evening! — 5 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2010 ‘Brookman’ Shiraz is a sinfully good effort from this outstanding vintage in South Australia. Aromatically ripe and intense, the Shiraz unveils tar, mocha, blueberry compote and shades of Black Forest Cake that all meld together in the glass. The palate is chewy and plush, showing not only serious viscosity but a wonderful sense of tension that runs through the core of the wine. Ripe black and blue flavors combine with bright acidity to make this simply irresistible at the nine year mark. While a delight to savor now, the 2010 ‘Brookman’ Shiraz will cellar well for at least another eight to ten years. — 7 years ago

Victor Charcan

9.1

A delight. Ocean saltiness, a hint of tropical fruit, good body and acidity. — 7 years ago

Gregory Fulchiero

9.3

Buttered pecan, walnut liquor, raisin and mushroom. Sweeter and with less bite than other styles of sercial. A delight — 8 years ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.0

Bit of skin contact to add a touch of colour and some texture. Bone dry and crisp, with some soft Turkish delight, a hint of strawberry and some subtle citrus and apple. It’s really nice. — 8 years ago

with Sam