David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The Ariston Aspasie Cépages d'Antan is a blend of one grape that is nearly extinct in Champagne, Petit Meslier and two rare grapes that get blended into Champagne. It parses into 40% Petit Meslier, 40% Arbanne, and 20% Pinot Blanc. None of the three main grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier

Crazy good body and super soft mouthfeel. There is soft precision in the palate. Excellent micro oxygenation. Shades of the 2007 Taittinger Comte’s. Leads with the white citruses.- lime, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, some pineapple juice, tropical green melon, what softer than soft powdery chalkiness, limestone, volcanics just as soft, spring flowers for days, perfect acidy and a purely beautifully balanced, knitted, length that has length and a singing finish that goes on and on. @ K&L Champagne tasting. — 8 months ago

Jody Wycech

9.3

Enjoyed this somewhat exotic wine. Recommended by a sommelier at a wine shop. Apparently the grape was assumed extinct for 400 years until it was discovered growing on someone’s property in the 1980s. Taste is akin to a Nebbiolo. Blueberry and blackberry on the nose. Bright berries with balanced acidity and dryness. Would love to have again. — 3 years ago

with Ethan, Peter and 1 other

Peter Sultan

9.4

CDC approved interior dinner with my homey. Time to celebrate. Think aged Rioja but super charged with acidity. Collares is One of the great growingly extinct wine species so please support it. Briefly decanted to rid it of some decayed cork but otherwise not too much sediment if at all. Iron red rim, tertiary flavors of Unami but still so fresh & vibrant, with crushed red fruits & currants. I’ve read the half life on Collares wines can be as long as a 1rst growth Bordeaux. — 3 years ago

with Owen

Mark Rosse

9.4

Nerello Mascalese (85%) Nerello Cappuccio (15%) from very old head-trained bush vines co-planted in a tiny parcel named “Particella n.587” on the steep slopes of Monte Serra an extinct volcano located on the south eastern slope of Mount Etna at almost 1640 ft. Remarkable typicality, elegance and longevity. 215 cases made. Superb — a year ago

Gene Buonviri

8.9

As you open this wine you begin a trip to the arch of Italy’s boot. Although this southern, mountainous region has a few small vineyards under vine. The big red grape Aglianico is limited to the slopes of an extinct volcano Mount Vulture. Notes of blackberry, black cherry and wild herbs. Well-balanced and tamed. On hold for 5 years and it’s sensational. — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Unusual Single varietal (almost extinct) Greek White. Abundant lemon and mineral aromas and flavors. Hints of pear and white flowers. Straw yellow color with a greenish hues. Mouth watering acidity with a long and somewhat creamy finish. (Some oak aging here?). Totally interesting. Revisited in September 2023. Color was a bit more golden. Aging gracefully. — 3 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Nearly extinct red grape named (Kalecik, Turkey) after its place of origin. Wonderful aromas of black cherry, black licorice and menthol. Dark cherry, cranberry and blackberry fruit flavors are highlighted by notes of basil, eucalyptus, black tea and pepper spice. Ruby red color, medium bodied with a soft and lovely mellow finish. Hints of the French Oak Barrels this wine was aged in. Quite good. Thanks Ron B! — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Sourced from one of the oldest vineyards planted in Valdeorras, Avancia. Godello was almost extinct at the end of the 1980s, so it is extremely rare to find a Godello produced from a single vineyard planted in 1904. Pale golden color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral and spice notes, fermented in oak on its lees for 10 months. On the palate flavors of peach, ripe apple and lemon citrus with floral spice. Long finish ending with fruit, subtle oak and mineral character. Nice! — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.3

The 2016 Cenerentola is darkly alluring and spicy, showing ripe strawberries, plums, ginger, clove and hints of cocoa powder. It’s silky with broad textures, energized by brisk acidity, as tart wild berries cascade across a mineral core, adding tactile grip toward the close. This finishes long, as fine grippy tannins tug at the palate, along with tart red fruits and a bitter twang of sour citrus. The Cenerentola is an exciting wine to taste, as it contains 35% Foglia Tonda, a native grape of the region which almost went extinct, with Sangiovese as the balance of the wine. The 2016 isn’t quite ready to reveal all of its charms, yet another year or two of cellaring should result in something very special. (Eric Guido, Vinous, January 2022)
— 2 years ago

Gene Buonviri

9.2

Petite Sirah is not a smaller version of Syrah. It is an offspring of Syrah and the nearly extinct French Alpine variety called Peloursin. The 2012 is definitely drinking well. Dark red, luscious with a hint of tannins . Maybe this wine can be pushed out 2 more years.
— 3 years ago