Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.0

The NV Brut Royale Réserve (base 2018) is a very pretty, entry-level offering from Philipponnat. Crushed flowers, green pear, spice and a touch of chamomile all grace this soft, open-knit NV Champagne. The blend is 69% Pinot Noir, 28% Chardonnay and 3% Meunier, with 26% reserve wines. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: November 2022. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2023) — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Interesting Provence Red. A blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (24%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (26%). Aromas of red and black fruit and abundant forest floor. Ripe red and black fruit flavors and a hint of black licorice and black pepper spice. Long finish and medium tannins. Nice combination of power and grace. — a year ago

Matt

9.0

New producer for me. Loved how fun and generous this was. Ample and succulent gold and red fruit, rich mouthfeel, and a nice grace of some tertiary character from its age. 74 PN 26 CH — 5 years ago

Deborah M

9.3

This is a rich sparking wine. Would be even better with food. The winemaker notes describes the 2013 J Schram Rose as being “the epitome of grace, style and elegance in a glass.” 74% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir. ABV 12.5%.

Who wouldn’t want a little grace in a glass.
— a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.8

Only pale to mid crimson in colour with a tawny edge at 26 years of age. Black and blue fruits with game and a coffee bean note. The medium bodied yet rich palate is savoury and earthy with blackberry and just so so silky with resolved tannins and low acid. Not sure that I agree totally with Bob Campbell MW’s description - “like getting into an old Jag on a hot day”, but I love the imagery and can see where he’s coming from. Jancis said “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. The latest iteration of H of G (2017) is selling for around $950 a bottle in Brisbane. No doubt brilliant but too expensive for me. I remember paying $12.50 for the 1982 vintage on release. There is a certain H of G character that is recognisable over many vintages over the years. Must be one of the most unique Shiraz vineyards in the world with vines up to a 150 years old. A privilege to drink this wine and close to perfection with 98 points. — 2 years ago