Gold Hill

Kistler

Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2016

Some lift on mid-palate with acid on finish. I’ll allow it. — 13 days ago

Scott@Mister, Dave and 17 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

Can still taste the 1988 vintage.

Grosset

Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling 2016

Paraffin notes on the nose, lemon and lime notes on the palate. Took a while to open up, interesting bottle at almost a decade under screw cap. At 10 Greek St on their LBB list — 14 days ago

Ira liked this

Stony Hill

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012

Somewhat muted initially but brilliant on day two. — 5 hours ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Tom liked this

Vine Hill Ranch

Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Spectacular, full-bodied, and intense, yet silky smooth. Drinking well now, but plenty of time left. Dark chocolate, dark cherries, cassis, oregano and other herbs. Decanted for about four hours. — 25 days ago

Chappellet

Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Ron R
9.5

This has stood still. Exemplary in terms of presentation. Precise and laser focused macerated cherries with hints of espresso beans. Deftly balanced on the mid palate. Grainy tannins with hints of maple syrup bringing up the rear. Outstanding. — 12 days ago

Benny RAnne-marie Beausejour
with Benny and Anne-marie
Jeremy.Buss, Paul and 24 others liked this

Penfolds

Koonunga Hill South Australia Shiraz Cabernet 2021

" A traditional Australian blend combining the expressiveness of Shiraz with a defined structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied wine shows ripe dark fruit aromas, voluminous richness and plentiful tannins." — 6 days ago

Idlewild

Fox Hill Vineyard Cortese 2013

JKT
9.0

Another new one, unusual Cali Cortese with 12 years. Color on the yellow amber side and nose with mature notes with a touch of oxidation. Balanced on palate — a month ago

Frank Family Vineyards

Winston Hill Napa Valley Red Blend 2008

Solid bottle. Juicy dark fruit that didn’t cross the line. Meaning not over extracted and not old school either. — 6 days ago

Tom, Dave and 3 others liked this

Armand de Brignac

Ace of Spades Gold Brut Champagne

Armand de Brignac “Gold” Brut – NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A prestige multi-vintage Champagne, composed of three distinct vintages sourced exclusively from estate-owned Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Rilly-la-Montagne, Chigny-les-Roses, and Ludes. Blend composition; 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier.

Handcrafted in small batches, this cuvée exemplifies depth, polish, and harmony, a benchmark luxury Champagne that delivers substance beyond the spectacle. Dosage is kept discreet, allowing purity, texture, and natural vinosity to shine.

Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, ripe pear, and baked quince lead the nose, followed by brioche, toasted hazelnut, almond cream, and hints of citrus oil. Subtle honeyed notes and chalky minerality add impressive aromatic layering.

Mouthfeel
Silky yet energetic. The mousse is fine and persistent, framing a palate that is both rich and precise. Chardonnay provides lift and elegance, Pinot Noir adds structure and depth, while Pinot Meunier rounds the mid-palate. Long, polished finish, lingering but never heavy or fatiguing.

Food Pairings
Caviar, lobster with beurre blanc, sashimi, truffled poultry, aged Comté, or simply on its own as a statement aperitif.

Verdict
A spectacular Champagne that justifies its prestige. Complex, impeccably balanced, and deeply satisfying, the Gold Brut delivers true luxury through craftsmanship and terroir, not excess.

Did You Know?
Armand de Brignac is produced by the Cattier family, whose Champagne lineage dates back to 1763. Unlike many prestige cuvées, the Gold Brut is crafted from 100% estate fruit, with each bottle riddled, disgorged, and finished by hand , a rarity at this scale.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
One of the most delicious Champagnes tasted recently, memorable and worth the investment.
— a month ago

Bob, Tom and 6 others liked this

Chalk Hill

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2023

Barrel aged 10 months sur lie! Medium lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of warm baking spice. On the palate ripe apple and lemon flavors with vanilla and nutty toasty oak. Well balanced on medium finish ending, a bit buttery with slight oak and mineral notes. Drink now! — a month ago

Tom and Paul liked this