Ellen Clifford

9.0

Exclusively from their vineyards in the northern part of Vinho Verde, Monção and Melgaço. I’ve been there! That’s where I accidentally got up two hours early cause my clock switched to Spain time and I thought that meant I'dn need to get up an hour early. Contacto has a little more skin contact than average, turning up with a slight texture and friendly bitter bite. On the nose, it’s fresh lemon zest, wet stone and whetstone, with a bit of white flower. The palate is utterly thirst-quenching, veering into dried apricot territory and a bit of (as I said above) fun bitterness countering the fruit. It all wraps up with a sluice of salinity. Fun, fun, fun! — 3 months ago

Miller Cornelius

9.0

Like a hug from a big Italian grandfather — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

1990 vintage. An under the radar Pomerol, bought in 1961 by the grandfather of current owner Nathalie Despagne. He also owned La Tour Figeac in Saint-Emilion and La Rose Figeac is just across the Saint-Emilion border. The 4,56 hectare vineyard consists of 9 parcels (all within 500 m of each other) on gravelly sandy soils and is planted with Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc. My bottle had a near-perfect level and as the smell was a bit musty upon opening, but there was still good fruit in the mouth and the colour looked very solid, I took the risk to decant it. It turned out to be a wise decision as the wine evolved positively, even if the tannins remained a bit rustic. On the other hand it still has lively fruit and freshness, it is a testimony to the ageing potential of Bordeaux wines and an attractive food wine. Abv. 12,8% . — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Royal St. Robert Cuvee named in honor of Dante and Carlo Mondavi's grandfather who taught them to be committed to excellence. Medium Ruby color with layered aromas of fresh berry fruits with floral and smoky spice notes. On the palate flavors of strawberry and raspberry with cigar box, oak, tea, citrus and herb floral notes. Well balanced, savory fine tannins, long finish ending with oaky earthy notes. Very nice! — 10 months ago

Doug Powers

9.5

Rich dark fruits, very concentrated, but not overripe in any way, much more structured than the 2022 Tooborac, this is from the Estate vineyard planted by Simon’s grandfather in 1955, long, lingering finish, enormous potential, really a fantastic old vine Shiraz that I just wish I could get in the U.S.!!! — a year ago

with Jim

Turd Ferguson

9.3

Delicate and complex. Red fruits. 12.8%. Killer. — 3 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Ranges of New South Wales Australia. Winemaker pays homage to his Great Great Grandfather, who was one of Australia’s early convict settlers. Dark/Black fruit aromas and flavors. Hint of a green quality and spice on the bitter finish. Tannins are a bit harsh. Revisited in July 2022. This bottle is not as bitter as the last time we had this one. Upgrading my rating. Thanks for bringing this one again Ron B. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

The origins of the Damilano family dates back to over a century ago, when Guiseppe Borgogno, the great-grandfather of the current owners, started to grow and make wine from his own grapes. Medium Ruby with aromas of fresh berry fruits and generous spice. On the palate this medium body wine shows flavors of juicy cherry and blackberry with notes of citrus and vanilla spice. Light tannin structure, lively acidity, medium ending with fruit finish. Nice value. Drink now, consistent, no aging benefit. — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

History of Chapoutier family dates back to the early 19th century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased estate & famous l’Hermitage vineyards. Medium Ruby with aromas of rich red/black fruits and spice, 16 months in 25% new French oak. On the palate raspberry, cherry & black currant flavors with notes of oak. Soft dusty tannins, well balanced ending with fruit, spice and cedar. Very nice! I wouldn’t age long, great now! — 2 years ago

Doug Powers

9.3

MAGNUM! This is an unique blend of all the permitted grapes in Chateauneuf (red and white), named after Rudi’s grandfather, that plays well above its humble Vin de Pays du Gard, complex, rich, structured, needs 5+ more years, great wine!!

(Disclosure — Rudi is a friend through my brother, who imports his wines, but the front label shows the 12th Century chateau on the Rhône across from Chateauneuf, just south of the Lirac appellation!!) — 3 years ago

with Jim