Shay A

9.5

My contributions for a fun right bank Bordeaux dinner. This ended up being a standout amongst the group but others included ‘95 Cheval Blanc, ‘05 L’Evangile and ‘89 Figeac (the starter whites may have stole the show…mag of ‘10 Chave Hermitage Blanc, ‘08 Dom, ‘21 Magi’s CdP Blanc…this ‘04 ZH I brought was an excellent bridge to dessert…good r/s but not cloying; incredible vineyard).

I’ve only had TR once before but it was infanticide many years ago. At roughly 20yrs, I was excited to catch this on what I expected to be near peak. Very tight upon opening but after 45mins in the bottle, this really strut its stuff. Red and purple floral aromatics, bay leaf, and leather. Beautifully elegant on the palate but everything is in its place…supremely balanced. Clean (no brett), multi-layered fruit spectrum (red, purple, blackberries), sweet tobacco, espresso, little cassis. No roasted or over ripe profile, and also not a lean/green machine. Balance balance balance. Lovely. Wish I had another. — a month ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2023 vintage. A delicious uncomplicated Syrah, with lovely purity. — 6 months ago

Seth Masterson

9.3

This has to be one of the most refined and finessed sangiovese I've tried. Think Hermitage or Saint Joseph levels of refinement and balance. — a year ago

Tobin Spratte

9.0

Not as rich as the Hermitage, but still very good. Floral aromas, orchard fruit, minerals. Nice weight and finish. — 3 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2023 vintage. From vines planted in 1968. Wonderful floral nose, elegant and complex. This small estate is a great discovery, I had a nice conversation with owner Denis Basset and one of his young daughters, Eva, who is fully involved. An estate to watch! — 6 months ago

Shay A

9.3

@Delectable Wine : This is the La Pierelle Hermitage Blanc. I didn’t see it in the database.

Project between Louis Barruol (of Chateau Saint Cosme) and Kermit Lynch. From the small plot called La Pierrelle near the top of the hill (vines are more than eighty years old). 100% Marsanne.

Pours a bright-gold color. Aromatically you can smell the dried apricots and honeysuckle from a foot away. Classically viscous and waxy, but by no means cloying or flabby. Reminds me of those Bit-O-Honey candies as a kid with honeyed-lemon followed by some truffle Marcona almonds at the finish. Mid-palate texture is weighty and the finish is lengthy. Fruit isn’t dominant here (as expected) but the complexity with the almond skin/waxy bitter notes is beautiful. I love Rhône whites.

Followed over two days and stayed consistent. Pop and pour now for stage one, or hold 7-10yrs for marsanne’s stage two revival. — a year ago

J. B. Rainsberger

9.2

Fruity without being sweet. Elevated without being too much. — 6 months ago

with Sarah

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2024. Marsanne 70% and Roussanne. — 6 months ago

Jana Manfredi

9.2

Still beautiful… — 7 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2019 vintage. As rustic as ever. Blood. Earth. Plum. Stems. Heavy body. A step or two above a solid workhorse but not flighty. Tremendous punch. Could be wrong but think this producer only does Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage and both are great QPR. 10.30.24. — a year ago