Ron from VA

9.0

My first Burntshirt bottle! I opted to open the Meritage first to see what their overall fruit profile could produce when blended for optimal experience… Quite impressed and can honestly say that it would be amongst the top 3–5 producers in the state… The soil insight are capable of ripening especially in this optimal vintage. All five Bordeaux varietals used and leads to a Monticello or Breaux-style blend. Rich, with plenty of heft, this build is enough but it’s in no way special or distinct. It reflects competency in farming and in winemaking, but lacks a real pizazz or layers of nuance. It’s just nice ;) the 90 score reflects overcoming the obstacles of latitude and possible excess rains. It’s really good by NC standards, which is a victory that they should be proud of. We put this against burgers and baked beans and we were satisfied, that’s a lot to ask of a cab sauv driven blend ;) — 2 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

Very cool wood cut label. Color is beautiful. Garnett and black-cherry juice. Aroma is fresh and subtle. Some peony flowers and a berry-apple tartlet type thing. Flavors are striking considering how light it is. Excellent balance and very dry. ‘Stemy’ with strawberry-rhubarb pie perhaps. It’s Pinot, but it’s also strange and much more citrusy than most American stuff. Cheerful and easy to enjoy. I’d consider this a small in insight into the Bourgogne mystique. — 4 years ago

Aaron Tan

8.9

I'll start of by saying that this is going to be a rant - one about intent and expectations. Don't get me wrong, this was a tasty wine but it got me thinking.

This entry-level Bourgogne took 3 days to uncoil itself. Extreme rubbery reduction when first opened, which pervased through the nose and palate. I tried decanting it, mind you, but to no avail. So back in bottle and fridge it went and day 2, it was the same thing. It was only at the end of day 3 when the wine starting unfurling its dark red fruits, smoky, spicy oak, cocoa, and hints of minerality in the finish. The intensity and texture's quite excellent for a Bourgogne. But really... 3 days for a Bourgogne to show itself. To me, that's way too long. In that time frame, it could have well ended up in a volatile mess.

It begs the question of intent: Did the father and son team intend to make a wine like this? Should a Bourgogne be made ready-to-drink? Should I have expected that? Perhaps this was just on the unlucky end of bottle variation. I don't know. Or maybe the question's about reduction - is it ok? Generally, I don't mind it, but there are cases like this where I would have loved to be able to enjoy the wine there and then - where was the copper coin when I needed it 🤣

NB: Third time having this producer, and I think it's just not my cup to tea. Nevertheless, Guillon's been getting quite a few rave reviews. Les Graviers comes from a vineyard just outside Chambolle. Ripe fruit, partial whole-cluster fermentation, a long maceration, and 100% new oak for aging. I guess the winemaking does give an insight on the intent of this wine 🤔  — 5 years ago

Ed Chin

9.0

I don’t have a lot of experience with gruner. Maybe I should seek this out more often because the apple honey thing was a delight. I know some of these can age. Anyone have any insight as to what the evolution is for one that has say 10+ yrs on it? — 3 years ago

JeremyC

9.4

Prie is the varietal. A first for me from my first visit to Flatiron in SF- a place I wish I had discovered much sooner. Bought this out of sheer curiosity with no intel/insight from staff. Delicately stewed yellow apples, delicately browned citrus which doesn't sound sexy but this wine is DELICIOUS! Some salty/mineral and "of the sea" happening too. Am I tasting the juice of vidalia onion???? Juicy and delicious, more savory than fruity= Such a cool wine!! Many talking about crazy acidity but I'm finding it to be very balanced. Poss due to drinking 2016 in 7/20. Maybe the younger ones are searing??? Glad I waited a few. Anyone else drinking this while rocking Coheed & Cambria turned up to 11? No its not Hatebreed or Slayer but also not Coldplay or Chopin. Struggled to save some for day 2. Probably not a wine I'll find in MCO =( Taking last sip thinking slightly of old Burgundy. — 4 years ago

Ming L

9.0

Lovely Vouvray with aroma of peach and pineapple. Full and round. Well judged sweetness. A great matchup to the spicy hot pot.
Kermit Lynch is one importer I trust and like very much. Great insight selections with sensible price. — 5 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.5

I know that this isn't a fancy super expensive wine, but if you are patient to cellar it it will open a door of perception, an insight on the Hunter Valley semillon, it could indeed be a textbook as an aged sample and descriptor of the category.
Lime jelly, macadamia, lanolin, lemongrass, mineral and the more you swirl the more it gives you all in perfect balance. An outstanding performer that very rarely disappoints.
Long and generous. — 4 years ago

Mike R

9.5

Brilliant and even better with fried chicken- thank you fir the insight @Shay A - big smiles - record speed destroying this bottle - loved every second of it - have more thank goodness — 4 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.2

Almond, citrus peel, salt brine on the nose. Clear, clean, and and lively in the mouth.—My immediate insight is vibrant life...the wine moves effortlessly over the palate and leaves a spectacular finish of fifteen seconds. I love southern Italian whites! — 5 years ago

Ira Schwartz

9.8

An intoxicating nose of florals, lemon and lime, gun powder, and apples.
Powerful layers of stone fruit have escaped an acid bear hug just enough to give insight into the tremendous fruit concentration that lurks here. All encompassing mineral flavors appear throughout the palate and the lengthy backend. A decadent drinking experience. BELIEVE! — 5 years ago