Jean Charles
Jean Foillard
Beaujolais Villages Gamay 2022
Very well balanced natural chillable red. Higher alcohol, not very bitter but not overly sweet — 21 days ago
Charles Krug
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Charles Krug – Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
The 2017 vintage of their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted primarily from estate fruit across valley-floor vineyards, showing an approachable and structured style. This wine is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with small supporting portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc to round it out.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry are joined by subtle layers of cedar, tobacco, and baking spice. Hints of mocha and graphite emerge as the wine opens, bringing complexity without overshadowing the ripe fruit core.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with polished tannins and a backbone of balanced acidity. The mid-palate is rich and velvety, while the finish lingers with dark fruit, oak spice, and a whisper of minerality.
Winemaking Notes
Aged 18 months in French oak (about 35% new), this wine is a balance of tradition and modern winemaking. Charles Krug continues to champion elegance over excess, and the 2017 vintage shows restraint despite Napa’s warm growing conditions.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, beef short ribs, or roasted portobello mushrooms. Aged gouda or firm sheep’s milk cheeses also complement its depth and structure.
Verdict
A polished, reliable Napa Cabernet that honors Charles Krug’s heritage while delivering a style accessible to today’s wine drinkers. The 2017 is drinking beautifully now, with enough structure to cellar for a few more years. — 25 days ago
Clos Saint Jean
Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2016
From a magnum, shortly before my son’s wedding. Wonderful, but I felt that it would be even better in 5-6 years. — a month ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Been awhile since I’ve had this one. Always consistently good.
Beautiful mousse, bruised red apple & Bosc pear, underripe pineapple flesh, blood orange, quince, nougat, hints of white peach, white spice-ginger, whipped cream, yeasty bread dough, sea spray, speckled chalk bits, grey volcanics, limestone, withering yellow lilies/flowers, crisp acidity, well tensioned-structured, well balanced and elegant finish that last two-minutes.
@BalancesRestaurant - Lucerne. — 5 days ago