Ericsson

9.4

New vintage release tasting at Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero. The 2015 Unico presented an elegant profile, while the 2020 Valbuena showcased a bolder character. Traditionally, Unico is known for its power and structure, whereas Valbuena tends to be the more refined and elegant wine. Staff assured me it is not a reversal in winemaking techniques but rather a juxtaposition of their respective vintages. — 18 days ago

Ashish Pant

9.2

Great balance of tannins and acidity right out of the bottle. — 12 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This bottle had been opened the night before. The 2021 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, purple flowers, olives, black pepper, stony earth and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and peppery. True to the vintage, this is a cooler expression of Chave’s Saint Joseph and I really dig it. Drink now through 2041. — 16 days ago

Ericsson

9.8

New vintage release tasting at Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero. The 2015 Unico presented an elegant profile, while the 2020 Valbuena showcased a bolder character. Traditionally, Unico is known for its power and structure, whereas Valbuena tends to be the more refined and elegant wine. Staff assured me it is not a reversal in winemaking techniques but rather a juxtaposition of their respective vintages. — 21 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured, enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2021 pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of yellow apple, peach, honeysuckle, squishy, pineapple, clove. On the palate, the wine is dry, but showing significant fruit. So much so that it almost gives the impression of being off-dry. Acid is medium. Confirming the notes from the nose where the honeysuckle note is crazy powerful. The finish is long and there’s a slightly oily texture. A great, young Chave Blanc with a very bright future. Drink now with patience to allow it to open and drink through 2046+. Bottle 05182
— a day ago

Robert Ahlstrom

9.3

Deep garnet with purple rim, well balanced acidity and tannins, ripe cherries and leather on the palate — 19 days ago

romo

9.5

WotN in a group of giants. Ping-pongy fireworks of flavor bursts none of which cancels out the others. Kept coming back to this. Wow. — 5 days ago

Bruce Leboff

9.2

A baby but what fun to drink. Grippy cherry and tobacco. Well balanced and very long finish. Super — 16 days ago

with David

Conrad Green

9.2

Supple and fresh candied nose of red fruit. Grippy and fresh. Good balance. — 10 days ago

with Gregg and Peter

Ruud Verhagen

8.9

nothing really stood out of this wine that tickles me… — 25 days ago