Shay A

9.5

Two years since my last bottle, and the time definitely helped elevate the overall profile.

Annual anniversary opening of an Aubert as they are my wife’s favorite (and certainly up there in favorites for me as well).

The inaugural vintage for Park Avenue, this is a wine that bursts in to the room Kramer-style. No trepidation in profile for a first vintage wine, Park Avenue screams Aubert all day with some of the hallmarks of others in the lineup. To me, this seemed like a marriage of Larry Hyde (more acidity; bright) and CIX (more opulent; power). In the glass, I was surprised how clear this poured, and not the typical slightly cloudy look I’m used to. Aromatics of white peach, lemon scone, baking spices, and sea salt. The palate has Aubert richness and signature lemon cream, as well as a good vein of acidity (similar to LH, maybe also Powder House). Toes the line slightly toward elegant vs power (Lauren, CIX). Gorgeous mid-palate texture, lingering finish. Another home-run for the Aubert portfolio. — a month ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.3

After reading Matt Kramer’s excellent book “Matt Kramer on Wine” - I was intrigued by his description of #lagrein wine from #altoadige in 🇮🇹. I found this sole example at Total and having now enjoyed it over a week, I have to say you must try this grape and region if you like interesting and complex red wines. It really does well just south of room temperature with a mixture of bramble berry, hot stone, touch of sandalwood and very faint clove aromas. There’s a rich mouthfeel and dense mouth-coating tannins that are nevertheless very soft, plus a backdrop of minerality and acidity that just calls out to pair this most excellent wine with savory dishes. I must go forth and sing the praises of Lagrein. That this wine is not more well known is one of the great tragedies of modern wine marketing. — 5 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.2

The ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir by the talented Erik Kramer is a fantastic new wine from this storied Oregon winery. The nose is loaded with red fruits that combine with lighter orange zest and peat moss undertones that round out the enticing aromatics. The texture here is really good, as is the bright, mouth-watering acidity. Red fruits dance with citrus tones and minerals on the palate. Seriously good, enjoy this beautiful new wine over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
— 5 years ago

Richard Wrye

8.9

This is a Pinot Noir Blank which was not on the list. — 3 years ago

Heidi McKinney

9.4

There’s a lot of depth in this burgundy. My husband and I enjoyed this bottle with friends at Kramer Winery/Vineyard in the Willamette during an evening listening to jazz. As a true burgundy should do, it had a great nose, dry but not too dry, and enhanced the flavor of the food and finished well. Perfect. — 4 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

Representing the best of Serene's impressive Chardonnay collection, the 2012 'Recolte Grand Cru' Chardonnay is a stunner. Using the choicest estate fruit, the Chardonnay saw extensive barrel aging (17 months, 50% new French oak) and displays the best of the fantastic 2012 vintage. This gorgeous bottling begins with aromatics of brioche, hazelnut, Gala apple and suggestions of allspice. There are rich and intense flavors of poached pear, honeydew melon and Fuji apple with a huge finish and lingers for more than 40 seconds. The weight and viscosity is there. Head winemaker Erik Kramer has crafted a hugely impressive effort in this heavyhitter of a wine. This is gorgeous right now but will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2032- 95 — 5 years ago

Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.0

I tend to agree with my buddy Matt Kramer who maintains that the single most reliably tasty wine in the world is New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. What that means to me is if you buy a bottle for $15 - $25 you almost always are going to get something that a) tastes like you expect it to and b) is delicious (assuming you like the way that NZ Savvy tastes). This here bottle is no exception to that rule with its passionfruit, green apple, and cut grass aromas and more of the same delicious green fruit flavors on the palate. The finish is all kiwi fruit and green apple and the acidity bright and mouthwatering. This was a press sample. — 3 years ago

Graham Jenkins

9.0

Slightly herbaceous, smooth and a slight richness; perfect accompaniment for grilled ribeye — 4 years ago

with Jasmine

Michael Seely

9.2

1.5 liter. Held up great, continued to open over two hours. Very approachable — 5 years ago

with Jeff and Joe

Lorne Padman

9.4

Big fan! Strong clean earthy base, no bitter after taste. Not fruit-forward. Dry, not sweet. Great! With Brooklyn, Elisha & Austin Kramer. 2008. — 6 years ago