Ira Schwartz

9.4

There’s nothing like the excitement of head to head competition. Unfortunately, that excitement ends quickly when one of the participants has to withdraw. The 2013 was extremely advanced with a heavy petrol nose. The 2014 on the other hand was a great example of what this wine should be. A clean nose of grapefruit and grass but not in that overbearing way that can be the case with SB. Once in the mouth SB steps aside and the Semillon becomes the “boss”. Apricot and pears pop up and the initial dose of mouth watering acidity gives way to a wonderful roundness that allows for a long finish. — a month ago

with Stephen

Delectable Wine

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9.1

The 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is spicy with a bouquet of crushed woodland berries and flowery underbrush complicated by shaved cedar. It’s soothingly round and energetic, with cool-toned acidity and fresh red and blue fruits that swirl throughout. It leaves a subtle tinge of licorice and blackberry, only gently tannic, along with a hint of citrus that adds lovely depth. This is a perfect introduction to the Penner-Ash style. (Eric Guido, Vinous, August 2024)
— 5 months ago

Jeffrey Woo

8.9

Pale yellow hue. Aromas of grass, grapefruit, guava, melon, passionfruit, pineapple. Light body and high acidity. Satisfying and exemplary New Zealand SB.

(Tasted in 2019.) — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

A complex and evolving red blend from Pessac-Leognan, yet approachable. Plenty of red fruits, multi-layered on the secondary aromas, great mouthfeel, medium plus tannins, dry to mid-range of the palate. Finish is under 7-10 seconds. Nice structure, well-balanced between wood and dry leaves. Alone or with food pairing does the job. — 2 months ago

Jeffrey Woo

9.0

Pale lemon (translucent) hue. Pronounced aromas of bell pepper, gooseberry, grapefruit, with a hint of grass. Medium-minus body with high acid. Citrus and minerals on the palate. Long finish. Exemplar of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. — 5 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.7

The 2016 Montrose is a supremely gifted Saint-Estèphe. Very harmonious and precise on the nose, faint hints of mocha and freshly rolled tobacco are behind those floral scents, black rather than red fruit. The palate has very fine tannins, extraordinarily harmonious with a nigh-perfect line of acidity. There is a subtle crescendo that leaves you utterly smitten by its charms, a touch of graphite on the finish. I just have the feeling that this might close up for a while. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 7 months ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.4

This is the 2022 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc. This is from Marlborough, New Zealand.

On the nose is the distinct aromas of lime, grapefruit, white peach, guava herbal notes, grass and pear.

On the palate there is grapefruit, lime, pineapple, mango and white peach.

This is a medium bodied wine with a cleanfresh mouth watering mothfeel medium+ acidity and a lind crusp citrus lime grapefruit finish. A wonderful wine for the money. Looks like the weekend should be a good one with some crisp cool weather. Wish you an eventful weekend. Please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🥂🥂🥂🥂 — a year ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Nearly 20 years in bottle. It is still ascending will drink well for another 15 days plus years.

From a warm vintage. Beautiful, even toned fruits with elegant earth & amazing lead pencil bloom for days.

This is approaching its peak, another 5 years from its peak.

Well resolved wine-fruits. The fruits are juicy, blackberries, black raspberries, plum skin, dark cherries & slightly, poached strawberries with a highlight of pomegranate. Mocha, dark chocolate, black tea, sandalwood, sandstone, limestone, some mushroom notes, dark, rich turned earth w/ dry leaves, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry herbs, dry stone, caramel notes, dry, withering, dark, purple & red flowers with excellent acidity, balance, tension, structure and finish for days that lasts 90 seconds. — 2 months ago

Vanessa

9.5

Nikolaihof is among the oldest winemaking estates in Austria with roots going back approx. 2,000 years. The estate sits among Roman ruins and ancient structures. It was acquired by the Saahs family in 1894, passing from generation to generation since then.🤩🤩

In 1971 it was one of the first estates in the world to adopt biodynamic practices and has been Demeter certified since 1998. Its vineyards can be found on steep hillsides of the Wachau region (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in Austria, overlooking the meandering Danube River, with geographical features that help fuel ripening and moderate temperatures during the growing season. ☀️🌱

This wine is medium (trending deep) gold in appearance. 👁️

👃🏻 On the nose are complex aromas with pronounced notes of peach skin, nectarine, ripe papaya, dried apricot, yellow apple, honeysuckle, peony, steely minerality, wet stones, orange marmalade, hay, fennel, damp leaves, honey, cream, and petrol.

👄 On the palate this wine is dry with mouth-watering acidity, mouth-coating and textural qualities, medium alcohol (12.5%), flavors match the nose, and a long, polished finish.

It’s hard to believe this wine is essentially 24 years old, as it has retained incredible vibrancy adding lift to the earthy and honeyed characteristics. It was bottled in June, 2016, after nearly 16 years aging in old Austrian casks, resting underground in Nikolaihof’s dark Roman-built cellar.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 5 months ago

with Deked1

Jay Kline

9.1

Opened and poured into a decanter immediately prior to service. The 2017 “Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico” pours a deep, slightly hazy ruby color with a translucent core. Medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of funky strawberries (leaves and all), dark cherries, forest floor, horse blanket (yes, there is a kiss of brettanomyces), some dried herbs, and some light spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is medium+, tart and slightly savory. A lovely wine with character and Sicilian charm. Drinking well now with a short decant and should continue to do so through 2030 with ease. — a year ago