I have wanted to do Alban side by side with Rostaing with a well seasoned Tri-tip. Tonight is the night.
The crowd that leans California liked the French better.
I have always thought Alban in the new world mimicked Rostaing’s style.
Both phenomenal and I enjoyed both for slightly different climate & soil reasons.
These two producers do Syrah without the heavy smoked meats & bacon fat of say Cayuse. — 20 days ago
Good on Debbie bday party — 2 months ago
Warm, juicy. Lots of fruit. A hint of overripe fruit. A touch of coconut. — 4 days ago
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
Very fruity on the nose and full bodied with medium minus acidity.
Dry to off dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing black currants, blackberries, cooked plums, oak, vanilla, dried fruits, licorice, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, spices, light herbs and peppercorn.
Short finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 8 year old Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County is still drinking very nicely, but will not get better from this point.
Complex and easy drinking. Fruit forward with a touch of RS. Rich and extracted with a mouth coating feel.
A nice sipping wine.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$50. — 13 days ago
Domaine Vacheron – Sancerre 2015
Loire Valley, France 🇫🇷
Overview
From one of Sancerre’s most respected biodynamic estates, Vacheron crafts Sauvignon Blancs with precision, purity, and unmistakable terroir character. Tasting a 10-year-old Sancerre is rare, as most are enjoyed young—but this 2015 shows surprising resilience and depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Candied lemon peel stands out alongside subtle citrus oil, quince, and a faint touch of almond. The classic flinty minerality of Sancerre still hums beneath, though softened by time. A hint of oxidative nuttiness peeks through—expected with age—but adds intrigue rather than distraction.
Mouthfeel
Mouthwatering acidity remains alive, giving freshness even at a decade old. Medium-bodied, textural, and persistent, finishing with a gentle grip of minerality and citrus zest.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with aged goat cheeses (Crottin de Chavignol is a must), grilled white fish, or even poultry with lemon-herb sauce. Its aged nuance also makes it a fine companion for mushroom risotto.
Verdict
A Sancerre that defies expectations with its longevity. While youth usually showcases sharp vibrancy, this 2015 proves that time can reveal a different elegance: layered, slightly oxidative, yet still minerally precise. A rewarding surprise for anyone curious about how Sauvignon Blanc ages. Cheers! — 3 days ago
Really good cab, was on sale for $26 at Vons. — a month ago
Rick Hadsall
Dark berry fruit in the nose, soft and fruit forward on the palate - approachable and food friendly but not overly tannic. Excellent! — 8 days ago