Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

In southern Burgundy, at the northern border of Beaujolais, lies the Pouilly-Fuisse appellation. Pale lemon color with aromas of citrus, stone fruits and sweet floral notes. On the palate flavors of apple, melon and lemon citrus with notes of honey and vanilla oak. Medium+ finish, vivid acidity and ends with minerality. Consistent quality! Nice! Good value! — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a brilliant, deep ruby color with a transparent core and some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and faint signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with a heady perfume of mostly ripe and some tart fruit: mixed brambles, black cherry, purple flowers (lavender?), animale, some pepper, a touch of olive, a touch of leather, some green herbs, fine warm spices and rocky earth. I believe this has seen oak and it’s beautifully balanced and smells expensive. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Alcohol is medium+. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is grippy. This is delicious.

Initial conclusions: this could be Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Gamay, a Grenache-based blend or possibly Syrah; from Italy, or France. Immediately after I was presented the glass, I liked this being Sangiovese, however, there was too much new French oak for me to feel comfortable. Besides, the florals were too purple to be Sangiovese anyway (never mind Grenache or Pinot Noir). Then there were the non-fruits: it could be justified by whole cluster Pinot or Gamay…or was this a really impressive Syrah? This wine seemed familiar to me. This could be Chave. I did think this had some age based on color and rim variation. Final conclusion: I’m calling this Syrah, from France, from Northern Rhône, Hermitage, with 20+ years of age, from a decent vintage like 2004. And for the hell if it, I called producer: Jean-Louis Chave. Boom. Bottle No. 3981 — 13 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

My last 6pk out of multiple cases purchased in 2014. Fresh with notes of lemon, citrus, green apple, ginger & brioche — a month ago

Dave

9.4

This is a nice surprise. When I hear the word Beaune, I get a taste in my mouth, and this is the taste. A very soft medium drinker, with bright cherries, raspberries, pomegranate, a little spice, and the tiniest funk. Friendly acidity and tannins. Classic Beaune at a great price.
Listening to a bunch of 90s country. — 2 days ago

Vanessa

9.6

Where do I begin… this wine is stunning.

It is positively golden in color with concentrated notes of caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, creme brûlée, dried apricot, yellow apple,peach, nectarine, yellow cherry, kumquat, baked quince, lemon curd, honeysuckle, butter cream, lavender,, dried herbs, fennel, beeswax, honey, chamomile, hazelnut, praline, honey, & wet stones…

It’s textured!!! Waxy & mouth coating, full bodied, round, & opulent.

Alcohol is high at 14.5% ABV — it’s warming but balanced and integrated with the deeply rooted flavors and elevated, vibrant acidity. Yum!!!!!
— 13 days ago

with Deked1

Ted

9.2

Soft hints of lemon. Really enjoyable. — 19 days ago

with Jeni

C Burwell

9.0

first pass at this party. lots of alcohol. not sure — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour or so. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2009 seems to break from the reputation of the vintage with a freshness and verve that surprises. The typical quality of Cristal is there with its persistent mousse and attractive texture. Good acid too. Pretty tasty stuff and I’m not sure I would ever turn down a glass of this. Drink now through 2039. — 5 days ago

Conrad Green

9.7

Ooh. Super fresh. Dark tangy fruit with a slightly medicinal edge. Plum and iodine. Dried herbs and a bloody, feral intensity. Amazing — 15 days ago

with Walker and David

Michael Younkins

9.6

This is an excellent Cremant. An explosion of red berries on the tongue, lots of bubbles. Very much like champagne, finishes dry and clean. Great price for such an outstanding sparkling wine — a month ago