Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Foot of the Andes on banks of Maipo River, 650 meters above sea level, vineyard dates back to mid-19th century, when first pre-phylloxera French varieties were brought to Chile, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits & mineral notes, a blend of 92% Cab Sauv & 8% Cab Franc, aged for 15 month in French oak (65% new). On the palate flavors cherry & blackberry with powerful tannins, long finish, very tight, ending with mineral and tobacco notes. Also tried a year ago, still needs time. Tasting Sample! — 15 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

A gorgeous bouquet of bright bramble fruit, anise, and flowers. On the palate, I found this to be quite snappy! Brambles again with licorice and minerals. Medium tannins and high-ish acid. A pleasurable finish. This would work very well with a wide range of meals. At 14.4% ABV, this is very modest for a Lodi Zinfandel...and quite possibly the best I’ve ever had from this area known for its bulk rather than its quality. This proves the area’s potential with aplomb. The fruit for this bottling comes from Sandland’s own Kirschenmann Vineyard, located in the Mokelumne River AVA, which was planted 105 years ago. The soil there is mostly silica so the environment is naturally resistant to phylloxera. As a result, the vines are ungrafted and hence, own-rooted. — 2 months ago

Laura D

9.2

Sweet. Fruity with a vanilla finish — 3 months ago

Derek Shanahan

9.2

We really liked this. — a month ago

Joe Roth

9.0

Needs a little more time. — 2 months ago

with Jeff and Michael

Bob McDonald

9.3

See notes from 129 weeks ago. They still apply. A lovely perfume of white pepper and florals, most of the spice drawer - a violet floral note coming from the Viognier. A medium weight spicy palate with sandy tannins. An excellent cool climate Shiraz Viognier. — 3 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

First, I’d like to thank @Severn Goodwin for this excellent example of Rosé in our bottle exchange.

The nose shows leaner, candied & floral fruits of; strawberries, watermelon, black cherries, raspberries, candied rhubarb, amazing powdery chalkiness, fine white to grey volcanics, sea spray with candied pink florals.

The palate is; round, lush, juicy and smartly balanced. Classic French Rosé. Ripe with high viscosity. Candied & floral fruits of; strawberries, watermelon, black cherries, raspberries, tangerine, candied rhubarb, amazing powdery chalkiness, white spice w/ a ginger lean, some of the very best fine white to grey volcanics I’ve had, sea spray with candied pink florals. The acidity is a cool, rushing river. The rich, elegant, well polished, lush finishes with excellent minerality that persists equally with lush fruitiness.

Photos of: Domaine Henry Pelle, large neutral oak vats, Henry Pellé & one of their vineyards. — 4 months ago

with James and Christina

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

One of the better Kosta Browne’s I’ve had. It’s a crowd pleaser right now. Decanted 3 1/2 hours. Still youthful.

Lots of dark cherries, ripe, brambly blackberries, black plum, dry cranberries, black raspberries, plum & notes of blueberries. Tree sap with bark, dark chocolate, mocha, some caramel, beautifully soft, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich, forest floor with dry leaves, black pepper, limestone, dry, crushed rock powder, shades of mint, dry, river stone, moist clay, anise leaning to hint of true black licorice, mid sweet tarriness with slightly withering; black, red, blue flowers framed in violets. Excellent round acidity. The finish shows lush fruits & slides into spice & earth. It’s well knitted & balanced and persists minutes.

Oh yeah...that’s my decanter ornament to the right! 👍

Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁🎅❄️⛄️🌟 — 2 months ago

bharat

9.2

First time trying a Rajat Parr wine and it did not disappoint. Notes of rose petals, river rock, and even hint of strawberry. That was when we first opened the bottle. Thought I would review on the 2nd day but we finished the bottle that night. Dang it, know I have to get another one! — 2 months ago

Peter Coulthard

9.2

Sainsburys. Great value. — 4 months ago