Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2019 | I put this Siran in a tasting for my winesociety mates, but they say it is infanticide, way too young. Closed and tannic, though I gave it a while aeration. After 30 hours aeration it gives much more pleasure and greatness comes through. A glorious bouquet with classic notes, like vanilla, mocca, chocolate, tobacco and red fruit. Refined Margaux taste. I think GCC quality. — 4 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2022 vintage. Any wine that smells like roses gets my attention. In this case the roses are intertwined with spices, and it is hard to find wines this cheap that smell so nice. A delicious,uncomplicated, spicy and fruity Negrette, with a little tannic bite that can be served slightly cold. Abv. 12,5%. This organic Fronton delivers lots of pleasure and character, and it sells for a song. — a year ago

Seth Masterson

9.1

I bought this bottle for a discount as the owner of the shop thought that it was developing a bit of funk. Well, one man's funk is another man's pleasure. I'm not a natural wine dude by a long shot (check the review of any natty wine in my profile!) But this funk is my cup of tea. VA is present and I didn't taste the wine before and maybe the VA masks some of the finer notes but the flavors that it imparts are honeyed vinegar -actually a wonderful balance- think of switchel made with honey instead of molasses- appealingly drinkable. — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.4

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Beautiful nose and full bodied with medium acidity.

Showing blackberries, black currants, cooked plums, cedar, tobacco leaf, chocolates, coffee, herbs, spices, earth, light vanilla, black pepper and eucalyptus.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This is a wonderful Napa Cabernet. Rich and elegant with a soft mouthfeel. Fruit forward with nice complexity.

Drinking beautifully now as a 14 year old. Not too much in your face kind of wine, which is very nice to see out of Napa. Just a pleasure.

At its peak now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.

A gorgeous wine to share with good friends.

Good right out of the bottle, easy drinking and good by itself. Will also pair nicely with a nice piece of steak.

13.9% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$200. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Always a pleasure to have a Bass Phillip Premium Pinot Noir from a good year. My 2nd last bottle of 6. Prior notes still apply - In Summary: Light Ruby in colour with a tawny edge. A beautiful nose with aromas of dried roses, red florals in general, Sous Bois and mushrooms. Medium plus palate intensity. Stewed red fruits with some savoury notes. I agree with winemaker Phillip Jones when he says this wine has great texture. This would certainly hold its own in any blind tasting with leading red Burgundies. — 5 years ago

Gaurav Tiwari

9.3

Such a pleasure to drink a classic Brunello di Montalcino after a long time. Decanted for 2 hours. Garnet center with a hint of orange hue showing the age . Medium viscosity. I could see through the garnet center. On the nose I got ripe strawberries, blueberries , raspberries, licorice, and soils/earthiness. Aromatic happiness!!confirmed on the palate. Remarkable tannins - soft and velvet like! Persistent and juicy finish. Wine was dry, medium acidity, medium tannins, medium plus body, medium plus alcohol. A lovely balance of finesse and power in this bottle! My wife and I were having a homemade pizza on the patio, watching the sunset and chit chatting and didn’t realize we went through the bottle so easily! Time to bring in more good Sangiovese Grosso juice in the line up! — 6 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.6

medium lemon yellow, watery rim, moderate tearing; lemon custard, Golden Delicious apple, buttered brioche; fleshy, lemon cream, apple, buttered toast, excellent persistence; full bodied, bright acidity, 14.6% ABV; made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from Mon Plaisir estate vineyard planted in 1990 in rocky, volcanic-origin rhyolite soil exclusively to Old Wente clone, most lush of their single vineyard Chardonnays, “Mon Plaisir” meaning “My Pleasure”, 2015 was drought vintage with very small intensely flavored crop; naturally fermented in barrel, undergoes malolactic fermentation, aged 11 months on the lees which were stirred weekly; $95 — 6 years ago

Antonio Galloni

Founder, Vinous

9.7

A real pleasure to drink this with my parents. Still very tight and in need of at least another 2 years in bottle to be at its best. Compelling just the same... — 7 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

I opened and double decanted this more out of curiosity than a desire to have it accompany our braised lamb shanks. I had a bottle of it back around 2013 or 2014 and it was about as impenetrably tannic as a wine could be. Undrinkable at that time. So I kept the other bottle in the cellar and forgot about it. At age 20, it’s actually pretty good, and I think it would appeal especially to those (looking at you @Doug Powers ) who appreciate aged wine. My brother Angelo’s notes from a bottle a few months ago nail it. Rich nose, full of interesting tertiary scents. There’s still some fruit though. Piercing acids. And the tannins still there but has softened considerably. It’s not my jam, pleasure-wise, but it’s quite interesting and I have to give this credit for aging quite nicely. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Chateau Guiraud is mainly known for amazing Sauternes terroir-driven (botrytis-styled) wines, natural vineyards and very jealous preserving the genetic sources of its grape varieties.
This 2020 vintage was released to honor its 10th anniversary of being AB (“Agriculture Biologique”) certified, and also was a very good year for a great white wine.
An outstanding blend of Sauvignon blanc 70%, Sémillon 30%, with an unique vilification process; fermentation was for 3 weeks in barrels having previously been used for the vinification of its flagship Sauternes and underwent through MLF at 35%, and aging in barrels for 12 months.
The nose welcomes all baked tropical fruits and very distant hint of white flowers. As for tasting, a very rich and texturized white with gentle acidity and creamy lemon zest with an impressive silky mouthfeel, it also has a subtle astringency with undertones of delicacy towards the back-end of the palate.
This wine seats next to my most preferred complex, age-worthy whites as Gran Vin de Bordeaux. Salute! — a year ago

Shay A

9.4

This was given a short 30min decant before being consumed over the next two days.

My note is likely going to be reminiscent of my experience with the 2015 Panek I opened 3yrs ago. Out of the RM Cabernet lineup, Panek is the pleasure bomb. One of the signature traits I get from some of TRBs cabs is his ability to pull the entire fruit spectrum (entry of bright red fruits, mid palate of fresh and sweet blue fruits before a commanding and juicy black fruit finish). From the start, this was uber concentrated, but in an elegant way (not brawny). 2hrs later, this smoothed out and channeled a silky profile. This leans to a more floral, dark cherry, mocha fruit flavor profile up front before an inky, juicy, dark chocolate covered black cherry with mint and savory notes. Still on the upswing. Decant 2hrs or hold another 2-3yrs. However, it’s in a hedonistic stage now with minimal air. — 3 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.5

Among the summits of the Beaujolais is this Morgon de Foillard. Accessible to immediate pleasure but nevertheless rich deep and complex. The aromas are revealed in a sturry way, as a story. Fruity attack (red) pink floral note, iris, peony, herbaceous notes, infused. Depthensity and paradoxical lightness. In my top 5 Ever. ❤️

Parmi les sommets du Beaujolais on trouve ce Morgon de Foillard. Vin accessible au plaisir immédiat mais néanmoins riche profond et complexe. Les arômes de révèlent de manière étagée, comme un récit. Pele-mêle: attaque fruité (rouge) note floral rose, iris, pivoine, notes herbacées, infusées. Densité profondeur et légèreté paradoxale. Dans mon top 5 Ever. — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

I am more and more convinced that the wines from Chateau La Vieille Cure are made for the pleasure of those who truly love old school Bordeaux. There is absolute nothing modern about them. Dark currants, earth, pencil shavings, olive tapenade, and mushrooms. About as rustic as they come. Tannins are well integrated but the structure is holding fast. While I think it’s safe to say that the 2005 has entered its gradual, graceful decline, I have no doubt in my mind this will deliver the goods for at least a decade. — 6 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.7

inky purple; cassis, plum, baking chocolate, vanilla, menthol; plush, round, dark fruit, very long; full bodied, lovely textured tannins, 14.6% ABV; blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon this year which is heavier on the Merlot than in the past; beautiful with a fatty ribeye, crafted for immediate drinking pleasure, up there with my favorite Cali Merlots Pride and Duckhorn — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

Winderlea – Pinot Noir – 2021
Dundee Hills AVA – Willamette Valley, Oregon 🇺🇸

Overview
An elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, sourced from vineyards planted in the 1970s on the region’s hallmark volcanic Jory soils. Known for finesse and purity, Winderlea delivers a beautifully balanced expression of Pinot that showcases the red-fruited, spice-laced personality that defines classic Dundee Hills.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, wild raspberry, and cranberry purity, supported by notes of rose petal, subtle baking spice, and a whisper of forest floor. Nothing jammy, everything is lifted, clean, and precise.

Mouthfeel
Ultra-silky tannins with a soft, seamless texture. High, clean acidity keeps the wine energetic, refreshing, and food-loving. The finish is long, elegant, and gently spiced.

Food Pairings
The ultimate fondue Pinot: the wine’s acidity cuts through melted cheese, while its soft tannins and red-fruit delicacy elevate Gruyère, Emmental, raclette, or alpine-style cheeses. Also wonderful with mushroom dishes, roasted poultry, charcuterie boards, or herbed salmon.

Verdict
A benchmark Dundee Hills Pinot, refined, understated, and deeply expressive. Its purity of fruit, silky frame, and signature volcanic spice make it one of the most fondue-friendly reds in the game. A true pleasure to drink.

Did You Know?
Dundee Hills’ iconic red Jory soils, ancient volcanic ash, are famous for imprinting Pinot with subtle cinnamon-clove spice and a natural roundness. Many of Oregon’s pioneering vineyards were planted here in the 1970s specifically for these qualities.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: My go-to Pinot Noir for fondue night, nothing pairs better with alpine cheese than Dundee Hills elegance. — 7 months ago

Aaron Tan

9.7

This trip to Melbourne has been a 07’ riesling galore! Another incredible Keller, although it did not quite hit the highs of the Kirchspiel. Not an AB comparison, but the nose on this Abtserde was a little less explosive and in some sense tighter. It had more a floral, herbaceous drive instead of the fruit basket the Kirchspiel brought. On the palate it was as deep and rich, while still sporting that mineral, herbaceous, focused backend. A pinnacle level riesling, although in my experience, I felt it had more to offer with a little more time or air. Unfortunately that will need to wait till next time as like the Kirchspiel, it evaporated off the dinner table albeit shared among more (i.e. could have used a little more in my glass haha). — 2 years ago

Jose Matias

10

Probably one of the best wines I ever had the pleasure of drinking. I received it as a wedding gift several years ago. once my wife and I decided to drink it and we were blown away. The color was out of this world a mix of burgundy coupled with caramel hues in the light blessing it with a tint that was reminiscent of vin Santo. Not an expert just my opinion. — 3 years ago

Quentin Thd

9.8

One of my best White Wine

Small place in Loire Valley, with two experts brother at the Drive

Stop drinking white Bordeaux or white Bourgogne

With pleasure — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

So, many of you have not had the pleasure of having Dan’s wines. It is largely due to the fact he doesn’t have a US importer. He sells all his mid production level wines through his mailing list. That makes importing from his mailing list as restrictive as the import fees. They are equal to the price of the wines you order. Not something you’ll do. I didn’t. You need to find his wines on the secondary market to be cost effective.

We had the privilege of visiting his Cellar Door in the Spring of 2017. What a fantastic visit and walk of his Estate with him. The age of his Estate vines are 100 plus years old and their yield is less than a ton per acre which, does not make for a lot of wine but, instead a very concentrated wine.

Dan traveled to and worked in many of the key wine regions before settling in as Torbreck’s Winemaker and then marching to his own drum doing his own thing as “The Standish”, his way. No compromises.

The first thing you need to know about Dan’s wines is you can drink them early but, that would be a huge mistake. This 03 is sensational now but, is worthy of more cellaring. It has 10-20 years of life ahead of it...proper storage of course.

This is a second night wine for us and it is still big.

The nose reveals smokey; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, blueberries, mulberries/boysenberries, baked/poached strawberries & some raspberries, sweet tarriness, dark berry cola, black pepper, steeped tea, eucalyptus, mint, tree bark with sap, herbaceous, dry crushed rocks, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, moist, forest floor with dry leaves with withering; dark, red, purple flowers framed in violets & strong lavender.

The body is full, round, lush & ruby. The tannins are still big, round, tarry & meaty. The structure, tension, length & balance are just there & yet still not there. It is still a monster on day two. Smokey; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, blueberries, mulberries/boysenberries, baked/poached strawberries & some raspberries, sweet tarriness, grilled meats, dark berry cola, black pepper, steeped tea, eucalyptus, mint, tree bark with sap, herbaceous-sage & rosemary, used charcoal, graphite, dark spice with palate heat, burned ambers, incense, rubber toy, dry crushed rocks, moist clay & top soil, dry stone, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, moist, forest floor with dry leaves with withering; dark, red, purple flowers framed in violets & strong lavender. The acidity is round and a rushing river. The extremely long finish is, big, round, elegant, floral, well balanced, runs juicy to dry with persistence for days falling onto earthiness & dark spice on the long set.

Photos of, a plaque that hangs above my kitchen sink that speaks to me always, Dan Standish, his Cellar Door and surrounding buildings. — 6 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.3

Yesterday I had the pleasure of having the 2014 Luciano Sandrone Le Vigne Barolo. This was my 4th in succession starting with the 2011 and they were all very similar in style and very structured.

On the nose is the ever present cherry, raspberry, red currant, clove, licorice, dried roses, some alcohol and dusty soil.

On the palate the nose is confirmed with dried cherries, raspberry, red plum, licorice, mint, herbs, graphite, a little burn of alcohol and newly tilled dry soil.

This wine and the others is medium to full bodied with medium + acidity and high fine chewy tannins that lead to a long fruit filled finish. As I went back through the 2011, 2012, 2013 and now the 2014 it brought back memories of each one and how similar they all were and expressing a distinct sense of place. The weekend is upon us and I wish all well. Enjoy a weekend of wine and happiness. Please be safe and have fun. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 7 years ago