michael pandolfo

9.0

Really enjoyed this ganache-based blend. Upon opening the wine shows much restraint, and this is where I think it shows its sense of place. Once it’s been open for a bit you get that hit of ripe cherry with a baking spice edge. Medium finish. — 10 months ago

Shay A

9.2

I wanted to open a Ceritas bottle during @Antonio Galloni ‘s interview with Ceritas winemaker John. I initially opened a 2015 Heintz Chardonnay, but it was corked. I moved to this bottle and it was intriguing to hear John say this is their earliest harvested vineyard, but their richest in profile wine. Crazy.

Upon opening, it had a very thin finish. I think there was a two part reason: it was too cold and it needed more air. This got substantially better once it warmed above cellar temp and was at its best with 3hrs of air. Very Chablis like with an oily texture and hardly any trace of oak. Hint of reduction. Very pure fruit...lemon oil, underripe melon, crushed seashell, and honeysuckle aromatics. Shockingly, the acidity here was fairly mellow. Not as razor sharp as I expected or have experienced with other Ceritas chards. Tart stone fruits, steely and grilled lemon rind round out the palate and finish. I’d hold this another few years to see how it blossoms. — 4 years ago

Maddie Fromell

9.2

Once upon a time in Hollywood — 4 years ago

Dolores Padron

9.8

Well deserved rating! This wine has a peppery aroma upon opening, but once it airs, pure chocolate in both aroma and taste. Smooth tannins with a lovely body to it! — 4 years ago

Rhonely Boy

8.9

Once upon a time, Lynmar had a Syrah in their portfolio.

Smooth and pleasant, sediment stuck on wall of bottle and cork. Drink now. — 4 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Parigot is the stuff. I was looking for the red sparkling I’d had once upon a time but was super okay to settle for this (albeit if you have a source for the red TELL ME)! Red berry blend (there are hints of it all—strawberry raspberry currant) plus watermelon freshness and this slight earthy funk that—-is there a whiff of brett on it?! Slight white pepper and some greens that are both bitter and sweet. It’s a hug and a loving smack all at once. — 4 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.2

The 2010 Bocca di Lupo is showing marvelously at the nine year mark. Sourced from this storied Puglia vineyard, the wine was partially aged in new French and Hungarian oak barrels (25%) before bottling. Tightly wound upon entry, this needs an hour decent to fully be aroused. Once awoken, the Aglianico takes the lead with a dense core of red fruits, leather and baking spices, with firm tannins and suggestions of milk chocolate that round out the expressive palate. Showing good freshness and verve, as well as weight, the 2010 Bucca di Lupo will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2035- 92 — 4 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.7

Every bit dazzling even at the four year mark, the 2016 Colgin ‘Cariad’ Red Wine (WWB, 97) is a massively dense wine that embodies tremendous verve and shows a seamless texture. Every working part of this wine (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot) creates not only complexity but a harmonious effect once on the palate. You are greeted immediately with the pillowy mouthfeel upon the attack. Layers of dark currants, tobacco leaf, red bell pepper, anise and chocolate cake all come together marvelously on the palate. This beautiful wine is delightfully hedonistic now but will cellar well for decades to come. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this beauty at least a two hour decant, as the wine evolved considerably after extensive air time. Drink 2022-2040- 97 — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.1

Week 4 of our virtual tastings, this week’s theme being burgundy chosen by Joe, ideally from Chambolle-Musigny or Vosne-Romanee. Always good for some laughs and lots of knowledge being dropped! @Mike R
@Ron R @David L @Joe Lucca @Shawn R @Bill Bender @Eric LaMasters @Carl Fischer

A village level wine from a reputable producer in a solid vintage. Upon opening, I put this straight in to the decanter with a goal of two hours. I had a small sip at the beginning and realized it would need every bit of those two hours, and likely more. Extremely coiled, herbal and thin. At the two hour mark, fleshy black cherry skin, potpourri and tart red fruits started to appear aromatically. Once this hit the four hour mark, it gained heft (still retaining good acidity) with forest floor, a touch of iron, and added some spice and black peppercorn toward the finish. Evolved continuously throughout the evening. Definitely youthful, so if opening now, I’d give this 4+hrs to reveal itself appropriately.

Edit: tried another glass the day after and it stayed in line with how it was at the 4hr decanting mark, with a slightly more pronounced truffled mushroom note. — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Closing the night with Penner-Ash. Had this upon its release at the winery. It shows nice evolution...rounder, elegant with softer spice.

The body is ruby, ripe & full. The wine is brooding on the nose & palate. It’s a well extracted, sweeter version of burgundy. Ripe, ruby; dark cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, poached strawberries & hints of floral blueberries & raspberries. The spice is dark with a little heat, soft; clove, nutmeg & vanilla, mixed dark berry cola, black licorice, river stones, limestone, some crushed rocks, moist clay, dark, moist, turned earth, some fresh herbs & eucalyptus, pine tree sap, dark, melted chocolate with fresh & slightly candied; dark, red, blue flowers set in violets. The acidity is round and like a cool shower on a warm day. The long finish is ruby, ripe, well balanced, polished that falls into dark spices on the persistent long set.

Thanksgiving dinner part II. — 4 years ago