Orchard Creek
Peter Michael Winery
Belle Côte Chardonnay 2021
The 2021 Chardonnay Belle Côte is a wine of tremendous density and power. Orchard fruit, dried pear, graphite, anise and dried flowers infuse the 2021 with tremendous flavor complexity. Readers will find an intensely mineral, savory Chardonnay with the fruit pushed into the background. Belle Côte is the original Chardonnay planting at Peter Michael. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2023)
— 9 months ago
Isenhower Cellars
Yakima Valley Vin Gris Pinot Gris 2020
Last bottle of the 2020 vintage, 130 cases made. Orange with a hint of pink, excellent clarity. Floral and stone fruit aromas, subtle. Lactic, citrus and subdued orchard fruit flavor. Some skin astringency on finish but less than you would expect after a 72 cold soak before fermentation in used wood. An orange wine with finesse, or at least a light touch. Refreshing — a year ago
Domaine Leflaive
Les Pucelles Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Chardonnay 2013
While 05-16 may not be my favorite era of Leflaive (08 & 14 excluded), tonight 2013 is excellent, exceeding expectations and still markedly youthful. It’s rich, mineral and incisive with fantastic depth and layers, wafting waves of yellow orchard fruit, lilies, toasted sesame and lemon zest. The palate is deep and full bodied with piercing citrusy acids and a long mineral and saline finish. When Leflaive hits it hits 🤩 — 8 months ago
Cédric Bouchard
Roses de Jeanne La Bolorée Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2015
Cedric Bouchard makes some of the most singular, vinous and terroir expressive wines in Champagne which is even taken to the next level in his prized and ultra rare cuvée, La Bolorée. 2015 was a particularly great vintage for Bouchard and every cuvée I’ve tried has been fantastic. La Bolorée, 100% Pinot Blanc from 50+ year-old vines on limestone soils, is powerful, detailed and multidimensional showing layer upon layer of rich orchard fruit, white flowers and salty minerals. Just my 4th time having this bottling, but it is always a special drinking experience. We did not decant, but drank from Zalto Burgundy which somehow didn’t break on a boat 😅
— 2 years ago
Dom Pérignon
Brut Champagne Blend 2008
This was opened and we enjoyed a few glasses before recorking and reapproaching 24 hours later, at which point it was really singing. Yellow peach, pear and medley of orchard fruit, layered with pressed yellow flowers, dried persimmon, and notes of vanilla and bourbon. So delicate. Such fine bubbles. Saltwater taffy and some caramel and rock salt on the palate. Subtle tannic echo. Mesmerizing. — 5 months ago
Willie Carter
Egly-Ouriet. Always so lovely. Always so thrilling.
A medium old gold color in the glass with pleasing perlage. Everything here is so very sensual and seductive beginning with the nose. As usual, toasted brioche aromas are prevalent here. Orchard fruits with a generous oak influence. Green apples and dusty libraries with an added kick of quince.
So young but so precocious and inviting. Powerful and full bodied and just so engrossing. The elegance is there, as always. As is the complexity despite the relative youth. Shes a polished and generous lover that can’t help but enchanting you. The freshness of the fruit on the palate is amazing. Slivered almonds, red and green apples, and vanilla brioche. The finish is, of course, long, powerful, and glorious. Let these sit for a few more years because she has so much more to give. And you want it too. — 4 months ago