Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.5

2023. 15% super full gas. Brambles a good descriptor. Tight acidity with a solid body of sweet dark fruit from the Mourvèdre. Bit cloying and not elegant but super pure fruit. And great. — a month ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Not the champagne I had in mind for tonight, but sometimes circumstances play their part.

This is pleasant enough. It will go well with my almond tart later.

The mouthfeel shows nice mousse, somewhat lively acidity, bruised golden/red/green apple to apple sauce, bruised pear, white citrus blend-grapefruit w/ pith leading, quince, touch of brown sugar, some yeastiness, baguette crust, graham cracker, volcanic minerals w/ clay, white spice, caramel notes, vanillin, sea spray, grippy, grainy chalk, sea fossils-oysters, limestone marl, withering lilies, spring flowers, nice acidity and a well balanced, good length, elegant finish that lasts nearly 90 second and lands on mid intensity minerals and spice.

Photos of; the champagne house of Veuve Clicqoit and the widow herself. You see her under the metal gage and plated over the cork.

#DSLounge — 4 months ago

Thijs Hendriks

9.5

Magnum, last part of the decanted bottelen — 9 months ago

Michael Greene

9.4

Part of Roulot + Roumier tasting. More typical in style than the 2019, the fruit-forward hedonism is toned down. Angular and precise. Super mineral finish. Needs time…glad I have a few bottles stashed away — 2 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.1

Day two with the 2016 Brovia Barolo Villero, and this was frustrating in exactly the way certain 2016s can be frustrating. Brovia Villero, for me, is one of the great wines of Langhe. The material here was obvious. The site nobility was obvious. But at 14.5%, this bottle leaned too far into the heat side of the vintage for my taste. That is the 2016 crapshoot in a nutshell. The producers who mastered the year made some of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. The producers who let the vintage lead made wines that feel more dominated by the year than by the site. This landed in the second camp. Beautiful raw material, absolutely, but the heat kept stepping in front of the vineyard. And the cruel part is that maybe you do not get that level of material without the heat. So there is no clean complaint here. Just a tradeoff I felt in every glass. — 2 months ago

Brian lindke

9.4

One of my all time favorites, never ever disappoints.
The winery, caves and vineyard on Howell mountain are just as amazing! Never pretentious or over done. Pure, and true to the artist expression from the family founders/ owners to the incredible wines! This particular 2016 vintage was at its prime and thoughly enjoyed! — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. Early on, this was a probably my favorite of the three Moutons and showed well throughout the course of the evening. Expressive red and dark forest fruits with tobacco, leather, earth and baking spices. The structure was still showing its tensile strength. This has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2040. — 2 years ago

Paul K

9.7

This is incredible. Such great balance of so many parts. It’s dense, savory, smoky, floral, and juicy with great acidity. The fruit is there but not pronounced, blackberry and cassis- just a balanced part of the whole. I could drink this every night. — 2 months ago

Dave

9.4

I'm not a Napa expert, but many of my Delectable buddies are. Have you had this wine? Pulled it last night, and while my palate was overloaded from other wines we tasted, I knew I was into something good. Revisiting it today for a 2nd day taste. Exceptional! The 31% Cab Franc is the star of the show here, adding great structure and depth. The wine is soft but tannic, with prominent flavors of blackberries, currant, tomato, and violets. This could have waited 5 more years. Beautifully constructed wine, and the best I've had in months. I only wish I had another bottle or 14.
Listening to Chet Atkins — 5 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Dark berry, purple flower and mineral aromas. Red and black fruit flavors along with hints of black tea and baking spices. A bit of a green/sour note on the finish. Tannins have softened and the acidity and alcohol are nicely balanced. Medium-plus body. Part of a five bottle Garzon Tannat Reserva vertical tasting. — 2 years ago