Ming L

9.3

Quite approachable at this young age. 30 minutes decant and it’s open for business. Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, sweet spices, cocoa, and lightly roasted nuts. The depth of flavors and elegant medium to full body show the pedigree. If blinded, I would not be able to tell this is a Sangiovese dominant blend. Would prefer a bit more acidity. But who am I to complain. — 2 months ago

Ron from VA

9.0

At 10.5yrs old, this private label WF cab is, well, straight forward and touch underwhelming. The fruit is clean and does trend toward WA state pedigree, but the power and tannic resolve have fallen short by the order of one magnitude. Very pleasant nevertheless…and completely fine for Tuesday burgers ;) — 4 years ago

Mark Howard

9.1

A true Russian River pinot. The vineyard and producer suggested exceptional potential in the glass. Red fruit aromatics, followed by soft tannins and an elegant finish. Overall, I expected more. A solid wine with much to offer. I was left asking for more. I like it; it just does not knock me off my feet. Am I expecting too much based on pedigree? Possibly and yet yes. From this vineyard and this wine maker - ABSOLUTELY! We have a few more bottles to enjoy and see were the evolution takes us. — 4 years ago

with Elizabeth

Jim Gallagher

9.3

Showing it’s Pedigree — 4 years ago

Alan Hyde

9.2

Huge pedigree on this one, being from the younger vines of Harlan… not a true second label. Rich Oakville flavors. For the price point you can do better. Also could have improved with a couple more years in the bottle I think. — 3 months ago

Peter Sultan

9.0

Back on American soil, this tasted a bit juicer and more mineral than your average Vinho verde. It’s a Nieport project so imagine the pedigree and production are more refined than most. These meatier Vinho Verdes are starting to remind me of Muscadet matured on their lees. — 2 years ago

Sean Smith

9.4

Amazing Oregon Pinot from the Jadot pedigree — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened and poured into a decanter about four hours prior to service. The 2005 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and some sediment. One the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe brambles, garrigue, cool spices, leather, licorice, and espresso. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, tart and sapid. A wine of pedigree and yet, has a rusticity that gives a nod to its origin. Drink now through 2035+? — 7 months ago

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10

The 2005 Cheval Blanc has been nothing less than magical on two separate occasions. A wine of breathtaking nuance and sophistication, the 2005 Cheval dazzles right out of the gate. With a few hours of aeration the aromatics blossom and the wine is explosive in every dimension. Espresso, rose petal, mint, blood orange and incense all open as the 2005 shows off its magnificence and pedigree. Bright saline underpinnings convey energy, tension and brilliance. Cheval Blanc is perhaps not as immediately seductive as some of the other top 2005s, but its all there. In spades. I would give it a few more years to unwind. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2021)
— 4 years ago

Willie Carter

8.9

An enchanting pale rose petal pink color in the glass. A fine perlage with plenty of small bubbles. A classic rosé nose with nice red fruits and a floral character. Black cherry dominate with cherry blossoms and wild strawberries. Fresh herbal aromas are underlying with hot buttered toast.

70/30 CH/PN from Grand Crus in Louvois, Bouzy, Avize, Cramant, and Chouilly, this has an impressive pedigree. Non vintage but a blend of a single year, this can withstand more time being left alone for a few years but it oh so pleasant right now. As much as I love the no or low dose champagnes, the 7 g/l is more than welcome here. Bright acid throughout.

There’s a definite intensity to the fruit on the palate. More of those nice red fruits occupy most of the attention here with a touch of chalky minerality. That familiar yeast makes a quick appearance backing up the herbs and spice. Immensely enjoyable. — 4 years ago