Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah & Mourvedre, deep Ruby with aromas black fruits and floral notes. On the palate flavors of plum and blackberry with notes of cacao, spice and earthy notes. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, great mouthfeel (15.2 ABV), ending with fruit and earthy spice, nice! — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, Medium Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits and earthy pepper spice. On the palate complex rich flavors of cherry and blackberry, with oak, leather, cacao and earthy spice. Full body, well balanced, fine tannins, long finish, perfect now but will last another decade. Outstanding! — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

There's been a lot of shade thrown on these wines and particularly, towards the wine maker...most of it probably deserved. As for some of the more recent low scores, there must be some bottle variation because I’m not gonna lie, this was a really strong showing. Popped and poured; consumed over two hours. Bruised strawberries, tart brambles, rhubarb, forest floor, and sandalwood. Tannins are well integrated…but still there. Acid is pretty high but perfect for a nice meal of whole, roasted chicken and root vegetables. The wine is otherwise quite balanced and if my bottle is representative, this still has a long life ahead of it and should drink quite well through 2030. My last of the Maison Ilan “Les Chaffots”. — 4 years ago

Scot Walker

9.1

Dark fruit in the nose with blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries with a hint of vanilla in the palate. Very smooth and a wonderful Grenache blend. — 7 months ago

David Shaw

9.2

Cooler Shades of Pinot, 66/34 blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Willamette Valley. Pale golden, excellent clarity. Floral and citrus aromas, good acidity, rich mouthfeel, stone fruit, citrus flavors, lemon and lemon peel finish with length. Very well crafted — a year ago

Shay A

9.5

A library bottle I picked up when visiting the winery in Sept last year. The 2018 I had while there was absolutely astounding in how good it was, and jumped at a chance to try one with age. I truly believe this is easily a top-3 Bordeaux Blanc style coming out of Cali (and maybe my number one).

66 Semillon/33 SauvBlanc/2 muscadelle. The bright citrus notes started off faint (and were much more prominent at release) but soon gave way to beautiful honeyed tropical notes…honeysuckle, honeyed mango, ripe peach. The texture here has turned rich/creamy but not cloying. Notes of sweet spice, orange marmalade, lemon scone and finishes with a mineral-driven flair that had some serious length. Hard to believe this is 7-yr old white wine which seems to likely be at peak (and probably holds here for a few years). Fantastic! — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note for this vintage and cuvée in July 2022. An exceptional Tassie Pinot Noir. My last Freycinet in the cellar which is an oversight on my part. A sweetish yet earthy palate showing savoury root vegetable flavours, like beetroot as well as black cherry. A luscious flavoursome delicious palate. I have had 15 year old Pinots from Freycinet before and this one could go the distance. — 8 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot, deep Ruby with aromas of black fruit and floral aromas. On the palate blackberry, currant and plum flavors with cacao, tobacco and oak notes. Fine tannins, long finish, good balance ending with fruit, cacao, tobacco, earthy herbs and toasty cedar notes. Will age another 10 years! — 2 years ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Good on its own — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

The 30th Anniversary of this signature wine grapes Puente Alto vineyard, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and espresso notes, a blend of 98% Cab Sauv & 2% aged for 15 month in French oak (66% new). On the palate flavors of black cherry and  blackberry with herb, tobacco and smoky oak spice notes. Firm tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, cacao and toasty spice, needs time to develop, cellar a while! Tasting Sample! — 4 years ago