S. Michele

Salon

'S' Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut Chardonnay 1997

Medium lemon gold , still some perlage. This is quite evolved on the nose , with candied peel, brioche , roasted nuts , brine and touch of porcini . On the palate this has good intensity , with high acidity . Creamy lemon peel , toasted nuts , brioche, and a mineral backbone . Quite persistent, lemon pith and chalky finish . At peak now and will continue over the next few years , though this won’t improve — 4 days ago

Matt, Andrew and 6 others liked this

Michele Chiarlo

Reyna Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2017

Beautiful wine with a hint of spice. Will be even better tomorrow. — a month ago

I. et S. Bernaudeau

Les Nourrissons Anjou Chenin Blanc 2018

Worth it. A menagerie of dried fruits and nuts, crème brûlée and salted caramel. Precise but not in a Chenin-way. — 2 months ago

Brian, Austin and 10 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

Chenin has many faces

Michele Satta

Piastraia Bolgheri Rosso Red Blend 2000

Dusty tannins and some good fruit mixed with smoky flavors. — 12 days ago

Tom and Andrew liked this

Michele Chiarlo

Tortoniano Barolo Nebbiolo

Smooth. Perfect barolo. Sorry but it was wonderful — 23 days ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1990

1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — a month ago

Daniel, Jeroen and 24 others liked this
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

Our anniversary year. I need to get a bottle

Scott Harvey Wines

J&S Reserve Amador County Barbera 2022

Toy Vineyard 2022. Nose of cherries and a hint of sweetness. Upfront cherries and dark fruit. Deep and lush. Quick almost but not sweet tannins. Excellent — 20 days ago

Azienda Agricola Reverdito Michele

Barolo Nebbiolo 2019

Ok but really does not blow my doors off. Raspberry mostly. Needs air and gets better. — a month ago

Zach, Scott@Mister and 4 others liked this
Steven Heydemann

Steven Heydemann

Sounds right. Solid mid-tier producer. But. Improving relative to decade ago.

Tolaini

Valdisanti Tenuta S. Giovanni Toscana Red Blend 2020

Valdisanti Toscana 2020
Toscana IGT, Tenuta San Giovanni, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Named in honor of Pier Luigi Tolaini’s mother, Valdisanti is Tolaini’s signature Super Tuscan from Tenuta San Giovanni—right at the southern edge of Chianti Classico. The 2020 vintage is crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit and features a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon / 50% Cabernet Franc blend. This pure Bordeaux-style combination underscores both structure and aromatic vibrancy, reflecting both modern winemaking finesse and Tuscan terroir.  

Aromas & Flavors
Dark and compelling on the nose—black cherry, ripe cassis, and tobacco merge with aromatic notes of Mediterranean herbs, graphite, and leather. Layered hints of licorice and espresso build toward a rich, spice-kissed finish.   

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm yet supple tannins and lively acidity. The wine is generous on the palate yet balanced, leading to a long finish that reveals depth and elegant austerity.   

Winemaking Notes
Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and optically sorted, then fermented on skins for 25 days in French oak vats. Aging continues for 16 months in French barriques, including 6 months on lees, drawing out both richness and aging potential.  

Food Pairing
Pairs brilliantly with Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino Toscano. Its structure also complements urban grills, roasted game, or hearty stews.

Verdict
Valdisanti 2020 is a refined Super Tuscan that marries Bordeaux balance with Tuscan character. With its 50/50 Cabernet blend and meticulous winemaking, this wine is both graceful and powerful—a true standout for collectors and dinner tables alike. It will cellar beautifully over the next 10–15 years. A la salute!!
— 2 months ago

Ted and Andrew liked this