Tom Casagrande

9.1

With some of the entry-level Brunelli like this one, it’s a tough call when to open them. In my experience many try to play in the big leagues by overextracting. This one’s always been on the tannic, somewhat astringent side, so you want to wait to allow the tannins to drop and for it to settle down, but you don’t want to wait so long that the fruit dries up. I think this is about as good as it’s going to get. The fruit is still there, and the astringency is abating a bit. Still tannic. Good acids. Should go well with a simple pasta with tomato and sausage sauce.

UPDATE: After 24 hours under a vacuum seal, it was so astringent as to be nearly undrinkable, to my taste. — 22 days ago

Will Stanley

9.2

Heavy and broad-shouldered in bottle, with a wax seal to boot, the 2016 Zorgvliet Richelle conforms to the stereotype of an expressive, extracted wine but does so in a commendable manner. Too young now, the oak needs another five years at least to integrate but the aromas of cassis, graphite and rich chocolate show promise. The palate is incredibly rich, and though it’s quite unapproachable now I’d love to try it in five to ten years’ time. — 3 years ago

Will Stanley

9.1

Zesty and herbaceous, the 2017 Sancerre Les Chailloux by Claude Riffault sports a nose of lemon peel, garden mint, limestone, flint, and a touch of tomato leaf. The palate is juicy and vibrant, characterised by Granny Smith apple, high acidity, and a depth of flavour that suggests some (very gentle, and successfull) use of oak.

I’m not a great lover of Loire whites, but this is a very good quality Sancerre that should continue to improve with age. The minimalist label and wax seal makes for an attractive bottle. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

First of all Kudos to Ant Hill love the wax seal over cork! Deep Ruby with aromas of dark Berry fruits with notes of herbs, citrus, floral and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry, tea, vanilla and herb tones, well balanced with acidity. Firm fine tannins on a long finish ending with fruit and floral herb character. Very nice! Will age well! — 5 months ago

Ron R

9.4

From our cellar. Pure power in need of some relaxation. In my mind, a reference point for champers, not to mention the English royal seal of approval. — 3 years ago

with Diana, David and 2 others

Ellen Clifford

9.2

So much of what I want in a textbook Albariño I love that there’s a body, a weight, and also a almost effervescence. This one massages and lightly scratches like the best of back rubs except it’s your tongue so get into that. Apples and greens and lilies are finished with cream and fleur de seal. Gosh this wine would be a great vegetarian side were it to metamorphosis into solid food. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

See previous note from March 2022. Very dark Ruby in colour- impenetrable. Blackberry, smoky notes. A rich full bodied dense palate with a tarry note. Dusty. Granular persistent tannins. Again, Thomas Matthew’s drinking window is way too early (to 2025). This wine will cruise to 2030 with ease. When you taste this wine you have a new appreciation of the allure of Tempranillo, in this case old vine Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. Post Script: The next day - aniseed and a crushed ant note. — a year ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

N: Very minty, earthy right out of the gate. It sure smells like Tuscany, one vineyard in Gaiole(sp) I believe. Some liquorice and crushed stone/tar. Dark flowers.
P: Light on it’s feet w prominent acidity. Earth, graphite, black fruit, med finish. It begs for food.
Delicious.
Held up spectacularly overnight in fridge w just a rubberized cork seal. — 3 years ago

Joseph Barsky

9.3

2005 Vintage.14.8% Alcohol. Need to open with an Ah So type opener, not a corkscrew as the corks have become brittle over time. Thank goodness for the thick bright blue wax seal as it likely saved this bottle from being corked. — 4 years ago

Jonathan Fuss

9.3

Picked up from ambassador after telling them I liked Akashi. Tastes similar. — 4 years ago