Smoking Gun

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Roman Ochocki

9.0

My third or fourth vintage. And for the first time it bothers me. — 6 months ago

Jacques Selosse

Initial Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

Initial is the most produced in quantity and can be referred to as the “entry level” bottling for Selosse but really, it is anything but, and should not be overlooked. Particularly so with some bottle age. 2018 disgorgment is in a great spot and wafts from the glass with distinctive Selossien aromas of caramelized stone fruit, roasted nuts, honeycomb, gun smoke and floral undertones. The palate is rich, powerful and deep with racy acids and a chalky mineral core. It has both freshness and oxidative complexity yielding a complete, balanced and utterly seamless Champagne. Selosse perfection for me is 5-6 years post disgorgement and this is entering that window in great fashion. Always a treat. — 2 years ago

Andrew, Stephen and 9 others liked this

Domaine Guffens-Heynen

Tris des Hauts de Vignes Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay 2010

Thijs Hendriks

9.6

Wow...so fresh and mineral. Flowers, yellow stone fruit, flint like gun powder. Oh boy, this is good, and a much better bottle than some weeks ago. Catch some if you find it! — 6 years ago

pascal, Peter and 6 others liked this

Smoking Loon

The Original Old Vine California Zinfandel

Jessica Walker

9.0

Very yummy crowd pleaser. Picked this up from Citizen Vine — 7 months ago

Jacques Selosse

Lieux Dits Les Carelles Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay

Lee Pitofsky

9.8

(Disgorged 2/15)- Always and forever my number 1 Lieux-Dits and without question one of the very best Blanc de Blancs Champagnes on the planet, tonight it is extra special with its coveted 2008 base and 2015 disgorgement. Always with imposing power, drive and crazy depth to its layers, it unfurls in a Burgundy glass to reveal its complex core of rich orchard fruit, roasted nuts, gun smoke, toasty oak and candied white flowers, all with seamless integration and balance. The palate is generous and detailed, with ripping citrusy acids, waves of saline laced chalky Le Mesnil minerals and a finish that just keeps going. For me, a BdB benchmark. — 2 years ago

Shay, Jan and 8 others liked this