David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

15 person Champagne tasting with friends.

We inserted what we all feeling is more or less the gold standard of n/v Rose’ to pair with duck and goat cheese on crostinis. — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

From a 3L bottle that I have cellared since release. I always hesitate to open these large format bottles, instead making excuses to hold them for longer since they tend to age at a glacial pace. However, we were hosting a large group of people for my 40th birthday dinner and since we were having lamb and rice, and big bottles are meant for big parties, and the world hasn’t been able to enjoy many big parties over the last 14 months, I figured WTFN. In an attempt to maximize the potential of the bottle, I pulled the cork almost 30 hours prior, a recommendation from by buddy Tim who tends to know a lot more about these things. I left the bottle in my cellar, allowing it to slow-ox. By dinner the following evening, this was absolutely singing. Gorgeous, translucent ruby color with a slight brownish rim. Ripe red fruits just ever so slightly stewed, red flowers, dry earth, and dried Mediterranean herbs. This bottle was positively bursting with energy! Bone dry. Medium+ tannin; medium+ acid. The finish was long and somewhat saline and was an absolutely sublime pairing with our Khaleeji fare. A fabulous bottle and a much better showing than the 2013 (standard format) that I recall drinking a few years back. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Catching up with old wine notes now that I’m spending more time at home. Aromas of earth, mushrooms, beetroot, root vegetables in general. Afterwards - dried rose petals. Easily Premier Cru standard. The palate is intense, fluid, long and very Burgundian - the most of any Australian Pinot although I am hearing wonderful things about By Farr Serre. A sooty tarry earthy element developed after a while. A brilliant Pinot Noir. — 4 years ago

K L

9.1

Always a good standard! — a year ago

with Matt

Mary H

8.9

Standard riesling, strong whiff of petrol on the nose, green apple and Meyer lemon. A little light on acidity. — 3 years ago

with BYY

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Pale gold with tiny persistent bubbles. Inviting nose and palate of ripe golden apples, ripe peaches, and clover honey. Light and fizzy on the tongue. Sweet (of course) but balanced with refreshing acidity. Short-ish finish, but you’re likely taking another sip before that matters. The gold standard for Moscato. A lovely treat on its own, with fresh fruit, or with lightly sweet dessert crepes. Also a great pair with the exceptionally spicy dishes that my dining partner likes to make (remember, “Sweet beats heat!”). Stop fronting. You know that you like this stuff. Drink now. — 4 years ago

with Jay

Keith Pajonas

9.1

standard fare. crisp, nice bubble. quite expensive — a year ago

K L

9.1

Always excellent. And surprised over again at how great their standard is. Balanced and just a little fruit forward yet earthy. Very drinkable. — 2 years ago

with Matt

Darren Dittrich

9.7

Perhaps our all-time favorite Tavel. I'd buy more of this except for the price tag! Alternatively, the 2018 standard release Tavel from Mordoree is so similar and costs $10 less, and is still drinking well in 2020. — 4 years ago

Jason Brater

9.1

Took 90 mins to open up. A little bramble fruit at front, then cinnamon, cocoa powder, oak, and spicy black pepper. Still tons of drying tannins at the finish. Yum. Not my standard Tuesday night sipper, but...#coronapocalypse so...why not? — 4 years ago

with Heather