Talent

Ada Nada

Valeirano Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2021

Too young, but the talent shows. — a month ago

Tom, Andrew and 1 other liked this

Arianna Occhipinti

SP68 Bianco Terre Siciliane Albanello Muscat of Alexandria 2022

Worried it might be a little natty for my taste at first but the funk blows off quickly to reveal a fragrant & expressive wine—orange peel, orange blossom, fennel pollen, pumpkin and a gorgeous salinity.

It’s a wine that really sings with seafood. Had it with Provençal Cod with olives and fennel.

Her winemaking talent really shines in the texture—particularly the finish. Definitely a lot of skin contact here, but the tannins are elegant and the finish is crisp, salty and refreshing —no graininess or bitterness.

Like Stanley Tucci says to Arianna, “I could bathe in this wine”
— 2 years ago

Juan, Byron and 11 others liked this
Byron Hewett

Byron Hewett Premium Badge

We visited the winery last month. Like you, I am not a fan of too much skin contact in white wine. This and Elisabetta Foradori’s whites have just enough to add some texture and complexity without the bitterness on the finish that many have! By the way, we loved our visit there.
Adriana Fabbro

Adriana Fabbro

@Byron Hewett sounds like an amazing experience. I’d love to visit someday!

Château Rayas

Chateau de Fonsalette Réservé Côtes du Rhône Syrah 2008

A complete smoke show and unanimously the star of the flight. It’s no wonder the demand for these wines have skyrocketed. They are singular expressions with unmatched purity and character. The visual, nose and palate effortlessly command attention. Aromas and flavors unique from anything else in the Southern Rhône. The experience is a bit like going to a Billie Eilish concert with only basic knowledge of her music or persona, only to leave in awe because you just witnessed a once in a generation talent doing something undeniably special. Like Billie, a wine of character, authenticity and showmanship. — 3 years ago

Severn, Shay and 10 others liked this
Severn G

Severn G Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Agreed on the comparison, unique.
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Wish I could still find these occasionally. Wife and I had the ‘83 on our first date in 1987 (when stores still got access to them). So it’s a sentimental favorite ! And I agree with your assessment of this estate.
Jay Kline

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@Tom Casagrande for real. It’s all basically unobtainium unless you’re there

Château Talbot

Saint-Julien Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2023

Château Talbot 2023 – Saint-Julien, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
A youthful yet promising Saint-Julien showing early elegance, fine balance, and clear upward trajectory. The blend delivers freshness, precision, and layered fruit while still carrying a few youthful edges that signal excellent aging potential.

Aromas & Flavors
Red currant, black cherry, raspberry compote, graphite, cedar shavings, crushed herbs, light cocoa dust, subtle floral lift.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with fine-grained tannins, lively acidity, polished mid-palate, slightly angular finish that tightens at the end, a clear marker of youth and future integration potential.

Food Pairings
Herb-roasted chicken, duck breast, pork tenderloin, grilled mushrooms, mild aged cheeses (Tomme, young Comté).

Verdict
A high-quality, early-showing Saint-Julien that already flashes elegance and balance, but will benefit significantly from a few years of cellaring to soften edges and broaden complexity.

🍷 Personal Pick
The talent is obvious, can be enjoyed now. I’d happily cellar this and come back when smooths out a bit more and when aromatics stretch their legs.
— a month ago

Tom, Ted and 2 others liked this

Williams Selyem

Feeney Vineyard Zinfandel 2007

First WS Zinfandel, and it was wonderful! Dark berries and a velvety texture from the first sip, and it continue to open throughout the meal. Such a pleasure to experience Cabral’s talent with another varietal. — 3 years ago

Hervé Murat

Les Charrières Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Pinot Noir

Man this is old school.

Needs at least an hour to open even at 12 years.

Nose is pure cherry. Cherry cough syrup. Spice. Intoxicating.

Palate is gorgeous elegant cherry spice. Perfect texture. A hint of bitterness to round it all out.

Amazing finish.

Wow. Great burgundy.

Talent can be great for a day. As this is. Greatness requires persistence.
— 3 years ago

Aravind, Severn and 4 others liked this

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Harmony Oak Knoll District Chardonnay 2016

I shall be the first to rate the 2016 vintage.. I find this Chardonnay to be almost perfect. I am usually not a fan of chards but Trefethen has the talent to make it palatable for every drinker. It has a marshmallow touch to it, light golden color, apricot on the nose and slightly lemony on the back of the tongue and tingly at the very top. — 6 years ago

Paul and Willie liked this

Féraud-Brunel

Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhône Blend 2007

Opened the day before with half the bottle remaining. The 2007 CdR Villages pours a deep purple color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated dark brambles, red and purple flowers, open pasture land, olives, some black pepper, leather and organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium+. This is an impressive wine despite the rather modest designation, especially when you consider it’s nearly 18 years old! Then again, the talent behind this wine should yield a solid wine (Pegau & Cailloux). Drink now though it could easily see its 25th birthday if you must hold one longer. — 8 months ago

Daniel, Dave and 8 others liked this

Château de la Louvière

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

Nice 👍🏼
Dark Web info

Château La Louvière has many fascinating facets. The sumptuous architecture of the château building dates from the late 18th century, but winegrowing here goes back more than 700 years. The first vines were planted circa 1310, although modern winemaking dates from the 17th century and was handed down by able monks from the Carthusian monastery in Bordeaux, who had acquired considerable talent as viticulturists and winemakers. The people who produce the wine in the 21st century have inherited these time-honoured methods, adding just the right amount of innovation and modernity to make the utmost of the outstanding terroir. La Louvière's red wine has a dark colour and an elegant bouquet with delicate hints of oak...

— 3 years ago

Paul, Severn and 19 others liked this
Severn G

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2000, youthful?

Telmo Rodríguez

Lanzaga Rioja Tempranillo 2014

Popped and poured; consumed over three days. Initially this came across quite polished and pretty straight down the middle for Rioja. On the third day, this became rather fascinating with dark cherries, cumin, leather and spices. On the palate, this was rich and juicy with Asian spices and a super savory finish. This is a newer project from the talent behind Remelluri and if this bottle is representative, count me as a believer! Bottle No. 09253 — 5 years ago

Ira, Bob and 4 others liked this