Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.9

Should be a 10. But if it’s a 10 now how will it improve with age? Simply put the finest Nahe Riesling I have ever had. Wait for the offer for details. Wine of the trip so far and no way anything beats it. — a year ago

LM Segal

9.7

This Pichon-Baron was in the earliest peak of its window, pure ✏️ and graphite cigar box nose, rich, intense, leading cassis, tar and a mineral and wonderfully tannic trip over the palate and a long, 40 second finish that was reminiscent dry red clay. Good news: I have 11 more in the case I cracked last night. Bad news: I’ll be in my 60’s before these open up and the secondary stuff really starts to show. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

One of the main reasons we go to Napa every year is to attend the Trilogy Release party. Trilogy holds a special place in my family’s heart and it’s always a treat to visit the estate where they pour it like water!

I’ve had many vintages of Trilogy, and this may be the most “elegant”. When comparing to the last 5-6 vintages, this is lighter and more mellow. More potpourri/dried floral aromatics here with added bayleaf, and black cherry cordial. Quite smooth on the palate showing cedar, dusty ripe red and black berry fruits, baking spices and mocha. — 5 years ago

Chris Palmer

9.4

2012 vintage shared with us by Jim Deitch on Feb 2023 Florida trip — 2 years ago

Amy Brackin

9.1

My favorite - what a perfect ending to a perfect trip. — 4 years ago

Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.0

A little reminiscing. Drank this wine in my first trip to Argentina around 15 years ago. After my@first mouthful I thought to myself “I gotta get to Salta.” It’s still on the list of wine regions to visit but I made short ribs tonight and thought, what the hell? Inky purple and smelling of iodine and blueberries and black cherry, this wine had fantastically bright acidity that carries the rich ripe black and blue fruits across the palate with wonderful freshness even after a few years in the bottle. Very fine grained tannins add a hint of structure and longer in the finish with blueberry and herbal notes. A big wine to be sure but quite balanced for its 15.2%. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.3

A few fun bottles from last Friday.

My thanks to @Mark Flesher for opening this as I have a visit lined up with Hayfork and Lewelling during my Napa trip in 3 weeks. I was surprised at how dense and chewy this was! So much to unpack here. I’d say this is fruit forward without being flabby or over the top. Aromatically there is baked mixed berry pie, dark plum, Mexican vanilla and baking spices. Large and in charge on the palate showing roasted dark fruits, dusty herbs, and chewy tannins at the finish. I think this is still evolving, but very enjoyable now. — 5 years ago

with joe, Dan and 1 other

Alan Weinberg

9.4

Of the 3 grand cru Chablis chez Raveneau, Valmur is my favorite. I find Blanchots less minerally, Valmur the most minerally, Clos just behind Valmur. The best ever for me, shockingly, is 1994 Valmur, then 1996. We had a stunning wine of the trip 2010 Valmur in Champagne at Les Crayeres.

So I was eager to drink 2002. Fabulous from the get go. Pop and pour, first w a pâté de campagne, then with roast duck and herb risotto at Opal in Santa Barbara. Waiter foolishly declined the proffered pour.

Just super citrus zest bejeweled with minerals and hints of menthol, super acidity, all balanced and long, depth and weight with no heaviness. Simply great Chablis. Loved it. — 3 years ago

Chris Sowick

9.2

Brought back from Bordeaux trip in 2013. Incredible full ripe tannins. Classic 2009. Avg price $40.00. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

The Fantesca property on Spring Mtn is gorgeous, and their tasting room at the winery is stunning. Really enjoyed getting to try more of their wines.

I’m really picky on chardonnay, but this was intoxicating. It’s crazy young, but this is going to vault up the scale for me. First comparison that comes to mind is Aubert’s Larry Hyde & Sons, but with a touch less acidity (still plenty). This is supremely balanced. Honeyed stone fruits, lemon cream, and a slate/mineral note on the nose. Rich without being too dense. Vibrant. Powdered sugar lemon bar, meringue, and honey roasted cashews. This was (or may still be), the only chardonnay Heidi Barrett makes. — 5 years ago