Blackberry, plum fruit and aromas of spring flowers are supported by a subtle touch of road tar and graphite in the airy nose.
Palate is a great combo of red and black fruits with precise mineral tone, lithe tannins supported by vibrant acidity. Plum minerals and freshness lead the way on the finish. One of the freshest St Joe expressions I have had from the domaine. Shares a lot of vintage dna with their 2011 L’Ermitage Rouge. Drink now for its bright fruit but based on the wines balance I see upside over the next 3 to 5 years. — 3 years ago
Today was a reason to celebrate, my good friend was promoted to MD at the Big 4. Well deserved, Joe! This bottle is amazing - loads of minerality with lemon zest, lemon curd and a hint of butterscotch (although, the butterscotch may be the influence of the subsequent rating/bottle; Meursault-Perrier’s 1997) — 4 years ago
Amazingly smooth. Fantastic — 8 months ago
Got this in Dallas where the uncle helped me find Wine to have with pizza with Shalu Mausi & Vineet Mausa — 2 years ago
$81 @ Domestique — 4 years ago
Virtual tasting with Texture Wines and winemaker Erich Bradley. Big thanks to @Joe Lucca for setting it up.
Anderson Valley fruit. A blend of Ferrington Vineyard and Deer Meadows. Somewhat surprising is that this is 100% destemmed. Based on how the Lucky Well chardonnay was so old world in style, I’d assume some whole cluster or stem inclusion, but based on vineyard location, they feel like the tannin can be easier to achieve and there is no need to increase.
I only gave this about a 30min bottle decant and while it was approachable, it was significantly better at the 3+hr mark. Initially, it was driven by a slightly syrupy/maple richness that seemed out of place. It dominated the other aspects (candied black cherries, potpourri, baking spices) but eventually yielded to a more lifted profile and added black pepper spice. Day two picked up where day one ended showing a more elegant and spice driven profile. I’d say this probably won’t get much better, but definitely give it some air. — 4 years ago
‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry and floral spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long finish, bold ending with sweet oak notes. Very Nice! A Fav! — 10 months ago
...absolutely rocked and their Blue label is one of my favs; with Joe D in Vegas... Nora’s... — 4 years ago
Tasted this about 2 years ago, a new batch, some lots underwent malolactic conversion enhancing flavor & weight. 40/40/20 blend, Pinot Meunier-20%. Founded in 1776, Reims France, rare family owned company, still managed by Roederer family. In 1833, Louis Roederer inherited company his uncle & renamed company under his namesake. Pale lemon, Fresh fruit aromas, nice mousse, rapid bubbles, citrus & toasty apple flavors, crisp & refreshing, long finish ending with lemon, smoke & yeasty mineral notes. Nice! — 4 years ago
Josh Morgenthau
Really excellent for G&Ts but I find the overabundance of cucumber flavor doesn’t work in a martini. — 4 months ago