Upward Projects

Paul Lato

East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Shay A
9.4

I’m scoring as is today, but I really think this inches upward a bit over the next 5-7yrs.

This fell victim to curiosity (as well as a ‘21 Modus Operandi UV-Laguna Pinot). I’ve had a few of Lato’s entry and mid-level offerings, but this was my first Pisoni from them. Loved it.

Profile wise, this is similar to Dumol (not as big as Aubert, but not a lean style either). A very pretty down-the-middle style. While the aromatics here were lovely (honeysuckle, faint lemon cream, citrus and sweet baking spices), the texture of this wine was a standout. Sports much more depth than initially expected (yellow fruits, peach, apricot, pink cotton candy, limestone)…not quite a lees-y style, but close, while remaining elegant and light on its feet (good acidity). Oak is there but plays a supporting role. For being so young, this was a supremely balanced wine. I need to consider buying more.
— 9 months ago

Jan, David and 23 others liked this
Bryan Kesting

Bryan Kesting Premium Badge

@Shay A Paul Lato makes great wines. Many of them drink well on the early side. Great notes.

Dana Estates

Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Really nice tasting event with all of Melkas wine projects and Melka himself — 3 years ago

Daniel P., Billy and 9 others liked this
Billy L.

Billy L.

🤩🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Always special to taste wines W/Winemaker! Kudos & Cheers

Oremus

Mandolás Tokaji Dry Furmint Blend 2016

Huet and Vega Sicilia are two storied producers with quality side projects in Tokaij. Vega Sicilia makes one that is supremely rich with laser acid and oak sturdy, expertly integrated. Sour notes of ripe lemons, the kind about to go black and turn to rock. And spiced ginger and popcorn kernels and vanilla spice. WOW. — 5 years ago

Sharon, Alex and 19 others liked this
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

Man... that’s sounds fantastic! I’ll keep my out for this one! Cheers!
Ely Cohn

Ely Cohn Premium Badge

@Neil Valenzuela very very good. Worth seeking out and like $23 or so. See if your local shop can order?
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

Yeas! I’ll look around for it.

La Jota Vineyard Co.

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Soft, lovely, bread-y nose of black currant fur, licorice, light mint forcing upward, sprouting through potting soil. Cinnamon and blueberry warmly embraced by dark bread and small specks of black pepper. Fruit tannins thickly house-painted across your front teeth in a real sense. Muscle. Licorice-charcoal, bitters, blackberry, black currant, graphite-smoke halo, black cherry, oak and cedar, wound up and closed in places, but powerhouse lurking in the shadows.



#lajota #lajotavineyardco #lajotahowellmountainestate
#howellmountain #oakville #napa #napavalley #cab #cabernetsaugvinon
— 2 years ago

Severn, Serge and 11 others liked this

Château Pindefleurs

St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET
9.0

I did a side by side tasting of all of the Moueix projects in Pomerol and St. Emilion (except Petrus) and this was our favorite and is wonderful for the price. It is smooth and elegant. — 3 years ago

Rosario Molina
with Rosario
Raul, Andrew and 7 others liked this

Marcel Lapierre

Morgon Gamay 2018

Didn’t get a chance to try the ‘17 as Cathy did, but I’m getting no Brett in the 2018. Reductive notes for sure, but in balance with acidity and mineral notes. Candied cherry deliciousness. Just as good on Day2, no funkiness, rating upward. A favorite Cru Bojo. — 5 years ago

Ira, Eric and 20 others liked this
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

🤤 Lapierre

Château L'Evangile

Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

This is going to be fantastic in 10 years. Pitch black and complex, it projects as a high 90’s wine. — 6 years ago

Tom Philbrick
with Tom
Tom liked this

Tardieu-Laurent

Cuvée Speciale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2017

I’m a big fan of this 100% grenache CdP. Still in an upward phase. Additional cellaring will be rewarding! — 2 years ago

Byron, Josh and 16 others liked this

Braida

Montebruna Barbera d'Asti 2016

Still very primary, this wine bursts with life. Vanilla and spice, cherries and cinnamon. Lavender and crushed peppercorns. Razor sharp acidity, smooth tannin. Give it one or two years extra in the cellar. There’s upward potential here. — 3 years ago

Peter liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

Appetizing picture
David Koenen

David Koenen

😀 thanks Peter

Emmanuel Rouget

Echézeaux Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1990

Tasted blind. Reddish tawny and young looking. Intense nose. Notes of raspberry, rhubarb, camphor, mocha, Asian spice and dark soil. Rich and intense in the mouth. We’re told this was given lots of air – which led guesses to be red burg more in the late 90s or 00’s. The reveal was exciting as none of us have had a bottle from this vigneron before. Super high quality juice, still on it’s upward climb. This juice will be around, giving pleasure to those that have it, for another decade or two and will undoubtedly improve with more age. — 4 years ago

Severn, Eric and 22 others liked this
Alan Weinberg

Alan Weinberg

first Rouget? Good to pop the cherry. Cros P next?