Joho

9.8

Headline: “damn near perfect” not dry, not bitter, not sweet, not watery, just lovely balance all around. If you’re looking for a defining characteristic it’s that there is none. Some would say the greatest designs goes unnoticed. I would also say that the greatest wines should lay in a similar vein. There is no one flavor or characteristic about it that is overpowering the rest. — 4 months ago

Daron Watson

9.1

bubblicious…from currant & cherry, to strawberry & watermelon, to musk melon, kumquat & yellow plum, w a vein of charred pineapple & orange, then white pepper crushed mineral finish ~ ridiculous value at $14.99 — 2 years ago

Shay A

9.4

This 2017 is less opulent, more compact, and tightly coiled compared to the 2016. Because of that, I followed this wine over two days.

On day one, this was tart and tangy…almost steely and too powerful. Day two saw this blossom and expand on the palate. The tart/tangy vibe is still there but it’s accompanied by a deep richness. Everything about this Chardonnay is lemon driven…lemon oil, lemon scone, powdered lemon tart bar, especially on the nose. There is a nervy vein of acidity at the core carrying notes of pineapple and white peach, but never pushed too far to the ripe side. One of those wines that retains freshness with the richness. If popping now, decant 1-2hrs or hold another few years, and enjoy the 2016 before opening this 2017! — 3 years ago

Shay A

9.2

My first time with Dehlinger Syrah. I believe this ‘08 estate is all from their Altamont vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

Deep red/purple in the glass, hardly any bricking. Aromatics of ripe red and black berries, violets, and sweet spices. I don’t detect any savory notes and assuming no use of whole clusters as I don’t get any type of green/lifted profile. Even at 15-16yrs, this is deep with fruit…black raspberries, black currant, dark cocoa, fig, vein of sweetness down the middle, but with a coffee/mocha grippy finish. Followed over two days and, shockingly, held up just fine. Pop the corks and enjoy. — 10 months ago

Dave Mayers

9.5

A gift for the Franks for my first time at Frankie’s Spuntino. In the same vein as Rinaldi but with a more rustic and herbal expression. Truly a show stopper. Rides that perfect line between wild and elegance. Ink and tar and flowers and just full joy. Have had many bottles that were cooked or just plain off. So thrilled to get these from the source — 2 years ago

ESF

9.3

Solid showing - haven’t had this in 5+ yrs & really peaking w/inky color & bricking on swirl - still resembles Left Bank effort, New World Rioja for sure: cherry, red & black plum, boysenberry, cassis, vanilla, tobacco, subtle cedar, black pepper and vein of minerality running thru… finely grained tannins along w/integrated acidity makes this a very complete experience. — 4 years ago

ESF

9.3

Picked this up in CdP and what a treat - in the pocket now and after 1.5 hrs in decanter really opened up with cherry, mulberry, cranberry, clove & cardamom, white pepper, hoisin, vein of mineral. Suave smooth luxurious on mid-palate, w/regal bearing. Persistent finish - I’d drink these now & within say 3-5 yrs — a year ago

Alan Weinberg

9.1

not sure it’s much better than VV but in the same vein so far as being very vinous and delicious fruit. Very enjoyable. — a year ago

Uluwehi

9.0

Milk chocolate to the nose. Tobacco. And a vein of butter. Buttery dark chocolate to the taste. Robust tannins but not overpowering. Slight dry bitter finish. — 3 years ago

ESF

9.2

@Lyle Fass thank you for this wine! Big, authentic intoxicating Medoc nose immediately upon opening w/Bing cherry, cassis, boysenberry and raspberry beautifully integrated with savory, bay leaf, mossy tree bark, mushroom, sweet damp Earth and vein of minerality. Seductive inky & opaque, mid to heavyweight, fluid luxurious mid palate with solid tannic structure clenching tightly on finish. Strutted w/roasted leg of lamb. Long life ahead - bump for QPR — 4 years ago