Waterfall
Ermes Pavese
Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle Prié Blanc 2020
Exploring the bouquet of the 2020 Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle is like standing beneath a waterfall, taking in all the moist air, wet stone and flora that surrounds you. It’s soft-textured and round, pleasing to the palate with ripe orchard fruits and a subtle savory-saltiness that balances. This varietal Prié Blanc tapers off fresh, leaving a cheek-puckering twang of citrus tension. (Eric Guido, Vinous, June 2022)
— 4 years ago
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Margaret River Riesling
Missing bae today, she’s in Chicago. Work travel is back I guess. Reading a little Calvino, watching a little Westworld and sipping on some Riesling.
Blades of grass, a cool day on a hike, the breeze that passed through a distant waterfall seen from atop the destined viewpoint.
A silk shawl draping the tongue in stone fruit, river water. Peaches and apples and fronds of supple leaves.
A bit of effervescence, a bit of acidity, a bit of petrol. Leads to a balance straddling dry and sweet at once.
Don’t really understand the underrated quality on the reviews, must be something I’m missing 🤷🏽♂️
I’ll go contrarian. — 5 years ago
Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1996
Pontet Canet tasting and dinner with Alfred Tesseron.
The 96 is a nice surprise add from Clyde’s cellar. Thank you Clyde.
This 96 is beautifully floral. The evolution is right around its peak. The body is medium full and the tannins soft. It’s an elegant beauty.
The fruits are ripe and delicious. Leaner blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries and shades of raspberries. Soft earth; dry top soil, dry rock, limestone minerals, old tobacco, soft leather, cedar with dry and withering red & dark florals. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long finish is well balanced fruit & earth and in a sweet spot.
Photos of; our dinner group, tasting room at Pontet Canet, the horse plows they still use in the fields and Chateau Pontet Canet. — 7 years ago
Saxum Vineyards
James Berry Vineyard Grenache Blend 2012
Our wine pairing with Kentucky Bourbon marinaded chicken skews.
The blend is; 43% Ganache, 29% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah and 10% Goundise.
The nose reveals; ripe; spiced, blackberries, black plums, purple fruit blend, dark currants/cassis, dark poached cherries, anise to black licorice, dark Asian spice, sweet, syrupy tarriness, dark chocolate, steeped fruit tea, crushed, dry rocks, dark, rich soils, blackberry jam, incense, limestone minerals, black & white pepper, candied; dark, red, blue and purple florals.
The body is medium, rich and gorgeous. The fruits are perfectly ripe. The structure, tension, length and balance are just hitting their stride. Still has 10 years plus of good drinking ahead. The fruits on the palate are bright, juicy and ripe. It’s drinking beautifully and has that gorgeous/sexy sensation. Spiced, blackberries, black plums, purple fruit blend, dark cassis, dark poached cherries, creamy raspberries, mixed berry fruit cola, cherry kirsch, anise to black licorice, dark Asian spice with just a touch of heat, sweet, syrupy tarriness, dark chocolate, coco powder, steeped fruit tea, vanillin notes, crushed, dry rocks, dark, rich soils, blackberry jam, incense, limestone minerals, dry top soil, dry underbrush, softer black & white pepper than the nose, leathery, some fresh tobacco, candied & bright; dark, red, blue and purple florals. The acidity is waterfall perfect. The long, elegant, ripe, juicy, well balanced fruit & earth finish is delightfully persistent for several minutes. Another all-star blend from Justin.
Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone. Cheers! 🍷
Photos of, Saxum winery, James Berry Vineyard and Owner-Winemaker, Justin Smith. — 7 years ago
Château d`issan
Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2006
Mother Mary of God! Why didn’t I buy more of this wine? It’s so good tonight with at least a decade and half ahead of it to get even better.
The 2006 a vintage that followed 2005, more than difficult, right? Not here!
The is classic good Margaux. The nose is like an aphrodisiac...fills the nostrils and runs through the whole body. Ripe, fragrant, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, baked strawberries, dry cranberries with creamy raspberries. Steeped tea, limestone, dry crushed rocks, rich forest floor, sweet tarry notes, black licorice, vanilla, mixed dark berry cola, fresh tobacco, suede leather, stem inclusion, dark red florals with fresh violets.
The body is medium full and pure heaven. It glides effortlessly over the palate. The structure, tension, length & balance are pushing its peak. It’s a perfect tug of war with fruit & earth. It’s the definition of elegance. Ripe, fragrant, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, baked strawberries, dry cranberries with creamy raspberries. Layered baking spices; vanilla, cinnamon, clove & a touch of nutmeg. Steeped tea, limestone, beautiful medium intensity inter-mixed Asian-Indian spices, dry crushed rocks, rich forest floor, sweet tarry notes, black licorice, mixed dark berry cola, fresh tobacco, suede leather, stem inclusion, dark red florals with fresh violets. The acidity is waterfall perfect. The finish is crazy beautiful, elegant, well balanced, rich, ripe and heaven.
Photos of, the Chateau at sunset, Emmanuel Cruse, the owner and director of Chateau d'Issan, their barrel room, and Estate vines.
— 7 years ago
Gérard Seguin
Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2022
2022 vintage. Medium-medium heavy body. Chalky cherry nose. A waterfall of flavors with both punch and tannins. Was really close to rating this a 9.3 but held back just barely. This VV can go PNP now or stow it away for a decade. It's got plenty of stuffing to survive and thrive. 06.12.25. — a year ago
Toni Jost
Bacharacher Kabinett Trocken Riesling
Refreshing acid balances off dry wine (not sure if this is exactly the one I am drinking as j haven’t seen the bottle). This kabinett is not totally dry. Great slate, waterfall aroma and lovely honeyed apricot. — 3 years ago
Domaine Le Roc Des Anges
Segna de Cor Côtes du Roussillon Villages Red Blend 2018
Waterfall camping with Moroccan lamb chops — 4 years ago
Heitz Cellar
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
I bought 3 or 4 bottles of the 06 Heitz Napa. I think this is my first bottle. I either have none or one left. Better gets notes tonight! I think I gave others away. What was I thinking? Wine is meant to be shared.
What is better than paying around $33 for a bottle of wine, forgetting about it for twelve years and having it blossom on your palate the way it is tonight? This is a prime example of two things; you don’t need to spend a hundred(s) for a really good bottle of wine and their is absolutely no substitution for appropriate cellaring time.
The nose reveals; steeped, dark fruit wading in fruits of ripe/ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, baked, black plum & strawberries, hovering raspberries with pomegranate, light liqueur notes. Mild alcohol vapors, black licorice, sweet tarriness, mixed dark fruit cola/licorice, mid, dark spices, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanilla, saddle-wood, graphite, dark rich souls, forest floor with dry leaves, dry crushed rocks, dry twigs, tree sap, mint/eucalyptus, soft leather, dry tobacco with ruby, brilliant, fresh & withering, candied; dark, red, purple florals with a field of violets.
The body is, rich, ruby and creamy with fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, baked, black plum & strawberries, hovering raspberries with pomegranate that shows light liqueur notes. Mild alcohol vapors, black licorice, dark, steeped, black , assorted fruit teas, sweet tarriness, mixed dark fruit cola/licorice, mid, dark spices, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanilla, caramel, mocha, saddle-wood, graphite, savory grilled meats, dark rich souls, forest floor with dry leaves, moist clay & top soil, dry crushed rocks, dry twigs, tree sap, mint/eucalyptus, hints of Provence herbs, soft leather, dry tobacco with ruby, brilliant, fresh & withering, candied; dark, red, purple florals with a field of violets. The acidy is like a cool waterfall on a warm day. The beautiful, elegant, extremely well knitted balance is in the realm of “forget about it”. Sometimes the right wine, when it’s right, moves the entire body. Such as it is tonight.
The tension, structure, length and balance have just hit their high point and will remain there for another five years into a slow decline over the next 10-15 years, stored impeccably.
This might be the best Napa Heitz I’ve bought & stored. It’s stunning and way over delivering its price point. One complex wine!!!
Photos of; Heitz Winery, tasting bar, tasting room garden patio and the Hwy 29 signage for the tasting room with the valley floor vines that surround their tasting room. — 6 years ago
Paul Lato
"Seabiscuit" Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Nice meeting Paul Lato and talking about his wines.
This Zotovich Vineyard offering is delicious young but, will evolve into even greater pleasure in 5-6 years.
The body is full, round with beautiful texture. There is nice mix of perfectly ripe red & dark fruits with excellent blue fruits that hover around the plate. Gentle, soft wood use and subtle baking spices. This bottling walks the tightrope of Burgundy with its perfect waterfall acidity and round, soft structure and has Californian well ripen fruits.
He is one of few Southern California producers that doesn’t over extract and brings out those wonderful blue fruits I love in good Pinot Noirs.
Paul’s cousin was also nice to pour us a glass of one of their 2011 Chardonnays that was really beautiful and drinking at its peak. I didn’t get the vineyard designation as it was at the end of the event and security was being aggressive about clearing the hall. But, again, a beautifully textured Chardonnay that was round with beautiful fruit, great acidity and just the right amount of heather-honey notes. 9.5 on the Chardonnay. — 7 years ago
Waterfall
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013
Very nice recommendation by the Somm @Joshua Fisher (Thank you!). This is really showing well, especially after 40 min. This was my WOTN. — 7 years ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
The 2015 Napa has a much more expressive nose than previous vintages. The mid red fruits are brighter and more dominant. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dark turned, rich earth, light dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals.
The body is also much lighter in the 15 than other vintages. It’s still very fresh. At this stage, it’s like a well extracted Pinot. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dry clay, stems, mint, Provence fresh herbs, dark turned, rich earth, dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The acidity is light a waterfall. The finish is bright fruit that is well balanced with earth. However, as it cellars, I predict this wine with flush out, put on weight and gain complexity. Much better palate experiences 10-15 years plus down the road for this 15 Napa.
Photos of, the terrace view from JPV’s visitors center, the JPV annual members party small bites, the lounge area in their visitor center and estate vineyard off their terrace.
— 8 years ago
Quixote
Stag's Leap Ranch Petite Sirah 2018
Great to have friends like Connor who brought this wine to dinner. Perfect example of stags leap petite with powerful fruit tamed by age and great barrel wood selection. Spent so much time admiring the lovely waterfall legs I almost forgot to drink. Blackberry flavors tinged with earth produced great taste and bouquet — 2 years ago
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
Les Narvaux Meursault Chardonnay 2016
Really needed it’s time, but was well worth the wait. Taught acidity opened up into a waterfall of green and yellow fruit at the 3hr mark. — 4 years ago
Shirataki Shuzo
Jozen Ginjo White Junmai Sake
The waterfall that is eternally fed by the waters of melting snow — 4 years ago
Argiolas
Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna
Nutty with lemon curd and peach like a shortbread cookie. Pear, macadamia nut, and lemon waterfall on the tongue. Tons of flavor, really enjoyable. — 6 years ago
Davis Estates
Private Reserve Zephyr Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Certainly a very good Napa producer that still largely flies under the radar. This is delicious.
The nose is a 95. Ruby currants & cassis, dark chocolate wrapped in bright & withering dark, purple, red flowers laid on violets with baking & dark Middle Eastern spices dashed on top. Boysenberries, mulberries, slightly, candied & ruby raspberries, black raspberries, baked, black plum, strawberries on the high nose, star anise, black licorice, mocha, caramel, limestone, dry sage, thyme, touch of rosemary, dry top soil, black, rich earth, slightly moist clay with light notes of dark berry cola & dark fruit roll-ups.
The palate is; round, ripe, lush, juicy and simply delicious. The round tannins are; slightly tarry, meaty with cocoa powder. This is a good check on the 12 which, is still ascending. The structure & tension are just get to their good drinking point. The length & balance are really good with better things ahead. She is an elegant beauty. This has another 15 plus years of good drinking ahead of it. However, the 12 vintage has always drunk well young. Dark cassis & currants, boysenberries, mulberries, slightly, candied & ruby raspberries, black raspberries, baked, black plum, strawberries, star anise, black licorice, mocha, melted caramel, dark spices with lots of palate heat, vanillin, clove, nutmeg, light cinnamon, limestone, dry sage, thyme, touch of rosemary, dry tobacco, wood shavings, graphite, dry underbrush, dry top soil, black, rich earth, slightly moist clay with light notes of dark berry cola & dark fruit roll-ups. The acidity is round, voluptuous & holds the slightly elevated alcohol level. The finish is all you want in a wine; ripe, ruby, juicy, balanced with warm earthiness that slides into spices that persist endlessly.
Photos of; the rotating waterfall/ball as viewed from their amazing terrace patio, the Estate with their signature windmill, tasting room and kitchen and their patio with views of the Estate and valley floor. — 7 years ago
Luciano Sandrone
Le Vigne Barolo Nebbiolo 2006
Our pizza wine tonight.
The nose shows; dark currants, sweet & a touch sour dark cherries, blackberries, stewed black plum, kirsch cherries, notes of blueberries, poached strawberries on the edge of the glass, dark liqueur, dark tarriness, tobacco, leather, saddle-wood, limestone minerals, sandy, dry top soil, dark turned soils, black olive, dry herbs, steeped fruit tea, mid fruit cola with a hillside of florals and a dominance of lavender at the end.
The body is medium full but, puts on weight as it decants. The tannins are nicely rounded but grab the palate on the long set. The structure, tension, length and balance are farther along than I would expect but, in a great spot. It is pure elegance on the palate. Dark currants, sweet & a touch sour dark cherries, blackberries, lean black raspberries, stewed black plum, kirsch cherries, notes of blueberries, hints of rhubarb, poached strawberries on the edge of the glass, dark liqueur, dark tarriness, softly layered, dark spice, tobacco, leather, saddle-wood, expresso roast, limestone & sandstone minerals, sandy, dry top soil, dark turned soils, black olive, dry herbs, steeped fruit tea, mid fruit cola,dark roses for days, a hillside of bright florals with a dominance of lavender at the end. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long finish is; soft, round, ripe, well balanced fruit & earth and persists several minutes.
Photos of; Sandrone, Owner-Winemaker, Luciano Sandrone, the pink bicycle out in front of Sandrone-I think the Italian Tour went by there the year we were there and the Le Vingne Vineyard. — 7 years ago
Cá dei Zago
Prosecco col Fondo 2016
Ancient yeast waterfall atop a mountain. Lovely golden hewed Repunzle hair grassy old school prosecco. — 8 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
I have enjoyed this producers vineyard over many vintage and this might be the best.
The 22 vintage is stunning and as good as it is, 23 might be better based on a somewhat limited exposure at this point.
The entry is glorious…such balance and wire to wire it doesn’t change much.
Green apple, perfect lemon & lime pulp into subtle candy, grapefruit, white stone fruit, kiwi, tropical melons, pineapple, cream reduction, saline, perfect sea fossils, fine powdery taut chalkiness, crisp volcanics, white spice, grey volcanic minerals, limestone marl, mix of fresh & dry stubble herbs, honeysuckle, light caramel, warm lightly done toast, yellow florals, spring flowers with greens, grand waterfall acidity, beautiful structure-tension, incredible balance with an elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and long sets on volcanic minerals and spice.
Decanted 1 hour.
When I first started buying this bottling, it was $50-$60, now $150. Might be my last bought. My white spend has a more limited range than my red. Don’t think I’m alone.
A property Sofia & I have visited in 2015. — 7 months ago