Jay Kline

9.5

Perhaps not quite on the same level as “La Romanée” in terms of history, but certainly in terms of exclusivity and intrigue, “Lake” is another one of those vineyards you read about, you hear whispers about, but you rarely see and even more rarely, get to experience. In fact, “Lake” is even smaller than “La Romanée”, less than half its size. The unique characteristics of the site make full ripening a challenge; it’s the coolest site at Diamond Creek and partially shaded. In the last 50 years, “Lake” has been bottled on its own 23 times. When there isn’t sufficient harvest for its own bottling, it usually gets blended into “Gravelly Meadow”. This bottle was graciously and generously brought back from the estate.

Poured into a decanter an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1996 “Lake” pours a deep garnet/purple with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with beautiful notes of cassis, tobacco, Poblano pepper, horse blanket, gravelly earth and a balanced mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. What a special wine.

If you’ve followed my tasting notes over the years, you may have caught me using the word “soul” or “soulful” to describe certain wines. For me, this describes a wine that expresses its site with a high degree of transparency and fidelity. This does not describe technical genius. In fact, the wines can often have some foibles. However, coming from me, it is the ultimate term of endearment, for whatever that is worth. Anyway, this bottle of the 1996 “Lake” has it. Drink now with patience and through 2046. — a month ago

Michael Malpiedi

9.1

I’m still learning about this - but this bottle seems like it needs more time. High acid and bold tannins. Whispers of sour cherry and coal at the finish. — 4 years ago

Daron Watson

9.2

2016 “Massifitti” #TrebbianoDiSoave (actually a local biotype of #Verdicchio)

nose of yellow fruits, fresh Mediterranean herbs

on the palate yellow pear & peach, honeydew & cantaloupe, star fruit, w a finish that whispers seeds, pits and smoke

Fun Find! — 4 years ago

Christian Bidegain

9.1

Along a bustling path made of ancient cut cobblestone, shadows lengthen across the exterior walls. Taverns bursting at the seams with people searching for refuge and libations as the sun grows weary. At the edge of this narrow bustling thoroughfare, the cobblestone rises up and creates a barrier against the vast void of the Bay of Biscay. Laughter, playful arguments, and wanting whispers flood the air, adding to the oppressive heat the suns pushes towards me in its last ditch effort of discomfort for the day. I drink up every ray as my feet dangle towards the breaking waves. All is right. The sun rays slowly crossfade into the voices growing louder as the night begins.

Nose: light strawberry, cut grass, lemon thyme. All faintly so.

Palate: bell pepper, serrano pepper, thai basil, zippy, medium-high acid, light bodied, lower alcohol. — 8 months ago

Meadow Linder

9.0

From Dad's wine cellar, lovely, balanced whispers of fruit. 2015 — 3 years ago

David Kline

9.5

Gorgeous garnet, star bright reflectivity. Rim to rim continuity. Cedar dusted black cherry and strawberry glow warmly in a vanilla and baked cran and ripe red currant dappling. There are red apple leanings and roobios-tulip whispers in a complex and seductive nose that stoops in bushes of thyme and all spice pods. Rich mouthfeel exhibits bits of its green youth, but has unveiled to reveal its abundance with a lengthy decant. Tart cherry and sweet tobacco, tart raspberry essence, dried violets and rose petal, dried strawberry and beet soaked thyme. Grossly underrepresented in this assessment, as the whole is like a wondrous river in a florid wood undulating with ripples of fallen blossoms. Astounding.


#chambollemusigny #DomaineFourrier #2019 #DomaineFourierChambolleMusigny1ercruLesGruenchers #lesGruenchers #viellesvigne #1ercru #1ercruChambolleMusigny
#1ercrulesgruenchers #AppellationCambolleMusigny1ercrucontrolée #burgundy #bourgogne #bourgognerouge #misenbouteille #redburgundywine — 4 years ago

Masafi

9.9

Tasted on Wednesday 14 May 2025: A striking core memory — clear and resonant. This Burgundy whispers of greatness still to come.” — 9 months ago

Matt

9.7

Ah, "Terras Gauda Rías Baixas Albariño'-a veritable jewel from the spectacular landscapes of Spain's Galicia, specifically the picturesque Rías Baixas DO, where the Atlantic whispers sweet nothings to the vines. This splendid Albariño unveils a bouquet of zesty lemon, fragrant white flowers, and a hint of sea breeze, tantalising the senses like a playful flirtation. The producer, Bodegas Terras Gauda, founded by the illustrious Ramón V. de Garay, is famed for its commitment to sustainable practices. Fun fact: they pioneered the use of genetic research in their vineyards-a cleverer endeavor than my attempts at crossword puzzles! Albariño, that beguiling grape, is renowned for its bright acidity and versatility; a wonderful partner in crime for seafood, particularly oysters, as the minerality complements their briny sweetness. It also loves the spicy embrace of Asian cuisine, where its zesty notes dance playfully. This delightful nectar has garnered praise, earning a commendable 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Truly, it's one to uncap whilst contemplating life or... other intimate matters far too risqué for polite company! — a year ago

Adam Kincaid

9.1

Yeah, this is super fun. Cloudy purple haze with a hint of ruby lipstick - you know you’re in for a good night here. Good thing it’s lower alcohol or the next morning won’t be as enjoyable after drinking the entire bottle. Try stopping yourself!

There’s fresh tartness and red berries throughout. Cranberry and pomegranate, whispers of dried flower arrangements and the lovely lead and pencil shaving notes right at the end.

Bring it all together and this embodies a late night fling without regrets. — 4 years ago

Lars Miller

9.5

Lovely pepper and bay leaf nose. Flavor explosion in the front of the mouth, with red fruits and medium tannins. Whispers of flowers. — 4 years ago