Jay Kline

9.3

Opened sometime prior to service. The 2021 pours a ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of funky brambles, purple flowers, capsicum, smoke, horse blanket and organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Every. Single. Time. I drink these wines from Clay de Nell, i@ reminded of their deep soul and incredible value. Particularly their Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Awesome. Drink now through 2036. — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.0

First time trying this producer and I had no prior knowledge. The 2023 “it’s not a phase” pours a bright purple color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of funky plums, Montmorency cherry, purple flowers, baking chocolate and some natty notes. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acid and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium and a touch mousy, retro nasally. Fun, in a “natural wine” sort of way. Still recognizable as Merlot so I guess there’s that. Fun. Drink now. — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Made from fruit just outside of Morgon, barely. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2024 “Le Beaujolais” pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with funky cherries, purple flowers, horse blanket, bubble gum and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Funky fresh and so freaking delicious. Unmistakably Lapierre. Drink now. — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened sometime prior to service. The 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with black currants, plum, pipe tobacco, purple flowers, smoke and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Tasty and I expect it to be even more interesting down the road. Drink now through 2048. — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened prior to service. The 2024 “Coleriane” positively slaps! The wine pours a ruby/purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with currants, blackberries, tobacco, Anaheim peppers, purple flowers, inorganic earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long with limestone minerals. This is fantastic and built for the cellar. A special wine. Drink now with patience and through 2054. — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of 90min. The Brut Rosé pours a very pretty, pale pink color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of strawberry, raspberry, white flowers, lemon pastry and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. The texture is creamy. Really yummy stuff. Drink now. Disgorged July 2025. — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Opened sometime prior to service. The 2022 pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with slightly reductive notes of match stick, yellow apple, pineapple, a touch of butter (this is Napa after all) and flinty minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. I’ve been digging the direction of this wine the last few vintages. A bit of trivia, this does not see malolactic and yet has that creamy texture and touch of butter. Lees contact? Drink now through 2037. — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Opened prior to service. The 2021 “Scipio” pours a ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of cassis, tobacco, purple flowers, capsicum, warm spices and organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A tasty Super Tuscan that celebrates Cabernet Franc (100%). Drink now through 2040. Bottle 570/1200. — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Splash decanted sometime prior to dinner; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. Tonight, the 2020 showed up! More impressive than my last experience back in January of this year. All of the previous notes apply but I perceived a little more oomph. Just outstanding stuff and a great pairing with veal osso bucco. I want to drink this all of the time. Drink now with a short decant and through 2045. — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2021 Uvaggio pours a deep ruby color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with charming notes of Morello cherry, red flowers, Alpine herbs, a kiss of warm spices and inorganic minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Another very attractive vintage of Uvaggio. Great with lamb shank and polenta. Drink now through 2036. — 3 days ago