Patrick Derdeyn

9.2

This wine really shows sonoma coast, very dark fruit but not at all heavy, also has a really nice tarry note on the mid palate that adds intrigue. Framed by medium+ acidity I think these will improve for a a few years, but all of mine are already gone! — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.3

3rd time I’ve had the chance to try this wine which was released more than 20 years after the vintage. It’s a real stunner, showing some secondary characteristics but not oxidized. This is what great chardonnay can become with age, showing the awesome terroir of the Charles Heintz vineyard. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.4

A preview from the upcoming release. This is the Prop Red. Same SV as the cab, but this is 50 Merlot/50 Cab Franc and it’s damn delicious. Needs a couple more years in bottle to integrate, but it’s definitely going places. The next vintage will actually be a coferment of these varietals. More good things to come from W&M!! — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.3

Popped In anticipation of this weeks release. These are just ridiculously good and they always show a certain characteristic that is immediately identifiable as Myriad, the best way I can describe it is “weightless”. The wine glides over the palate like pure liquid velvet with everything in great balance. Rich dark fruit, ever present acidity, a kiss of oak, and tannins that have already softened a bit at this early stage. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.1

A little richer syrah expression than some of the single vineyards but well balanced. Dark fruit with a spice and pepper note that should continue to evolve for several more years. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.0

The ‘17s just arrived so that means it was perfect timing to drink my last ‘16. @Morgan Twain-Peterson says these can age 5-10 yrs, but mine never seem to make it 5-10 months while I let all of the SVs rest in peace. A splash decant really helps the bouquet jump out on these. Rose petal, spice, and dark fruits balanced by wonderful acidity and some light tannin presence. A screaming value year in and year out. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.1

I figured since the blanc de blanc was drinking so well that I would try the rose too. It remains the darkest sparkling rose i’ve ever seen, like a Tavel in color. It’s really rich with the red fruit, but much more integrated than a year ago. Also has a creaminess that helps keep the acid in check. A really interesting sparkler that will continue to improve as the fruit comes into balance with everything else. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.6

Have been fortunate enough to have this wine 3 times now. It’s just so good. Iron, blood, pepper, black fruit and a finish that continues on for over a minute. I still think this will improve with a couple of years, but it is truly a special wine now. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.5

The 165 is on the young side. Bright citrus and floral but still with some sharp edges. Needs a couple of years to round out but this is still classic Krug, what a treat. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.3

The delectable review below is spot on. A great young Carlisle Vineyard built on a firm backbone, this will be one to improve for a number of years. As always this includes a number of interplanted and cofermented varietals for added depth and color. A beautiful wine year in and year out, showing off both the best of Zinfandel and of Russian River. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.0

Drinking some of the big houses today. I always enjoy the house style of Fuillatte, a little richer and more on the oxidative side. Tasty. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.2

This is the vintage rose, a step up from the cuvée pompadour. Still quite young and fresh red fruits burst from the glass as the pinot dominates. It’s balanced by great acidity and a crisp finish that lets the fruit keep shining. These will improve for several more years and should be drinking great a decade in. This was best on night 3 as the fruit profile settled nicely into the rest of the structure. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.4

Exciting to try this new(ish) project from TRB. He is making a Napa and an SV under this label and it’s a real winner. Among the best cabs we tasted all day and even better when the bottle was finished with a steak at dinner. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.4

Eye opening Burgundy. Fruit still right up front and fresh. Brings some tar and earth to the party. Absolutely delicious. — 8 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.4

I’m not quite ready to go 98 on this like RP did when he declared it the best young chard he’s ever tasted, it is fantastic though. It’s put on more weight with years in the bottle with added richness now on top of the tropical fruits and a creaminess that overlays the whole package. — 8 years ago