Tasting Notes

Exceptional 2014 Rainer Sauer Silvaner, Escherndorfer Am Lumpen, Erste Lage ($32): German Silvaner may be the least-heralded great white wine in the world. As such it is hard to describe. A great one is bone dry. If you have a good imagination an… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

Two exceptional German Pinot Noirs As unexpected and surprising as the following statement might seem, it is true: German wine lovers are some of Europe’s most passionate and knowledgeable red wine consumers and collectors. And that also means the… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

2016 Framingham Riesling, Marlborough, “Select” ($20): One of the world’s greatest Riesling producers is Dr. Andrew Hedley of this unheralded (in this country!) New Zealand producer of brilliant white wines. When I first tasted this wine months ago i… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

2014 Qupé Syrah, Edna Valley, Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard ($30): The aroma of this wine is absolutely classic, showing cool-climate influences in the white and black pepper, violets, and a trace of dried herbs along with just the barest hint of forest … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

Exceptional 2012 Sobrero Barolo, Ciabot Tanasio DOCG ($50): Decades ago a book entitled Tar and Roses was published about Barolo to discuss the basic aroma of classic, mature wines from this Piemonte district. There may be a trace of each of those… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

Exceptional 2014 Ancient Oak Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Siebert Ranch ($46): Greg calls this wine “Sex in a bottle,” and one sniff of its anise and spice character gives the impression of real Burgundy. The fruit is penetrating, but better … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

Exceptional 2014 Renato Ratti Nebbiolo, Langhe “Ochetti” ($25): Anyone with even a passing acquaintanceship with Barolo, Italy’s most famous red wine, knows that one of the finest producers in that exalted district is this house. When you visit th… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

Exceptional 2014 Trinity Hill Homage, Hawke’s Bay, Gimblett Gravels ($80): Beyond of the price, which I agree it is daunting, this wine delivers a sort of Cote-Rôtie weight and personality. Black pepper, violets, and a classy rustic mid-palate, an… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you … Continue reading “Tasting Notes:”

Exceptional 2012 Aldo Conterno Barolo, Cicala ($125): We normally do not review wines this expensive, but when I tasted it I asked the importer what the price would be. He wasn’t sure, but estimated about $160. (He was wrong.) After sitting with a… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

As always, in order of preference Exceptional 2014 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Hallberg Vineyard ($55): The strawberry and broad spice components, subtle oak, and dark blueberry aromatics are paired with a slightly edgy/rusti… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t a subscriber, … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”