Ming L

9.1

From a 5.45-hectare climat owned by the domaine since 1933, this is well structured and has some of the texture and oak-derived richness of Côte de Beaune Chardonnay, with a little more straightforward fruit and mineral freshness. Very nice. — a day ago

Ming L

9.2

The light yeasty note when drinking young has eased into subtle toasted nuts. Ripe stone fruits are more prominent on the nose that I can remember. Rich, fleshy texture coats the palate, yet the bright acidity cuts through with impressive tension. Savory, chalky minerality anchors a long, polished finish.

Might benefit another year or 2 in the bottle to shed some weight, but it’s drinking nicely now. — 22 days ago

Ming L

9.2

For Bordeaux blend that can age effortlessly for 10-15 years but won’t break the bank, the Mariner and the BV Tapestry are my top choices.

The nose shows blackberry, black currant, baking spices, autumn leafs, iron, and hint of cocoa. Medium to full body. Excellent balance. Supple fine tannins. More Bordeaux like than the Tapestry IMO.

18 months in French & Hungarian oak, 44% new. — a month ago

Ming L

9.0

A lovely Vermentino from Corsica. More aromatic than Italian Vermentino with fresh citrus fruits, light herbs, and hint of white floral. High acidity but with a round edge. Long saline finish.

Just what a hot summer day needs. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The nose bursts with aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, cocoa, dry herbs, a distinct iron-like minerality. The palate is rich and composed, with a vibrant streak of acidity. Velvety tannins frame the fruit without heaviness. The finish lingers long with subtle spices.

A powerful Rutherford cab with lots of finesses. Long life ahead. — 17 days ago

Ming L

9.2

A bit more advanced than expected, but this shows La Morra’s aromatics and elegance quite well.

The perfumed nose shows red cherry, strawberry, rose petal, cinnamon, forest floor, and hint of balsamic. Medium body. The palate is more savory than the juicy nose suggests. Cool acidity and gentle tannins. — a month ago

Ming L

9.3

The vineyard sits on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Range, immediately across the county line in Sonoma County, but I don’t know enough about the distinctions between Sonoma and Napa mountain Cabs.

The deep nose shows cassis, ripe blackberry, plum, cedar layered with violet, cocoa and subtle medicinal herb. The palate is dense, delivering rich, concentrated fruit without excess weight. Polished tannins lead to a long finish.

Jean Hoefliger is the wine maker.
— a month ago

Ming L

9.3

Cherry, raspberry, roses, pinecone, licorice, and hint of cinnamon and balsamic on the expressive nose. Quite muscular on the palate for a Barbaresco, especially considering 2018 is a lighter vintage, like a Barolo but in lighter frame. Polished tannins lead to a long elegant finish.

This small winery was founded by Guido Rivella the long time winemaker at Gaja in 2010 and acquired 2 tiny parcels in the Fausoni cru in 2015. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.1

I really like the few Napa Valley Malbec I’ve tasted. This Sonoma Malbec is of high quality as well.

Aromas of crushed blackberry, plum, cedar, violet, black pepper, and hint of smoke meat. The palate is dense yet structured, with firm, grainy tannins and a solid acidic spine, finishing long with a distinct rocky minerality. — 23 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Michel Sarrazin is one of the benchmark producers in Givry and is known for using high percentage new oak for the 1er cru bottling.

Aromas of raspberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, black tea leaves, subtle baking spices, and hint of dried mushroom. Good depth and tension on the palate with silky texture that really shows off the high quality oak integration. Long savory finish. — a month ago