Distinctive
Thierry Allemand
Chaillot Cornas Syrah 2010
Sooo seems 2010 Northern Rhône is ready! After a stunning 2010 Jamet in recent weeks I was inspired to try ‘10 Allemand. A multi-hour decant has it simply rocking, wafting distinctive, captivating Allemand aromatics of deep dark fruit, olive tapenade, charcuterie, violets and a liquid rock minerality. It’s at the point where fresh primary fruit meets the cusp of secondary, tertiary character. The palate is silky, vibrant and mineral with its structured tannins beginning to soften. I wonder how 2010 Reynard would compare. But Chaillot, with air, is most certainly ready, but of course only entering its prime drinking window. Love these wines! — 2 years ago
Thierry Allemand
Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2012
This wine is absolutely stunning on hour 2+ so that’s where my notes will reflect. Just wish it showed this way longer! After a lengthy decant 2012 Reynard finally comes alive to flaunt explosive, layered and distinctive Allemand aromatics of cassis, violets, olive and crushed stones. The palate has such concentration, depth and fruit intensity that’s seamlessly balanced with its layered minerality. Finish just keeps on going. Love these wines so much. — 3 years ago
Frédéric Gueguen (Domaine des Chenevières)
Les Grandes Vignes Chablis Chardonnay 2023
Chenevièrs – “Grandes Vignes” Chablis 2023
Chablis, Burgundy, France 🇫🇷
Overview
100% Chardonnay grown on a plateau of Kimmeridgian limestone soils in “La Chapelle Vaupeltigne,” a northern sector of the Chablis appellation. This terroir is prized for its fossil-rich soils, which impart the minerality and precision that make Chablis so distinctive.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh-cut lemon, crisp green apple, and white peach layered with chalky minerality and subtle floral notes. Hints of oyster shell and wet stone nod to the limestone soils beneath the vines.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with razor-sharp acidity, dry and mineral-driven. A very clean and linear style, finishing with elegance and a lingering citrus zest freshness.
Winemaking Notes
Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity and terroir transparency. Unoaked, ensuring the vibrancy of Chardonnay shines in its most authentic Burgundian expression.
Food Pairing
Ideal with oysters, mussels, or any shellfish. Also pairs beautifully with goat cheese, light poultry, or simply as a crisp aperitif.
Verdict
A textbook Chablis that captures the essence of its limestone terroir. Elegant, refreshing, and precise—an affordable way to enjoy one of Burgundy’s most distinctive white wines. Cheers! — 3 months ago
Matua
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021
This wine screams where it’s from. Pale lemon with green reflexes, the nose reveals intense aromas of elderflower, asparagus, green bell pepper, gooseberry, ripe peach and melon, followed by a medium body with a pungent acidity, defining the wines distinctive freshness. Drink now until 2024. — 3 years ago
Weingut Richard Östreicher
Maria Im Weingarten Silvaner 2023
What a wine. Nose is so complex with unreal aromas that honestly are at once mineral and at once so utterly unique I don’t have the vocabulary to grasp them. Apricots is about all I got but the nose is still a 9.7 even if I can’t explain why. Palate is vivacious, rich and elegant but with so much tannin from what I assume is skin contact but also reads as textured and fresh. So brilliant, complex and utterly distinctive. It’s rare I can’t find words to describe wine but here we are. — 6 months ago
Hartford Court
Seascape Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
The 2019 Chardonnay Seascape Vineyard is another incredibly distinctive wine in this range. Candied ginger, passionfruit, lemon confit, white flowers and tangerine oil give this mid-weight Chardonnay tons of character. Bright acids lend freshness and verve to a Chardonnay that is very much on the exotic side of things. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — 3 years ago
Tensley
Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2020
The 2020 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is a dense, potent wine. The purity of the fruit is remarkable. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2020 is still incredibly primary. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and rose petal open with a bit of coaxing. All this needs is time and a bit more polish. As always, the Colson Canyon Syrah is one of the most distinctive wines in Joey Tensley's range. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 3 years ago
Matthew Cohen
Not a riserva.
Needs a 60 minute decant. Then amazing. Sweet spices on the palate with midseason cherry. Allspice. Nutmeg. Distinctive and delicious.
As this opens you get that sweet Nebbiolo spice on the nose. Magnificent sweet roses.
Fass selections — 3 months ago