Doug Powers

9.1

[40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon] Jonathan and Susan’s homage to Priorat, red and black fruits from the Grenache and Syrah, respectively, and then the structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon, this is drinking well tonight, but might evolve for a few more years, very fine Sierra Foothills Priorat look-alike!! — a month ago

with Jim

S Kumar

9.1

Almost ten years in bottle and this is coming together better than before. Enough Grenache to keep it medium than heavy, enough morvedre to provide tannins and enough Syrah for spice. Alcohol has melded and tannins and acidity play their part. I like southern Rhone, oak in control, lovely earthiness and spice. — 3 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.1

OK folks that’s like a cheesy label. Dark red. Almost impossible to see through it. Smells like incense, stewed plums and potpourri. Flavors are inky and big. Rich berry bottom. Hint o’ mint. Very dry. This is classic style for CA Petite Sirah. And very nice. — 4 years ago

LM Segal

9.4

Beautiful, clear nose of pipe tobacco and rich red fruit. The tannins have finally dialled back, bringing this Dominus balance it previously lacked. Sweet oak and ripe cherries and plums, some nice secondary stuff emerging. I’d give this a few more years to play out or a long decant. — 6 years ago

with Melissa

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2023 vintage. The usual, zippy spice compendium in play here with some mineral "componentry." Medium/medium-heavy bod for Sauvie Blanc. 1.9.26. — 4 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This is a very dark wine, almost no light gets through a glassful of it. On the nose there is a complex set of aromas. Dark fruit - blackberry, cassis, blueberry - are met with savory support from the oak. Clove, baseball glove, tobacco, earth and black pepper all play a role in the sniff. The palate is a real discovery - as dark as you like it, with firm tannins and a long finish. In California terms, the shadings are a little more like Paso than Napa - a bit rambunctious and chalky as opposed to silky and demure. In fact, the wine could have convinced me that it was a Syrah, not a Cab, had I been blind tasting it. It’s a wonderful wine that screams for a big, beautiful steak to go with it. — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

One of the few producers that I purchase each and every vintage. I find that Laurence Feraud’s wines are consistently some of the more interesting and enjoyable wines made in all of Chateauneuf du Pape; particularly when value comes into play. This bottle is my first experience with her 2018 vintage and the first bottle of a small tranche that I swooped up upon release. Popped and poured; consumed over 5 hours. The color is deep ruby with a near opaque core; glossy and gorgeous to behold. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is classic Pegaü with loads of dark cherry and bramble fruit, a veritable hillside full of garrigue, lavender, black pepper, and something that reminds me of old books. On that palate, the fruit is equally generous, brambles and cherries, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence and a somewhat sanguine-like character to it. Substantial structure, though it seems to be a notch lower than the previous three vintages at this point in its young life. The tannins are very sneaky. Almost imperceptible for the first hour and yet, by hour four, they were very much making themselves known (in the Medium+ range). Acid is also Medium+ indicating these have an exciting life ahead. The finish lasts for well over a minute. All in all, another lovely Pegaü that will likely live in the shadow of some of the more heralded vintages in the last ten years however, that doesn’t mean this isn’t a stunner. Absolutely lovely stuff and I very much look forward to enjoying these well into the 2030’s. — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.2

The 2014 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru certainly has one of the more attractive bouquets with redcurrant and cranberry, a touch of tobacco and marine aromas (cockle sheds I used to play on in the Thames Estuary). The palate is well balanced, with a touch of curry leaf on the entry and more black than red fruit. The 2014 has a firm grip with a noticeable backbone, yet the finish has plenty of freshness. Drinking well now, but there are a few years left to enjoy. (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 2 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.2

This pale yellow wine offers a nose highlighted by lanolin, Meyer lemon, apricot, salinity and a beautiful floral note. The palate is off-dry - 3% residual sugar - and tastes of citrus and apricot, quite muted. The is a healthy dollop of minerals in play and a finish that brings back that soapy salinity. It is not a dessert wine, despite the 375ml bottle, but more of an aperitif. — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

8.9

A vivid ruby red with light cherry flecks in the glass. This is certainly a wine for those who like a little bit of funk in their lives. Tons of moist dirt and forest scents initially on the nose. Wonderfully pure fruit is a highlight. Fresh red cherries, cranberry sauce, and wild strawberries. This is indeed a fun, quaffable blend but it is a serious, well made wine. Easy drinking but also with a genuine spine.

Alicante Nero (Grenache), Mourvèdre, and Carignane are the primary components but it’s not fair to lump it in with so many other kitchen sink blends. Medium acidity and terrific balance. Those red fruits shine on the palate with more cranberries and cherries. Smoke, pepper, and oak play a part. Herbs and menthol radiate on the medium long finish that keeps pulling you back in. Perfect for summer but really it’s perfect for anytime. — 5 years ago