Complex, dry Piedmontese white (Cortese), gift from friends, Drakes Island, ME — 24 days ago
This wine was muted initially, but after about an hour in the decanter it started to show beautifully. A sublime black cherry accompanied by bay leaf, anise, orange peel, and hints of bitter chocolate show on the nose. The flavors on the palate mirror the nose, with additional notes of figs, prunes, earthy mushrooms, and cured meat. Tannins provide a smooth mouthfeel, and finish is persistent with the dried fruits and savory elements lingering on the palate. Paired wonderfully with ribeye with hot Roquefort butter and a side of truffle polenta. At the two hour mark the tannins started to become grippy on the palate, but they were still manageable. Put remainder in bottle, and by day 2 the tannins had softened again. The flavors were still humming along. — 2 months ago

Cantaloupe and strawberry-blonde vespers mellow this farm field straw ambrosia with a tip-toe over-ripened melon on the nose, wisping stealthy coriander and chorizo olfactions slipped in just before the first tongue-touch of lemon zest and lavender. A medium-full coat opens apricot and hazelnut on a fresh green finish, leaving you puzzling for one more ride. — 24 days ago
Made from Cortese grapes grown within the Comune di Gavi, pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral notes. On the palate flavors of pear, green apple and lemon citrus with lively acidity, honey and blossom notes. Medium savory finish ending with nutty citrus and floral mineral character. — 2 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2023 pours a bright garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of raspberries, pomegranate, rose bushes in bloom, licorice, gravelly earth and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. This was a perfect red for duck confit outside on a warm day. Drink now through 2033. — 2 months ago


Gavi comes from small growing area in northwestern Italy located north of Genoa on steep slopes of Ligurian Apennines. White label is La Scolca’s everyday wine, an alternative to their “Black Label”. From Cortese di Gavi grape (younger vines), pale yellow color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits, extended lees aging. On the palate flavors of apple and lemon, nutty notes, nice mouthfeel. Medium finish, vivid acidity ending with a mineral character. Nice! — 5 months ago
Minty, tight, herbal. Limited fruit but not yet into complicated secondary flavours. Tannins not as integrated as I would have expected. Frankly, a bit disappointed. Maybe it’s just not in the right place this year. One of my favourite wine producers and this didn’t live up to expectations. Still have 5 more bottles, will try again in a year or two. UPDATE: Well, didn’t finish the bottle last night (rare occurred) and the last 2 glasses sat in the carafe overnight. Wine is much more open and floral today. Really thought an hour and a half in the decanter last night would have been enough. Obviously not. Softer and more round today, and more complex secondary flavors present. Tannins still not integrated enough, though. — 5 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2017 Pajé pours a garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of Morello cherry, cranberry, freeze dried strawberry, ground cumin, tar, talcum powder, old cedar chest, some varnish and dry gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium and loaded with savory minerals. Still very much in its youth, this was a lovely solar expression of Pajé. Drink now with patience through 2047. Bottle No. 2045/6666
— 5 days ago
From magnum. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2012 pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with punchy notes of Morello cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, orange rind, red flowers, and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the texture is almost chewy. The 2012 is still an awesome value; really tasty stuff. Drink now through 2042. — 2 months ago
Tons of dark cherries, strawberries, mid berry cola, crushed rocks, volcanics, limestone powder, sweet tarriness, French expresso, dry herbs, grilled meats, tobacco, leather, dark spice and red roses for days framed in liquid violets. — 3 months ago
Upon opening, the tannins were overbearing, but after a two hour decant it opened up and softened nicely, with cherry, anise, earth, violets, and roses coming through on the nose. On the palate, the anise and floral flavors shine bright, and the finish is exquisite, with the floral notes providing a vivid, persistent finish with underlying notes of spice and earth. The wine has a smooth mouthfeel, with tannins providing astringency on the finish. Such a beautiful, elegant barbaresco that paired wonderfully with tagliatelle bolognese. — 4 months ago
Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits, citrus and floral notes. On the palate flavors of peach, apple and lemon citrus with lively acidity and blossom notes. Medium+ finish ending with citrus and creamy mineral character. Drink now while it’s fresh. — 5 months ago
Ray Vanderhoff
100% Cortese. Light golden color. Mineral driven aromas of wet gravel, white flowers and a bit of orchard fruit. Flavors of green apple, grapefruit, bitter raw nuts and those ever present minerals. A bit of saline on the medium finish. High acidity and very crisp. Quite the clean palate cleanser. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 6 days ago