Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Welcoming the Holiday Season ⛄️❄️🎅🎁 Cheers!🥂

I posted their 2014 a few weeks ago. As I mentioned then, I bought the 13 & 15 before completing my 14 notes. While this has a yr on the 14, this is not as big as 14. Even with another yr in bottle, I expected this to have bigger teeth and it doesn’t entirely. 3 hrs in the decanter before beginning my notes. The 13 & 14 to me were not completely different. The 13’s I’ve had generally have bigger-brawnier tannins, but not significantly and not the case here with this 2013 tonight. I bought the 13 & 15 to do this comparison. The fruits on the 14 were more lush & ruby. Mildly surprising. This has more spice/earthiness and doesn’t lack a mid palate like the 14 did early on and eventually filled in.

The advantage of writing realtime notes is you can understand the changes with food. In this case a Ribcap. This was a far more lush with steak.

Now with a nearly 5 hour decant, the wine has added more lush Fruits.

Ruby & somewhat lush & juicy; dark currants, dry blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, poached strawberries, notes of pomegranate, raspberries & hues of blueberries. Deep, dark, spice w/ palate heat, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick and vanilla, dark chocolate, caramel hues, cocoa powder, dry tobacco w/ ash, graphite, leather, cedar, steeped black tea, dark, rich, slightly, sweet forest floor w/ dry leaves, dry top soil, dry brush, limestone & volcanic minerals, pepper, dry river stone & crushed rocks, dark, red, blue flowers, red roses with nice acidity and a well knitted-balanced, nicely toned- structured, elegant finish that lands on moist volcanic clays.

Definitely put on some weight, complexity & elegance the longer it was in the decanter.

If I’d tasted 13 & 14 blind and was asked to pick, which vintage was which. I would have said the 14 was the 13.

Props to their terroirs-vineyards, vineyard manager-team, they farm exceptional fruit for all three of the Dana labels. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

We first tried a bottle of Celestins in a restaurant in Gigondas some years ago, and for me it was a WOW Wine. Had this latest bottle on Sunday with Roast Pork. Medicinal to begin with which blew off. Barnyard aromas - horse manure. In hindsight this could’ve been Brett but the overall impression and tasting was impressive and memorable. Glad I have 3 left. Showing a medium to full bodied palate. This is textbook CdP in the old school genre. The tannins are silky and sexy - a liquorice note together with saddle leather. Henri Bonneau passed away in 2016 and the wine making is now carried out by his son, Marcel. A visit to his archaic cellars was keenly sought after and rarely granted. Mould all over the walls, rickety stairs light bulbs dangling from the ceiling and a floor which stuck to the soles of your shoes was how one visitor described his experience in the cellar. Nevertheless this is a CdP up there with Rayas and the top Cuvée from Beaucastel. The blend is usually 90% Grenache with the balance made up of around 4 or 5 different varieties. — 3 years ago

Deborah M

9.4

We tasted a lot of wine at Merry Edwards. The new winemaker, Heidi von der Mehden, even popped in to say hello during the tasting. I will wait to review the rest of what I ordered as I open them, but this was my wine of the tasting for me. I have enjoyed every vintage of Olivet Lane that I have tried thus far, and this was no exception. This wine was full bodied, ripe fruit, and push mouthfeel. I tend to like Olivet Lane after its had a few years of age — really all of her wines are better with a little age IMO. — 4 years ago

Ming L

9.1

This 1986 Clos Vougeot still shows its noble structure and vibrant spine of acidity. On the nose, the fruit has mostly receded, leaving a haunting bouquet of dried leaves, tobacco, forest floor, worn leather, and port. Subtle traces of dried cherry and black tea linger in the background. The palate is lean yet remarkably fresh, lifted by bright, persistent acidity that gives the wine an almost ethereal energy.

Not a big fan of old wine, but a well preserved example like this makes me want to experience more. — a month ago

Nathan Renfro

9.7

First bottle of the 2010. This is gonna be a really special wine but I think it need another 5-7 years. Tannins and softened, fruit is there, acidity is still strong, and don’t get me wrong it’s great now with a couple hour decant, but in a few years it’ll be really nice. Getting black, blue, and dark red fruit, ripe and juicy. Man so silky in the mouth. Graphite, stone, forest floor, cedar, hints of camphor, black licorice. Wonderful. Nice medium + finish. Really nice, only going to get better! — 4 months ago

S.S. Mandani

9.7

Whew came swimmin’ out this bouquet cause it is rich and enriching, cedar, clove, baking spices, forest floor, the spice of fresh velvet.

Only 16 cases were made and the little wine shop on Jones Street, Jones Street Wine, was nice enough to let me get my hands on one of their last bottles (1 of 5).

Crunchy — ✔️
Brambly — ✔️
Luscious — ✔️

Mouthwateringly good. Nice balance of spice and acid to wake up the buds. Little to no bitterness. Punchy fruit punches through. And that wonderful clove essence throughout.

Few wines make me write longer notes, but when I find one that does, I can’t seem to stop talking about them.

Aight time to drink it though… — 3 years ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Tassi Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG 2015: Medium-bodied. Elegant structure. Ample acidity & well integrated tannins. Flavor focused on red fruits & dark fruits; tobacco, spice & forest floor. The finish was long & silky. For me, this was an unknown producer that left me very impressed. It’s a top class Brunello with little age yet full of Sangiovese character & goodness. Very approachable and drinking great right now however if you have the patience, it may be worth keeping in the cellar for more years. Great day to all! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Domaine Derey Frères – Marsannay “Les Vignes Marie” 2021 🇫🇷
Marsannay AOC, Côte de Nuits – Burgundy, France

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from Marsannay, the only Côte de Nuits village allowed to produce wines in all three colors (red, white, and rosé). “Les Vignes Marie” is a standout parcel that shows the classic finesse of Burgundy Pinot while keeping Marsannay’s hallmark freshness and approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry lead the nose, with hints of rose petal, subtle spice, and earthy forest floor. A touch of mineral undertone brings lift and precision.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and medium-bodied with silky tannins, lively acidity, and a refined structure. Balanced and supple, finishing with freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Winemaking Notes
The Derey family has been established in Marsannay since the mid-17th century, and their work focuses on organic farming and gentle cellar practices. The 2021 vintage, cooler and classic in style, emphasizes delicacy over power.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board. Its finesse makes it versatile across light meats and earthy vegetarian dishes.

Verdict
A graceful Burgundy Pinot that captures Marsannay’s balance between Côte de Nuits structure and charming approachability. For me, this sits as one of my most favorite wines in the Côte de Nuits — at a very affordable price point, it punches well above its weight and shows how Burgundy can still deliver tremendous value.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why Marsannay Matters
Marsannay, at the northern gateway of the Côte de Nuits, is often overshadowed by its neighbors like Gevrey-Chambertin. But its wines deliver exceptional value, showing Pinot Noir with purity, finesse, and terroir character — a smart entry point into Burgundy without the Grand Cru price tag. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

The very definition of velvet wrapped in an iron fist. It is singing on my palate.

This Dry Creek is better than the Select Terraces I’ve opened lately. Deep, black, ripe, ruby, currants, blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, boysenberries, blue hues, dark cherries, crazy, deep, Indian spices, dark berry cola, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, vanilla, caramel, malt balls, fresh tobacco, used leather, tree bark w/ sap, steeped fruit tea, limestone, crushed risks, river stone, forest floor with dry leaves, dry herbaceous notes, endless rainbow of florals, beautiful acidity and well balanced, structure and tension that is tightly knit with finish for days.

Crazy, stupid, producer that continues to fly well below the radar. I am thankful it does.

This 2010 has 10 years plus of life left ahead. The best Ca Cabernet I’ve had in many years. Wine affects me differently than most but this wine is like a full body massage. Maybe, that is why I discovered my palate. — 2 years ago

Elizabeth Harris

9.1

A full body wine that delcious and savory with delicious fruity forest floor aromas. It has a lovely blended flavor.

Color: dark red liek black Berry juice or jam. As arthur said liek blood.

Aroma: dark like a forest floor! Smells like currants ans black berries and cherries. There's a slight plum smell, like my plum syrups.

Taste: its mouth filling. Its a savory flavor. It reminds me of Eberle Barbera wine slightly. There's a grassy, earthy flavor. There's a deep plum fermented flavor. My mouth  after water and locking my teeth taste apple like. Chewing the wine releases apple flavors. The deep fruit flavor is so deep to me that idk its savory. There's a metallic feel in my mouth. — 4 years ago