Jay Kline

9.5

Perhaps not quite on the same level as “La Romanée” in terms of history, but certainly in terms of exclusivity and intrigue, “Lake” is another one of those vineyards you read about, you hear whispers about, but you rarely see and even more rarely, get to experience. In fact, “Lake” is even smaller than “La Romanée”, less than half its size. The unique characteristics of the site make full ripening a challenge; it’s the coolest site at Diamond Creek and partially shaded. In the last 50 years, “Lake” has been bottled on its own 23 times. When there isn’t sufficient harvest for its own bottling, it usually gets blended into “Gravelly Meadow”. This bottle was graciously and generously brought back from the estate.

Poured into a decanter an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1996 “Lake” pours a deep garnet/purple with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with beautiful notes of cassis, tobacco, Poblano pepper, horse blanket, gravelly earth and a balanced mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. What a special wine.

If you’ve followed my tasting notes over the years, you may have caught me using the word “soul” or “soulful” to describe certain wines. For me, this describes a wine that expresses its site with a high degree of transparency and fidelity. This does not describe technical genius. In fact, the wines can often have some foibles. However, coming from me, it is the ultimate term of endearment, for whatever that is worth. Anyway, this bottle of the 1996 “Lake” has it. Drink now with patience and through 2046. — 2 months ago

Casey @ Travelling Corkscrew

9.0

Have you grabbed your $60 wine subscription sampler from Wine Selectors yet?

This pack includes 12 mini bottles of Aussie wine. Head to the blog to read all about it: travellingcorkscrew.com.au/blog/wine-subscription-sampler/

This Leconfield 2020 Cab Sauv came in the sample pack I was sent and it went down a treat! Definitely a nice taster.

In the glass it’s a juicy plum red colour. On the nose it’s rather earthy/forest like alongside having notes of blackberries, and vanilla oak. On the palate it’s fruity and fresh with plentiful black cherries and berry flavours. Nice full flavour without being overpowering. Balanced and delish!

All opinions are my own. Drink what you enjoy! — 4 years ago

Beachin Wino

9.2

A Somm friend just raved about this one and based on her tasting notes I knew I was going to love it. I almost hate to share as it’s an absolute steal at it’s $9.99 price point. The value is one reason I can dig some wines from Spain.
This has it all. It’s a bit darker in color than your typical rose. Aromas of strawberry, cherry, and blood orange. Great mouth feel. The fruit makes you think sweet wine but it finishes dry and lingering with some pleasant minerality. Beautiful on its own but it’s perfect for a summer sangria. I bought the last bottle at my local Wegmans. Plan to stock up after their next wine delivery. YUM! 13.5% ABV — 6 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2018 vintage. Léoville-Poyferré-involved concern. 73% Malbec 18% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot 3% Syrah 1% Cab Franc. 100% delicious. Medium/medium-heavy body. Nice balance of grip/zip and sleeko suave. Can hold its own in a street fight now or be the scheduled, 12-round, main event in 2040-your choice. $28.85 resto cost on 3 cases. 14.5% ABV. Definite big red blend value contender. 04.13.25. — a year ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.6

Light color. Super delicate and delicious. Orange zest, dusty, more raspberry than cherry, white currant? / incredibly elegant. Within the Muschelkalk bracket in the top 25 percentile range. Totally drinkable on its own. Let’s just say this is f…ing magic. Pinot at the top of its game. Would argue drink now. This is at its peak. I would not recommend a decant. This is NOT a big in your face Pinot! — 4 years ago

Seth Masterson

9.4

I smell apricots, honeysuckle and a touch of a wood refinishing shop where an old man has been rubbing turpentine onto ancient woods. The smell of this Manzanilla makes my mouth water and I didn't want to take my nose out of the glass.
On first taste it has a bit of an 'Uh oh what have so gotten myself into' kick in the pants of your pallete. As the sherry warms in your mouth let it explore of the crevices and you will find flavors in corners of your mouth that I you have not encountered before in any bottle of non fortified white wine.
The freshness of this when served chilled and the amazingly long aftertaste make it one of the few wines that I prefer to drink on their own but it pairs great with simple salty food like premium organic fries tossed sea salt!
A steal at $16 for a half bottle at Little Death. (I've paid $13 for a three ounce pour of this at a tapas joint) — 4 years ago

Seth Masterson

9.0

Don't judge me for liking this. It's Delightful white blossoms and white nectarine nose. Superbly drinkable on its own, this is a great go-to for an outdoor patio spring summer social, it's a crowd pleaser that's several steps above and much more interesting than your Pinot Grigio's — 2 years ago

S.S. Mandani

9.0

My new love is Barbaresco. I’ve recently become friends with a few guys down the block who own and work at a wine shop in the West Village.

From time to time, they enjoy opening up a couple of bottles on slower days like Sunday eves. One night, we tasted an amazing Barbaresco. That’s the thing with wine, the longer you learn, the pricier your taste gets.

This isn’t quite the same level of bottle we had opened, but as an entry at about $40, it’s something I can open up on a casual Thursday night.

The crushed rose petals are there, but it’s muted by a bit more of a soil-forward bouquet.

I see the similarities, but it’s lacking in a bit of elegance that can come in a level or two higher.

A bit more tannins than acidity. It’s out of balance. I think I’ve been spoiled because I’ve had a great example. But this is still fine Italian wine, happy to be drinking it. — 4 years ago

Lizzy Toreev

9.4

The nose is so leathery and dark I thought it would be overwhelming, but the taste is beautifully dark and refreshing - lots of blackberry, black currant, and enough tannin for structure but not to leave you smacking your lips afterwards. Perfect on its own or with food - exactly what I want from a dark, rich red. — 4 years ago

with Greg

Andrew Lohse

9.1

the aubry brothers—identical twins—make champagnes of real character and intensity, putting to use of some of the region’s half-forgotten ancient varieties like arbanne, petit meslier, and fromenteau. their meunier-dominant non-vintage brut isn’t your usual entry-level bottle, either: aromatic, rich, and deeply mineral, it seems to feel both weightless and incredibly dense. this is champagne with a point of view, and, better, one you don’t need to own a hedge fund to enjoy—you’ve wasted $40 on something more frivolous than this. anyway... i remain convinced that most of the world’s misunderstandings could be solved in a single evening with the right champagne on the table. — 6 years ago