Tom Casagrande

9.3

Had this with a nice, rare, mesquite-charcoal grilled hangar steak and it was a perfect accompaniment. The nose is classic Walla Walla (but not funky enough for the Rocks, which this is not): smoky campfire embers, lots of dusty gravelly scents, a little hint of roasted, aged meat. So savory on the palate, coating the mouth with dusty flavors (some dark, oozy berries too). There’s plenty of soft tannin to ensure a few years aging. Lowish acids, typical for Walla Walla basaltic terroir. I have a soft spot for Walla Walla, admittedly. — a day ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Last had a bottle of the 2010 9 years ago and lost this one under a couple of other bottles. Popped and double decanted to remove sediment. Color showing considerable browning at the rim initially, it seems to be looking more youthful with air time. Nose is pretty intense, with the fruit showing a slightly pruney note, which I’m hoping dissipates as it gains air, and dark cherry lozenges. Beyond that, lots of leather, polished mahogany furniture, and sous-bois. The palate is still vigorous, with nice acids and intense but soft tannins framing deep, licoricey flavors. Quite full bodied. A little austere on the finish, it I’m hoping that pairs well with the braised beef short ribs that will be ready in 30 minutes. 9.2 for now; will update if that changes. — 7 days ago

Tom Casagrande

8.6

I’m not, as a general rule, a NZ SB guy. This isn’t causing me to re-assess. Nose has intense sharp green herbs, verging into cat pee. Some high-toned stony minerality and not-quite-ripe gooseberry fruit underneath. I don’t want to say grassy because grass actually has a little sweetness to the green aromas. On the palate, it’s bone dry, green-herby, and pretty light in intensity. Nice crisp acids. I’ll probably cook with the remainder of the bottle. — 10 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

This is the Morgon “Janin”. It’s really good. The nose has deep but pristinely pure ripe and crunchy berry fruit. It’s got vaguely smoky granitic minerality too. In the mouth, it’s approachable but has a nice tannic spine as well. Deeply fruity flavors and nice tanginess from the acidity. Drinking great now but this will improve for a few years for sure. — 2 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

After my cat pee NZ wine last week, I needed reassurance. This is reassuring. Gorgeous nose of gooseberry and crushed limestone. Only a faintly herbal whiff, at a level that adds complexity. Minerally and intense in the mouth. Soft-textured. Just enough acidity to keep it fresh. Bone dry, and the slightest bitterish note in the tail end. Love it. — 7 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

This is the Ode to Lulu Mourvèdre Rose (back label says that it’s “ancient vines” grown on sand, so maybe mostly CCC fruit?). The color so pale as to almost resemble a skin contact “orange” white wine. Nose is all fruit. Nectarine, strawberry, an orange-zest thing too. Dry and so gulpable. Dangerous on a warm and humid afternoon! — 8 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Another nice Garnacha from Gredos. This one fully mature and on the riper side for that region. Nose has kirsch and dried cherry, nice clean stony minerality, and a little souk spice note. Has that nice transparency and balance you get from here, but in a larger-bodied format. Minerally on the finish with a little chalky tannin still hanging around. — 12 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

A lighter styled Pouilly-Fuisse. Very pale color. I love the delicate nose: white peach, a squeeze of lemon juice, wet limestone minerality. Fairly chiseled in the mouth, favoring stony minerality over fat fruit. Pretty good acids. I’d prefer a bit more fruit and flesh, but this is nice at the price. — 3 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

@Dave ‘s recent experience with a cheap Saint-Emilion prompted me to pop one tonight. Had one of these about 9 months ago. I think this bottle’s a little better. Or maybe I’m not as critical tonight. Regardless, it’s damn nice. Loads of pure, bright, ripe berry fruit in the nose, with a little clay-like earthiness. So soft in the mouth. Just delicious. Loads of fruit up front and a nice cling of savory flavors in the fairly long finish. Great balance and texture, nicely concentrated. — 4 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

Night 2 notes. The oaky notes from being first opened on night one are gone. It’s a little softer, higher in acid, and less intense than other vintages I’ve had. Nose has bright, ripe red berries, some brambly notes, and irony earth. On the palate there’s nice intensity on entry, but it flattens out a bit in the finish. I’d say this is for earlier drinking than the typical Storybooks I’m used to. — 10 days ago