4/25/2024 - Ben Christiansen wrote:

Has a little bit of a touch of the green bean funky thing to it. But just opened so needs to freshen up a bit and get some oxygen. And a bit of a wooly oak character on the palate as well. But I assume that oxygen will smooth and broaden that out.

4/24/2024 - thelostverse wrote:

Last of the library purchased bottles. Similar notes as prior bottles and still drinking well.

4/24/2024 - ankitmehra Likes this wine:

This was a wine I thoroughly enjoyed tracking over the course of the night. My first experience with Gérard Raphet as a producer, I was eager to try this the day I got it, but waited a month until I opened this bottle up. The wine immediately came off a little thin, but I persevered and allowed it to slow oxidise for about two hours before dinner.

What a difference two hours makes.

The power of the wine began to emerge the moment we poured it into our glasses, boasting a nose consisting of blackberries, leather and tobacco. The palate opened up with an upfront that pushed a balance of raspberries and a funky sous bois note. The mid-palate continued on with that funk as a hint of blackcurrant medlied with a mossy / vegetal note that eventually became subdued. The finish was really powerful as notes of iron, leather and spices all medlied together across some well integrated acidity. This was a wine worth letting open up.

4/19/2024 - lung2297 Likes this wine:

Complex nose, toasty, apple. A good sparkling that on par to a champagne

4/25/2024 - EXPLORER 825 Likes this wine:

Light pale yellow color in the glass.
Aromas of nectarines, ripe pears, lemons and hint of honey.
On the palate, tart, light bodied mouthfeel with quite mild flavor notes.
Pleasant wine, but light on fruit flavors. Finish as expected.
Maybe better served nearer room temperature.

4/25/2024 - Ben Christiansen wrote:

Bold lemon curd character to the nose. Bold on the palate as well with fruit character and also with vibrancy. A little bit of a style change in 2020 with this wine - 7 months of barrel aged SB going into this because of folding in Georgia in that vintage.

4/25/2024 - huse Likes this wine:

Wonderful Kremstal Riesling grown on the loess-limestone soils of the small terraced ‘Moosburgerin’ vineyard (located in the village of Gedersdorf, about eight kilometers north-east of the city of Krems an der Donau). Maturation: the wine was aged on its fine lees for eight months. Color: beautiful pale green-yellow with silver reflections. Bouquet: truly inviting nose with notes of peach, apricot, meadow flowers and a hint of orange zest and flint. On the palate: a complex but extremely refined and well-balanced wine dominated by succulent citrus- and yellow stone fruit, with an impressive depth and a brilliant structure that is supported by a ripe but racy acidity. Finish: magnificent mineral aftertaste. An outstanding Riesling wine, already highly enjoyable now but also with an excellent aging potential.

Prachtige Riesling uit het Kremstal, geteeld op de löss-kalksteen bodems van de kleine geterrasseerde 'Moosburgerin' wijngaard (gelegen in het dorp Gedersdorf, ongeveer acht kilometer ten noordoosten van de stad Krems an der Donau). Rijping: acht maanden ‘sur lie’. Kleur: mooi bleek groengeel met zilveren schakeringen. Bouquet: verleidelijke neus met aroma’s van perzik, abrikoos, weidebloemen en ook een vleugje sinaasappelzeste en vuursteen. In de mond: een complexe maar uiterst verfijnde en evenwichtige wijn, gedomineerd door succulent citrus- en geel steenfruit, met een geweldige diepgang en een briljante structuur die wordt geschraagd door een rijpe maar pittige aciditeit. Finale: schitterende minerale afdronk. Een excellente Rieslingwijn, nu al heerlijk op dronk en met een uitstekend bewaarpotentieel.

4/24/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: By the glass at Montee. New-school style with explosive floral aromatics and juicy red fruit, but still had good structure. Good restraint from the cooler vintage. Big fan of what this producer is doing and think this is a step up from his 2017s, as he has evolved to a more red-fruited, less rustic style.

4/25/2024 - KayB Likes this wine:

Very good. Not a ton of MLF or oak taste which I prefer. Tropical fruits (guava?), peach, toast, citrus, minerals, and oak. Great balance among all this. Went really nicely with a rich fish dish. Had a pleasant med+ finish. Everyone enjoyed.

4/23/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Off the list at Le Baratin for 51€. Similar to my previous bottle in Singapore but felt fresher - think that natural wines drunk in France have more energy, which made this fun and serious at the same time.

4/24/2024 - djpo wrote:

Salinity and acidity rounded out with just the right amount of sweetness.

4/23/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Off the list at Caves Legrand for 217€, a little on the high side compared to some bargains on the list but I've been searching for this for some time. A filigreed, balanced champagne with precise red fruit. Started off round and rich with slightly oxidative and yeasty notes, but with time it gained elegance and became more vinous. A very contemplative champagne which I liked a lot.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Off the list at Tan Dinh. Fantastic selection but prices here were mostly marked to market, glad to have found this for 185€. Sweet, autumnal dark red fruit on both the nose and the palate; agree with a previous note that mentioned surmaturité. Oak and tannins quite resolved with delicate (but not tertiary) floral notes. Always a great feeling to drink a good Burgundy at its peak. On a side note, the owner was really friendly and said he has been collecting wine since 1968!

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Lucky to take the last bottle of this at Bistro Volnay for 175€. Similar to the ‘17 Chaignots last week - started off dense and a little rustic, but with time the silky structure emerged. More refined than NSG but would benefit from more time.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Alas we were not done, I asked for the wine list and saw this and immediately asked for it - thankfully Hide was willing to let go of his last bottle. Barely any bubbles and didn’t feel like a saignée, in fact the fruit was so pure, fresh and weightless it reminded me the texture of the best Burgundies. Chiselled, precise and elegant, absolutely outstanding and the best champagne that I have drunk on this trip.

4/25/2024 - PowerPete wrote:

After a few hours of decanting. Smooth and lovely

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: This was shared alongside a 1930s Muscat (which was a generic negoce wine) to end off the dinner. I thought this was a Sauternes from the colour until the rest said that there wasn’t any Sauternes marker. Eventually, someone managed to impressively nail this as a sweet Mâcon white because of the white truffle note. Honey and apricot notes but with higher acidity than a Sauternes, this was very enjoyable. Not produced anymore, leaving Bongran as the other famous producer that still makes a sweet from this region. As for the older Muscat, it was completely brown but with still surprisingly vibrant fruit.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Bought a couple of cuvees from Vin d’Anges in Lyon for 30€ and wanted to share a bottle with Laurent who tipped me off about this producer. Cloudy in colour, lots of VA and acidity but not offensively so - think I could drink this as a casual, fun wine. Reminded me of the Overnoy that I’ve tried so I said we could just buy this, but was shocked at the current WS prices for the few bottles that are being sold.

4/25/2024 - mks83 Likes this wine:

Nothing much to add to the following tasting note by Mr. Satofumi Nakamoto (Sommelier). The only thing I would add is the massive primary layer of cantaloupe / melon. Went sublime with creamy seafood gratin.

—(Mr.Nakamoto’s note, from the brewery’s website)—-
The juicy fruit flavors in Japanese pears, lychee and white peaches and the ripe fruit flavors similar to coconut milk harmonize and give a gentle impression. The sweet scent of Wasanbon (powdered sugar candy), the white flowers such as honeysuckle, and the faint scent of Champinion are also strongly felt in the second half. Soft and delicate fresh taste. The smooth and elegant sweetness is also well balanced and adds a refreshing impression. There is a harmony with an extremely comfortable sweetness. It's a sweet impression like when you drink white peach soup.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: The higher alcohol on this made it an easy tell that this was a CDP instead of Burgundy, but had fresher red fruit compared to the Lafon. Still very much alive and kicking, and unrecognisable from the CDP of today. Think all of us preferred this to the Burgundy.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: The collectors in France kindly wanted to do a side-by-side comparison of old Burgundy and Rhone since I mentioned they converged with age, but this pair was easy to tell apart since the Burgundy had higher acidity and cooler red fruit. Guessed both to be from the 1970s and was shocked that they were two decades older, I felt this was autumnal rather than tertiary. Apparently this Lafon should have showed even more youthfully!

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: From a bottle that has been cellared by a collector in France. Unfortunately completely shot, tasted like sherry.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Was lucky to buy this in Lyon for a great price. Unlike Les Meix Chavaux from the same vintage tasted a few days ago, this was good to go with all the signature Roulot markers of stony, mineral notes with a hint green apple.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Bought at Caves du Forum in Reims. So much foam on the mousse that we wondered if the restaurant didn’t wash off the soap from the glass properly! A powerful, vibrant, but structured champagne that needs food. Tannins were more obvious on this one. Even split on the table between the Lancelot and Brochet.

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: 100% Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, disgorged May 2023, 4.4g/l. Only 1102 bottles made so was lucky that Phil let me take two! Brought to compare with the Brochet, this had more delicate raspberry fruit and elegance (which was surprising as Phil said this was structured when he tasted it). Tannins were managed very well to have a saline drive as the focus of the wine.

4/24/2024 - jusuf Likes this wine:

Much better than the bottle I drank from my own cellar, despite using same source as the restaurant. Much wider open nose. Impressive cassis. Perfume. Palate falls short behind the nose.- However, very good Bordeaux.

4/25/2024 - Fat_wrasse wrote:

2nd time trying, 1st was at tasting in feb '23, and this time at home (same vintage), its developed nicely, less raw and with a little more poise.
A very gastronomic rose, a little wild around teh edges, but with a little time to breathe it really came alive. wild strawberry, pomegranite, orange zest...maybe a little garrigue. would love to see more of this style

4/22/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Bought at Caves du Forum in Reims. Serious, powerful champagne with red-fruited notes whilst remaining elegant at the same time. Some baking spice notes, texturally rich and pleasurable with a superb finish. Someone at the table impressively managed to nail everything except the vintage.

4/25/2024 - Winance Tom Likes this wine:

Tasty mature Bordeaux. Probably should have decanted longer, only had 30 minutes. Subdued tannins and acidity but still enough to show a good balanced structure. Mature fruit flavours, some dusty earthiness and some requisite Bell peppers.

4/25/2024 - Rbhan12 Likes this wine:

Flat out gorgeous. Honeyed apricot and a hint of ginger. Incredible mouthfeel without being heavy. Expands across the whole palate.

Almost 40 years old but can probably age another 40 years without a problem.

4/25/2024 - NavyVet6874 wrote:

Crisp refreshing and fruity.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Very Burgundian, Vosne-like with spicy dark fruit. Some new-school stem use and crunchy dark red fruit with a solid backbone.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Slightly cloudy, dark yellow in colour. Rich, honey notes with the typical Ganevat high-acid, high-octane citrus fruit. Ganevat in warm vintages is always a winner.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Off the list at Septime La Cave while waiting for Clamati. 100% Carignan, seems like they haven’t made this cuvee for some time. Serious and structured, grippy tannins. This producer makes some of the most serious natural wines

3/17/2024 - Wine Of The Moment Likes this wine:

Savor this wonderful estate Hill Country sourced fruit and relish the magical flavors that Mason County grapes can provide. Amber color, apple aromas, and tropical fruit notes...this all-round refreshing jewel is just filled with luscious mouthfeel to excite your senses. This white wine leans towards the bold side, so it is lovely on its own, but simply divine paired with your favorite fish, poultry, or vegetarian dish. The acids balance out quite nicely, as well. Enjoy!

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: One for the road before we left Champagne at L'Assiette. Very typical PYCM - ripe mix of tropical and citrus fruit but completely outclassed by the stunning Dureuil-Janthial.

4/24/2024 - Eric Wright Likes this wine:

From 750. Initially shut down, but with an hour of air it opened up well. Some fruit still coming through well. Good body and well balanced. Pleasant, but not compelling

4/25/2024 - Scottlmatthews Likes this wine:

Another 2 years in the cellar is the only set back from scoring a perfect 100.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Saw this on the wine list and there was no way I could pass this up, glad it was uniformly a hit with everyone. Again, generally agree with Benoit’s note below. Intense, expressive aromatics of white flowers and citrus fruit with very well-judged oak use. A very complete wine on the palate with all the individual components dialled up in terms of concentration and intensity, but so seamless at the same time. tylistically reminded me of a top Meursault. Another white with a lot of everything like the Ramonet and Ente earlier in the trip, and I think this was the best white that I’ve had on this trip among some tough competition.

4/25/2024 - Odedis.Wine.reviews wrote:

Pale lemon in color.

Nose of citrus, green apples, grapefruits, bitter herbs and minerals.

Light bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with citrus, green apples, spices, grapefruits, herbs, minerals and earth.

Short finish with bitter almonds.

Easy drinking and better with food.

A blend of 80% Caprettone and 20% Falanghina.

13% alcohol by volume.

87 Points.

$20.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Don’t have much experience with Selosse but discussed with Benoit who said Guillaume is making more precise wines which are less variable than his dad’s. Golden in colour, still quite oxidative with precise citrus fruit. Good, but overall less interesting than the two stunning Gaspard Brochets.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: 2020 base. 100% Meunier, no dosage, disgorged January 2023. Only 573 bottles made. Benoit kindly let us open this despite having already tried this the previous day, and it was a good contrast with the Pinot de Sacy - while the former was delicate and elegant, this was delicate and powerful. I’ve generally found rose de saignées difficult since they can be structured and tannic, but this managed to balance the power with crunchy blackcurrant fruit. More intellectual but less seductive than the Pinot de Sacy; both equally impressive.

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: 2020 base. 100% Pinot Noir, no dosage, disgorged January 2023. Only 551 bottles made. Pale salmon colour but not sure if this was meant to be a rose. Agree with Benoit’s note that this was so delicate and finessed that it was a wine that I fell in love with on the first sip, but the intensity grew as the wine finished in your mouth. What a wine.

4/25/2024 - ohne_musik wrote:

A short decant - needed more. Wonderful aromatics from the first pour - black fruits, bay leaf, meatiness and a hint of fresh pine. Tighter in the mouth, with black fruit (cherry, blackberry), black pepper, beef blood, but really tightly wound around a mineral core that takes a lot of coaxing to emerge. Ripe fruit, but framed by enough acid and minerals to keep everything in check. Medium bodied and holds the 14.5% alcohol well. Needs a few years sideways to show all of its cards. 91++

4/21/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Disgorged April 2022, no dosage. First time trying this producer and again very impressed by a 2012 grower. Warm, round red apple fruit that made me think it was Pinot-dominant but turned out it was 60-40 Chardonnay-Pinot. Nice intensity and length. Think 2012 in general is a good fit for zero dosage growers.

4/25/2024 - wineton.mee wrote:

One of the most viscous champagne I’ve had, looks like a thick white burg as you swirl it in the glass. The nose is full of honey, apricot, honeysuckle, lemon pie, and enormously vinous and muscular, propped up by a searing acidic spine. Such a powerful and tensile champagne that for sure, will be even better in time.

4/25/2024 - Vivian Chen Likes this wine:

Refreshing, light, strawberries, very enjoyable

4/20/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Bought from a quick visit to the winery. Made in a reductive BdB style with toasty and brioche notes, didn’t find this very compelling.

4/20/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: Gift from Phil. 100% Chardonnay. Base 2016, disgorged November 2022. 2g/l dosage, vinified in 350l barrels. More interesting than the Waris-Hubert alongside. Oxidative, slightly natty and wild but in a good way.

4/20/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote:

Two weeks in France; 4/12/2024-4/24/2024: I haven’t tasted new Arnoux-Lachaux but I can imagine this is what it would taste like. Crazy aromatics from stem use, light and airy palate with incredibly pretty fruit. Not much depth but so gulpable. Again, good for 80€ off the wine list but not worth the insane prices now.