4/21/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Dark garnet, brightly toned, mostly opaque. Aromas of plum & black cherry, with leather, violet, dried herbs and allspice. Fresh and succulent cherry on the palate, with a hint of maceration along with new leather, clove oil, red florals and crushed stone. Medium-bodied, fleshy and plush, with juicy acidity and ripe medium tannins, finishing moderate in length with notes of zesty plum & cherry along with hints of anise. Solid, good QPR.

4/19/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Some soaking up the cork while cellared. Clear, bright-ruby color with hints of amber. Alluring aromatics of fig, both braised and fresh, with hints of red apple skin, along with sandalwood, nutmeg, black tea, brown mushroom and fresh hibiscus. Integrated and resolved on the palate, with refined notes of fig and savory cherry, with a melange of secondary notes - rocky soil, fall foliage, five spice, clove, tea, red florals. Elegant and persistent on the palate, finely rounded, with seamlessly integrated acid and very smooth and resolved tannins, finishing with subtle, dusty red fruit and spice depth, lively and long. In a prime spot, late secondary/early maturity.

4/14/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Bright, pale-lemon color. Aromas of lemon peel & frosted tangerine, with hints of fresh quince, ginger powder, oyster shell, honeysuckle and jasmine. Fresh lime zest, lemon and quince flavors, layered with crushed stone salinity, fresh white florals and flecks of fresh ginger, thyme and white pepper. Medium-bodied with firm fleshy density, taut acidity and lingering dry citrus and mineral depth on the finish.

4/13/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Dark garnet color, brightly toned with clarity. The Mourvèdre fruit pops on the nose, showing macerated but fresh black cherry & plum aromas with secondary aromas of anise, black tea, cracked pepper and lavender. Fresh and succulent black and red fruit on the palate, think plum and raspberry, with well-integrated white pepper, floral, savory herb and tea secondary notes. Medium-to-full in body, refined, with firm fleshy density underpinned with moderate acid and closing with a peppery mineral inflection on moderate grippy tannins, and moderate length. Excellent vintage of Z Cuvee.

4/12/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Pale lemon color, clear and bright. Aromas of lemon & orange peel, hints of quince, crushed rock, sea shell, petrol, white florals. Crisp and succulent on the palate, showing edgy lemon cream fruit along with hints of unripe pear, rose hip, anise and sandstone. Lean but giving in structure, underpinned with vibrant integrated acid and dry zesty salinity on the finish.

4/7/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Pale salmon, bright and clear. Aromas of quince and a hint of cherry & lime, with a hint of oyster shell, jasmine and ginger. Cherry & white peach fruit on the palate, with notes of clove, cotton candy and ginger powder. Nicely textured, lean with plush edges, taut acidity, finishing zesty.

4/6/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Bright, medium purple-garnet color. Expressive Syrah nose of fresh red raspberry and red plum, cracked pink peppercorn, fresh lavender & rosemary, smoked mesquite. Crunchy red berry fruit on the palate with highlights of bright blood orange, underpinned with lively depth of peppercorn, floral herbs, eastern spices and tea. Light to medium on the palate, round and billowy, with taut acidity and light, lush tannins, finishing dry and zesty. Classic cool climate Syrah expression in a light Gamay-like structure.

4/5/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Full, clear, amber color. Aromas of frosted orange, nectarine, honeysuckle, tea leaves, butterscotch and white licorice. Rich fruit of candied red apple and peach, brightened on the corners, with a depth of baking spices, honeysuckle flower, and damp earth. Full-bodied, succulent brightness, lushly structured and moderately long on the finish.

3/31/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Deep, full black-garnet color, brightly toned with a thin, clear-garnet edge. Aromas of black currant & black cherry fruit, with leather, pipe tobacco, clove, black tea and star anise. Blackberry and currant on the palate, cool-toned, open & ripe, with secondary notes of baking spice, cedar and paprika. Medium-to-full in body, refined density, moderately long, with medium acidity and thick, plush tannins, moving toward a medium finish of black fruit and anise. Still very youthful, nice expression of fruit with perhaps a bit more tightness to the structure than I recall from past bottles. Nicely balanced. Drink/hold.

3/30/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Full, dark, garnet color with bright tones. Aromas of black plum & cherry with flecks of blood orange, with lavender, paprika, tea and allspice. Rich, cool-toned black and red fruit on the palate, showing fresh plum & blackberry, with hints of red apple skin, along with densely layered secondary notes of white pepper, five spice, nutmeg and damp soil. Full and plush through the palate, fleshy, with round, succulent acidity and full smooth tannins. Medium-plus finish with zesty black fruit and star anise.

3/24/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Medium ruby color with clarity, brightly toned, clear edges. Aromas of fig paste, black cherry & ripe strawberry, with fresh hibiscus, clove, smoked cedar and black tea. Expressive and long red cherry, red plum and fig fruit on the palate, with integrated secondary nutmeg, tobacco, tea and lavender spices. Light-to-medium bodied, with fine elegant density and presence throughout, lifted with fresh, succulent acidity and closing with fine silky tannins, finishing with lengthy notes of zesty red fruit zest and oolong tea. Excellent. 93+ with further improvement over the next 5 to 10 years.

3/23/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Two-hour decant. Pitch black-ruby color, brightly toned with a thin garnet edge. Classic aromas of black raspberry & cherry, mesquite char, fresh rosemary & lavender, beef broth and cracked pepper. Cool-toned red fruit and succulent blackberry on the palate, with seamless secondary depth of bay leaf, black tea, smoked cedar, paprika and black pepper. Medium bodied with refined edges and fleshy plush density firmed up with taut integrated acid and broad smooth tannins, finishing with moderately long notes of black fruit zest and savory herbs and florals. Classy, showing great, decanting recommended. Graillot CH is always so good to open young, this is no exception and over-performed expectations.

3/22/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Light pink-salmon color, clear and bright. Lively aromas of cherry & lime, orange cream, fresh hibiscus, ginger and crushed stone. Snappy red peach and cherry zest on the palate, richly textured, with fresh floral, white pepper, and oyster shell accents. Medium bodied and round, with bright acidity and zesty salinity on the finish. Nicely done.

3/17/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Bright, amber-ruby color. Black cherry and blood orange on the nose, with notes of cola nut, sassafras, cracked pepper, sandalwood and clove. Rich red cherry and date fruit on the palate, with ample depth of root spices, brown mushroom, white pepper and oolong tea. Medium bodied, richly textured and round, with medium acid and fine fleshy tannins, finishing moderately long with lingering red fruit zest, hints of pine needle and white pepper. Phenolic and structured with rich but not overripe fruit, with good complexity and early integration. This is quintessential Melville Pinot from a warmer vintage.

3/16/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Double decanted, 3 hours. Very bright, full ruby color, mostly opaque. Black currant and blackberry aromas, with emerging iron, licorice, anise, leather, lavender and rosemary. More black fruit on the attack, elegant ripeness, with well-integrated notes of crushed stone, nutmeg, new leather, tobacco, tea and fennel. Medium to full on the palate, refined and stately, fleshy and expansive, with balanced medium acid and thick tannins, full and plush. Finishes long with black fruit zest and anise. Angular and tight at first, really blossoming with air, no shame in this early opening. Excellent.

3/15/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Bright, light honey-gold color. Lively aromatics of lime, ginger, white pepper, autumn foliage, fresh herbs and orange blossom. Fresh, crunchy citrus on the palate with mineral density, cracked pepper, fresh floral and herbal accents. Medium bodied, firm without being angular, showing bright vivid acid woven well into its frame, finishing with succulent and rich notes of orange cream and crushed stone. Soulful.

3/10/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Deep, ruby-garnet color, clearing at the edges. Aromas of braised fig, red cherry, rose hips, red licorice, mushroom and turned soil. Nicely fresh on the palate, showing red cherry and blood orange fruit with dense secondary mineral, five spice and dried red florals. Richly textured and plush, with lifting acidity and full ripe tannins, finishing with good depth of tangy dried red fruit. Very solid.

3/9/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Pale gold, brightly-toned. Sharp aromas of lime zest, orange blossom, verbena, gingerbread, rose hip and saltwater taffy. Fresh flavors and lime and quince, with jasmine, crushed rock, allspice berry and hints of coriander. Medium-bodied with succulent acidity and elegant density, finishing with rounded edges and full zesty length. Excellent.

3/3/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Bright, pale-salmon color. Aromas of quince, lime, slate, rose hip, ginger and straw. Racy white pear and cherry zest fruit on the palate, with depth of crushed rock, fresh herb and florals. Light-bodied with nice presence, zippy acid and round texture through the finish. Excellent value - as good as it gets for $6.99 at TJ’s!

3/2/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Deep, dark-ruby color. Aromas of black cherry & plum fruit, with leather, allspice, vanilla bean and fresh hibiscus. Fresh, succulent and cool-toned on the palate, showing notes of raspberry and cherry with depth of mint, thyme, clove and tea. Medium-bodied, round and fleshy, with balanced acid and medium ripe tannins, finishing with hints of white pepper and black fruit zest. Very nice.

3/2/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Corked

2/25/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Bright, lemon-gold color. Aromas of fresh quince & key lime, with slate, salted caramel, honeysuckle bloom, orange blossom and gingerbread. Racy and succulent citrus flavors, with secondary candied ginger, meringue, clove, fresh white florals and wet stone. Rich and round on the palate, offset with tangy acid, finishing full with lingering fruit and clove spices. This doesn’t have the expansive mineral density and complexity of the 2019, a little more immediate, but a fine rendition nonetheless.

2/24/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Medium ruby color, brightly toned. Very pretty aromatics - lifted black plum, red apple & cherry zest, with fresh violets, wet stone, nutmeg, bay leaf and tarragon. Sumptuous and fresh on the palate, with vivid red plum and black raspberry fruit along with secondary layers of red licorice, black tea, peppery spice rub and fresh purple flowers. Medium-bodied, with a lasting refined density, cool-toned acidity, and fine-grained tannins, finishing with lengthy cool succulence. Excellent.

2/23/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Deep ruby in the glass, clear and bright. Aromas of plum & blackberry, with notes of leather, paprika, allspice, clove and mushroom, somewhat subdued. Fresh, ripe, plum and black cherry fruit on the attack, with secondary depth of five spice, eucalyptus, tea and leather. Medium-bodied, lithe and easy on the front palate, rounding out toward the middle and finish. Fresh and cool-toned, with round fleshy tannins and moderate length. Well-balanced flavors and approachable.

2/18/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Clear, medium-ruby color. Lively aromatics of fresh pomegranate and raspberry, with fresh hibiscus, clove, cinnamon, oolong tea, brown mushroom and damp earth. Shows rich, succulent fig fruit on the palate, with secondary notes of sandalwood, five spice, nutmeg, and dried red florals. Refined and elegant across the palate, with broad and expansive density, integrated moderate acid and fine-grained tannins, finishing with moderate length of rich red fruit and spices. Drinking well.

2/17/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Clear, light amber-ruby color. Red fruit-driven aromas of plum, raspberry and blood orange, with additional anise, nutmeg, rose hips and turned soil. High-toned red cherry, plum, and balsamic fruit on the palate, richly textured with secondary tar & crushed stone, Mediterranean herb, red florals, and allspice. Broadly framed and rich throughout, with sharp acid and full round tannin, closing with solid high-pitched length.

2/12/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Very pale, clear and bright. Aromas of lemon zest and green banana, hints of ginger, wet rock and white flowers. Fresh quince and white peach fruit and crushed stone, ginger powder and dried floral secondary notes. Bright and crisp, hits the palate with nice roundness before a bit of a fade as it finishes. Dry and zesty on the finish. Food-friendly, and good at its sub-$10 price point at TJ’s. Would buy again.

2/11/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Restaurant service, not decanted. Full ruby color with a hint of its age. Fragrant plum, damp earth, leather, paprika, hibiscus, allspice and vanilla. Fresh, expressive, singing dark fruit with well-woven secondary notes from the bouquet. Medium-bodied and elegant with integrated structure melding lifting acidity and round fleshy tannins, finishing with nice overall depth and length. In a great place.

2/9/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Deep, opaque, glass-staining black-garnet color, brightly toned. Stately aromas of blackcurrant & cassis, tobacco, saddle leather, fresh violets, sagebrush and allspice berry. Rich, concentrated black plum and blackberry compote fruit on the palate, with ample ripeness that refines with air. Layered secondary iron, graphite, leather, cedar and tobacco spices with purple floral highlights. Full-bodied, with dense fleshy structure and round texture, offset with balanced acidity, low to medium, with fine, firm tannins and a deep concentrated finish. Huge and hedonistic, yet harmonious with finesse. Drinking very well.

2/2/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Restaurant service. Cherry, plum, camphor, sage, allspice and lavender aromas and flavors. Richly layered with succulent fruit and plenty of savory depth, pleasantly nervy, closing with ripe round tannins.

1/27/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Dark ruby color, full and deep with bright edges. Aromas of smoked plum & ripe strawberry with pressed lavender, pencil lead, new leather, fresh thyme and oolong tea. Adds fresh blueberry and cherry on the palate, with additional depth of bay leaf and black pepper, with ample purple florals and savory spices. Richly layered, with deft elegance, lifting acidity and round ripe tannins, finishing with succulent fresh length. Excellent.

1/26/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Dark ruby color, bright with medium depth and some clarity. Aromas of blackberry & plum, both ripe and fresh, with vanilla bean, allspice, fresh violets, and black tea. Fresh black fruit on the palate, open and expressive, with integrated floral and spice notes consistent from the nose. Refined and elegant on the palate, medium-plus weight, with juicy acidity and finely smooth medium tannins, finishing with succulent fruit, florals and acidity. Drinking well.

1/21/2024 - MattMauldin wrote:

Clear, bright, light-salmon color. Aromas of white peach, cherry and lime, honeysuckle bloom, allspice and slate. Stone fruits on the palate, both fresh and ripe, with jasmine and spice depth and a touch of crushed stone minerality. Medium-bodied, bright, rounded edges, ripe length on the finish. Solid overall.

1/20/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Full, dark ruby color, with bright tones and lighter ruby edges. Aromas of black plum and cherry fruit, with secondary fresh violets & rosemary, iron, leather, smoked paprika and allspice. Ripe black and boysenberry fruit on the palate, offset with high toned black floral and melted stone mineral depth, along with five spice, black tea, graphite and pipe tobacco. Full-bodied, with enveloping richness and supple round edges, balanced acidity, and ripe fine tannin, finishing with full spice-driven depth. Very nice, perhaps a little more heft than the previous showing.

1/19/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Disgorgement L2314301. Burgundy stems. Pure, clear gold in the glass with a fine steady bead. Aromas of fresh red pear & quince, with honeysuckle bloom, jasmine, crushed stone, toasted wheat and hints of ginger. Succulent & racy on the palate with vivid fresh orchard & stone fruit along rich secondary depth of brioche, ginger powder spices, beeswax and florals. Medium to full in body, with billowy texture sharpened with taut acid, finishing with moderately long notes of cherry/lime fruit zest and mineral.

1/12/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Medium, bright, garnet color. Aromas of black raspberry & fig fruit and violets, with savory brown mushroom, saddle leather and five spice with hints of stems. Taut & succulent purple fruit and floral flavors on the palate, generous and fresh, with depth of damp forest, crushed rock, vanilla bean and allspice. Medium bodied with fleshy density, giving the sense of being angular but rounding out. Well proportioned, showing deftly balanced acid and medium firm tannins, finishing with ample length of fresh black fruit, fresh herbs and savory spice. Showing very nice purity, expectedly needs time to further integrate. Hold.

1/7/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Light salmon color, clear and bright. Aromas of fresh strawberry & quince, with fresh orange blossom, saltwater taffy, wet stone and ginger powder. Crisp and fresh white cherry and white peach fruit flavors, with secondary crushed stone, white florals and fresh herb. Medium-bodied, edgy acidity and nice roundness as it finishes. Solid for around $10 at Trader Joe’s.

1/6/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Deep, opaque, black-garnet color with purple-ruby edges, brightly toned. Showing classic Cabernet aromatics - Black cassis & red currant, pink peppercorn, hints of green pepper, pipe tobacco, cedar, clove, paprika, rosemary. Juicy, ripe and concentrated on the palate, with generous plum and blackcurrant flavors highlighting secondary depth of roasted coffee, iron & graphite, baking spices, black tea and fresh herbs. Broadly-framed & full-bodied, deftly balanced with medium-acidity with full tannins, ripe and smooth, finishing full concentrated length. Excellent. Drink/hold.

1/5/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Rust-ruby in color, with clarity and brightness. Aromas of pressed roses, sandalwood, brown mushroom, worn leather and black tea, with emerging dark fig and blood orange fruit. Lively and succulent fruit expression on the palate, with further fig notes and red apple skin, along with seamless secondary layers of star anise, tar, fresh hibiscus, crushed stone, rosemary and damp forest. Medium-to-full in body, fleshy and expansive, Fine around the edges but with plenty of teeth and grip, not totally integrated structurally but that’s okay. Taut with its acidity and fine gripping tannins, finishing with long succulent length. Excellent, very early drinking in its window. Drink/hold.

1/1/2024 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Light, clear-ruby, brightly toned. Aromas of fresh fig, blood orange, fresh hibiscus, sandalwood, hints of sage, rosemary, nutmeg and moss. Vivacious, precise and transparent on the palate, showing vivid and cool-toned white cherry and red fig fruit along with seamless secondary depth of snappy herbs & earth along with richer spices. Light-to-medium on the palate, with excellent presence, elegance, and tension, framed with taut integrated acidity and fine-grained tannins, finishing with a lengthy dry and succulent finish. Excellent.

12/17/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Bright, clear, light-gold color. Bright & lively aromatics, showing lemon cream and key lime, with secondary celery salt, crushed stone, orange blossom, hint of nutmeg and green tea. Richly layered on the palate, highlighting lemon and white nectarine fruit with integrated secondary notes of sandstone, ginger powder, clove and jasmine. Refined and deep, with long, rich texture, well-integrated with lifting acidity and expansive finishing length of orange zest and nutmeg. Outstanding.

12/16/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Aged in stainless steel. Deep black-garnet color, brightly toned. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit - fresh/ripe, with pressed violet, tea, melted stone and allspice berry. Sumptuous blue and black fruit on the palate, ripe with nice lift, along with savory sage, smoked paprika, tea and hints of backing spice. Full-bodied and round, tempered well with medium acidity before finishing with round ripe tannins and nice overall length. Very nice.

12/15/2023 - MattMauldin wrote:

Medium-ruby color, hints of amber, mostly clear, bright tones. Aromas of black cherry, blood orange, cocoa dust, rose hip, nutmeg, along with hints of mushroom and oolong tea. Shows ample ripe cherry, red plum and raspberry fruit, hinting at dried. Richly layered with secondary sandalwood, clove, allspice, smoked cedar, and hints of salted almond. Full and round through the palate, adding some lift as it sees air, with medium overall acidity. Expansive and textured, finishing with full plush tannins and lengthy warm spices and hints of salty bitterness on the finish. Decadent overall, it’s drinking well in moments, but hints at the fruit drying out and being overpowered by structure and alcohol in other moments. Drink now.

12/10/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Pale salmon, clear and bright. Aromas of orange blossom, white cherry, lime, ginger powder, slate and fresh lavender. Fresh, succulent cherry and peach stone fruit, with refined depth of mineral salinity and gingerbread spice. Medium-bodied, piquant acidity, round and silky structure with good depth and length. Exceptional value at TJ’s and super solid overall.

12/9/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Medium ruby color, bright and clear. Highly aromatic, with aromas of fig & persimmon, along with secondary sandalwood, star anise, white mushrooms, hibiscus and sage. Ripe, sumptuous red fruit on the palate, showing braised fig and date notes over a dense core of rich clove, sandalwood, damp earth and oolong tea. Medium bodied with smooth, rounded edges, well-integrated acidity, and medium fine-grained tannins, finishing medium-long with rich red fruit and oak spices.

12/8/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Bright, full, dark-garnet color. Aromas of red currant and fresh blackberry, licorice, tobacco, clove, violet and leather. Fresh, taut black fruit on the palate that opens up and smooths out nicely with air. Integrated secondary notes of melted stone, black olive, tea, cedar and allspice. Medium-to-full-bodied, refined texture, with nicely lifted acidity and firm fine tannin, finishing with moderate length of zesty red and black fruit. Showing well.

12/2/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Decanted. Deep, dark-garnet color, brightly toned. Expressive aromatics showing red plum & cherry, with paprika and curry spices, black pepper, mesquite char, fresh lavender and iron. Dense and muscular as it opens on the palate, with cool-toned and intense raspberry and plum fruit accented with bay leaf, pressed florals and spices. Medium to full through the middle, refined in structure, with well-integrated acidity and round, firm tannins, finishing long with zesty red & black fruit and stone mineral notes. Very nice.

12/1/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Rioja - Winery Visits - November 2023: Aromas of black cherry, plum, leather, loamy earth and savory spices. Rich and long on the palate, with fresh/ripe black fruit, five spice, leather and mushroom depth. Refined middle palate, expansive, with round full tannins and great depth.

12/1/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Rioja - Winery Visits - November 2023: Complex aromas of fresh black raspberry and cherry, violets, and savory spices. Fresh and seamless red fruit on the palate, with secondary notes of tea, exotic spices and crushed stone. Medium-body, dense, taut acidity, fine tannins and very length.

12/1/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:

Rioja - Winery Visits - November 2023: Aromas of lime, white peach, chalk, white florals. Bright, pixelated citrusy fruit flavors, with jasmine, spices and minerally depth. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated acid and great presence throughout.