3/30/2024 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying ripe but cool blue and black fruit with a hint of red, blueberry, blackberry liqueur, a hint of strawberry, liquid smoke, beef blood, a hint of garrigue, leather, black pepper, tapenade, dark spices and crushed rocks. Very good concentration, finely layered generous blue and red fruit, silky and cool, bright acidity and strong mineral, a hint of sweet tannins and a medium to long cool blue and red fruit driven smoky finish. Just like the 19, the fruit is very ripe, “sur maturite”, yet also displays coolness. It reminds me the fruit expression of Tertre-Roteboeuf. This is not as concentrated as the 19 and also shows a bit more red fruit, It is also fascinating to compare to Chave Hermitage as the nose is really similar but the palate is not as refined.

11/4/2022 - dcwino wrote:

2022 Excellent Burgundy Adventure; 10/31/2022-11/6/2022 (Burgundy): Expressive nose displaying perfectly ripe sweet black fruit, blackberry, blackberry liqueur, black cherry, Vosne spice, light caramel, black truffle and dark spices. Excellent concentration, beautifully layered generous black fruit, silky and airy, exceptional finesse and balance, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long pure sweet black fruit driven finish. This is a classic Meo at its best.

1/25/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Mouton dinner (La Chaumiere in Georgetown): Expressive nose displaying concentrated youthful black fruit, blackberry concentrate, crème de cassis, crushed blueberry, ink, floral perfume, ash, lead pencil and crushed rocks. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of intense black and blue fruit, rich and intense but also showing exceptional balance, detail and silkiness, perfect amount of acidity, strong mineral, soft sweet tannins, and a seamless long rich youthful black and blue fruit driven finish with lead pencil and dark flowers at the end. This is developing beautifully showing better balance and harmony than six years ago. MY WOTN.

2/16/2024 - dcwino wrote:

Ski trip - Four wino familes; 2/16/2024-2/19/2024 (Wisp Resort): Expressive nose displaying ripe concentrated red and black fruit, blackberry liqueur, maraschino cherry, liquid smoke, caramel, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, and earth. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated red and black fruit, rich and sweet, bright acidity, earthy mineral, and a long concentrated red and black fruit driven finish. The acidity is super bright, perhaps acidifies? This is a textbook example of SQN syrah.

11/3/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Grand Jury du Vin - Republic of Georgia; 11/1/2023-11/9/2023 (Republic of Georgia then stopover in Paris and Dijon): Wine 19 – Lead pencil, cassis, a bit simple.

Afterthought – I smelled this twice. I found it not at the same level as the others, so I didn’t spend too much time revisiting.

8/11/2018 - dcwino wrote:

Ken served five wines blind and told us that they are from the same vintage and vineyard. Strong stem note and beautifully perfume makes me to guess as a DRC. Once Ken points out the vineyard, this and the last wine of the flight remind me Rousseau. Beautifully perfume nose displaying subtle red fruit, rose, strong stem, a hint of sous bois, Asian medicine, cinnamon, tree bark and earth. Very refined palate, medium concentration, silky and sensual, medium acidity and mineral, and a long subtle sweet red fruit driven finish with cinnamon and stem at the end. This or the last wine has to be the Rousseau CSJ. I really need to revisit soon.

11/3/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Grand Jury du Vin - Republic of Georgia; 11/1/2023-11/9/2023 (Republic of Georgia then stopover in Paris and Dijon): Wine 31 – Perfectly ripe black fruit, truffle, and espresso. Silky and cool. A bit straightforward.

Afterthought – The wine that I rated 100 points during the EP. Need to revisit soon.

11/8/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Grand Jury du Vin - Republic of Georgia; 11/1/2023-11/9/2023 (Republic of Georgia then stopover in Paris and Dijon): Decadent complex nose displaying succulent rich yellow fruit with a hint of red, lemon curd, baked apple, sour apple, a hint of red currant, brioche, cinnamon and other sweet spices, rain water and fine limestone dust. Beautifully integrated palate, nicely layered succulent yellow and red fruit, very find medium generous mousse, rich and sumptuous but also beautifully balanced and detailed, bright acidity, strong mineral, and a long succulent yellow and red fruit driven finish with cinnamon at the end. This is a very complete Champagne that is drinking incredibly well. There is no need to wait, however.

5/4/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Elegant yet energetic nose displaying succulent yellow fruit, lemon curd, cinnamon apple, brioche, coriander sees, light caramel, sweet spices and mineral. Very good concentration, nicely layered succulent yellow fruit, very fine generous mousse, elegant, pure and energetic, bright acidity, strong limestone mineral, and a seamless long pure yellow fruit driven finish with a hint of brioche and caramel at the end. This clearer expresses the 08 vintage, i.e. elegant, pure yet energetic, a pleasant surprise.

5/4/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying perfectly ripe intense black fruit, crème de cassis, blackberry, ink, rose, scorched earth, dark spices and crushed rocks. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of intense black fruit, rich and opulent but also silky and beautifully balance, bright acidity, strong mineral, very fine tannins and a long intense black fruit driven finish with rose and scorched earth at the end. I believe this will surpass the great 90 one day, i.e. more fruit and purity.

4/6/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Wine gathering at RJ's; 4/4/2023-4/7/2023 (South Carolina): Subdued fruit expression with a hint of heat, yellow fruit, light caramel, cream, sweet spices and mineral. Very good concentration, delicious yellow fruit with a hint of pink, round and fluid, medium acidity, good mineral expression, and a medium long sweet yellow fruit driven finish. Being in the outdoor seem to subdue the nose expression. I would prefer a bit more pink/red fruit expression.

4/7/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Wine gathering at RJ's; 4/4/2023-4/7/2023 (South Carolina): Surprisingly showing noticeable bricking. Beautifully mature nose displaying sweet red fruit, cherry, dry cherry, strawberry jam, strong sous bois, grilled cep, cedar, sweet spices and earth. Fully integrated palate, generous sweet and slightly dry red fruit, warm and round, medium acidity, strong earthy mineral, and a long sweet red fruit finish with strong sous bois at the end. The development reminds me of the 95 and 96 Dominique Laurent wines a decade ago, i.e. very ripe sweet and round red fruit with strong sous bois. Justin and I agree that if this will do well if served blind next to a Clos St. Denis from a sought after producer.

4/5/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Wine gathering at RJ's; 4/4/2023-4/7/2023 (South Carolina): Exotic expressive nose displaying delicious red and black fruit, cherry compote, blackberry liqueur, mocha, tar, cannabis, light caramel, black truffle and earth. Excellent concentration, generous sweet red and black fruit, very fluid and silky, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long delicious red and black fruit driven finish with caramel and cannabis at the end. The expression of Clos Rougeard is so unique. The 15 vintage really helped the generous fruit expression. This is so complex and kinky yet so easy to enjoy and appreciate.

4/4/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Wine gathering at RJ's; 4/4/2023-4/7/2023 (South Carolina): Expressive nose displaying concentrated rich white and yellow frit, lemon curd, apple, lemon oil, a hint of cream and crackerjack, sweet spices and strong limestone mineral. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated white and yellow fruit, rich and oily but also good purity and balance, bright acidity, strong mineral, and a long concentrated white and yellow fruit driven finish. I love the Bouchard wines especially the whites which often get panelized for being Bouchard.

11/4/2022 - dcwino wrote:

2022 Excellent Burgundy Adventure; 10/31/2022-11/6/2022 (Burgundy): The first of the two 2010 Rayas in this trip. Explosive nose displaying incredibly concentrated opulent black fruit, black cherry, blackberry pie, lavender, licorice, grilled NY strip, strong tobacco, garrigue, black olives, white pepper and earth. Unbelievable concentration, layers upon layers of explosive black fruit, rich and unctuous but also fluid, perfect balance, and the finish that never ends. Absolutely stunning wine.

2/19/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Ski trip - Four wino familes; 2/17/2023-2/20/2023 (WISP Resort): Youthful nose displaying concentrated black fruit, blackberry, plum, black cherry, licorice, ink, lavender, black pepper and earth. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of primary black fruit, deeply toned, bright acidity, strong earthy mineral, and a long ripe black fruit driven finish with licorice at the end. This still needs another decade.

2/19/2023 - dcwino wrote:

Ski trip - Four wino familes; 2/17/2023-2/20/2023 (WISP Resort): Decadent nose displaying ripe yellow fruit, caramel apple, clove, pepper, honey and limestone. Very good concentration, medium fine medium generous mousse, rich, sweet and deeply toned, bright acidity, strong limestone mineral, and a long caramel apple driven finish. This is a well made rich style of sparkling wine.

11/29/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Dinner with RJ (Palmetto Bluff): Expressive nose displaying luxurious dark red fruit, dark cherry, raspberry, sous bois, rose, sap, perfume, light caramel, sweet spices and limestone. Excellent concentration, beautifully layered dark red fruit, sweet and generous, exceptional balance and detail, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long sweet dark fruit driven finish with rose, caramel and sous bois at the end. This is a beautiful complex Chambertin with generous fruit. Since 2005 when Erwan took over the Domaine, Faiveley has been making excellent wines. My impression is that the Faiveley wines do not get the recognition they deserve. It would be fascinating to include this in a blind tasting with the 10 Rousseau and Mortet Chambertin.

11/3/2022 - dcwino wrote:

2022 Excellent Burgundy Adventure; 10/31/2022-11/6/2022 (Burgundy): Barrel Tasting - Incredible pure yet intense nose displaying perfectly ripe black fruit with a hint of red, blackberry, blackberry concentrated, a hint of licorice, lavender, spicy spices and crushed rocks. Exceptional concentration, beautifully layered pure black fruit, rich yet refined and weightless, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long silky black fruit floral finish. Excellent showing.

12/14/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying opulent sweet yellow fruit, mango, yellow peach, apricot preserve, strong botrytis, candied ginger, caramel, clove and mineral. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated opulent yellow fruit, rich and think but also showing excellent balance, bright acidity, medium mineral, and a long ripe sweet yellow fruit driven finish. This is in the middle stage of development. Drinking really well with generous opulent fruit.

11/18/2022 - dcwino wrote:

A lost Friday afternoon gathering – Cristal, DP, Giacosa, Produttori and etc. (Black Salt, Washington DC): Intoxicating nose displaying super concentrated black and red fruit, blackberry, dry cherry, cherry pie, licorice, tar, scorched earth and iron. Exceptional concentration, layers of layers of sweet concentrated black and red fruit, rich and unctuous yet perfect balance and harmony, perfect amount of acidity, strong iron mineral, still pronounced but not obtrusive tannins and a long sweet concentrated black and red fruit driven finish with leather and tar at the end. I really love the strong iron note. Although drinking magnificently, this remains incredibly young.

10/27/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Mostly Bordeaux dinner (Eddie V's - Tysons Corner, VA): Expressive nose displaying concentrated cool black fruit, crème de cassis, crushed blackberry, cedar, lead pencil, a hint of luxurious oak and mineral. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of intense cassis fruit, silky, beautiful detail and balance, bright acidity, strong mineral, very fine tannins and a long intense cassis fruit driven finish with lead pencil at the end. This nicely expresses the classic 96 vintage and the clean cassis driven Chateau style. It remains very youthful which to be expected.

11/1/2022 - dcwino wrote:

2022 Excellent Burgundy Adventure; 10/31/2022-11/6/2022 (Burgundy): Expressive nose displaying generous lush black fruit, blackberry, blackberry jelly, black cherry, a hint of green, oak, dark spices and earth. Excellent concentration, chunky concentrate black fruit, rich and generous, medium acidity, earthy mineral, and a medium to long ripe black fruit driven finish with a hint of green and oak at the end. A couple guys mentioned that it expresses like an Oregon Pinot. Most folks are disappointed. It is a concentrated and somewhat modern style of wine. At least based on this example, I have enjoyed the domaine’s wines in the past but I don’t understand the current craze for Arnoux-Lachaux’s wines.

11/1/2022 - dcwino wrote:

2022 Excellent Burgundy Adventure; 10/31/2022-11/6/2022 (Burgundy): A textbook Jamet nose displaying beautiful subtle red and black fruit, strawberry, black cherry, strong pepper, garrigue, tapenade, tobacco, rose, cinnamon, nutmeg and mineral. Very good concentration, finely layered sweet red fruit, silky and fluid, medium acidity, strong mineral and a seamless long subtle red fruit driven finish with black pepper and garrigue at the end. This is so smooth and expressive. Quite complex and so delicious.

6/13/2019 - dcwino wrote:

Five winos excellent adventure , mostly in Burgundy; 6/7/2019-6/15/2019 (Beaune, France): Absolutely gorgeous nose displaying perfectly ripe pure black fruit, blackberry, blackberry concentrate, intoxicating perfume, rose, Vosne spice, sap, black truffle and subtle limestone. Perfect balance and incredible detail, so finely layered pure black fruit, intense yet weightless, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long perfectly ripe black fruit driven finish with a hint of Vosne spice at the end. Already a hedonistic experience.

11/7/2020 - dcwino wrote:

Saturday lunch gathering (Bethesda, Maryland): Medium expressive nose dominated by iron, also sweet red fruit, strawberry jam, a hint of cherry, cedar, leather, cinnamon and iron mineral. Fully integrated palate, finely layered slightly coiled red fruit, silky and polished, bright acidity and iron mineral, still showing significant tannins, and a medium to long slightly dry sweet red fruit driven finish with iron at the end. This was decanted ahead. This may be a blasphemy for some but I prefer only a splash decanting for the 89 Giacosa wines. As Eric Guido observed, the 89 Giacosa SSR losses fruit with air. I prefer to enjoy fruit than mineral so it is a matter of personal preference. Everyone prefers the 89 Monprivato.

8/6/2022 - dcwino wrote:

A small gathering at Bryan's (Bryan's place): Fully mature Burgundian nose displaying sweet red fruit, raspberry, cherry soda, strawberry soda, rose, mint, sous bois, light caramel, mushroom, white chocolate, copper and mineral. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated red fruit, rich, warm and round, medium fine medium generous mousse, medium acidity, medium mineral, and a long mature concentrated red fruit driven finish with copper and rose at the end. This seems significantly more mature than the 07 version which displays fresher fruit. Very Burgundian.

4/20/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Early dinner gathering (Blacksalt, Washington DC): Served blind. Beautiful nose displaying succulent white fruit with a hint of yellow, lemon, lemon curd, pear, star fruit, coconut bark, honey, white pepper, spicy spices and mineral. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of rich yet pure white fruit, generous and oily but also pure, cool and energetic, strong acidity and mineral, and a long concentrated white fruit driven finish with mineral at the end. Most guesses as top 1er crus Burgundy, possibly from PYCM. Although very Burgundian, it seems slightly sweeter and more succulent. Excellent showing.

5/4/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Lafite Rothschild vertical (Taberna del Alabardero, Washington D.C.): Beautifully mature nose displaying perfectly ripe red fruit with a hint of black, strawberry jam, plum, a hint of cassis, lead pencil, strong cedar and earth. Perfectly integrated palate, subtle sweet red fruit, silky, elegant and polished, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a long sweet red fruit driven finish with lead pencil at the end. This is the most elegant Lafite of the night that demonstrates the beauty of the 01 vintage. Drinking beautifully.

5/4/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Lafite Rothschild vertical (Taberna del Alabardero, Washington D.C.): Beautifully mature yet focused nose displaying perfectly ripe yellow fruit, apple, baked apple, lemon curd, honey, light caramel, brioche, white pepper and crushed rocks. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of decadent yet pure yellow fruit, very fine generous mousse, sweet and generous but also displaying excellent precision and detail, bright acidity, strong limestone mineral, and a long concentrated sweet yellow fruit driven finish with honey at the end. This is drinking beautifully but I seem to prefer the 96 CDC in the past five years.

3/10/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Justin's let's try a lot of daily drinkers dinner (The Capital Grille Tysons, VA): Surprisingly dark and opaque color and the nose and palate to match. Expressive nose displaying incredibly concentrated black and red fruit, raspberry liqueur, strawberry jam, licorice, dark spices and earth. Incredible concentration at any level, layers upon layers of intense black and red fruits, rich and dense, medium acidity, earthy mineral, and a long intense sweet red and black fruit driven finish with licorice at the end. The most concentrated BB of my life for sure.

3/10/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Justin's let's try a lot of daily drinkers dinner (The Capital Grille Tysons, VA): Medium expressive nose displaying ripe apple fruit, marzipan, light caramel, sweet spices and limestone. Medium concentration, nicely layered yellow fruit, medium generous and medium fine mousse, good balance, medium acidity, good mineral expression, and a medium to long ripe yellow fruit driven finish. Very well made but not exciting.

2/20/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying concentrated black and red fruit, cherry preserve, crème de cassis, blueberry, strong American oak, cedar, dark spices and earth. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated black fruit, dark, sweet and generous, medium acidity, earthy mineral, tannins are mostly masked by generous fruit, and a long concentrated sweet black fruit driven finish with oak and dark spices at the end. This is a classic Monte Bello that is drinking nicely in a youthful way.

2/19/2022 - dcwino wrote:

Youthful hedonistic nose displaying perfectly ripe intense black and red fruit, blackberry, creme de cassis, a hint of Chambord, lead pencil, dark spices, luxurious oak and earth. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated black fruit, rich and opulent but also good detail and balance, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and the finish that lasts over a minute. This is a great representation of Schrader cab.

12/1/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Small Bordeaux gathering (Clarity - Vienna, Virginia): Perfectly mature nose displaying incredibly sweet red fruit with a hint of black, strawberry, plum, a hint of cassis, caramel, dark milk chocolate, cedar, lead pencil, dark spices and earth. Fully integrated palate, nicely layered sweet red fruit, silky, warm and round, medium acidity and mineral, and a seamless long sweet red fruit driven finish with lead pencil and caramel at the end. This is clearly more developed than the 90 Lynch Bages but that is a good thing. Drinking exceptional well, My WOTN.

12/1/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Small Bordeaux gathering (Clarity - Vienna, Virginia): Incredibly youthful medium expressive nose displaying perfectly ripe black fruit blackberry, blackberry liquor, ink, lavender, bitter chocolate and limestone. Excellent concentration, slightly coiled black fruit, silky and weightless, bright acidity and strong limestone mineral, noticeable fine tannins, and a long perfectly ripe concentrated black fruit driven finish with a hint of ink at the end. It seems a bit shutdown as the fruit is not too expressive. Nevertheless the palate is unbelievably silky. It will need another decade or more to really open up.

11/18/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Small gathering - 08 and 88 Cristal Roses and 00 Bordeauxs (Capital Grille Tysons, DC): Expressive nose displaying unbelievably concentrated black fruit, blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis, black cherry, licorice, rose, lead pencil, caramel, cedar, a hint of mint and mineral. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of perfectly ripe black fruit, dense yet precise and beautifully detailed, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long incredibly concentrated rich black fruit driven finish with liquid smoke and a hint of mint at the end. Although this is incredibly youthful, it is drinking beautifully. This can easily improve for three more decades. Excellent showing.

11/1/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying decadent yellow fruit, peach, baked apple, a hint of oak, marzipan, light caramel, sweet spices, smoke, anise and mineral. Excellent concentration, generous sweet yellow fruit, medium fine medium abundant mousse, good acidity, strong mineral and a medium to long ripe yellow fruit driven finish with caramel at the end. If you like slightly nutty and “natural wine” like expression, this is the Champagne for you. Clearly showing Pinot which adds body and complexity.

10/26/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Gorgeous slightly green text book Cal cab nose displaying concentrated black fruit with a hint of red, crème de cassis, blackberry, plum, noticeable Cab franc like green, lead pencil, caramel, cedar, ash and earth. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated rich black fruit, unctuous and deeply toned but also silky and fluid, medium acidity, strong earthy mineral, still noticeable but non obtrusive tannins and a long concentrated black fruit driven finish with ash and earth at the end. Once again, it is both ripe and green. Drinking really well but there is enough fruit to last for a couple more decades.

9/10/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Another lost Friday afternoon gathering - mostly French (Jailbreak Brewery, Laurel, MD): Expressive nose displaying ripe yellow fruit, pineapple, creme brulee, cracker jack, smoke, sweet spices and mineral. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers rich opulent yellow fruit, dense and deeply toned, medium acidity and mineral, and a long ripe yellow fruit driven finish with crème brulee at the end. A classic Marcassin, i.e. a classic ripe Cali Chardonnay.

2/16/2020 - dcwino wrote:

Pop and pour, expressive nose displaying ripe black fruit, blackberry jam, blueberry concentrate, licorice, meat, lavender, dark spices and impressive limestone mineral. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated black fruit, rich yet polished and fluid, good acidity and mineral, and a long rich black fruit driven finish with a hint of licorice and limestone at the end. Although it clearly expresses the 15 ripeness, it is also fluid and beautifully balanced. It already shed opulent primary fruit. My guess is this will develop like the 05 which, for my palate, the best Chave going back to the 90.

9/10/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Another lost Friday afternoon gathering - mostly French (Jailbreak Brewery, Laurel, MD): Expressive nose displaying opulent yellow fruit, apple pie, lemon curd, peach, ginger, honey, sweet spices and limestone. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated sweet yellow fruit, generous very fine mousse, rich yet fresh and focused, bright acidity, strong mineral, and a long opulent yellow fruit driven finish with cinnamon and honey at the end. We were meant compare with the 08 but RJ brought the 06 by mistake. There is no doubt that the 08 is a incredible champagne and shows significantly better than the 12. However, the 12 is more concentrated, perhaps the most concentrated young Cristal going back to the 90 vintage. The 08 is like a great Chevalier where this is like a great Batard.

8/10/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying very ripe concentrated red fruit, cherry pie, raspberry liqueur, licorice, dark spices, garrigue, brown sugar and earth. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of ripe jammy red fruit, rich and ripe, medium acidity, earthy mineral and a medium to long ripe red fruit driven finish and dark spices at the end. This is a solid concentrated style of CDP.

4/9/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Another lost Friday afternoon gathering – Mostly Burgundies with a few from Piedmonte (Jailbreak Brewery, Laurel, MD): Expressive nose displaying perfectly ripe white fruit, pear, apple, bubble gum, a hint of honeysuckle, saline and wet stone. Excellent concentration, packed concentration white fruit, unbelievable amount of dry extract, opulent yet fresh and energetic, bright acidity, generous wet stone mineral, and a long sweet white fruit driven finish with bubble gum and wet stone at the end. This is a serious wine but I prefer the Vaillons for the current drinking.

5/6/2021 - dcwino wrote:

The first indoor gathering since Covid (Clarity - Vienna, Virginia): Fully developed nose displaying rich red fruit, strawberry jam, cherry, plum, a hint of dry cherry, stewed tomato, strong mint, tobacco, sweet spices and earth. Fully integrated palate, finely layered very ripe red fruit, rich, warm and round but also silky and fluid, medium acidity, earthy mineral a medium long ripe red fruit driven finish with mint and tobacco at the end. Although it shed a lot of the 03 ripe expression, there is a hint of bitterness that I associate with the 03 vintage. It is drinking nicely.

4/4/2021 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying succulent concentrated yellow fruit with a hint of white, lemon curd, apple, pear, sweet spices, honey, honeysuckle and limestone. Excellent concentration, packed concerted ripe yellow fruit, lemon oil, rich and opulent yet also energetic and precise, bright acidity, strong limestone mineral and a long ripe concentrated yellow fruit driven finish with honeysuckle and cinnamon at the end. This has the concentrated ripe fruit expression of a GC Montrachet but obviously lack finesse and complexity. Very Lafon and really delicious.

3/18/2018 - dcwino wrote:

2014 red Burgundy tasting w/ incredible whites served blind (Eddie V's - Tysons Corner, VA): Beautiful harmonious nose displaying crushed blackberry, a hint of raspberry, caramel, sap, espresso bean and limestone. Already showing beautiful harmonious palate, silky and fluid, finely layered fresh blackberry and espresso bean driven palate impression, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, incredibly fine tannins and a seamless pure black and red fruit driven finish with a hint of sap and espresso bean at the end. My guess is the Fourrier CSJ but the finesse makes me to quickly correct myself as the Rousseau. With air, the nose and palate become sensual and perfectly harmonious.

12/19/2020 - dcwino wrote:

Expressive nose displaying opulent concentrated yellow fruit, baked apple, lemon curd, a hint of yellow peach, crème brulee, ginger, brioche and limestone. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of ripe yellow fruit, very fine generous mousse, rich yet precise and focused, bright acidity and mineral, and a long concentrated yellow fruit driven finish with ginger and cinnamon at the end. The expression of ‘12 Cristal style is similar to the 12 White Burgundies, i.e. rich and concentrated but also good focus and precision. Perhaps the most concentrated Cristal and pretty much in line with the style of Cristal. It lacks the elegance and fluidity of the 08 but more concentrated and serious. It is drinking beautifully in a youthful way.

12/20/2020 - dcwino wrote:

Gorgeous youthful nose displaying fresh yellow citrus fruit with a hint of white, candied lemon peel, fresh lemon, pear, white peach, honeysuckle, white pepper, limestone, beeswax and limestone. Excellent concentration, very finely layered subtle pure white fruit, incredibly fine abundant mousse, creamy and weightless, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long pure white fruit driven finish with lemon and honeysuckle at the end. This remains expressive and elegant. By far, the best young Dom Perignon going back to 1990, my first young DP.

11/11/2019 - dcwino wrote:

Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Gran Reserva tasting (Boqueria Penn Quarter, Washington D.C.): Unbelievably youthful black color and the nose and palate clearly reflect. Incredibly youthful yet complex nose displaying intense concentrated black fruit, blackberry, a hint of cassis, black cherry, dark milky chocolate, leather, a hint of sous bois, tobacco, black truffle, cinnamon and earth. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated black fruit, mindbogglingly rich, silky and polished, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long concentrated rich black fruit driven finish with tobacco at the end. It is so darn youthful yet there is a richness of very old wine. Incredible showing.