2/10/2024 - RhoneWho wrote:

I have been following 2014 PM Point Rouge for the last 5 years. I was disappointed by the lack of magic moment when I tasted in 2019 and 2021 especially i think it's still the most expensive chardonnay (even for mailing list members). But today there is some special sparks to write home about! I'm completely flabbergasted by how well this wine has evolved and turn 180 degree and reached another dimension that I won't have thought it's possible. I guess finally this justified back in 2015 i had to beg for an allocation. Hats off to RP for calling out this wine! (but RP mis-judged its longevity ... i think it definitely can remain primary for 15+ years)

In 2021, we had a side by side tasting with 2016 Morlet Coup de Coeur (see my separate notes). The Morlet was more dynamics and enjoyable than PM Point Rouge which is still in closed phase. Today it has the finest characteristics of 2016 Morlet Coup de Coeur I wrote in CT; but PM Point Rouge has pushed the envelop further out in the realm of Chave Hermitage blanc (structure) and flavor profile of Beaucastel Roussane Vieille Vignes, beyond Burgundy Grand Cru.

The aromatics is perfumed opulent and has a decadent style that recent SQN blanc tried to make (however SQN-family blanc wines are still incoherent across 3 dimensions). This sexy bouquet is so uplifting without even having to swirl the wine glass. The aroma profile is complex and has layers of notes (lemongrass, cedar, butterscotch) with well integrated oak. Wow! Darn! Great fireworks for lunar new year :)

The texture is uber-fine and seamless with fantastic energy (highest quality of acidity) that balance out the richness of citrus fruit (yuzu) and honeysuckle (brioche-like) flavor and unctuous mouthfeel with lingering notes of salinity (hints of fresh oyster shell) and marcona almond nuts.

It is rare to find all 3 components kicking harmoniously. This wine not only has great decadent aromatics but also has great freshness with finesse texture to make the magic balancing with the wealth of citrusy fruit and honeysuckle. Gorgeous and elegant!

There is no hurry to drink up this 2014 vintage as it still has a few more years before peaking as it is still full of energy and fresh. I will have another horizontal tasting once I receive the next release of 2014 Marcassin Chardonnay.

Keyword: never-ending aromatics, refreshing and finesse
Rating: 96-100; 99+

1/18/2024 - RhoneWho wrote:

This wine has completely turned 180 degree from 10 years ago from being flat and bland (yes i did pour the remain bottle into the sink) to become a well-aged wine with aromatics ( like those well-aged great Barolo or Bordeaux wines with good secondary notes), the texture is still full body, and, most impressively, the flavor profile is still rich infused with red fruit notes!

As cliche as it can get, patience bears fruit! After 20 years, there is no tertiary notes. The secondary notes compliment the wine flavor profile very well. It's the wealth of red fruit notes has kept the wine interesting and enjoyable.

It's peak and drink it NOW.

Rating: <90 10 years ago; today 95 + 1 (bonus for retaining fruit flavor)

1/13/2024 - RhoneWho wrote:

Didn't expect this Sonoma Coast Pinot turns out drinking more enjoyable than its big brother 2016 UV-SL. Maybe it could be bottle shock when I brought UV-SL to France as it tasted "flat" (lack of vibrancy and freshness).

It’s a liquid red flower. Though this Sonoma Coast is not as extracted and ripe as UV-SL, this beauty reminds me of drinking a mini-Rayas with the characteristic of perfumy unfurling inside the palate with a mixture of slight stem and "sucrositi" flavor profile (mostly bright red fruits like strawberry) coupled with "translucent" red color. There is a hint of Asian spice (cinnamon and clove) notes in the finish.

I think it is reaching toward its peak phase of drinking. It could cruise for a few years given its structure; the acidity profile (slight tarty finishing) and fine tannin coating the palate suggest it still has some life ahead.

Rating: 95-97; 95++ 96 inches toward 97

1/10/2024 - RhoneWho wrote:

If tasted blind, I would have thought this would be Occidental Station cuvee (from inner warmer valley vineyard) and from a warmer vintage like 2018. I was already impressed by its entry wine 2021 Freestone-Occidental (96-97); but this Elizabeth cuvee is another step up from its entry wine of 2021 vintage! Definitely this is one of my top 2 pinots for the West Sonoma Coast event.

The floral (lavender) aromatics and seamless texture are the two key differentiators for me. The flavor profile has a darker red and blue fruit profile (than a red tone) intermixed with rose petal bouquet notes. It has a smooth mouthfeel texture with ultra-polished tannins rendering the wine ready to enjoy while young. It coats your palate fully with lingering finished. It is amazing at low alcohol (13+%) yet the fruit flavor profile is so pure, richly concentrated (extracted) and elegant. The acidity is well hidden behind the layers of rich flavor profile. However, i think it can benefit from 3-5 years of bottle aging to let its concentrated wealth of flavor to unpack and fully integrate.

Now, I look forward to its Cuvee Catherine, Occidental Station and its new Bodega Ridge.

Rating: 96-99; leaning toward 98 from 97

1/3/2024 - RhoneWho wrote:

Wow. It's very rare to find a Pinot Noir with weightless texture and ultra fine tannins while loaded with complex layers of darker red fruit flavor profile intermixed with some Asian spice notes. The concentrated flavor profile is balanced with great refreshing acidity (vibrancy) resulting from cool climate of 2021 vintage. This specific weightless characteristic differentiates across Dumol pinot noirs from 2018 to 2021 vintages i had tasted. This may explain why it's got a perfect score.

This is a cellar collection. Given the cool climate producing great backbone (from acidity), this wine will age well over 20+ years and may be best wait for 5+ years for all the great components to integrate and also allow the bouquet to develop in year 7-10. However, given its unique texture, one may want to coravin the wine and follow it through over next few months.

Rating: 97-100; 97++

12/20/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Have been holding off drinking CIX as compared to Eastside, UV-SL, Ritchie, Lauren, etc due to its structure. We had drank 2016 Eastside and UV-SL lately and felt they are reaching toward their primary phase peak. Thus, drank this 2016 CIX (supposedly from DRC or Grand Cru clones) side by side with 2016 Wayfarer Estate chardonnay, 2015 Aubert Eastside (which has also not reached its primary phase peak) and 2014 Morlet La Proportion Doree (RP100 California version of Haut-Brion blanc). This 2016 CIX has more structure and higher concentration than the others. If I were blind-folded, i would have guessed a young 2-3 years old wines from 2018 or 2019 vintage.

Like his other chardonnay, the sexy uplifting bouquet has (cologne-like) perfume of rich ripe white summer Californian fruits enhanced with well-integrated new Burgundian oak and some chamomile and eucalyptus notes. CIX exhibits more Burgundian Grand Cru characters with brioche texture infused with lemon citrusy oil with incredible back-bone that i can see it can age and stay in primary phase for another 5-10 years easily.

The flavor profile is dominated by dry tangerine rind (like those expensive well-aged tangerine skin used by HK/Cantonese chefs) with hints of lime skin shaves (probably from its acidity) dominating over fruit flavor at this stage. This concentration needs a few more years to unpack to reveal its layers of fruit flavor profile.

The tannin is incredibly ultra-fine. The great acidity has kept the rich fruit flavor in check rendering it atypical Sonoma Coast chardonnay (ahem shall we say Burgundy). The texture has great viscosity and weightless gliding past the palate seamlessly but with great lengths of lingering notes of honey, ginger/lemongrass and citrus in the back palate.

Unlike other single vineyards (Eastside, UV-SL, Lauren) rated in the range of 98-100, CIX will get into that range with a few more years of bottle aging. I should have tasted 2014 CIX but it's so well tucked away that I couldn't find it inside the cellar. Stay tuned for 2014 CIX report out.

Rating 96-99; 96++

12/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

This wine has matured at near perfection. The beautiful Hermitage-like bouquet of smoked meat, bloody iron and sweet black fruits laced with rose floral notes and hint of cigar. The flavor profile has ripe prune fruit and savory with black olive tapenade and grilled mushroom. The texture is suave and silky with ultra-fine tannin.

This is our 3rd bottle over last 6 years and this wine has continue to evolve and improve. The second bottle we had last year and we thought the aromatics was intoxicating with rose floral notes with burgundian texture (as in 2014 or 2019). We are glad that this 3rd bottle is back to a balance between a hermitage syrah with great burgundian pinot.

I think the wine-making style for 2012 vintage has become more finesse than its boldacious and delicious 2007 and 2008 vintages; and the wine-making style has continue to refine to the point I find its 2014 vintages had become more Burgundian in style with less extracted fruit profile and has leaner structure with brighter acidity.

This 2012 Royal City is definitely a step up over its siblings 2012 Cattle King, Hidden and Klein (all rated 97-99).

We just enjoyed swirling the wine glasses for its beautiful bouquet unfurling out. Opulent and intoxicating enjoyment!

Rating: 97-100; 98-99

12/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

After hearing this couple from Ohio raving about Traveler (a game changer for them from pinot perspective), I sought out an older vintage to drink side by side with one of all time favorite 2016 Morlet Joli Coeur pinot.

It turns out they are two completely different style of wines even though they are from similar area (Fort Ross) and same vintage. Morlet's pinot is much darker and richer (extracted) and is better to drink along with CDP non-burundian grenache (Bastide St Dominique Le Secret 2019 JD98). Luckily we had also Rayas burgundian-style grenache to drink side by side with Wayfarer Traveller as both shares similar strawberry notes with burgundian flair (even similar lighter color). They both have floral bouquet but Rayas was essentially rose oil and share some similarity on leaner but supple structure layered with orange peel sensation.

This 2016 Traveler Pinot is still maturing in the bottle and will probably need another 3-5 years to mature. We will revisit this baby in 2016 along with California's 2016 DRC-clones from Aubert CIX and Peter Michael's Clos du Ciel. Maybe by time we may get and add 2016 Marcassin pinot into the mix. Stay tuned!

Rating: 95-98; 95++

12/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

I sought out older vintages after having a great tasting of its 2021 vintage recently (see separate notes) and drank side by side with 2015 Aubert Eastside and 2016 Aubert CIX chardonnays.

The bouquet of mandarin clementine coupled with lemon oil reminded me drinking Aubert Ritchie chardonnay. This is a great burgundian chardonnay on California steroid :) with great white fruit notes while retaining the structure even after 7 years. I couldn't wait to try it again at year 10! I think its structure is more robust than Aubert and may be age longer than Aubert. The 2016 burgundian structure is consistent with 2021 vintage that i tried, while the rich flavor profile leans toward Sonoma Coast style intermixed with brioche (lemon butter oil as in lobster brioche) notes lingering in the finish (coating the palate). Surprisingly, I actually prefer the 2021 opulent bouquet now and was surprised the 2016 has yet to develop its opulent notes as the 2016 still drink like a 2-3 years old chardonnay!

Best enjoy at the cellar temperature but not too cold so that its notes can unfurl over the course of dinner for 3 hours. Enjoy!

Rating: 96-98; 96+

11/9/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

I didn't expect to discover a chardonnay with such beautiful and opulent bouquet upon release. The uplifting aromatics infused with ripe summer California white orchard fruits and white flower floral. This profile reminds me of Aubert-like chardonnay after 3-5 years of bottle aging for the aromatics to develop. Hats off to Cleo's team.

It has a complex flavor profile of white summer fruits layered with citrus and honeysuckle notes lingering in the finish beautifully. The texture is seamless with ripe Burgundian structure giving waves of super polished acidity and hints of salinity to balance out the rich flavor profile elegantly. The structure has more Burgundian structure and polished than Aubert chardonnay upon release. It will be fun to drink a horizontal tasting of 2016 or 2018 vintage across Wayfarer, Aubert, Morlet, PM and Hartford chardonnay.

This wine will definitely improve with bottle aging in 3-5 years and can easily sustain its primary profile over 10+ years given its structure. However, this is a wine that can enjoy young upon release and the complex flavor profile will unfold over a long course of a meal.

Rating: 96-99; 96++

10/31/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Tasted this wine along side with Day 1 and Terra de Promissio. The flavor profile is right in middle spectrum of the other 2 wines; and has both red (Day 1) and dark fruits (TdP). The fruit flavor profile (a mixture of ripe pomegranate and blackberry with a hint of autumn spice and Burgundy-like forest floor) is pure and weightless as it is not over extracted. The lovely bouquet of mixed red and black fruits with a hint of lavender floral and menthol (I suspect there are nearby Eucalyptus trees).

The texture profile just like its chardonnay (see my separate notes) has seamless tannin and well-integrated fine acidity to provide a backbone structure as one would expect in a great Burgundy. A typical Burgundy/like wines having florest floor and black tea notes would make the wines tasted dull or not exciting; but this one has enough richness of fruits and also great soothing vibrancy to overcome the dullness. It’s pretty amazing for a 5-year-old new site at Bodega Thieriot vineyard to produce such elegant and finesse pinot with enough depth of flavor and polished structure. Every element just fits together brilliantly with poise. Bravo!

I didn’t expect to enjoy this stype of wine in contrast to my usual pinots from Aubert, PM, Morlet and hartford. Definitely worth adding into my cellar as another antithesis pinot. Now does this a mere reflection of the 2021 vintage magic and does it hold up after 5-10 years with development on the richness of bouquet while keeping the vibrancy of fruits?

Ratings: 96-99; 96++
Psst I just learned there is a waitlist and better jump onto the bandwagon if you like this style of wines. If you prefer the richer and darker style of wines, you probably may end up rating it in low 90s; but hope you will appreciate the delicate yet complex wine.

10/31/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Tasted both Charles Heintz and Thieriot chardonnay. They are both fantastic and impressive in way that i normally don’t drink Burgundian-style chardonnay from California (from Brewer Clifton down South Coast to Ramey up North Coast) but I really enjoyed how Senses team crafted their wines. Bravo! I have now added them (antithesis of Aubert) into my cellar aside from Aubert chardonnay. Now does this a mere reflection of the 2021 vintage magic and does it hold up after 5-10 years with development on the richness of bouquet while keeping the vibrancy of fruits?

Thieriot Chardonnay, a darn brilliant wine, is so memorable with incredible long finish oozing with waves of Mersault-like flavor Though the wine is young (just got release), the acidity and tannin are uber fine and are in harmony without any edges such that it balances the flavor with finesse and elegance! It has uplifting bouquet of California’s summer orchard white fruits and a flavor of honeysuckle and brioiche with a hint of yuzu and salinity. It has layers of flavor and complexity. Simply enjoy the magic of the wine unpacking and lingering in the finish.

I will defer writing up the notes on Heintz chardonnay as I would love to do a horizontal tasting with Littorai Heintz chard and Dumol Heintz chard from 2021 vintage. Stay tuned.

Rating: 96-100; 97++ and could hit perfection in 3-5 years and then cruise for years
Psst I just learned there is a waitlist and better jump onto the bandwagon if you like this style of wines. If you prefer the richer and darker style of wines, you probably may end up rating it in low 90s but hope you will appreciate the delicate yet complex wine.

10/17/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

After 3 unsuccessful attempts to visit Chateau Rayas, we resort to tasting Emmanuel's wines, 2009 Chateau Rayas Reserve CDP and 2013 Chateau des Tours Reserve Vacqueyras, at a Michelin restaurant in Avignon. Okay, double checks on our bucket list.

We discussed which vintage of Ch Rayas Reserve from 2000 to 2012 to select from. We decided to go with 2009 as my fellow winemaker friend has had tasted a number of vintages (especially thought the tannin of 2010 not fully resolved) as well as Emmanuel's style of Burgundian profile might fit 2009 vintage better (also judging from my tasting memory of 2009 Clos des Papas and Mas de Boislauzon cuvee Quet relative to their 2010). After the fact, RP had rated 2009 highest (RP98) ever relative to other past vintages (92-94)!

There are a few striking and unique notable points:
1) IDENTITY: if we were in a blind tasting, I would have guessed it's a top Grand Cru Burgundy pinot noir from cooler vintages. I found it hard to detect any hint of grenache!
2) SENSORY: The most unique sensory experience is its beautiful floral notes manifesting not only on your nose but inside your palate imparting floral flavor profile I can't say I ever had such experience with such intensity level). The aromatics keeps ongoing like an Energizer bunny into Day 2 (yes, we saved 1/3 for checking out its stamina).
3) BALANCE: The texture is ethereal and its finesse structure is still holding up extremely well even at age 14 and can live on for many years. The flavor profile is red fruit tone (strawberry and kirsch) with its acidity well integrated and concealed. The tannin is uber fine.

I have gathered that there has been bottle variations. One of my winemaker friends said the flavor profile was darker when he had the 2009 a couple years ago. We found the 2013 Ch. des Tours has a more uplifting and complex bouquet but its flavor profile is flatter and its texture is less polished than Rayas Reserve. Yes i had had more effusive/intoxicating aromatics from Grand Cru burgundy hitting the nose but they rarely had the floral scent hitting the palate filling it with floral flavor profile.

As it's not a perfect wine but neither was the 2009 vintage, judging from about 15-year window and unique sensory experience (drinking floral notes), i would think this a champion of the 2009 vintage for CDP. Bravo!

Rating: 96-99; 96++ ... could be 98+ if prep well.
If one does not pick up or appreciate the subtlety of its sensory, one could have rated in 88-92 range.

I sadly say there are wines out there that others claim that they are Rayas-like. I hate to burst their bubbles (i have most of those so-called Rayas-like wines in my cellar) and none of them tasted like Rayas except for the sensory component of having stem (some whole clusters) in vlnifiication in combination with light and bright red fruit tone.

10/15/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

At last the magic of 2018 Andremily Grenache aromatics is back in 2020 vintage. I guess Jim has managed to put the genie back into the bottle :)

The warmer vintage of 2020 gave rise to rich, ripe black fruit bouquet with a hint of sweet incense; and a fuller body than 2019 vintage (cooler year resulting in higher acidity). Surprisingly 2020 Grenache has more structure with higher acidity than the 2018 but not as lean as 2019. It reminded me of a darker profile version of my recent tasting 2020 Le Secret des Sabon having a very pure, concentrated yet clean fruit profile with a lean structure.

The tannin is ultra fine with well integrated oak imparting a nice and complex flavor profile. Though the uplifting aromatics is dominated by black fruit and licorice with a hint of smoky charcuterie (no it's not a smoke taint), the flavor profile has a balance of both red and black fruits with a hint of spice and graphite hitting the palate with long lingering finish. Given the current profile, this wine will pair well with foods than drinking alone as in the 2018 vintage. Both the aromatics and flavor profiles of 2020 vintage is definitely more coherent than the 2019 (lean toward red fruit with floral notes) in its current form but will improve over time.

I think this 2020 Grenache may appeal to broader fans than the 2018. I suspect there might be more fruits coming from the Slide Hill than in the 2018 giving arise to this more balanced wine; whereas the 2018 hits your face with opulence and hedonism.

This wine is still young .. best double decanting overnight if you feel the urge to drink it now. I think it will show better form in 6-9 months from release and probably peak in 5-7 years with probably longer longevity than 2018 vintage; and I won't touch 2019 for 7-10 years. Great pipeline for drinking up 2018, then 2020 and follow up by 2019 or 2021 .

Rating: 97-100; 96++ preliminary rating 97 but will improve over maturity path

10/4/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

At last, I got to drink this beauty over 3 days. I must say for a grenache it has a great stamina and did improve with aeration, especially given the challenging 2018 vintage. As a result of the 2018, this is not as concentrated as other vintages but it's ready to enjoy now.

This 100% grenache cuvee is understandably to have a Burgundian profile on redder tone fruit profile reflecting 2018 vintage; but with a great polished structure in which the acidity is well hidden behind well of fruit and ultra fine tannins. Every aspect of this wine hangs on a balance (not too much and not too little) but it has the stamina strutting its grenache fruit profile beautifully. Though it didn't have the floral profile of its 2018 La Comb des Fous, it has a fuller body of rich and riper red fruit profile.

This is possibly is an intellectual wine rather than for pure pleasure as its Deus Ex-Machina (2016 or 2019). Count me a fan. After each sip, I found myself going back for more for the reason of trying to underlock its mystery. I did pick up something out of unusual that CSJ has stopped doing since 10 years ago but they did that for 2018 vintage by adding a small percentage of stem which got picked up in the aromatics (but in the flavor profile). I am glad to learn from them they didn't repeat that in 2021. I look forward to drinking 2020 and 2021 vintages.

Rating: 95-98; 96+

10/4/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Just like the 2018 vintage, i was skeptical of 2021 vintage due to botrytis caused by rains during harvest. Like those few exceptional ones in 2018, this 2021 was exceptional fine wine especially in the context drinking along with Rayas wines from 2009 and 2013 (separate notes will be added) along side.

It has the signature profile of elegant and polished (ultra fine tannin) structure (as in the 2019) coupled with its beautiful floral aromatics (attributed to its unique blend) as in the 2018. The darker red fruit profile is riper and more concentrated than its 2018, making it a fuller body. It is more ready to enjoy drinking young than 2019 or even 2016.

Normally I prefer its sibling Deus Ex-Machina but i think this will be a candidate wine of the 2021 vintage. At the current window, I definitely prefer 2018 over 2020; but I prefer 2021 over 2018 even when drinking young / now!

This wine still has room to mature and grow into perfection. We shall revisit in 5 years but it's hard not to crack open another one tomorrow ;)

Rating 97-100; 97++

9/17/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Finally this is my first ever write-up on a Bordeaux wine. Yes 2005 Larcis Ducasse is worth to write home about it’s perfect maturity reminded me of drinking 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia at its peak around 2016 (age 17-20). Total respect and call out to RP himself for identifying this perfect wine (the only vintage he had done so). Enjoyed this beauty over a multiple course of nouveau HK cuisine with Fung brothers.

Given it’s ultra-fine structure, this beauty can cruise for another 5 years at peak phase. It’s so balance and finesse and yet the complexity gave rise to the fun of enjoying the wine with each sip of elixir. Yes, it drank better than 2009 Leoville Poyferre right now. It has the right balance of ripeness of both red and dark fruits (only in those best vintages, otherwise got dominated by) along with typical bordeaux profile of earthy and mushroom herbal notes.

Another friend insists that i should try the 2005 Mouton with him … he insists it’s a game changer amongst 1st growth even though my experience with the 1st growth has been 100% disappointment with sufficient statistical significant number factoring in QPR as well. I often found other wines in RP’s 30-bordeaux list are more enjoyable consistently across vintages than the 1st growth.

However, I suspect 2005 vintage for Bordeaux is at the peak phase in general drinking more enjoyable than those 2000s.

Rating: 98-100; 98++

9/17/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

After having the best 2019 vintage of mourvedre horizontal tasting (see 2016 notes for more details), we decided to drink the best of the best 2016 vintage of Pegau cuvee do Capo (see separate notes) and Beaucastel hommage Jacques Perrin to pair delicious suckling pig!

The striking impression and enjoyment is the PURITY of mourvedre flavor resulting in a extremely balance and finesse wine. I can understand there are more wine critics bestowing more perfect scores for 2016 over 2019 vintage for having more structure that can support long bottle aging. Personally I prefer to drink 2019 vintage right now. This is definitely THE GOLD (GOAT) standard expressing mourvedre flavor profile. As I learned from 5th gen winemaker (Danielle) of Mas Boslauzon that it’s Jacques that brought mourvedre vines from Bandol to CDP; and it turned out these vines grew better here in CDP terrioir (similar stories of rubber tree grew better in Southeast Asia than Brazil or Ceylon tea plants grew better in Cameron Highlands of Malaysia).

The 2016 wine has layers of flavor but it will require long aeration and multiple days to unfurl its true strut. I think 2016 has a slight more complexity and structure (fine acidity) than 2019. Both have similar flavor profile of black and blue fruits with provencal herbal notes lingering.

We shall come back to do another 10-year horizon mourvedre tasting! I think this 2016 wine will continue to get better over time probably peak in 2024-2028 and then cruise for 20 years of primary profile.

Rating 97-100; 98+

9/12/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

We decided to drink the best of the best 2016 vintage of Pegau cuvee do Capo and Beaucastel hommage Jacques Perrin (see separate notes) to pair delicious suckling pig!

After having past vintages (2000, 2003, 2007, 2010) of Pegau cuvee do Capo, I was not yet convinced by its invincibility and ageability (for CDP in general). Not only the freshness and fruit flavor got muted with long bottle aging, but also the inconsistency of bottling due to variations in tanks/foundres without being consolidated into a single tank (see operate 2003 vintage notes for more discussion). I suggested to the host we should taste the 2016 vintage to get a better reference point.

2016 Pegau do Capo is one of the most enjoyable and memorable CDP (up there with 2007 Clos des Papes) for its incredible layers of complexity and its stamina unfurling ever changing flavor. However, one has to be patient with long aeration peaking in the 3rd day!

Even though 2016 Pegau do Capo is not ready on day 1 (after 3 hours of decanting), I could understand why it is consistently top of those best vintage The classic signature (ripe dark prune fruit) flavor of Pegau do Capo has emerged balanced with great acidity and uber fine tannins, even though it's tight. This signature flavor was in every one of those past vintages ... which led me to believe it could be influenced by its unique aged foundres.

Save the best for the last (3rd day). it has lots of layers and had kept evolving over the course of our meal. Aside from dark fruits (particularly prune), each time we took a sip, different various dark and ripe fruit (blueberry, black cherry) flavor notes popped up with undertones of provence herbal notes and Southeast Asian spices (cloves). The structure and acidity has kept the opulent flavor fresh even though the well of ripe dark fruits without feeling too sweet; and also enegized the palate with vibrancy yet seamlessly. It's a magical experience.

Perhaps that's what made the 2003 vintage legendary when consumed in the first 10-15 years before the molecular chain of acidity got bonded with other amino acids.

Rating: 97-100; 98++

9/10/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

I have been following 2016 Morlet Coup de Coeur for the last 3 years; and it's performed consistently stellar. It's time to write up the notes. I noticed the color has gotten more golden straw hay than its early days (years).

I have been a fan of chardonnays from Aubert, Peter Michael, Morlet, Hartford Court and Mount Eden. They are all great wines. I must say Morlet's Coup de Coeur has the best of both worlds (California fruit and structure of Grand Cru Burgundy), particularly for the 2016 vintage.

We are drank it (RP 98+) side by side with 2015 Peter Micheal's Point Rouge (RP 99) and 2015 Aubert UV-SL (RP100). Aubert is the most opulent and luscious; and PM Point Rouge is very finesse but needs more time to develop. I think Morlet's is the most burgundian and elegant of these 3 wines.

The texture is uber-fine with fantastic energy (highest quality of acidity) that balance the richness of fruit flavor. It has a well of ripe granny smith apple, lemon oil, buttered poached pear with a hint of Yuzu and almond croissant. It can be enjoyed by itself or with food. It paired so well with lobster paella and braised abalone with shiitake mushrooms and Hokkaido scallops.

The aromatics is beguiling and I could enjoy the uplifting bouquet by swirling the glass with occasional taking a sip to energize the palate and finishing (honeysuckle, salinity with a slight spiciness). It's so finesse and elegant. I think Jeb has also best described the essence of the flavor (JD100).

There is no hurry to drink this 2016 vintage as it still has a few more years to peak. I will have another horizontal tasting once I receive the next release of 2014 Marcassin Chardonnay.

Rating: 98-100; 98++

8/29/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Wow! The style of 2019 Grenache is so drastically different from its 2018 vintage and from his other wines or from SQN-related grenache-based wines. I don't think he has made any other Andremily wines in the past with such bright red fruit flavor profile and acidity profile. i think this flavor profile reflects mainly the 2019 cold vintage whereas the 2018 is a very warm vintage. Nevertheless, I couldn't get my arm around this wine when I first had it half a year ago.

This time i had time to follow the wines over 3 days. The first impression the perfumey notes infused with bright red fruit and stems from whole clusters, unlike the 2018 Grenache with dark fruit flavor and color profile and more suppleness in lower acidity. I thought I was drinking those CDP grenache from sandy soil lieu-dits ... reminding me of Dom. Charbonniere Vieilles Vignes, Raymond Usseglio cuvee Imperiale, or Isabel Ferrando's Colombis. Very pure red fruit (rhubard, pomegranate, crancherry) flavor profile with ultra-fine tannins.

On day 3, i was totally shock to see how this grenache wine has evolved to have a flavor profile of a great Burgundian pinot noir from cool climate (Santa Rita Hill of SBC or Oregon) with additional spicy and sandalwood notes emerging and some salinity in the finish. I bet one would have a hard time differentiating it from Burgundian pinot noir in blind tasting. Well, this could be a great candidate for your next few Thanksgiving wine pairings.

On Day 4, the last glass and the wine has even more energy as my palate felt "electricity" (the last time I had this was drinking 2016 Pierre Useeglio cuvee de Mon Aieul when young). The bright red notes have become more integrated with mulling spices notes taking the front seat. The classic CDP Grenache sweet notes has finally emerged in the back palate. However, the acidity (with the side effect of sourness taste) still a bit sharp beyond crunchiness. Long-life wine for sure. In year 10-15 if it were successful to evolve I would bet it could have a killer aromatics. Let's get back in a decade.

I recommend come back to this 2019 Grenache 3-5 years from now; and I do think one will be rewarded drinking it in the window 5-10 years with great ageability. This wine has not reached its true potential at 97-98 but time tells.

Rating: 95-98; 95++

8/23/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

We had high expectation drinking this wine after all it tasted so well in 2019 which reminded us a baby LaLa's. We were stunned by how well it drank in 2019 with lots of concentrated fruits to balance out its strong tannins and with lots of aromatics plus dark (purple) color

Unfortunately, this wine recently tasted diagonally opposite as its acidity (tartiness and sourness) dominated the palate rendering fruitless flavor nor any typical Cote Rotie notes (such as herbal and pepper) even though we pair it with Italian cuisine. This acidity profile is typically associated Italian wines and thought the flavor as in Italian wines would emerge when pairing with Italian food (with acidity in its sauces or tomatoes). The color has also turned lighter (ruby red) than its original dark purple even though it's sitting in the same stable cool cellar.

This was a strange tasting experience for me on this wine from great 2010 vintage (JD 99). Back in 2019, i rated it 96-98. Maybe this is what wine critic like RP used to say in "dumb phase" or "sleep mode"

Let's hope the wine will wake up in 3-5 years from now. This is my first review to use "NR" .. sigh...

8/22/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

i was ready to give away this vintage after trying it 2-3 years ago as I was disappointed with the lack of fruit and flavor concentration probably reflecting the 2012 vintage. Simply there was nothing to write home about.

Last week I opened it pairing with Sparks' NY Strip steak; and I found myself gushing down a few glasses (not sips) as it paired tremendously well with steak. Normally (ahem a rule) I would prefer pairing Napa cab with steak for the Napa fruit (cassis) nose and structure to de-construct the fatty meat. To my surprise, this 2012 Delas was able to pair the steak so well with great garrigue herbal notes and earthy mushroom -- almost like drinking those good Right Bank wines from Bordeaux from top vintages (This experience has helped me to appreciate why in the past why Bordelais "hermitaged" their wines in bad vintages). The vibrancy from the 2012 acidity helps to balance out fatty protein and buttery hash brown chunky potatoes.

Yes, it's definitely a food pairing wine and it definitely worked that night and worthy to write home about! :)

Though it's a 10-year old wine, the color and structure is still vibrant and is still in the peaking phase for a few more years. I should probably dig out its 2009 Delas to try; but I will definitely still let its big brother 2010 Les Bessards sleep for 5 more years.

Revised rating from 90 to 95 with range of 94-96.

5/26/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

I was fortunate enough to complete a vertical tasting of both CSJ cuvees from 2016-2020; and got to meet the current and next gen winemakers at the annual CDP event.

I had 2016 and 2017 vintage Cobe des Fous (CdF) a couple years ago, and thought they were behind 2019 vintage (see my separate review on 2019). Back then, I agreed that 2017 (JD 97) was slightly less than 2016 (JD98) and 2019 (JD100).

Oh boy! Time tells! I was so darn impressed with 2017 CSJ CdF on how well it's drinking right now. It drinks like a perfect wine with mature profile (still in primary fruits phase). It reminded me drinking the texture and maturity of 2016 CSJ Deus Ex-Machina (DEM)! Like its 2019 CdF, it tasted seamlessly having polished and silky texture; and a well-balanced of fruits and herbs intermixed. 2017 CdF is at perfect drinking window and more ready than the 2016 vintage.

Wow xN! I couldn't have been more wrong when i drank it back in 2021.

I was skeptical on 2018 vintage in general; but i was wrong on both CSJ cuvees. [placeholder to add 2018 notes or on 2018 vintage]. Stay tuned for my notes in their respective vintage. I will hold off 2020 CSJ cuvees as I think it is still in "shy" stage; i would suggest give it a year or two.

Rating: 96-99; 97+

5/23/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

From California pinot noir perspective, my reaction is mixed and hard put my finger on it. It is not a Sonoma Coast Pinot and it is not a Burgundy; perhaps it's more of an intellectual wine. 2013 Marcassin pinot is my first time to taste it and to start collecting it. (Full disclosure: i had late 1990s vintages of Martinelli pinots back in early 2000s and they were made / consulted by Helen; and they were incredible perfumy and unbelievable long finish lingering in the nostril even after the next day when you woke up as the bouquet is still "echoing" in your olfactory! That's my first having such sexy pinot experience :).

It drank better than many Burgundies in terms of flavor profile and, like those top Burgundies, it has an incredible long and persistent (stamina) in red fruit aromatics over the course of a few hours enjoying it. It is not as rich or ripe as some of those top Sonoma Coast pinots (Aubert, PM, Morlet or Hartford court) in flavor nor having intoxicating floral bouquet. However, most of those Sonoma pinot I mentioned also do not have the bouquet stamina after 1+ hours as they tend to tapering off. The closest Sonoma pinot i can relate to (based on what i have in my cellar) are those 3 coastal cuvees of Occidental (SWK, Catharine and Elizabeth). The red-fruit driven flavor profile (with hints of forest floor but thanks god not mushroom yet!) is well balanced with long lasting aromatics and with some touch of viscosity coating the palate.

More importantly, we have to evaluate this wine from the perspective of being a 10-year old (without secondary notes creeping) as well as from the a very challenging (HOT HOT & DRY) vintage of 2013. (Note: some could argue 2015 could be worse as many don't even make Pinot but for those top wineries that did ... 2015 is probably my favorite vintage of the last decade). The pinot color profile has not faded much and it's darker than most Burgundy or CA pinot at year 10!

2013 Marcassin is definitely at the mature cycle and ready to drink; but it has sufficient structure to sustain it from falling precipitously over next few years. Now the real question will the bouquet start to develop over next 3 to 5 years like those vintage Burgundies? (Scanning CT reviews going back to 2002-2007 little mentions on that aspect). I couldn't tell as neither i nor most others have ever tasted a young Marcassin to gauge its acidity level and tannin quality. Stay tuned for future update.

It's also incredible that Marcassin does not release their wines until they are ready between 7 to 10 years. I don't know if there is anyone else in California doing that long bottle aging. Hat's off to Marcassin gang!

Lastly, many of those Sonoma pinots I mentioned even though they were rated ~97 when they within 5 years old; but most of them declined at year 10 and their ratings fall back intt 93-96 range. Please note there are some but rare great California Pinots (typically with 13% or less) would age and in fact improve very well after 8+ years.

I find this wine is best served and enjoyed at colder temperature similar to those chardonnay in the low 60sF

Rating: 94-97; 95+

5/21/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

At last, I have completed a horizontal 2017 vintage grenache tasting from Horsepower Sur Enchalas (HSE), Cayuse God Only Knows (GOK JD99) and No Girls (NG JD95); and also provide a vertical notes on 2017 HSE (JD 97) and 2014 HSE (RP 99 by JD). For details on GOK and NG, please refer to my notes on 2017 Cayuse GOK.

My notes on this 2014 vintage is documented in 2017 Horsepower Sur Enchalas Grenache. 2014 HSE is a truly and highly concentrated MONSTER unicorn grenache as it took 3 days of aeration to mellow down and still knocked your socks off! I do agree with JD's rating ranking 2014 HSE higher than 2017 HSE. JD concisely noted 2014 HSE is unique and that can't be pin down as Rayas or CDP.

The funky nose reminds of the exotic Rafflesia flower with a mild hint of H2S (don't over-react .. there are wine lovers who swear they love Pagau cuvee reserves with Brett-infused flavor!). This is an acquired taste for cult followers. Just like durian for its connoisseurs who prefer Malaysia durian over Thai durian; and for those Malaysian durian snobs, they will argue that limited exotic Penang durian beats out Musang King any time and any day! Thus, there is a cult following for this style of wine different from those from CDP and Central Coast (SB & Paso).

The winemaking team (HP/Cayuse/NG) tends to harvest their fruits before too ripe (resulting in alcohol mostly below 14%) based on lunar (biodynamic) calendar. The bright and red fruit and berry flavor reflects the terroir (climate and soil). I read somewhere that the soil (pebble rocks) tend to contain higher sulfur content. The combination of the lower brix and soil may explain why across all their wines have the unique funky (H2S) nose.

Rating: 96-99; 97+

5/21/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

At last, I have completed a horizontal 2017 vintage grenache tasting from Horsepower Sur Enchalas (HSE), Cayuse God Only Knows (GOK JD99) and No Girls (NG JD95); and also provide a vertical notes on 2017 HSE (JD 97) and 2014 HSE (RP 99 by JD). For details on GOK, NG and 2014 HSE, please refer to my notes on 2017 Cayuse GOK.

What motivated me to complete this partial circle is that JD noted that 2017 HSE is the "splitting image of a great vintage of Rayas"; and also my recent 3 unsuccessful attempts to purchase Rayas from the owner Mr. Reynaud at his winery even though I drove a shining RED color Tesla Model Y Performance to impress him! :0 My next trip to CDP I will bring GOK an HSE over to drink with my CDP winemaking friends who have access to Rayas to really complete the full cycle; hence, stay tuned!

2017 HSE profile is very similar to 2017 GOK with the typical Burgundian-style red fruit (strawberries with green stem) grenache. I think 2017 HSE has a fuller mouthfeel with higher viscosity and hence slightly more polished texture profile than 2017 GOK. But 2017 GOK has a more concentrated flavor profile. IMHO, both tie at 97 point; and also a matter of taste depending individual preference profile.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much more approachable 2017 HSE as compared to 2014 HSE (RP 99 by JD) when tasted at age 5. As I had written in 2017 GOK, 2014 HSE is a truly and highly concentrated MONSTER singular grenache as it took 3 days of aeration to mellow down and still knocked your socks off! I do agree with JD's rating ranking 2014 HSE higher than 2017 HSE. JD concisely noted "[2014 HSE] is not Rayas, it's not Chateauneuf du Pape, it's an incredible, singular wine that stands on its own."

In my recent trip to CDP annual event, I met up with some really serious Swiss wine buffs (die-hards of Rayas). They advised me one has to decant Rayas at 24-48 hours to get the best of Rayas. Yesterday I got a call from CDP wine buff told me a particular Lirac grenache drank like Grand Cru burgundy and Raya-like aromatic profile and strawberry-like red fruit profile after decanting for 3 days! Perhaps, 2017 HSE/GOK/NG grenache could improve further with 48-72 hours aeration.

Rating: 96-98; 96+

5/20/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

2020 Vintage for Santa Barbara Appellation in general is incredible with richness and opulence. In short, 2020 vintage is decadent across many top wineries from SB i have tasted. However, for Andremily syrah #9, it knocks the socks off or his Dodger guy hits the ball out of the park.

I love the 2017 vintage (JD 100) for its opulent and decadent flavor; and the 2019 vintage (JD 100) for its finesse and seamless (plus weightless) texture. Personally I prefer drinking 2017 syrah #6 over 2019 syrah #8 as I find 2017 is more complex, fuller body and richer even though it may not have the ultra uber finesse texture of 2019.

Oh man, 2020 is the best of both vintages (flavor and texture)! Absolutely love it, particularly i think the bouquet is even more uplifting and sexier than my all time favorite of 2017 vintage. The moment it poured out of the bottle the uplifting bouquet of richness of dark fruits and cocoa signified it's Jim's signature of his flagship syrah!

Like 2010 or 2016 Clos des Papes, I will have no problem of serving Andremily syrah along with any top Napa cab (e.g. Dominus or Joseph Phelps Insignia or other fuller body 100% cab like Chappellet Pritchard Hill or Shafer Hillside Select) to Napa Cab snobs. The best way to find is do a blind tasting yourselves and let us know.

Ratings 98-100; 99+

5/20/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

2020 Vintage for Santa Barbara Appellation in general is incredible with richness and opulence. In short, 2020 vintage is decadent across many top wineries from SB i have tasted. However, for Andremily mourvedre, it knocks the socks off or his Dodger guy hits the ball out of the park.

I love the 2017 vintage for its opulent and decadent flavor; and the 2019 vintage for its finesse and seamless (plus weightless) texture. Man, 2020 is the best of both vintages (flavor and texture)! Totally love it.

After having tasted its 2019 (JD100) side by side with 2019 Beaucastel hommage Jacques Perrin (JD99) and 2019 Mas des Boislauzon cuvee Tintot (JD 99), I would prefer the 2020 vintage over them; but its 2019 was a tie with those 2 CDPs.

However, wine ratings by wine critiques can be whimsical and their matter of taste. some could argue that it needs to have more acidity for its crunchiness or some could argue that it's perfect now now but may age beyond 10 years. After overflowing the cellar with wines that peak after 10 years, it's a serious mistake not to load wine wines like Andremily that can be enjoy young ... Carpe Diem!

Ratings 98-100; 99+

5/3/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Wow! Has Clio changed its style since 2015 with more modern style, improved finesse and well-integrated new oak barrel.

I have been a fan of Clio since 2004 to 2015 but stopped collecting it as it needs 5-8 years (or double decant and wait for 2-3 days) to get the tannin and rustic structure mellowed. I recently had 2013 and it’s approachable now but can further improve with a few more years; while 2011 and 2012 are drinking beautifully even after 10 years retaining primary notes (with no secondary notes which is a good thing). Clio is a very unique wine as it has a Napa-style cab nose (blended with 30% cab) and its opulence dominated the mourvedre. However, recently I tasted 2016 Clio, I was very surprised by its new/modern style which is more approachable than 2015 … So i got the 2020 vintage to try and it re-affirms that Clio has in fact improved to another level.

For the first time, I can pick notes of Mourvedre more prominently and the cab has taken a back seat (complimentary role). The texture and flavor is definitely punching above its belt challenging wines selling at $70-100.

The tannin is very fine and its acidity is well hidden under richness of dark fruits. This is a wine that can age for 10-15 years retaining its primary fruit flavor. I’m impressed by Clio. I have no qualm serving Clio to pair with steak or roast chicken. Clio can in fact be a steak-house wine.

Now, I have to go hunt down 2017 and 2018 vintage to try them Cheers!

Rating: 93-97; 94++

4/23/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

We drank 2013 Gold Series along with a vertical tasting of its regular syrah 2013-17. We were a bit surprised by its regular 2013 syrah still in primary mode with higher acidity and edginess; and didn’t really evolve much after 3 hours. However, this is a great set up for 2013 Gold Series.

2013 Gold Series is a completely different wine as compared to its regular syrah. It’s my understanding that Gold series represents the best barrels (plots) determined when tasting the regular syrah; and then subject to longer barrel aging. Surprising, in un-SQN style, the effect of new barrel on Gold Series is not noticeable as Maggie prefers neutral barrel as I understood. It has the Northern Rhone texture coupled with California richness of fruit flavor. It’s good to have a California syrah drinking different from SQN-family. It may sound irony as Maggie was Manfred’s first assistant winemaker but she has been charting her own style and path. Bravo!

The 2013 gold series is still in primary phase with lots of blue fruits and finesse with seamless texture and suppleness. The tannin is well polished and very fine. This is a very enjoyable and balanced wine; yet I suspect this wine can maintain its primary phase for many more years.

Rating: 96-98; 96+

4/23/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Recently we had a vertical tasting sessions from 2012 - 2020 of Lillian syrah and also 2013 Gold Series for benchmarking. See separate tasting notes on 2013 vintage horizontal tasting.

I would say 2020 vintage is probably the first vintage that can be enjoyed right of the gate. This mostly a reflection of 2020 vintage of SBC (Santa Barbara County). 2020 SBC wines are simply opulent and hedonistic from those top winemakers or cuvees.

2020 Lillian offers blue and black fruits flavor with full body rishness and high viscosity texture coating the palate. It’s simply opulent and great enjoyment. Some other vintages (94;96), such as 2014, 2016 and 2017 can be fairly enjoyable after 2-3 hours of decanting; whereas, 2012 (93+) and 2013 (92+) are simply not ready to consume even now (we gave up after 3 hours of waiting) as we felt it’s tight and lean .. not sure it will turn around even longer aeration or wait for a couple days (However, 2013 Gold series (97+) is completely different story and very enjoyable fine wine). 2019 vintage (95+) reflects its cool climate with “lighter” (less ripeness) but approachable than other older vintages (e.g. 2018).

I find the pricing of Lillian (70-80) syrah is fair if you can get your hand onto one. It’s a highly allocated wine. If you find it, buy it to try.

Rating: 95-97; 95+

3/25/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

97 Points
I have been following this 2016 vintage last 2 years; and it has evolved to become more decadent on palate and sexy in bouquet this year. It has rich and ripe dark fruit profile with Provencal herb savory notes; and the nose has become more complex and aromatic over time.

Last year, we did a horizontal tasting of top mourvedre-dominant wines from California, Rhone and Spain. Mason stood shoulder to should with Parker’s favorite Mas de Boislauzon cuvee Tintot; and it has evolved to be SQN-like style and flavor. Like other Alban’s wines, it has great fine tannin well hidden underneath its richness of fruit flavor and aroma; and can last for a long time in your cellar.

Alban Mason is typically a mourvedre-based blend and the percentage Mourvèdre varies based on vintage. 2016 vintage is pre-dominant Mourvèdre with some syrah; but 2015 has grenache blended in. It’s not as well known or popular; but i recommend that you jump onto this bandwagon!

Rating: 97-99; 97++ and will definitely improve over time and can last easily over 10 years. Recommend to try 2024-25 and won't be surprise to hit 98-99 or even 100.

1/19/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Updated May 2023:
At last, I have completed a horizontal 2017 vintage grenache tasting from Horsepower Sur Enchalas (HSE), Cayuse God Only Knows (GOK JD99) and No Girls (NG JD95); and also provide a vertical notes on 2017 HSE (JD 97) and 2014 HSE (RP 99 by JD). Please refer to 2017 Horsepower Sur Enchalas Grenache.

Original Notes:
This 2017 vintage GOK (JD 99) is definitely a step up over its 2016 (JD 96). Drank them side by aide along with 2017 No Girls Grenache. I suspect the 2016 vintage has too much stem during maceration and fermentation. Note: JD reported 2016 used 60-80% stem! This could explain why 2016 vintage has much more acidity and tannic structure as well as vegetal flavor than the 2017 ones. I suspect that 2017 is riper (13.8%) with warmer summer than 2016 (13.6%) but slightly behind 2018 vintage (14.1%).

Cayuse tends to harvest their fruits before too ripe (resulting in alcohol mostly below 14%) based on lunar (biodynamic) calendar. The bright and red fruit and berry flavor reflects the terroir (climate and soil). I read somewhere that the soil (pebble rocks) tend to contain higher sulfur content. The combination of the lower brix and soil may explain why across all Cayuse wines have the unique funky (H2S) nose. Thus, there is a cult following for this style of wine different from those from CDP and Central Coast (SB & Paso).

GOK is made with redder tone with Burgundian-style grenache. Specifically, 2017 GOK reminds me of drinking some of CDPs grown on sandy soil (lieu-dit) such as Dom. Charbonniere cuvee Vieille Vignes and R. Usseglio cuvee Imperiale. It has ruby color but not as translucent as Rose or darker than Burgundian pinot (except those ripe years).

The 2017 GOK has a smoother and higher viscosity texture than 2016 GOK and 2017 NG Grenache; but they have acidity and energy which can pair well with food. Both 2017 has less green / vegetal flavor than the 2016 GOK with flavor tend toward bright strawberry and rhubarb. 2017 GOK has less funky nose with more floral notes than the other two wines resulting in a more old-world style instead. The funky nose reminds of the exotic Rafflesia flower with a mild hint of H2S (don't over-react .. there are wine lovers who swear they love Pagau cuvee reserves with Brett-infused flavor!). This is an acquired taste for cult followers. Just like durian for its connoisseurs who would prefer Malaysia durian over Thai durian; and for those Malaysian durian snobs, they will argue that limited exotic Penang durian beats out Musang King any time and any day!

I'm saving some of them for year 10 and 15 to see how they are going to evolve. Time tells. If you like this exotic style of wine, you may want to try their bigger (more concentrate and intense) version in Horsepower Grenache, which may knock your socks out. The 2014 HP Sur Enchalas Grenache did knock us out! I can still remember the unique flavor profile vividly after 5 years.

Rating 95-97; 96+

1/12/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

This is a hidden gem and hardly exported into the US market. I discovered this winery when I visited CDP last summer. After tasted through over 20 different CDP blancs across 2019 to 2021 vintages, Mas de Boislauzon (MB) CDP blanc is one of our favorite white wines.

Don't be fool by its ratings. i think wine critics have subconsciously mis-rated this wine due to its tradition CDP classification instead of being marketed as a cuvee. After visiting and discussing with the winemaking team, they have incredible high standard on quality control, grape selection during harvest and yield crop control (via cropping) and other critical winemaking processes (see below for details). They apply the same philosophy toward making their red wines and that explained why their top two cuvees (Quet and Tintot) are only made in the best vintages.

I found myself having difficulty writing it up differently from what I had covered on 2021 Janasse cuvee Prestige (see its separate notes for details). If I were blind-folded, I would have difficulty in telling them apart. Maybe Prestige have a slight higher concentration of fruit profile and opulence driven by the blending with Clairette. They both have brioche and honeysuckle and oily profile driven by Roussanne varietal and great structure and citrusy profile driven by grenache blanc. Both are tremendously enjoyable wines with great structure, complexity and finish. However, MB CDP blanc is definitely a big step up over Janasse CDP blanc.

I must admit i also mis-read and mis-rated this CDP blanc when i had tasted it straight out from the bottle after pulling the cork without aeration or decanting. This wine requires a lot more air time to breath and to open up; otherwise, it would be very tight, lean and muted. It was a total 180 degree turn when I visited the winemaking team for a second bottle prepared with a few hours of aeration and chilled in the right temperature. My first sniff and impression was "Wow!" and I kept holding the wine glass to my nose without even wanting to sip it. After sipping it, it's so darn complex and full of energy strutting waves of fruits, minerality and salinity.

Now drinking the 3rd time prepared by myself at home confirming my 2nd tasting memory. The bouquet has ripe apple and pineapple intermixed with exotic spice (fresh ground white pepper, galangal and menthol). I agreed with JD that the 2021 vintage has a notable spice, which was not detectable in 2019-2020 or earlier vintages 1999, 2010 and 2016 I had tasted. I have learned that the new winemaking team from the 6th generation are tinkering the white wine experimenting with different oak barrels, tank, co-fermentation, etc. to elevate the wine into the next level (hopefully with more opulence). I recommend that you jump onto this bandwagon soon.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to taste their CDP blanc from older vintages. The 1999 blanc is still alive and kicking with no signs or sense of secondary notes or decline. The 5th generation co-owner and chief winemaker (Daniel) confirmed my conjecture that it must have higher proportion of grenache blanc over roussanne in earlier vintages. The profile from earlier vintages has more lemony flavor and leaner but long-life structure reminding me of Robert Parker calling some of those top CDP blancs are Burgundian-like grand cru. Also through this experience i now understand why those Santa Barbara-based SQN gangs are using burgundian chardonnay from Santa Rita Hill appellation in place of Grenache Blanc, which is not widely available there, into their Rhone white blends. in recent vintages, the MB winemaking team has dialed up the percentage of roussanne (50-70% range) making the wine even more appealing.

Rating: 95-97; 95+

1/12/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

After tasted the other two varietals from 2019 vintage, I have finally secured its 2020 Roussanne after visiting CDP. What a lovely Roussanne after the marvelous reference point of 2019 Beaucastel Vieille Vignes Roussanne.

The moment after pulling the cork, the bouquet jumped out of the bottle is unmistakable Roussanne! Though it is not as opulent and regal as Beaucastel v.v., it has its own lovely style and intense profile. Aside from the typical roussanne nose, it has a great aromatics of lime and tropical fruits, particularly ripe pineapple flavor. The ripe fruit flavor is well balanced out with its acidity resulting in great, great finish and lingering of a burst of salinity and minerality flavor. Meanwhile the smooth oily texture coated the palate with brioche and honeysuckle (signature of roussanne) balanced out the structure. Toward the end, I picked up well integrated sweet cedar perfume notes from new (light toasted) french oak (similarly in other Vaudieu's white wines).

This wine has energy and refreshing. It can be enjoyed by itself and has enough omphh and structure to pair with food. Try it and let me know!

Rating: 96-99; i think it can improve better than 97 with more bottle aging. Time tells.

1/12/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Amongst all the 20 different CDP blancs (mostly from 2020 vintage) we had tasted, this cuvee A Tempo is the most opulent and smooth full body texture. The profile has honeysuckle and ripe white peach flavor with uplifting citrusy aromatics. It's a style that I thought very modern and Santa Barbara gang (SQN and its disciples). Some members thought it reminded them drinking a great vintage of Burgundy Grand Cru.

We drank this wine along with 2021 Janasse Prestige over a luxurious HK-style dinner menu. Over the course of the menu as we progress from seafood to meat dishes, we noticed that Pegau is best pair with seafood; and Janasse Prestige is a more powerful wine with enough structure to continue pairing with meat dishes.

I think this is because Pegau is an equal blending of rousssane, grenache blanc and clairette; whereas Janasse Prestige reflects the 2021 vintage and a different blend.

Rating: 96-98; 96+

1/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Wow! What a great transformation since my tasting in 2019 across all aspects of the wine profile! Visually the color has taken a richer gold hue. The aromatics are more effusive soaring with citrusy and honeysuckle notes. Ripe mandarin peels laced with minerality hit the palate with full body smooth texture. If i were blind folded, I would have thought drinking a vintage Aubert (Ritchie vineyard) from 2014. Like its pinot, it's possible that this could be one of the best QPR for high-end Sonoma chardonnay.

Maybe I should seek out older vintages of HC chardonnay to get a better appreciation. Look forward to try 2012 Seascape chardonnay.

Rating: 96-98; 96+

1/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Hartford Court Jennifer's can deliver gorgeous bouquet and rich full body flavor as good as any top CA pinot houses. 2016 vintage is now in perfect phase to enjoy and is still in the peaking phase. The wine profile is very similar to 2015 vintage, except that i think 2015 has a slight more angular structure than the 2016 vintage. I recommend drinking 2016 vintage and hold off the 2015. For Jennifer's profile description, see my detailed notes on the 2015 vintage. This is a gorgeous pinot drinking perfectly well; and the best QPR of top end pinot.

I had acquired older vintages going back to 2010 and they are holding up very well. However, I do notice that Jennifer's made since 2015 are much richer and aromatic wines than earlier vintages. After discussing with HC winemaking team, I have learned the improvement comes from them taking over the farming and reducing the yield per acre. Brilliant vineyard mgmt.

Rating: 96-98.

1/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

It's an accidental discovery at the 2018 A Matter of Taste event @ NYC. Tasted both Jennifer's and Far Coast. These are pinots can deliver gorgeous bouquet and rich full body flavor as good as any top CA pinot houses I have been collecting. Factoring the pricing, it's probably the best QPR for high end pinots out there.

Amongst their many single vineyard offerings, Jennifer's is always my top choice. I find their pinots can be enjoyed fairly soon after 2-3 years of bottle aging than other top pinot houses.

The floral aromatics of lavender and roses intermixed with ripe berries are uplifting and effusive with stamina to last for hours over a long dinner course. The texture is full body with good viscosity coating the palate, which can be enjoyed by itself without food pairing. However, a Peking duck or pan seared duck breast would be a fantastic pairing :)

The rich and ripe dark fruits and blue-berries flavor with some asian spice (probably from integrated french oak) has hidden its acidity but with well balance structure that can pair with delicate foods. It has a dark purple hue reflecting the ripeness. The finish is great with lingering perfume notes. Sexy wine!

Please note the recent bottle in late 2022 suggests that the wine may be shutting down and evolving as more angular structure has taken on the front seat. Hold for a couple years before retrying. I recommend drink 2016 vintage right now. Also, hold off 2017 Jennifer's pinot as it has even more energy and fine structure than 2015 with longer life; but my bet is that 2017 vintage could turn out the best one at maturity (year 10?). Time tells.

Rating: 96-98; 96+

1/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Wow! 2007 Mount Eden Chardonnay Reserve is stunningly beautiful. I agreed with both Robert Parker & Stephen Tanzer describing its chardonnay wines are dead ringers for top Burgundy Grand Crus.

Winemaker Jeff Peterson noted he wasn’t sure the ageability of his Reserve wines in his ‘08 release notes … the answer is it still has a long life ahead! It’s still peaking! The cork is in perfect condition. ‘07 is the first time Jeff integrated Burgundy technique after his ‘08 visit by adding secondary aging to the wine with its own lees in s.s. tank after barrel fermentation. Yes, I do agree with his note on picking up the extra dimension of viscosity

I didn’t expect this sensational effect after 15 years! Along with well integrated oak effect, the ‘07 fragrance has hints of Chassin-like or Mercurey-like french barrels. Balanced + Finesse + Leaner style version of Aubert chard if I were to relate.

I couldn't get hold of 2007 Estate Chardonnay but drank along side with 2010 Estate Chardonnay. The 2010 is still a baby with more baby fat to shed ... It reminded me drinking 2-3 years old of a top Sonoma Coast chardonnay. Couldn't agree more with RP that Mount Eden chardonnay has tremendous age-worthy and also probably best or peak at 15-20 years!

Rating: 96-98; 96+

1/11/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Patience is what this wine has taught me. First impression after pulling the cork thought it's over the hill with woody and spice aromatics without much fruit in flavor. Double decanted and put the cork back in for next day.

Next day i was astounded by its aromatics immediately pulling the cork. Before I finished sipping the first pour, floral perfume fill the living room that my wife walked over asking if I spilled her perfume! Wow! it's a magical moment! The effusive and uplifting bouquet just kept coming without need to swirl the wine glass. Enjoyed drinking this beauty over 12 hours for lunch and dinner.

I was amazed by the intoxicating floral aromatics and how well it has integrated with still some life ahead! The rose petal in the bouquet and ripe Japanese strawberry and pomegranate in the flavor with the acidity and tannin well integrated without any hints (or hindrance) of oak. Simply gorgeous. It's well worth the wait for the long distant love.

Had this bottle in 2017 and had another recently in 2022. I am so impressed that the profile has not changed or declined. The peak has been cruising for 5 years. I'm so glad that I found and bought 2 magnums of 2007 vintage. This is my benchmark for finding great California pinots. Recently tasted ‘13 Pinot and its full potential has not unfolded yet — be patient!

Rating: 97-99; 97+

1/6/2023 - RhoneWho wrote:

Finally it's time to crack open Selleck for the first time though I have been drinking various vintages of Jensen and Ryan since 2009 vintage. Maybe I should kick myself for not trying Selleck earlier!

As compared to Jensen from 2009 to 2012, I find Selleck has a fuller body and darker profile than Jensen. The flavor is more concentrated with great salinity on the finish to provide a balance. Wow! What a lovely wine. I can understand why JD gave it 98 back then.

I think the wine at age 10 has finally started to resolved its acidity and shed its baby fat. It still has primary fruit profile but some nice and complimentary secondary notes are popping up rendering the wine more interesting to enjoy. Given the structure is still refreshing, I think this wine is still peaking next couple of years and can cruise for many years to come.

The aromatics is soaring with red and blue fruits with sweet spicy notes. The juice hit the palate with great energy (electric sensation) with well integrated oak notes to create a complex flavor.

If I have to nit pick, it has a sweeter profile probably due to its South facing plot resulting in higher brix (ripeness) and hence 14.7% alcohol; whereas Jensen plots are facing all directions resulting in a slight lower alcohol and ripeness.

Rating: 96-98; 96+

12/26/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

Expanded with a vertical tasting from 2016 to 2020 in the 2017 vintage review.

Original notes:
The 2019 vintage for this cuvee La Combe des Fous (LCDF) is the probably the best of LCDF since 2015+. We drank this wine side by side with 2019 Deus Ex Machina (DEM), which notes is posted separately; and both were rated with perfect scores by JD.

The flavor profile of LCDF is redder and brighter than its sibling DEM given that LCDF does not have Mourvèdre but include Syrah, Vaccarese and Cinsault. The flavor could also be driven by not higher 70% grenache but probably from sandy soil sites giving it higher freshness and vibrancy than DEM stylistically. Given 2019 vintage is a warm vintage, LCDF has a riper and darker style resulting in a fuller body and that helps to balance its acidity and freshness better than its earlier vintages.

The second outstanding characteristic of this 2019 vintage for LCDF is that its texture is incredible seamless and elegant as one would expect in perfect wines. The redder fruit tone accentuates the soaring aromatics captivating the attention. However, I still prefer the richer aromatics of DEM with both blue/dark fruits of Mourvèdre and ripe red fruits from grenache. But this is a matter of personal preference. The color tone is ruby and redder tone than DEM.

Rating range: 97-99; 97+

12/26/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

After drinking 2016 DEM at CDP, I bought up the remaining case of 2019 vintage at a local wine store as DEM is one of favorite CDPs. The flavor profile reminds me a lot of Janasse Vieilles Vignes, which is also a blend. We drank both 2019 DEM and La Combe Des Fous (LCDF) side by side as both were rated perfect scores by JD. Review on LCDF will be on a separate note.

Like the 2016, the 2019 DEM beauty can be enjoyed by itself without food. It's one of the best CDPs i have had from many vintages; and is definitely a step up from its 2017 vintage. This beauty (a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mouverdre) is really an elegant and harmoniously balanced wine with the grenache driving the aromatics and mouvedre driving the flavor profile brilliantly! The only difference of 2019 from the 2016 is that it still needs a few more years to settle down and shed its baby fat (resolve its structural youthfulness) before reaching its perfection.

Bouquet: Very long uplighting perfume of sweet, ripe rich darker (blue) fruit with subtle garrigue notes driven by Grenache component. The aromatics lingers for long long time! Darn memorable.

Palate: Weightless, pure yet concentrated ripe dark blue fruit intermixed with subtle cocoa and herbs (driven by Mourvedre) flavor.

Texture: Seamless super-fine tannins with acidity masked under juicy rich dark fruit flavor. This wine is velvet, and full body resulting in a very long and supple finish. The 2019 is not as unctuous as the 2016 which could reflect the vintage.

Keywords: Elegant, Balance, Uplighting rich aromatics
Scoring range: 98-100; 98+

12/25/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

Wow! Wow! Just as memorable as I had two years ago. Couldn't agree more with Robert Parker (reviewed in 2017) when I tasted first time in 2020 and second time tonight that it's one of finest pinot noir i have ever tasted amongst the most highly rated (97+ JD/RP) pinot out there. More elegant and finesse than Aubert, Dumol, Hartford Court and Martinelli (2014-16) and more upfront fruit and fuller body than Occidental, Calera and Brewer Clifton pinot tasted from my cellar.

Drank this side by side with 2016 vintage; and found that 2015 is more ready to taste than 2016 which will require more time. 2015 is a very challenging year for Pinot Noir; thus, many top producers didn't make theirs . It's incredible that Luc was able to craft such a beauty and even better than many pinots from the great 2016 vintage. The 2016 Joli still needs more time to resolve its structure but has a gorgeous aromatic too. Time will tell which will rein supreme. This reminds me some of those rare top Grand Cru from the best (and ripe) vintage made with modern style and fuller body.

The incredible essence of floral aromatics intermixed with mulling spices is beguiling and captivating. There is a lot of ultra-fine structure but extremely well balance punching the sensory and palate with a velvet glove. I think wine will remain in primary fruit form for first 10 years). The outstanding purity of dark red fruit flavor (ripe blackcurrants and raspberry) is balanced with delicate acidity really made this wine special. It's full of vibrant energy (electric shock sensation) balanced by its wealth of high concencration of flavor; and its freshness left no residual tartiness or sourness. Gorgeous finish and great lingering!

The richness of flavor as well as its complexity made me going back to sip the wine while swirling the glass for its incredible beautiful perfume floral and spice bouquet. Wish i had bought a case.

Please note this 2015 vintage probably best enjoyed at cellar temperature as toward the end at room temperature around 70 the acidity and structure starts to emerge indicating it has lots of life ahead!

Rating: 98-100; 98+ and will definitely improve and open up to perfection over time.

10/4/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

This is one of only few 100-pt wines from 2016 vintage of CDP that I don't in my cellar. Glad to find it at a restaurant in CDP itself. After first sip, I see smiles :)) on my fellow winemakers' happy faces. This wine is currently drinking perfectly and is peaking with more stamina to cruise for a few more years. This beauty can be enjoyed by itself without food. It's one of the best CDPs i have had from many vintages; and is definitely a step up from its 2017 vintage. One word to sum up: WOW!

This beauty (a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mouverdre) is really an elegant and harmoniously balanced wine with the grenache driving the aromatics and mouvedre driving the flavor profile brilliantly!

Bouquet: Very long uplighting perfume of sweet, ripe rich darker (blue) fruit with subtle garrigue notes driven by Grenache component. The aromatics lingers for long long time! Darn memorable.

Palate: Weightless, pure yet concentrated ripe dark blue fruit intermixed with subtle cocoa and herbs (driven by Mourvedre) flavor.

Texture: Seamless super-fine tannins with acidity masked under juicy rich dark fruit flavor. This wine is velvet, unctuous and full body resulting in a very long and supple finish. I wish there is more in the glass and bottle!

Keywords: Elegant, Balance, Uplighting rich aromatics, Unctuous texture
Scoring range: 98-100; 99+

10/2/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

Update: 98 from 97 (Dec 2022 and Jan 2023 tastings)
Recently drank this wine side by side with 2020 Pegau cuvee A Tempo blanc over a luxurious HK-stule dinner menu. Pegau is extremely opulent right out of the gate with reminded me of what SQN and its disciples tried to make. However over the course of dinner we found Janasse Prestige is best pairing with food and is incredible complex with lots of potential to improve with more years of bottle aging! I can relate why RP thinks it is the Burgundian grand cru of CDP. After drinking over 20 CDP blancs, this is the crowd's favorite etching out Mas de Boislauzon CDP blanc slightly over the longer finish/stamina. I think the judicious blending with Clairette in Prestige making it more opulent than the Mas de Boislauzon. I would say Clos la Roquete CDP blanc would be next with similar structure and energy-driven style wines.

Original notes
First time tasting this CDP blanc (which is hard to find given its tiny production) and is definitely a big step up from Janasse Tradition blanc.

It's blended from 70% Roussanne, 15% Clairette and 15% Grenache (most of them from old vines over 60+ years grown on sandy soil). Though the majority of wine is from Roussane, the bouquet is wonderfully driven by the elegant and captivating aroma of Clairette. I found myself kept swirling the wine glass enjoying the uplifting aromatics. The fruit flavor of peach and pear is probably driven by the Roussanne grape.

I was pleasantly surprised by the wine structure given the majority is from Roussanne. This wine has great structure probably driven in part by grenache blanc, by those vines grown on sandy soil and also by 2021 vintage stylistically. It's a good balance of acidity (freshness) and tannin (structure) with the richness of fruit.

This wine is built for long haul and should be able to age gracefully. I recommend drinking this wine 2-3 years from now as it will definitely improve with bottle aging. This wine can definitely pair well with main course (shell fish, grilled fish, poultry. grilled veg) and not just for appetizer or cheese.

Drinking this wine reminds me of drinking Mas de Boislauzon Tradition Blanc (50% GB and 50% R) with that great structure, nice freshness and great flavor depth. This 2021 Prestige has more structure and complexity than those single varietals from 2019 Vaudieu or some other CDPs from 2019/20.

Rating 96-99; upgraded to 98 after tasting the 3rd time a year later

10/1/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

Drank this beauty (60% Mourvedre) from the magnum and along side by side with Mas de Boislauzon cuvee Tintot with 85% Mourvedre (see separate notes) and Andremily Mourvedre (~70-80% mourvedre see separate notes). All three wines (rated 99-100) are the best of the best mourvedre out there. Now I can understand why this wine had been one of Robert Parker's favorite wines and why it's a benchmark for others to beat or study. This is a rare wine that may well worth spending $ on unlike many other similar or more expensive wines (such as Screaming Eagle or Masseto).

Jacques Perrin (JP) is the most ready to enjoy right out of the gate without much decanting or aeration! This is a truly elixir with great suppleness and purity of dark and rich fruit flavor profile without feeling heavy even though it has great concentration and full body. The wine is in perfect balance with incredible plush, velvety, seamless texture with great viscosity; and ultra fine tannin integrated perfectly with pure concentration of flavor. The sweet provencal herbal notes and ripe dark fruits aroma is perfumey and elegant without over-powering. It has great lingering finish and begging for a few more gulps!

The only and best word to describe this wine is FINESSE! It's one of those rare wines where the perfect balance between rich concentration and elegant structure; and the intoxicating aromatics with purity of flavor. Bravo! Hat off!

The only thing I am not sure of is how well it will age and hold its peak for how many years, given this is the first vintage I have ever drank (will know more next year when the 2016 vintage order arrive). However, I think 2019 Mas de Boislauzon cuvee le Tintot could give JP a run for its money in 10-15 years from now (tasted vertical line up of Tintot from 2006 to 2019 and those 2006-10 are still in peak form with primary fruit profile which reminded me of Ridge Monte Bello with the characteristics of tremendous age-ability and holding its primary fruit notes; and I will post those notes later on). Some wine critics have likened Andremily Mourvedre to JP probably for its supple texture and some aspect of its flavor (from some vintages); but Andremily style is more in your face and "heavier" relatively speaking (but not heavy compared to many other wines, including cut Napa cabs)

Rating: 98-100; 99+

9/6/2022 - RhoneWho wrote:

Almost a year later, the 2016 Mas Boislauzon cuvee Tintot (Mourvèdre) is WOTD drinking alone with Pierre Usseglio cuvee Mon Aieeul and both 2019 Andremily Syrah and Grenache, 2015 Hartford Land's Edge (fantastic grand cru aromatics), 2017 Hartford 4 Hearts, 2020 Herman Story Larner Syrah/Grenache, and 2014 Pahlmeyer's Jayson Cab.

Reconfirmed the original notes:
"2016 cuvee Tintot has it all! It’s rich yet balance, and finesse yet with great backbone for aging. It has an intoxicating and uplifting aromatics with a pot pourri of black and ripe red fruits (on a Parisian tart) intermixed with sweet savory herbs and floral notes. I found myself kept swirling the glass for the perfumey elixir. The accomplishment is made without help from new French oak; in fact, most of the wine is aged in concrete tank with just a little in neutral oak barrel."

Original Notes from Sept 2022
I was fortunate enough to be able to compose a vertical tasting of 2015, 16, 17 and 19 on this unicorn, a single vineyard and a single varietal mourvedre (85% & 15% grenache). No one else from CDP or other places comes close to this cuvee Tintot. There are top wine critics compared cuvee Tintot to Beaucastel hommage Jacques Perrin, which is not a single varietal as it contains less than 85% mourvedre in most vintages (e.g. 2019 JP has 60% mourvedre).

2016 cuvee Tintot has it all! It’s rich yet balance, and finesse yet with great backbone for aging. It has an intoxicating and uplifting aromatics with a pot pourri of black and ripe red fruits (on a Parisian tart) intermixed with sweet savory herbs and floral notes. I found myself kept swirling the glass for the perfumey elixir. The accomplishment is made without help from new French oak; in fact, most of the wine is aged in concrete tank with just a little in neutral oak barrel.

The flavor profile has ripe black and red berries, smoked meat and sweet savory herbs (thyme and bay leaf). The structure has ultra fine tannin coating the palate and great acidity to balance the rich and ripe flavor profile. Very elegant and finesse! This vintage reminds of 2019 Andremily Mourvedre.

Currently 2017 vintage (held back from release due to its monster tannin structure) surprisingly turns out to most ready to drink now and follow by both 2016 and 2015 cuvee Tintot; they are ready to enjoy by laying back with a plate of cheese. I have tremendous respect for Chaussy-Laget family for willing to hold back the release of 2017 until it’s ready. The 2019 cuvee with a few years of aging could evolve to be become 2016 cuvee Tintot with more oomph and richer profile.

Rating: 97-100; 98+. I have tasted this 2016 vintage a few times over last 2 years and it has kept getting better. Can it get any better than now?