Generously shared by my friend Paul, this is the greatest champagne I've ever tasted. Amber in color, the aromas and flavors are unlike any I've ever experienced in a Champagne. I've only had a couple of old white Burgundies with characteristics similar to this. Notes of fresh honeycomb, sea salted butter on sourdough, butterscotch. The finish reminds me of a creamier, nuttier cheese with a mellow richness (mimolette comes to mind). What was once a lemon citrus has evolved into tropical fruits (passion fruit, grilled pineapple, kumquat). While the wine has lost its bubbles, and there's less tension of youth, there is still a vibrant acidity that almost gave the illusion of fine bubbles. Hard to describe. But aren't all great wines?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I buy all the top producers from Russian River and in my opinion, the Rochioli Three Corner is the most classic, quintessential expression of pinot noir from this tiny corner of the world. It always comes off as balanced, vibrant, composed - nothing over the top and just the right amount of energy, acid, femininity, elegance. From vintage to vintage, sometimes less power and richness than some other Rochioli SVD's but always tastes consistent and classic. Rest in peace, Joe Rochioli.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
I think this is the best Rivers-Marie cab I've ever had and the first one that I could say could be a dead ringer for a Schrader. I purchased this on release (I believe this was the first vintage for the Herb Lamb) but this is my first time tasting this wine. Immediately on the beautiful nose, you can tell it soaked up new french oak. Blueberry compote is front and center but the grippy tannins give it a luxurious mouthfeel. This is very much a hedonistic style, so it may not score a lot of points for anyone looking for a more intellectual wine. Rivers-Marie always seems more approachable in youth than Schrader, and certainly more than Outpost, so feel free to crack it open now.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
1993 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon
3/25/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine: 98 Points
Generously shared by my friend Paul, this is the greatest champagne I've ever tasted. Amber in color, the aromas and flavors are unlike any I've ever experienced in a Champagne. I've only had a couple of old white Burgundies with characteristics similar to this. Notes of fresh honeycomb, sea salted butter on sourdough, butterscotch. The finish reminds me of a creamier, nuttier cheese with a mellow richness (mimolette comes to mind). What was once a lemon citrus has evolved into tropical fruits (passion fruit, grilled pineapple, kumquat). While the wine has lost its bubbles, and there's less tension of youth, there is still a vibrant acidity that almost gave the illusion of fine bubbles. Hard to describe. But aren't all great wines?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2012 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Three Corner Vineyard
3/1/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine: 95 Points
I buy all the top producers from Russian River and in my opinion, the Rochioli Three Corner is the most classic, quintessential expression of pinot noir from this tiny corner of the world. It always comes off as balanced, vibrant, composed - nothing over the top and just the right amount of energy, acid, femininity, elegance. From vintage to vintage, sometimes less power and richness than some other Rochioli SVD's but always tastes consistent and classic. Rest in peace, Joe Rochioli.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2016 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard
2/15/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine: 97 Points
I think this is the best Rivers-Marie cab I've ever had and the first one that I could say could be a dead ringer for a Schrader. I purchased this on release (I believe this was the first vintage for the Herb Lamb) but this is my first time tasting this wine. Immediately on the beautiful nose, you can tell it soaked up new french oak. Blueberry compote is front and center but the grippy tannins give it a luxurious mouthfeel. This is very much a hedonistic style, so it may not score a lot of points for anyone looking for a more intellectual wine. Rivers-Marie always seems more approachable in youth than Schrader, and certainly more than Outpost, so feel free to crack it open now.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment