Vin Chicago Holiday Wine & Champagne Tasting

Makray GC, Barrington
Tasted Friday, November 7, 2025 by AllRed with 111 views

Flight 1 - Perry Moore (4 Notes)

  • 2012 Perry Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Solitaire 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    A blend of 88% cab sauv, 7% merlot, 3% cab franc and 2% petit verdot from vineyards in Napa, Coombsville and Yountville, aged in French oak, 70% new. Opens with notes of red plum, cedar and dusty earth- almost a "Rutherford dust" quality here. Flavors of plummy dark fruit and raisin with somewhat rustic tannins.

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  • 2013 Perry Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Solitaire 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Around 86-88% cab sauv, with cab franc, malbec and petit verdot- a slight change from the 2012. Notes of black currants, red plum and violets. Full-bodied with fine tannins and flavors of plum, blackberry and mocha with a subtle herbal quality as well.

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  • 2014 Perry Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Solitaire 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Dark color with aromas of red currants, blackberry, tobacco and herbs- has a very pleasant herbaceous, slightly green quality to it which I adore. The palate follows the bouquet. Full-bodied with medium tannins and a lingering finish. My favorite of the three vintages shown tonight.

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  • 2014 Perry Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Paragon 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    100% cab sauv from mountain and valley floor fruit. Currant, plum and chocolate aromas. Full-bodied with fine tannins and flavors of red and black fruit, spice and plum. Hints of coffee in the finish. Very nice.

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Flight 2 - Novovino (5 Notes)

Not tasted from this table-

2024 Apollo's Praise Chardonnay Lahoma Vineyard
N.V. The Austin Winery Acqua Pazza

  • 2019 Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvée Escolle Vineyard 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    A blend of pinot noir (60%) and chardonnay (40%), aged on the lees for over four years, disgorged in January 2025. Aromas of apple, vanilla bean and toast. Rich and creamy on the palate, with orchard fruit, roasted nuts and toast. Very nice.

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  • 2023 Kelley Fox Wines Pinot Noir Mirabai 92 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

    Medium ruby color. Cherry, floral and baked rhubarb aromas. Medium-bodied and balanced, with a nice vein of acidity supporting the abundant red pinot fruit on the palate. Finishes with good length.

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  • 2022 Andis Wines Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel 89 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills

    Boysenberry, pepper and cherry aromas. Medium-bodied. Flavors of red berries and pepper on the palate. Good, but simple.

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  • 2021 Hill Family Estate "The Barrel Blend" 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Deep color. Simple, but good, with aromas of dark berry fruit, mocha and chocolate that follow through on the palate. A nice rich Napa red.

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  • 2021 Betz Family Clos de Betz 91 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    Chocolate, black fruit and perfume notes. Full-bodied, a bit rustic, with flavors of red plum and spice. Good, if not a particularly compelling value.

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Flight 3 - Maverick (6 Notes)

  • NV Deutz Champagne Brut Classic

    France, Champagne

    Lingering mousse. Apple and something a touch sweet that reminds me of grape must. Orchard, dough and cashew flavors. Medium bead. Very nice. I always enjoy Deutz and I don’t know why I don’t buy more of it.

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  • NV Geoffroy Champagne Premier Cru Expression Brut 93 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

    Rich and yeasty with a subtle toast. Pear and almond notes as well. Medium bead with an abundance of fruit. Subtle doughy elements. Based on 2019 (50%) with the other half reserve wines. Disgorged January 2023 at 4 g/L.

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  • NV Deutz Champagne Brut Rosé 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    Notes of red berry, peach and pear. Medium bead. Red apple and berry fruit.

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  • NV Geoffroy Champagne Premier Cru Rosé de Saignée Brut 91 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

    Medium mousse with a fine, creamy bead. Red berries, melon and strawberries. 2017 base, disgorged October 2022 at 4g/L.

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  • 2022 Greywacke Pinot Noir

    New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

    Cherry, florals, mushroom and earthy tones. Complete and balanced, showing good length and nice depth for being so young. Impressive.

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  • 2021 Ulysses Oakville 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    This had been opened 3.75hrs before service. Aromas of graphite, violets, black currants and black cherry. Full-bodied with fine tannins and flavors of cassis, vanilla, crème de violette, chocolate and black cherry. Clearly very young but already quite good. Hold to 2030.

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Flight 4 - Grand Cru Selections (6 Notes)

  • NV Michel Gonet Chardonnay Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Vindey Montgueux 92 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Green apple, xlay and chalk notes. Flavors of citrus and chalk on the palate. Medium mousse and bead. Excellent. Disgorged January 2023 at 2g/L.

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  • NV Huré Frères Champagne Invitation 93 Points

    France, Champagne

    A label I have not come across before. Notes of red apple, pear, almond and chalk. The apple and chalk tones follow through on the palate, with hints of melon and stone. Fine bead. This is a blend of 50% pinot noir, 30% pinot meunier and 20% chardonnay and spent 32 months on the lees. Disgorged March 2024 at 4g/L.

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  • NV Huré Frères Champagne L'Insouciance 93 Points

    France, Champagne

    Lingering mousse; a pale rosé. Aromas of red berries, grape must and fresh flowers. Soft bead. Flavors of red apple, melon and almond. Lovely. This is 50% pinot noir with 30% chardonnay and 20% meunier with two years on the lees. Disgorged October 2024 at 4g/L. I will be on the lookout for this producer.

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  • NV A. Bergère Champagne Brut Rosé 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    Another I've not come across before but enjoyed. Slightly deeper color than the Huré Frères rosé that preceded this, with notes of red apple, cherry and apricot pit. Fine bead. Subtle red berry flavors with dried apricot and strawberry as well. Balanced. 90% chardonnay with 10% pinot noir from the Coteaux Champenois. 2022 base, disgorged November 2024 at 5g/L.

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  • 2024 Bodega Chacra Pinot Noir Barda 89 Points

    Argentina, Patagonia, Río Negro

    Deep ruby red color. Aromas fo cherry, forest and florals. Medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice. Balanced, with good acidity underneath. 89+ pts.

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  • 2022 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    Aromas of cassis, dried herbs, cherry and currants. I love Togni's green, herbal edge. Youthful tannin is fine, almost elegant. Flavors of black currants and green tobacco. Lengthy finish. So very good. 93+ pts.

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Flight 5 - High Road (7 Notes)

  • NV Michel Arnould & Fils Champagne Grand Cru Observation Verzenay 89 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay, disgorged in April 2025 at 6.5g/L. A little more than one quarter of the wine comes from the reserves which were partially aged in oak. It’s been quite a few years since I last tasted from this house so it was nice to see it in tonight's lineup. Lingering mousse with a light color and aromas of ripe orchard fruit and wet dough. Medium bead. Marzipan, dough and pear flavors. Very nice.

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  • 2022 Martin Woods Riesling Hyland Vineyard 90 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton

    Pale color. Notes of stone, apricot pit, dried pear and honeysuckle. Petrol and peach on the palate. Excellent. 90+ pts.

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  • 2022 Domaine Saint-Cyr Beaujolais Terroir De Bellevue 85 Points

    France, Burgundy, Beaujolais

    Cherry and strawberry fruit on the nose and palate. Medium acidity; light structure. Decent.

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  • 2023 Hundred Suns Pinot Noir Old Eight Cut 92 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    Cherry and dark pinot fruit with underlying baking spice aromas. Good weight on the palate, with flavors of cherry, red berries and spice. Finishes with good length.

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  • 2021 Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Medium color. Red berry fruit and pepper notes. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and decent acidity. Flavors of red berry fruit, dried herbs, stone and white pepper. Excellent. 92-93 pts.

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  • 2023 Pax Syrah Sonoma-Hillsides 93 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    Dark color. Opens with a nice briny/olive top note with black fruit, pepper and herb aromas. Full-bodied, slightly firm, but with an abundance of dark syrah fruit. Spice and tapenade qualities as well. Excellent.

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  • 2018 Continuum Novicium 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Deep opaque color. Lovely bouquet of cassis, currants, tobacco and florals. Full-bodied with fine, silky tannins and flavors of cassis, green herbs and graphite. Long finish. Impressive in its youth. Give this a few years yet.

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Flight 6 - Original Wine Co (6 Notes)

  • NV Pere Mata Cava Cupada #29 90 Points

    Spain, Cava

    Based on the 2021 vintage made from a blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada, disgorged April 2025. Bright, with melon and floral notes with a citrusy undertone. Good fruit on the palate as well. Medium bead. Good underlying acidity.

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  • NV Pere Mata Cava Cupada Rosé 91 Points

    Spain, Cava

    A blend of Garnacha, Trepat, Parellada, Monastrell and Xarel-lo based on the 2023 vintage, disgorged April 2025. Pale pink color with a lingering mousse. Aromas of strawberry, clay and florals. Fine bead. The palate follows the bouquet. Very nice.

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  • NV Domaine Lelievre Gris de Pique Nique

    France, Lorraine, Côtes de Toul

    This was...odd. A blend of grenache and pinot noir that smells oddly like brie. I can only assume the rep checked this before it was served, but I did not care for this. Perhaps not a representative example.

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  • 2023 Domaine Grégoire Hoppenot Fleurie Indigène 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie

    In a word- excellent. Aromas of herbs, red berry fruit, wild strawberry and olives. Mixed fruit on the palate with an intriguing pine quality as well. Balanced, with a nice finish.

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  • 2023 Clos Figueras Priorat Serras del priorat 90 Points

    Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

    Abundant red fruit on the nose and palate. Very nice.

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  • 2018 Clos Figueras Priorat Clos Figueres 92 Points

    Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

    Dark red color with notes of tomato leaf, black and red fruit and something along the lines of green tobacco. Full-bodied and nicely ripe, with flavors of red plum and dark berry fruit. Hints of spice in the finish. Medium tannins with a nice plush texture. 92-93 pts.

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Flight 7 - Cream Wine Co (4 Notes)

Not tasted at this table-
2024 Proprietà Sperino Piemonte Rosa del Rosa
2016 Castell'in Villa Santa Croce Toscana IGT

Flight 8 - Vin Chicago (9 Notes)

  • NV Robert de Pampignac Champagne Brut 86 Points

    France, Champagne

    Apple and doughy qualities n the nose and palate. Fine bead; hints of dried peach as well. Nice value.

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  • NV Cuperly Champagne Reserve Brut 84 Points

    France, Champagne

    A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. Apple and something a little dirty/earthy. Orchard fruit, clay and brioche flavors.

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  • NV Maurice Vesselle Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée Reserve Extra Brut 91 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Another cuvée I've not had in some time. Rich and doughy, with red apple and cashew elements as well. Good acidity. Excellent. 91+ pts.

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  • 2022 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 92 Points

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    Deep youthful color with notes of plum and violet, very typical of these wines in my experience. Tannins are very fine and balance the abundant black cabernet fruit on the palate. Youthfully firm, but the components are there. Needs some time sideways; plenty of upside.

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  • NV Lafalise Froissart Maison D'Initiés Cuvée 108

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    100% pinot noir from the Grand Cru Les Chauffours in Verzenay, disgorged January 6, 2025 at 4g/L. Wonderful mousse that lingers for a couple of minutes, with a nice richness and aromas and flavors of red apple, yeast and brioche. Hints of cashew as well. Very fine bead. Impressive.

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  • NV Laurent-Perrier Champagne Cuvée Rosé Brut 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    Reliable and consistent, and exactly what one expects from this bottling. Red apple and red berry fruit with a nice richness. Lovely.

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  • 2023 Route 101 Sauvignon Blanc Diamonds in Space 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast

    Pale color. Lime and litter box qualities in the bouquet. The palate is bright and racy with plenty of citrusy white fruit and acidic cut. 87+ pts.

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  • 2023 Granville Chardonnay Koosah Vineyard 94 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

    Impressive. Medium yellow color with notes of apple and marzipan with a terrific mineral/wet stone overtone. Hints of florals underneath. Full-bodied with orchard fruit, citrus and mineral flavors. Finishes with length and balance.

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  • 2022 Hendry Zinfandel Blocks 7 & 22 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    It's been years since I've had a Hendry zinfandel which is a shame because these are pretty darn good. Ripe red zinfandel fruit with briary and peppery spice overtones. Hints of vanilla complement the rich red berry fruit on the palate. Loads of wonderful zin fruit without being overdone/raisiny or too ripe.

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Flight 9 - Beivuma

Time and palate fatigue simply didn't allow me to visit this table. The wines being poured-

2024 Terre di Giurfo Terre Siciliane Pian della Signora Rosato
2020 Le Marchesine Franciacorta Brigantia Satèn Millesimato
2021 Germano Ettore Alta Langa Extra Brut Metodo Classico
2023 Tenuta di Valgiano Colline Lucchesi Palistorti Bianco
2022 Tenuta di Valgiano Colline Lucchesi Palistorti
2022 Cavalier Bartolomeo Barbera d'Alba
2022 Podere Sapaio Volpolo
2020 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino
2015 La Torretta Ghemme Il Motto

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