3/8/2020 - Aravind Asok wrote:

Oh my god. Why did I only buy 1 bottle of this wine (ok, I know why, for 46.70 at garagiste, this is serious enough of a price tag that I immediately regretted going in even after that single bottle). Nevertheless, imo, this wine totally lives up to this price tag. Paired with cannelini, spinach, bacon and pasta, with a touch of heat, and this was the perfect pairing. On the nose, meyer lemon peel, hazelnut, a soft oxidative apple note, nice complexity. On the palate, lovely acidity, loads of wet stone, meyer lemon peel, bruised apple, a nutty chenin note. Just a fantastic btl.

4/6/2019 - sirpat00 wrote:

This was part of a "Wines you never had before" tasting I organised for a handful of fellow wine aficionados. The goal was to showcase unusual grapes and regions in all price brackets. My, and the crowd's, wine of the night was the 2014 Ao Yun (China Cab) although Maria Teresa from Quinta do Crasto and VioRous from Kongsgaard went down well as well.

My first encounter, or more appropriately, my first wrestling match with a Vin Jaune – and needless to say I got thrown on the mat and counted out without standing a chance. I was not alone. The group couldn't really sympathize with the intense oxidative notes and was convinced this must be fortified (it is not), and this after an 8h decant. The nose reminds you immediately of sherry. Super high intensity with the oxidative aromas punching you back from the glass as you try to sneak up. The closest I got in terms of fruit was banana. There were also lots of spices and some nutty aromas. Over time in the glass the overall appearance softens a little bit and actually acidity levels on the palate were - quite to the contrary of expectations – appropriate with the 14% alcohol nicely carrying the heavy body of this fat lady. Puffeney has been called the Godfather or Pope of Vin Jaune and I am sure for this type of wine it is actually excellent. Also trying to keep in mind that aging potential here is 100+ years and we are only about 10% into that life span. But exhausted and tired I submit into not scoring this until I've established some reference points.

8/9/2018 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:

Off the by the glass list at Brothers Food and Wine in Toronto. The place is known for bringing some more interesting wines to the Canadian market so I asked for a glass of something off the beaten path. This is basically sherry in a white wine. Many of the same flavors, but lower alcohol. A bit of oxidation and some more caramel and the like. Interesting wine. Good for sipping (much like a sherry). I enjoyed it.

7/4/2016 - ryestraw wrote:

I got a fair bit of brett the nose, though it was tasty. Fruit fading in my opinion. I'm not steeped in 1st growth, tho based on this bottle I'd say drink up.

2/10/2016 - CJM wrote:

Clear garnet. Cigar box, leather, chocolate, black plum. Cinnamon, white pepper. Medium to along balanced finish.

12/6/2015 - R&R Likes this wine:

Upon opening I really believed this bottle was flawed, with an off cough syrup-y aroma and flavor and no finish at all. We vaccu-sealed it and opened it the next day - completely transformed wine! Now it tasted like a blend of valley floor and mountain fruit cab! Please give this wine time to breathe if you pop it!!!

12/18/2014 - Wink Likes this wine:

I had a terrible experience when I visited Hall Winery a few years ago, so it is hard to remain objective while rating their wines. I must admit, however, that this is pretty tasty juice, especially for the price. Dark garnet with some purple tint. Nose of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, plum and dust. Nice ripe palate of blackberry, plum, licorice, graphite, and vanilla. Very good length. Pleasant acidity. Sweet tannins. Drinking very well.

9/10/2014 - jibby Likes this wine:

Piercing aroma of fresh ocean breeze, green apple skins, and almonds. Such a delicate balance. Dry as a bone, which enhances its chalky minerality. Extremely long finish. Manages to be complex and elegant at the same time. Simply one of the best fino sherries and wines of the world. (yes, I've had this several times before but it never fails to impress me).

5/29/2014 - MemorialWineFan Does not like this wine:

Not a good effort from the Hall family.

2/12/2013 - ryestraw wrote:

Oxidized. I hope the other one is better than this.