3/28/2024 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Mature orchard fruit with a ribbon of citrus. Acidity and minerality still present to frame wine. Drinking nicely for 11 year old Puligny, in my opinion. However, I don't think there is any upside to holding. Drink up!!

2/19/2024 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Hmmm...I definitely would have blinded this as Burg. I would not have been confident placing the village. Elements of Puligny (minerality), Meursault (slight saltiness) and St. Aubin (body/mouthfeel) make that challenging. Roulot's fingerprints are all over this...similar to his Bourgogne Blanc with an added touch of mint (very slight) on the finish. Regardless of its origin (Argentina), delicious stuff.

11/23/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

A little disappointing. Normally love this producer's style...used to purity and freshness while maybe giving up a little complexity. This bottle was almost "stewed" in comparison to other Esmonins that I have enjoyed.

11/23/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Last of 3 bottles. Drank alongside a 13 Grivot Echezeaux. Easily the best of the 3. Singing. Beautiful balance and elegance. Still fresh with just enough acid underneath. Other two bottles seemed very "flat" compared to the purity and energy of this bottle. Stood up well next to the Grand Cru, displaying a little more finesse albeit less power and depth. Delicious.

11/23/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Drank alongside a 14 Meo Feusselottes. Interesting contrast between the silky elegance of the Premier Cru and the power and depth of the Echezeaux. The Grivot was definitely in balance but the darker fruited palate and underlying bramble and spice really showed next to the Meo. No rush to drink this...it's in a great spot, but there might be some upside in letting a litter more finesse develop. Delicious.

10/28/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

In a great spot. Still lively, but the fruit has matured into a delicious richness. There are almost notes of chocolate to accompany the classic olive tapenade. Red fruits underneath balance out the palate. Not sure there is a lot of upside to cellaring further.

6/25/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Really nice mature Barbaresco. Rabaja cru showing its class. Tannins are almost fully resolved, midpalate just starting to show secondary/tertiary notes. In a great drinking window. Not sure there's any significant upside to holding.

6/25/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Surprising amount of bricking for vintage. Savory notes starting to emerge. Way more mature than anticipated. Time to drink.

6/3/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Generously shared by George in the campo. Admittedly I have just started to dive deep into Tempranillo. However, this was definitely one of my favorites. Not a crowd pleasing early drinker, this was very cerebral, complex and rocked a good 60 second+ finish. Darker and more brooding that a Flor de Pingus or some of Vega Sicilia's second/third labels. Delicious and fine.

6/4/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Generously shared by Geroge in the campo. Youthful appearance, dark and vibrant with no bricking or rim variation. Floral, high-toned nose. Palate of macerated cherry and some plum. Starting to approach savory notes. Definitely time to drink if your are holding these. Have found Raphet to be better on the youthful end. 2010 should be more intact. Past its apogee.

6/4/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Generously shared by George in the campo. Fully intact. Everything in balance. Not as much sauvage as some other Cdps (Pegau, etc.). Lots of dark fruit, still vibrant. If anything was missing it was a touch of acidity. Beautiful, luxurious and elegant Cdp. Definitely in its prime drinking window. I don't see benefit of further aging, but still holding strong.

5/16/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Light footed for Pommard. Bright framboise and cherry. Has a little of the Pommard muscle on the finish. Very balanced as you might expect from D'Angerville. Delicious. No rush to drink but not too early, either.

4/9/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

For me, this was about as solid as an "inexpensive" Cote Rotie gets. Very lifted, lighter fruit (more red than black), purity and concentration of flavor drinking above its level. Maybe not super complex, but so delicious.

4/2/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Thought I would give this a shot...never had bubbles from Argentina and price was decent (450 pesos at City Market). Acetone quality on nose. Appearance copper (pinot dominance). Palate had some cider-like qualities. Lacked effervescence. Drank before and with grilled salmon and greek salad. Better served with food than as an apertif. Not a re-buy for me. Better Cava options at this price point in my opinion.

3/15/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Agree with most of the other tasting notes. A little on the oxidative style...well made, but not my jam.

2/15/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Showing vintage warmth and ripeness, but still acid and structure to support. Rich, cherry flavors. Wine is almost to the point where you could call it mature. Lots of sous bois, complexity punching above village level. Unless you like your red Burg approaching savory, not a ton of upside in holding.

1/26/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Thought this was in a great drinking window. Nicely balanced, very elegant. Red cherry, a touch of sois bois with juicy acidity. Not the most complex drink, but very good value for a Premier Cru Beaune.

1/8/2023 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Reductive style. Very light in color and body. Almost thin. Nothing offputting but at price point, a lot of other preferable options. Not a re-buy for me.

12/23/2022 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

In a great spot. Maybe not the most complex 1st Cru, but sheer enjoyment rating very high for me. Richness of the vintage definitely showing but still has a little structure and some acid to balance out nicely. Drink up.

10/4/2022 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

pre-moxed...sadly

8/14/2022 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Cherry, sassafras, and cola flavors. Oak and alcohol in check/balance. Solid. Anderson Valley meets Willamette. Not sure there is a lot of upside in holding.

12/24/2021 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Core of mature cherry and even a hint of raspberry. Touch of bramble...enough sous bois to add complexity and depth. Really opened up after an hour. Still completely intact but not sure is has upside for waiting. Long finish. Delicious Christmas Eve treat!

12/5/2021 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Still fresh and elegant. 05 structure still lingering but finding balance with solid fruit core. Lighter red fruit than most NSG, surprisingly fresh and balanced (05s have disappointed me recently).

12/3/2021 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

As good as NSG gets. Somehow rustic and elegantly classy at the same time. Hard candy edges coat a more balanced center of surprisingly lighter red fruit. Tons of energy and a very long finish. A great mash-up of Mugnier house style and NSG power.

12/4/2021 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

A wow wine. I know that the 05s received more hype, but I have found the 06s have held up better in the long haul. Fruit is still succulent and intense but doesn't take away from Mugnier's house style of restraint and elegance. All the tannins are resolved, leaving a silky and harmonious beauty. Stylish and very long. One of the best Fuees I've had.

3/27/2021 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Disappointing. All these 05s I've holding in hopes that their massive structure integrates have been hit and miss. Like this, by the time it is integrated, although smooth, there isn't any punch left. The result is slightly dried, almost raisin-like fruit. Not what you would have hoped for in CDR Grand Cru...albeit from a mid-range producer.

6/18/2020 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Excessive oak overtakes all sense of place...to the point where this could be blinded as a New World Pinot. Unfortunate, because underlying material seems promising. Pleasant enough, but it doesn't taste like Burgundy/ much less Chambolle. Won't rebuy.

5/30/2020 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Green/ladybug elements present from vintage. Lacks opulence and depth that you would expect from Bonnes Mares. First wine from this producer, so could also be a function of style...more structure than other Bonnes Mares I've had from solid producers; Drouhin-Laroze, Lafon, etc.. Purchased for value, not sure that it delivered. Maybe needs more time. Vintage overcame the vineyard. Caveat emptor.

4/25/2020 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Agree with the Rhoneranger's cranberry call. Almost like a lighter bodied, Fourrier village Gevrey with a touch of champagne palate. Delicious.

3/28/2020 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

More than a year since my last bottle. Wine has definitely shed its 'baby fat." Fruit is much more cherry and even tart cranberry compared to some almost blueberry like flavors that the last bottle showcased. This bottle did have a touch of brett...not really an offputting level, but present nevertheless. Bottle variation?

1/31/2020 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Crazy wine. 11 years in stainless tanks followed by two more in bottle before released. Color would tell you that the wine will be advanced...maybe even past its ideal window for Chablis. Nose and palate are all Chablis; fresh and saline. Delicious! Has some richness, but seemingly not from a richness that comes from maturity..more of a richness from concentration, like an adolescent Grand Cru. Fresh and precise. Glad I have 3 more.

12/31/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Well integrated, mature but still vibrant. Nice balance between earth sous bois and dark cherry fruit. Concentrated, but not monolithic like some Cortons. One of my favorite Cortons...in a great window but not on the downslide by any measure.

12/16/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Balanced and smooth texturally. Tannins completely resolved if not invisible. Very quaffable if not lacking a little punch/fruit/structure. Very good qpr. I don't see any upside in holding....especially if 750ml.

12/14/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Very nice village Chambolle. Well balanced...just the right touch of ripeness, spice and oak influence. Silky texture, very quaffable. For my taste, in an ideal drinking window.

12/6/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

I have not said this in awhile...but this was one of my top ten favorite wines...ever. I will not say one of the "best" because of how incredibly subjective that is, especially considering how this wine falls in one very distinct end of the tasting spectrum stylistically. This, to me, is how Chablis should taste; featherweight, minerally infused rainwater. Having said that it does not lack in flavor and might be one of the "purest" wines I have ever drank. If this is not your style...be patient. I'm sure it will pick up density and richness with age. Stunning.

9/13/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Slightly reductive but showing the vintage's great minerality. Fair QPR for fine dining restaurant purchase, accompanied paired dishes well (Miyagi oysters and Hamachi nigiri).

9/13/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Nose is all NSG, body and palate, however, much more elegant...approaching Chambolle. DeMontille's restraint is showcased nicely here, although some might complain of lack of fruit. Overall impression is balance, purity, elegance and restraint. What I want in red Burg.

7/17/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

A tale of two cities wine. Fresh, linear mineral and acid dominant early...almost crunchy. After revisiting (hour and a half later), wine's stonefruit flavors (predominantly apricot) were definitely center stage while background structure retained enough lift to keep wine in balance. Stunning. (out of magnum)

7/17/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

One of the rare instances upon opening where a Barolo's nose was more youthful than its palate. After about 45 minutes in glass, this wine's pedigree came shining through with fruit, acidity and even a little tannic structure strutting its stuff after a 30 year slumber. Delicious. (out of magnum).

7/11/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Prefer the Jobard/Roulot template but very good in the "weightier" spectrum of Meursault. Missing that delicious kiss of salinity that my favorite producers showcase.

7/11/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Marzipan, brioche and age appropriate oxidative notes adding complexity to still vibrant backbone of acidity and minerality. Great mature BdB.

7/11/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Approaching the flavor profiles of Morey St. Denis...still having CB elegance. Seamless and balanced, already drinking well but not going anywhere, either.

7/11/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Not as polished as Roumier's village CB and not as elegant and lithe as Mugnier's, but the purity of fruit is spectacular. Very good balance, great depth and complexity for its level. Delicious.

6/15/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Unbelievably polished and approachable for Barbaresco this young. Even considering "modern" winemaking style this is so, so pretty. Oak, tannins, acid, cherry fruit, lavender and anise blend together in seamless harmony. Had to order this after visiting the winery in May. Expensive, but it delivered.

6/14/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Does not like this wine:

So I bought some of this because of an aggressive sale price and while I would never argue that it is not a well made wine...it is definitely not what I am looking for stylistically. Especially in rose'. This is a richer, more extracted style. I look for freshness, strawberry, watermelon, grapefruit and a little bit of herbaceous element(s) in rose'. This is heavier-handed, with too much alcohol (bottle's label states 13% abv...tastes much hotter, especially on the finish) and oak for my taste. There are a lot of Old World options at better price points imho.

5/23/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

First try was replaced immediately by Giulio (wine was way past prime). This bottle was showing nicely. Acids and tannins were in the forefront early, but it developed more fruit and fleshed out with time in the glass. Dinner at Case della Saracca.

5/23/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

My first Alto Langhe Sparkling wine...loved it!! Not as complex as Champagne but minerality and raciness very comparable. Zero dosage put style right in my wheelhouse. Great start to a fantastic dinner at Case della Saracca.

5/23/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

First bottle of Alto Langhe Sparkling wine...loved it! Not as much complexity as Champagne. But minerality was very comparable. Sero dosage right in my wheelhouse stylistically. Great way to start a fantastic dinner at Case della Saracca. (notes are actually for 2012 vintage...my apologies).

5/22/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Likes this wine:

Very solid, mature Barolo. Nose very advanced, palate not so much. Lots of truffle and mushroom on palate. Secondary flavors magically gave way to vibrant cherry fruit with time in the glass. Acid woke up short time later. Great bottle of Barolo in a magical setting (Case della Saracca in Monforte d'Alba).

5/31/2019 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Fantastic aromatics of violets and lavender. Tannins still very present on palate, but softened after about an hour and secondary flavors of black tea and balsamico emerged. Classic Barbaresco.