3/12/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

A bit too heavy to be light and a bit too light to be bold, there is a refreshing quality in this medium salmon colored sparkling rose from the Xinomavro grape. Aromas of raspberry and red plum are complemented by subtle anise and allspice, all confirmed on the palate along with a hint of pink grapefruit which is providing a nice tang to the medium+ finish. Medium consistent bubbles and medium acidity, a well balanced wine but lacking a bit in finesse and complexity. Still a quite enjoyable sparkler that shows versatility and could easily pair with creamy cheeses and dried fruit, as well as lamb, chicken and pork.

3/7/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Left Bank blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, strawberry, violet, potting soil and tobacco leaf. Deep ruby in color with an ever so slight garnet rim variation. Medium+ body and firm, grainy tannins with med- acidity lend to a relatively well balanced wine. Doesn't have the longevity for extended cellaring, drink now.

3/7/2022 - BritBrit wrote:

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot in this Left Bank porch drinker. Deep purple color with moderate ruby rim variation. Aromas of black plum, blackberry, raisin, bell pepper, rose, eucalyptus and graphite. Palate confirmed the aromas, as well as bacon fat. Medium+ body and finish, the smooth tannins are not gripping the palate, which would have turned this into a bold stunner.

2/28/2022 - BritBrit Does not like this wine:

Pale straw color with undertones of green. Cut grass and citrusy notes of grapefruit and lemon are the primary aromas here, giving way to violet, yellow apple and ginger as the wine in the glass warmed. Med- body and crisp medium acidity, most of the flavors concentrated at the middle of the palate with an oily mouthfeel and slightly bitter aftertaste at the back of the palate. This unfortunately was just opened (I only bought it a couple weeks ago) a few years too late - I'll try to track down a newer vintage as my experience is certainly not representative of the reputation.

2/28/2022 - BritBrit wrote:

I really want to like this white Bordeaux, and it is a good wine, but just not my particular cup of tea. The blend is 60% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle, lending to the pale gold color and just the slightest hint of residual sugar on the palate (I'd still call this dry). Primary notes of chalk were a bit overwhelming at first, but settled down in the glass as the wine came to room temp, giving way to aromas of nectarine, honeysuckle and table grapes. Med- body and fresh medium acidity, but a bit waxy on the palate and just not as well balanced with the alcohol and the flavors as I'd have liked. Hopefully what remains in the bottle will develop a bit more overnight. 83pts

UPDATE: I'm so glad I held on to this overnight. The overly chalky notes are now more congruous with the fruit and floral notes already present, and earthy herbal flavors of dill, fresh hay and light asparagus have revealed themselves. The fresh acidity remains, and there is still a waxy mouthfeel on the palate, but both are lighter and in far better balance with the alcohol and flavors. I will note this is a screw-top bottle (i.e. airtight compared to cork), the 24hrs it spent exposed to [~1/4 of the bottle's volume] oxygen helped it greatly. As I stated above, glad I was patient, this is thoroughly enjoyable. 88pts

2/21/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Pale straw color with primary aromas of smoke, walnut, cured meat and lime zest. Developed in the glass with a bit of time at room temp and displayed additional notes of chamomile and bergamot. Oily on the palate - not unpleasantly so - with a long finish. I enjoyed this and look forward to enjoying it again!

2/21/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

I really enjoyed this wine and think this would satisfy both the seasoned Sherry aficionado and newbies alike. The saline and bitter characters that [dry] Sherries are known for are certainly expressive here, but are not as intense as Finos. Medium body and light yellow in color with notes of smoke, toasted almonds, lemon peel, sea shell and curry. Crisp on the palate with a medium, slightly bitter finish. Enjoy with sardines, cured meats, medium-sharp cheese and dates.

2/15/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Pale yellow color with intense floral notes of honeysuckle complimented by wafts of fresh pear, yellow apple, nectarine and lime pith. Smooth and well balanced on the palate with bright acidity, medium alcohol and a crisp, refreshing finish.

2/7/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Medium gold color with rich body, med- acidity and low alcohol (10% abv). Primary aromas of banana and petrol was an eye-popping, although not unpleasant, surprise when I first stuck my nose in the glass. After a vigorous swirl secondary notes of ripe peach, beeswax, dusty earth and just a hint of fresh hay came through. Luscious on the palate with a bit of biting tingle on the tip of the tongue and a long, smooth finish.

2/7/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Very young, in fact I might call this infanticide, but was compelled to open and drink at this early stage for a class - still a very good expression of Sauternes at a wallet-friendly price. Pale gold color (another indicator of its youth) with aromas of ginger, brown sugar, honeysuckle and marzipan. Medium acidity was more than I was expecting; rich and succulent on the palate with a medium+ finish.

1/24/2022 - BritBrit wrote:

Full bodied with notes of apple pie, ripe pear, butterscotch and vanilla. For me the oak influence was a bit too overwhelming, unbalanced with the [lack of] acidity and imparting too much bitterness on the finish.

1/31/2022 - BritBrit wrote:

Primary nutty aromas with gravel minerality. Secondary aromas of yellow apple, sweet meyer lemon and pear. Soft and smooth texture with a medium but refreshing finish.

1/17/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

The wine is opaque and, except for the rim variation (which is medium ruby), a deep almost purple ruby. Pronounced red fruit nose of cranberry and sour cherry, and present but milder strawberry, floral rose, white pepper and cinnamon. Medium alcohol, medium+ acidity and silky smooth medium+ tannins complement flavors from the nose with a bit of clove at the back of the palate along with some mild bitterness and a refreshing, lingering finish.

11/20/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Medium garnet colors from 82% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 8% petit verdot. Aromatic black fruits with notes of blueberry, gravel, vanilla, violet and creme de cassis. Faint oak on the palate (this was aged in 75% new oak), bold body with medium, grainy tannins and medium+ acidity. Long, mineral finish. Will surely develop with [a lot] more bottle ageing as it is quite young.

11/20/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot aged in 80% new oak. Bold body wine that is deep garnet in color with aromas of black cherry, plum, gravel, vanilla and white pepper. High, grainy tannins and medium acidity provide a firm backbone and long, pure finish.

11/20/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

So, you thought merlot dominant blends only came from the right bank of Bordeaux? No one would fault you, they usually do, with cabernet sauvignon (usually) the dominant grape of Bordeaux's left bank blends. Leave it to this exquisite showing from Chateau Palmer to break from tradition and blow your mind. 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot contribute to a deep garnet color and notes of black cherry, boysenberry and violet. Bold, rich body with flavors of fig, vanilla and gravel. Medium- acidity and high tannins that are soft and smooth with an impressively long and fresh finish. No doubt the rewards will be immense to those who can wait to open this exceptional vintage as it will only improve with age.

11/20/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

51% merlot, 47.5% cabernet sauvignon and 1.5% petit verdot make up this deep garnet colored wine. Notes of boysenberry, prune, lilac, gravel, cedar, tobacco and vanilla. Full bodied, medium acidity, and high tannins that are ripe and grainy. Very long, fruity finish with bold freshness.

11/20/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Beautiful deep garnet color with aromas of red fruits: plum, currant and pomegranate; additional notes of bergamot, graphite, white pepper, leather, tobacco and oak. Medium+ body, high tannins are ripe and velvety complemented by bold freshness with long, layered finish. Proprietary blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.

11/20/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc provide notes of raisin, cranberry, vanilla, oak and potting soil. Medium garnet color, medium+ body, high tannins and medium+ acidity are well balanced and provide this delicious wine with an overall firm structure. Flavors of wet stone and earthy prune on the palate with a long finish.

12/26/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Deep ruby with notes of graphite, red currant, blackberry, black cherry, prune, toast, leather and cedar. Fruit forward with full body and high, grainy tannins balanced with medium+ acidity and long, lingering finish. Would benefit from time in the bottle.

12/26/2021 - BritBrit wrote:

Medium+ ruby color with dried fruit aromas of raisin and prune; jammy cherry, plum, blueberry, raspberry and strawberry. Fruit forward on the palate for this medium+ bodied wine; medium tannins and medium+ acidity provide structure alongside the high alcohol. This wine is ready to drink to now and I don't think ageing will do it any favors. A bit overly jammy for my liking suggestive of uneven (overly) ripening.

1/1/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Pale yellow color, intense aromas of apple and pear with notes of peach, honeysuckle, lemon peel and orange. Medium body and high, refreshing acidity with flavors of grapefruit pith and nectarine. Medium+ lingering finish.

12/27/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Primary citrus aroma of lime and pith with notes of wet chalk and apple leading to secondary notes of lemon, pear and honeysuckle. Medium straw color, medium body with mouth-wateringly high acidity. Meyer lemon on the palate complemented by yellow apple and pear and a refreshingly long finish.

12/30/2021 - BritBrit Does not like this wine:

Pale straw color with yellow apple, stewed pear, toast and tomato leaf on the nose which open to a distinct note of hay in the glass. Medium body and overpowering alcohol that overwhelms the medium+ acidity for a totally unstructured balance. Oily on the palate with butanoic (cheesy, buttermilk, acrid) flavor profile and a slightly sour/yogurt aftertaste.

12/30/2021 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Intense notes of stewed plums, sour cherry, rhubarb, graphite, bacon fat and leather. Deep ruby in color with high tannins and bold body balance with medium acidity and relatively high alcohol providing structure. Hints of strawberry at the back of the palate in the finish, which is satisfying but not long. While I did enjoy this wine I expect better from Andrew Will, and my tasting partner for the evening was not a fan.

12/31/2021 - BritBrit wrote:

Red fruit notes of cherry, plum and raspberry; cedar, cinnamon and delicate violet. Medium ruby color and still young as evidenced by the overly tannic first sips - the tannins do soften in the glass but remained grippy. Medium body and refreshing acidity, but an abrupt finish. Would benefit from another (at least) 2 years in the bottle; if opened now give it ample time in the decanter.

1/1/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Deep ruby in color with an intense sweaty saddle and violet aroma at first pour. Swirling some oxygen into the glass opened the nose a great deal and revealed blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, marjoram and bell pepper with hints of chocolate and cigar box. More earthy than fruity on the palate, which evolved into the opposite with time in the glass. Medium body; medium+ tannins and medium acidity balance well with the alcohol for a medium+ finish. A wholly drinkable wine and much better than I was expecting after initial whiffs.

1/2/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Medium gold color with a beautifully complex nose of honey, apricot, white peach, lychee, mango, ginger, orange blossom and cardamom. Full bodied and high acidity with viscous mouthfeel picking up the sweet notes at the front of the palate and spiciness at the back [providing a nice flavor balance]. Sweet but not cloying; pronounced intensity with medium+ finish. Wonderful surprise and not at all the complexity I was expecting from this cold hardy hybrid grape.

1/2/2022 - BritBrit Does not like this wine:

Deep ruby color with notes of chocolate, fruits of the forest, toast, leather and an overarching musky aroma on top of it all. Smelled much better than it tasted, which was disappointing as this was my first dive into an American native hybrid species of grape. Overpoweringly stringent at the front of the mouth, but violet and dill do make it through, eventually, although not enough to save it. Medium body, medium+ tannins and acidity; short finish lacking the spicy follow through it seems to be aiming for.

1/2/2022 - BritBrit wrote:

Deep ruby in color with aromas of prune, cherry, fig, blueberry jam, cocoa, vanilla and toasted coconut and (surprisingly) red licorice - which admittedly did have me perplexed trying identify. Medium+ body with a thicker mouthfeel than expected and jammy with flavors of dried fruit and pepper on the palate. The medium+ tannins and medium acidity with a quite high alcohol level left me with an unbalanced overall impression leaning towards heavy over the medium finish.

1/2/2022 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Deep ruby in color with ripe fruit aromas of blueberry and blackberry, black cherry, prune, tomato leaf, peppercorn and vanilla. Medium acidity and medium+ body that is ever so slightly syrupy on the palate, and high, grainy tannins that extend the finish somewhat to medium+ but lacks the punch it is building towards at the beginning. An overall fantastic surprise, perhaps will develop more interesting taste profile with age.

1/8/2022 - BritBrit Does not like this wine:

I bought this wine in conjunction with a history of wine class I was taking to compliment lectures regarding Georgia's traditional winemaking techniques using Qvevri - how this wine was made, too. Not being very familiar - as I think few outside Georgia are - with Georgian wine I had high hopes given the country's 8,000 year history with the vine. (I tasted this alongside a 2017 Amiran's Wine Cellar Otskhanuri Sapere.) Deep amber, almost orange, in color with notes of pineapple, lime, orange blossom, brioche, tarragon and asphalt. Bitter citrus comes forward first upon tasting, and the grainy tannins hit like a ton of bricks. Incidentally, this is one of the rare white wines that carry tannins as a result of fermentation (in the aforementioned Qvevri) in contact with the skins. If you closed your eyes and sipped you'd hardly believe this was a white wine! The astringency does settle down a bit in the glass, but not enough; an unpleasant, underlaying resin note detracted from the orange zest that was trying to break through. Medium+ body with medium+ tannins and lower acidity make for an (unfortunately) unbalanced wine that left me flat despite the medium finish.

1/8/2022 - BritBrit Does not like this wine:

I bought this wine in conjunction with a history of wine class I was taking to compliment lectures regarding Georgia's traditional winemaking techniques using Qvevri - how this wine was made, too. Not being very familiar - as I think few outside Georgia are - with Georgian wine I had high hopes given the country's 8,000 year history with the vine. (I tasted this after having tried a 2019 Chona's Marani Rkatsiteli.) Deep ruby in color with intense black fruit aromas of blackberry, berry bramble and blueberry jam give way to notes of grilled meat, bacon fat, white pepper and clay. Unfortunately the taste did not match the nose. Quite bitter on the tongue with a saline profile and most, if not all, of the flavors concentrated at the back of the palate. Medium+ body, medium+ tannins, medium- acidity and medium finish with an unpleasant aftertaste of horse manure and sweaty leather.

3/30/2020 - BritBrit Does not like this wine:

Undrinkable

9/16/2016 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

Decanted for an hour prior to drinking, and probably could have given it another 30 minutes. It did open beautifully. Huckleberry, vanilla and smooth chocolate finish, plus light cinnamon on the nose give this vintage a pleasant richness that pairs well with lamb, steak and Italian cuisine.

9/13/2016 - BritBrit Likes this wine:

I thoroughly enjoyed this wine, very smooth from start to finish. The nose is strong with currant, and the taste of blackberry and mushroom came through for me. I would gladly enjoy again.

9/12/2016 - BritBrit wrote:

Very fruity with not a lot of complementary notes to accompany the pallet, I almost want to compare it to sangria instead of other CA Cabs. The finish is weak - not the boldness one expects from a Cab. The nose was tart and had the undertones of freshly layed bark.

8/30/2016 - BritBrit wrote:

A beautiful start. The blueberry comes through right away as do subtle hints of spice in the richness that first hits the pallet, but the finish is weak by comparison. It certainly left me wanting more from each sip, but left me dissatisfied. A good effort with potential for future vintages, probably past its prime drinking window when I consumed.