4/20/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Nice soft mousse body, yellow peach, tropical melons, pineapple, some lemon meringue, lime zest, slightly bitter apple cider, whipped cream, hard chalkiness, alluvial limestone, saline, sea fossils, bread crust, yeastiness, yellow florals, racey acidity, nicely balanced & structured with a finish that lasts 90 seconds.

Needs a few more years in bottle.

4/20/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

First Summa Vineyard from my allocation. It is quite nice. Still needs a few years.

The body feels thicker than other Pinots I’ve had. Plum pudding, dry cranberries, poached strawberries, blackberries, black raspberries, highlights of pomegranate & blueberries, mix berry cola, licorice nibs, dry herbs, moist volcanic clay, limestone marl, dry twig, dry crushed rocks, some grilled meats, dry tobacco, used leather, barrel shavings, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & vanillin, fresh & withering, dark, red, flowers, excellent round acidity and a well balanced, tensioned, structured with a well polished finish that lasts a minute.

4/21/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

A perfect bottle, direct import from a Negotiate via K&L. It has seen only Chateau & Negotiate storage.

Love, love, love the style of 80’s Bordeaux. Especially, the very good 80’s vintages. The style at this age is just so good as is the 12.5 ABV.

The fruit is still very solid & fresh. Ruby; blackberries, plums, poached strawberries, black raspberries, raspberries & blueberries hues. Lead pencil for days, some light v/a-bandaid, used tobacco w/ ash, very used leather, dark spice, understated mushroom, baking spices- light nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, dry, river stone, limestone, dark rich soil with dry leaves, mix of dry and fresh herbs, touch of mint, moist clay, withering & dry dark, red, flowers, rainfall acidity and a well balanced, nicely structured, softly tensioned, beautiful finish that lasts 90 seconds.

Paired with/ Allen Brothers Cover Ribs.

4/20/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

I tasted this at cork pull and it looked & tasted a bit brickish. Waited to decant but it still needed a hour in the decanter. 97 a great Napa vintage. Well stored bottle bought from auction.

The fruits are lush, velvety & ruby; blackberries, black plum, plum pudding, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & blueberry hues. Dark chocolate, mocha, salted caramel, malt balls on the long decant, black licorice, there is a touch of v/a-bandaid but it’s not spoiling and dissipates some in time, dusty to slightly moist top soil, olive tapenade, herbaceous notes, soft, dark spice, half used, dry tobacco w/ ash, sandalwood, moist, grey volcanic clay, limestone, dry crushed rocks, notes of black pepper, candied, liquid, fresh & mostly withering, dark, red, purple flowers, very round acidity and a very well balanced, tensioned, nicely structured and a smartly polished, round finish that lasts two-minutes.

Second wine to pair with/ Allen Brothers Cover Ribs.

4/2/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Nose of nearly overripe floral fruits of; blackberries, creamy black raspberries, dark cherries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, boysenberries & plum. Dry twigs, sandalwood, undertones of crush rocks/limestone, mid berry cola, dark, red florals framed in liquid violets & lavender.

The palate shows nearly overripe, juicy & floral fruits of; blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, boysenberries & plum. Dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, soft nutmeg, anise-black licorice, moist, grey clay, drip roasted coffee, dry twigs, barrel shaving dust, undertones of crush rocks/limestone, dry stone, dark spice, light, dry herbs, mid berry cola, dark, red florals framed in liquid violets & lavender, great, rainfall acidity and a smooth, elegant, richly polished finish that last 45 seconds.

4/2/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

This is another 91-92. 92-93 w/ a few more years of cellaring.

Pinot Noir grown in Rutherford. 😮 Bold. 689 cases produced. Thomas Keller at dinner told Burt George Owner of Joseph George retail shop in the South Bay that this was one of the most unique wines he’s had in quite awhile.

When I first put my nose to the glass, I got a good presence of barrel char, smoke, cinnamon stick, glove, nutmeg, vanilla, black licorice, darkish cola, strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, hints of blueberries, dry hay/straw, dark spice, hints of black pepper, fresh, bright, dark, red flowers/florals.

The palate is fresh and settles after about 10 minutes in the glass. Black licorice, darkish cola, strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, dry cranberries, hints of blueberries, dry hay/straw, dry brush, smoke, cinnamon stick, glove, nutmeg, vanilla, dark spice w/ some heat, hints of black pepper, dry top soil, dry crushed rocks with limestone, fresh, bright, dark, red flowers/florals. Good acidity, balanced, well tensioned, neatly structured and a nicely polished finish that lasts nearly 90 seconds.

There is some alcohol heat on the finish but it should fade in another 3-5 years. Be good to revisit it then and 5 years more down the road.

4/2/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

91-92. Blanc de Noirs NV is aged and vinified: 33% in 205-liter Champagne oak barrels, 33% in 34 hl oak tuns and 34% of reserve wine from a period of 40 different years aged and vinified in oak tuns.“

Thick, creamy body. Grapefruit, lemons chiffon, lime zest, Bartlett pear, pineapple juice, lighter tropical melons, toasted nuts, gritty chalkiness, alluvial limestone, volcanics, yeasty, brioche, white spice, yellow followers/lillies, touch of spring flowers, excellent round acidity with a balanced, nice strutured and rich, polished finish that lasts a minute.

3/30/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

A few things; I still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge, not even a corked bottle & I’ve had a number of them. First time having this bottling. I don’t drink a lot of Zinfandel or Zinfandel blends but when I do, I prefer Ridge’s style.

96% Zinfandel & 4% Petite Sirah. Decanted 40 minutes.

Intense nose of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, boysenberries and hints of blueberries, incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty, dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice, some; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon. Liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers.

The palate shows; round, lush & juicy fruits of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, liqueured dark cherries. boysenberries, notes of poached strawberries and hints of blueberries. Incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice with some heat, a little; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, finely crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, used iron pan notes, powdered minerals, liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers, excellent round acidity, tall structure & fairly big tension, well balanced and nicely, layered, polished finish that lasts nearly 90 seconds.

Still a bit young to me. Better in 5-7 yrs and will drink well for another 5-7 after that. More new wood use here than I am used to in their Zin & Zin blends.

Paired nicely with my Allen Brothers burger.

3/25/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

2 1/2 hour decant and still shows semi-resolved, round, meaty tannins. I can only imagine how big this wine was at release.

Silly, silly. Dark chocolate cooking bar, smooth expresso, sweet tarriness, anise-black licorice, mocha, caramel, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, resolved spice, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum & very, dark cherries. Fresh & candied, lavender, violets round acidity, balance, nice tension, structure, well knitted and really well polish lush, finish that lasts 90 seconds.

Yes, there are Sonoma Cabernet producers that stand right in there w/ Napa. This is certainly one.

3/23/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Really starting to come on. Beautiful mouthfeel & mousse. Apricots, both peaches, tropical melons, pineapple, some green, lemon/lime zest & notes of marmalade. Punchy minerality, pronounced chalkiness, brioche, yeasty, baguette crust, hints of cream, saline, pronounced sea fossils, yellow lilies/flowers, shades of white Spring flowers, racey crisp acidity, perfect; balance, structure, tensioned, length and smartly polished finish that lasts two-minutes.

The 166ème Édition is composed of 140 wines from 13 different harvests between 1998 and 2010, and it's a blend of 45% Pinot Noir with 39% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. Relatively young reserve wines makes up 42% of the composition, 2000 from Oger & 2006 wines from Verzy and Bouzy of note. It’s seen a minimum of six years of bottle aging.

3/23/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Lighter on its feet than the 166eme. Fresher & a bit creamier.

Nice but could use some additional cellaring. Less complexity than the 166eme.

Cream right up top. The fruits are more subtle than the 166eme. Lemon, lime, pineapple, tropical melon, kiwi, white peach, touch of grapefruit & green apple. Very soft, chalkiness & limestone marl, perfect sea fossils & saline, just a touch of white spice, brioche, touch of bread dough, spring flowers, some yellow lilies, racey soft, yet crispy acidity, perfect balance, soft tension & structure, balance for days and a nicely knitted & smartly polished finish that lasts 90 seconds.

The 169ème Édition Cuvée is composed around the 2013 vintage and is a blend of 146 wines from 11 different years. The youngest is from the year 2013 and the oldest dates back to 2000. The 169eme spent 7 years in the cellar. Composed of 43% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay & 22% Pinot Meunier. The reserve wines are from the House’s extensive library and made up 40% of the final blend.

3/23/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Still fresh & youthful. Perfect. Great fill. Still peaking.

Bramble, nicely, fresh fruits of; blackberries, creamy, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, hints of blueberries, poached to dry strawberries. Lead pencil for days, dry tobacco, used leather, liquid herbaceous notes, volcanic & limestone marl & grey clay, eucalyptus/pine tar, black licorice, dark spice, touch of black pepper, mushroom, light baking spices, dry top soil, dry river stone, dry stem, well done toast, dry & withering; dark, red, some blue florals framed in lavender & violets, perfect acidity and extremely well; balanced, structured, tensioned, balanced, smarty polished finish that last several minutes finish. WOTN!

It’s just the left side of the bell curve. Stored correctly it has another 10 plus years of good drinking.

Robert Parker launched his career calling this vintage correctly upon release when others were not.

3/23/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

This is still taut with dry, meaty tannins. The first time you should open this Grand Vin. Decanted four and a half hours. It has another 20 plus years of good drinking ahead.

Bramble, dry blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, dry, dark cherries. Dry twig, dry crushed rocks, lead pencil for days, sandstone/limestone, dark, rich, earth with dry leaves, cigar box, ash, leathery, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and vanillin, slightly, moist, volcanic clay, dry & withering flowers that are dark, red and violets framed in lavender, perfect round acidity, structured, well tensioned, overly balanced to earth and smartly polished finish that lands on earth & spice.

My next 02 should be opened in another 8-10 years and will still drink well in another 20 years properly stored.

Paired with AB Brothers Ribcap, crispy baked potato & cooked carrots.

The 07 Turnbull Napa almost seemed grape juice like after the 82 Les Forts & 02 Latour.

3/10/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Have not had 100% Pinot Meunier that was not from Champagne and in bubble form. This is from Napa/Carneros.

Still young and would prefer to have this in 3-5 yrs.

The palate is dark fruits. Not quite Santa Rita Hills extraction but more than most Northern California.

It is still a bit angular. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum w/ heavy skin, dark cherries, plum and some poached strawberries. Grainy limestone, dry stone, dark top soil, lots dark spice, cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg, some pepper, dry tobacco, new leather, grilled meats, dry tumble weed, dry, red, dark flowers with violets, fresh acidity and a balanced, highly structured/tensioned, polished finish that lasts 90 seconds.

Many would call CDP on this blind.

3/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Different source than my storage on this one.

I compare the Heitz Napa to the Joseph Phelps Napa in many ways. I believe the Phelps is slightly less vintage dependent than Heitz. But, this 07 like the vintage in Napa, sensational.

This 2007 is peaking. Perfectly ripe & juicy; brambly blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries/kirsch, blueberries come on late and poached strawberries on the edges. The tannins are still dark and tarry. Rich, sweet, dark soils, mid & dark berry cola, anise, steeped black tea, dry tobacco, used leather, cedar/sandalwood, clove, nutmeg, some cinnamon & vanillin, moist, grey volcanic clay, dry crushed rocks, limestone, mid spice, hints of grilled meat, some fresh/dry herds, a tad of eucalyptus, stewy/tumble weed, fresh & withering dark, red, blue florals framed in violets, excellent round acidity, the scope of the finishes encompasses; balance for days, nice structure & tensioned, elegant, polished and lasts two minutes.

3/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

What I didn’t realize until this week is when I bought this 2013, Sofia & I tasted this with Roger in his cellar before it received the label after reviewing photos.

This was $25 on release and it is beautiful tonight as it was last weekend.

Ripe, juicy; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, purple fruits, blueberries & some dark cherries. Grilled meats, light black pepper, dry galet stones, spice, dry top soil, dry tobacco, used leather, slightly moist volcanic mineral mixed w/ clay, sandalwood, dry & withering dark, red & purple florals, rainfall acidity, a well balanced, nicely structured, beautifully tensioned, balanced, elegant finish that last two-minutes and lands on minerality and florals.

3/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Rounding up from 91.6.

Allen Brothers Lamb Lollipops and the 05 vintage from Bordeaux.

The 2005 vintage was magical w/ star producers. Very good with the lesser regions like Caronne.

Pretty sure I paid around $25 for this give or take.

The entry is round, lush & rich. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries and poached strawberries. Dark rich earth, moist clay, lead pencil, tobacco/cigar ash, used leather, dry river stone, dark chocolate cooking bar, black licorice, limestone powder, dry herbs, very light baking spices, dark, red, purple withering flowers, round acidity, balanced, highly structured & tensioned finish that lasts a minute.

This could actually use some more time in bottle, 3-5 yrs.

3/9/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Always struggled with their style and further adding to that struggle is their price point. While they are a known quality producer, oxy just isn’t my wheelhouse.

Bruised apple & Bosc pear, apple cider, grapefruit, marzipan, saline, some caramel notes, yeastiness, bread dough, crisp chalkiness, limestone marl, touch of unsweetened graham crackers, withering yellow lilies, pleasant acidity and while it has a nice structure, balanced, but the finish falls into an unpleasant over oxidative bitterness/bite.

3/9/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Drinking pretty well for such a young Chablis.

Mouthfeel is nicely round & creamy. Ripe, Meyer Lemon, green apple, pineapple, lime pulp with some skin, topical melons, guava, chalky power, saline, sea fossils, limestone, touch of caramel, hint of white spice on the long set, yellow & white spring flowers, cool, round acidity, nicely balanced and well polished finish that last nearly two-minutes landing squarely on white spice.

2022 Burgundy vintage is being compared to 1959 and says a lot.

3/9/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

One of my favorite German producers of Riesling. They pretty much nail it yr in yr out.

Rieslings are a Somm darling. But, I find it hard to drink a whole bottle w/o the right food. Mostly due to their sweetness. Prefer Kabinett.

The mouthfeel is nice, round and creamy. Bright lemon, lime, grapefruit, tropicals, pineapple, kiwi, passion fruit, lychees, cream hovers on the mouth roof, limestone, chalky powder, white and yellow flowers, excellent round acidity and a well structured, balance and beautifully polished finish that last a full minute.

3/9/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Barolo is a struggle to drink young. It needs many year to flush itself out.

This enters round, pleasant and like most young Italian reds falls onto wood plank.

Dry dark cherries, lean blackberries, fresh rhubarb, some dry strawberries, tarriness, meaty tannins, dry tobacco, fresh leather, wood barrel shavings, some anise, understated dark spice, hints of nutmeg, dry, red, dark flowers, nice acidity, well structured, tensioned, balanced and a woody ending.

I would not open this for 15-20 years for its better self, which raises its rating 2-3 points. Still in a primary stage.

3/9/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Leoville Barton is one of my favorite St. Julien producers and still one of the best values upon release of Left Bank Bordeaux’s. If my memory is correct, I think this was WS’s wine of the year a few years ago.

I haven’t had this since the release at UGC. It was so fresh then. It has definitely put on weight and showing some nice evolution. But, Anthony made his wines for the ages. This will rise 2-3 points with 20 years bottle age.

It is round and lush. Blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, blueberries, some creamy raspberries & dark cherries. Anise, light graphite, tobacco ash, leather, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dry river stone, limestone marl, dark spice, dry herbaceous notes, hints of black olive, black licorice, dry stems, mix of dry & candied dark flowers, very nice round acidity and a well; balanced, structured, tensioned and polished finish that last minutes.

Would open this in 2032 and beyond.

3/9/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

93 that leans into 94 and will see another point or two with 10 years in bottle.

I used to go to their futures luncheon for many years. This vineyard consistently yields fruit that makes one of their best Cabernet’s.

It’s lush as it enters and falls onto dry, meaty tannins. Blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum with skin, dark cherries & purple fruits. Dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, limestone & volcanic minerals, moist clay, dry tobacco, new, raw leather, still very woody, mixed mid & dark berry cola, plenty of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanilla, dark spices with some heat, some dry herbs, dark melted, chocolate, cocoa powder, caramel notes, bright, fresh & candied florals that are dark, red, blue and framed in violets & lavender, ver nice round acidity with a highly structured, tensioned, well balanced and polished finish that lasts 90 seconds but still lands squarely on wood.

3/8/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Haven’t sipped much of this in quite awhile. 375ml to refresh my palate memory.

40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier. Varietals fermented separately in stainless steel vats. 5 to 10% of wine is vinified in old Burgundy oak barrels.

Texture is round and elegant. The fruits are; both peach, mango, apricots, slightly oxidative white citrus-lime hovers the edges & pineapple juice. Nougat, marzipan, toasted nuts, brioche, saline, crushed chalk, white spice that presses into the palate, notes of cheese cloth, limestone marl, moist, pulpy, grey volcanic minerals, yellow lilies with spring white flowers, jasmine blooms, round, soft acidy and a well; balanced, structured & tensioned finish that lands squarely on mid minerality and lasts 90 seconds.

3/8/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Williams Selyem with this kind of age never disappoints, nor does the 2012 Napa/Sonoma vintage.

Mid & darker fruits & mid berry cola burst out of glass. Limestone minerals, crushed rock, steeped tea and bright, fresh red florals.

It glides on the palate with ripe, juicy fruits that are; dark cherries, strawberries, blackberries, black raspberries, pomegranate, dry cranberries, blueberries & some boysenberries. Red cola/licorice, dark spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, dark rich soil, dry twig, crushed limestone, dry top soil, saline, fresh, bright, dark, red forals with violets, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, balanced finish that falls on dry minerals and that lasts two-minutes.

Quality consistent yr in yr out. Their style is my Pinot wheelhouse. Now owned by Domaine Faiveley.

3/8/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Some of you who read my notes know I don’t open a Napa Cabernet this young. However, this was selling at my Costco for $69.99. K&L Wine Merchants $99.99. Delectable at $115. So, I had to buy a four. I coravined this bottle for a Somm friend last weekend who likes his Napa reds young. 🤷‍♂️

While this has seen a bit of bottle evolution, it still needs another 6-8 yrs before I open another and has the potential to pick up another point or two then.

Nose shows; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, anise, dark, rich, turned earth and withering, dark, slightly candied flowers.

The palate expresses some evolution. It is rich, ripe; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries, hints of blueberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Tarry, dry medium plus tannins. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice with a touch of heat, mixed darker berry cola, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, black tea, anise, mixed fresh & drier herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, barrel shavings/dust, a hint of black pepper, moist, grey clay, dry top soil, dry river stone and withering, dark, red, slightly candied flowers with violets, very round, phat acidity with a well; balanced, big structured, tensioned, lush, elegant and nicely layered & polished finish that lasts a full 90 seconds. Still kind of in its primary stage.

This is made by Chris Carpenter who also makes; Lokoya, Cardinale, La Jota, Hickinbotham (Australia) made at Yangarra. I tasted at Yangarra and after tasted his Hickinbotham with him in 2017.

3/1/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

I have been holding this bottle for a friends birthday for about 5 years since we had this vintage last. Her favorite Champagne. Worth the wait. So much more complex now.

The fruits are more subtle and the toasted mixed nut buffet has taken hold. Butterscotch hard candy. Round, creamy, subdued lemon & pineapple juice, hints of lime on the long set, Bosc pear, white peach, whipped cream, brioche, some bread dough, some of the most beautiful yeastiness, what amazing, soft chalkiness, sea spray, undertones of white spice, crushed/powdery limestone, fresh, blooming Spring flowers & yellow lilies, excellent, perfect, crisp acidity, layers and layers on the well; knitted, balanced, structured, brilliantly polished, elegant finish that lasts minutes.

I’ve had some nice champagne lately and this beats everything except 02 & 96 Krug.

2/16/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

This is beautiful, elegant, lush, ripe but it lacks some depth and definitely destintive character.

The fruits are; blackberries, sweet & sour, dark cherries, black raspberries, blueberries, dry cranberries, strawberries and creamy raspberries. Mixed mid/dark, berry cola, fruit tea, light, dry, crushed rocks & top soils, very soft spice and baking spices, (some caramel notes, dry herbs, moist clay, dry tobacco & leather as it opens up after three plus hours) dark, rich soil with dry leaves, withering & fresh, dark, red, blue & purple flowers, excellent acidity and a nicely balanced & polished finish.

If you are having this now-ish, I would give it a three hour decant for it to better reveal itself. Still has another eight or more good years of drinking properly stored.

2/11/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

My second bottle of five. This better than the first.

The nose reveals floral; blackberries, black raspberries, dark dry cherries, poached strawberries, some raspberries & blueberries. Soft baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, steeped tea, dry top soil, crushed, powdery limestone/sandstone, dry crushed rocks, whiff of pepper, mixed darker berry licorice/cola, forest floor w/ dry leaves, bay leaf, old, used leather, dry tobacco w/ some ash, dry brush/tumbleweed, spice, withering yet brightly floraled, red, dark, blue and liquid violets.

The palate fruits are, still ripe & juicy; floral; blackberries, black raspberries, dark dry cherries, poached strawberries, touch of purple fruits, some raspberries & blueberries. Soft baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, steeped tea, celery, dry top soil, crushed, powdery limestone/sandstone, dry crushed rocks, hints of pepper, mixed darker berry licorice/cola, forest floor w/ dry leaves, bay leaf, old, used leather, dry tobacco w/ some ash, mushrooms tones, muddy grey volcanics & clay, dry river stone, dry brush/tumbleweed, spice, withering yet brightly floraled, red, dark, blue and liquid violets, rainfall acidity, the finish is amazingly well structured & tensioned, balanced, elegant, nicely polished finish that lasts minutes falling onto spice & minerals.

Style & age 94. Technically 93.

2/11/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

I may have written notes on close to a hundred Williams Selyem’s. These are just ok young. It is when they hit 10-15 years they shine. This one is really good tonight after nearly two-hours decanted.

Nose of floral; dark cherries, black plum, blackberries, black raspberries, plum with hues of blueberries. Softly layered baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, baking soda, black cherry licorice nibs, red cola, steeped black tea, sandalwood to cedar, sandstone-limestone mixed marl and brilliant, bright, dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets and lavender.

The palate is, rich, lush and juicy fruits of; dark cherries, black plum, blackberries, black raspberries, plum with hues of blueberries. Softly layered baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, baking soda, dark spices, black cherry licorice nibs, red cola, steeped black tea, sandalwood to cedar, sandstone-limestone mixed marl, dark, rich, turned earth and brilliant, bright, dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets and lavender, cool, spring shower acidity, excellently; structured, tensioned, balanced with a brilliantly elegant & polished near two-minute finish. Impressive & impressive style

2/11/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Straight up my wheel house for Old World Syrah.

It is called Cote-Rotie or translation roasted slope for a reason.

The nose has beautifully, lightly floral fruits that are; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, black raspberries, poached strawberries and hues of blueberries. Some black pepper, steeped black tea, hues of roasted chestnuts, sandalwood, some dry tobacco, used leather, red cola, dark, rich earth, dark, red, blue withering florals framed in amazing violets.

The body is smooth as silk. The fruits are ripe & juicy; blackberries, dark cherries, plums for days, black raspberries, poached strawberries and hues of blueberries. Some black pepper, shades of lightly, grilled meats, steeped black tea, hues of roasted chestnuts, sandalwood, some dry tobacco, crushed rock powder, river stone, dry top soil, used leather, red cola, dark, rich earth, dark, red, blue withering florals framed in a. amazing field of violets. Rainfall acidity, soft structure & tension, well balanced and an elegant, beautiful, lush finish. Damn beautiful wine.

Excellent with both Tri-tip’s…rubbed & marinated.

2/11/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

One of the few CA Chardonnay I enjoy. You can spend more on one, but for under $40, this works really well.

Arnot-Robert’s rides the fence of CA Chardonnay & White Burgundy nicely. Has a bit of Ca Chardonnay backbone with the creamy body of White Burgundy.

Nose does not show much at first. Green apple, pear, lemon, lime. White peach, caramel notes, cardamom, paraffin, cream, yellow & spring flowers.

The body is creamy with nice viscosity. Green apple, pear, lemon, lime. White peach, caramel notes, cardamom, paraffin, cream, very light honey notes, sea spray, light chalkiness, yellow & spring flowers. Excellent round acidity, beautiful, soft structure, well balanced and a pleasant finish.

A couple more years in bottle add a point or two & more complexity. .

A little history from their website. Watson Ranch Vineyard is perched on a steep hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay at the southernmost end of the Napa Valley. The ranch was named after early Napa attorney, Augustus Watson, who owned the property in the early 1900s. The adjacent property is an abandoned limestone quarry which historically employed over 300 people, mining material to make portland cement used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake.

2/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

The 2015 vintage kicked out 1852 as the hottest vintage in Champagne until 2018 came along. This is mostly Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Meunier. No dosage.

Leads with cherries that have a liqueur quality. Very ripe, juicy & strawberries, some black raspberries, blood orange, guava, very, thick, almost foamy mousse, limestone & chalk powder, some white pepper, only hues of sea fossils, light sea spray, white spice with heat as it sets, red & pink roses with a touch of spring flowers, excellent, soft acidity, softly woven & structured, well balanced and a subtle polished finish that lasts over a minute.

@K&L Rosé tasting in advance of V-day.

2/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

100% Grand Cru from Bouzy. 64% Chardonnay & 36% Pinot Noir. No dosage.

Definitely the most complex in the tasting so far. Fruits are nicely subtle. Strawberries, cherries, some blackberries, white citrus mix, pink grapefruit & white citrus with a touch of peach. Very soft, chalky powder, same for the limestone & volcanics, touch of white spice, undertones of saline & sea fossils, yeasty, brioche, pink roses and spring flowers, a very nicely woven structure w/ a softly & smartly polished finish.

@K&L Rosé tasting in advance of V-day.

2/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Interesting this can be up to 96% Chardonnay. They trade Chardonnay fruit for Pinot to make this. Franck Bonville only grows Chardonnay. 5 grams dosage.

It has excellent mousse and racy acidity. Better depth than the two previous cuvées.

Strawberries, cherries, very light black raspberries, touch of orange citrus, pink grapefruit, their is a tanginess here, nice soft chalkiness & volcanics, saline, sea fossils, white spice, yeast, baguette crust, cheesecake, pink flowers/roses, excellent acidity, nicely balanced with good tension and a nicely polished finish that last a minute.

This is the youngest in the mix and most of the base wine is from 2021…a year filled with weather issues from start to finish. Don’t think you’ll see many producers make a vintage cuvée.

@K&L Rosé tasting in advance of V-day.

2/10/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Slightly better than the Gilbert Jacquesson. Less sweet but still a bit too much for me. This has better depth, character, much more chalk, volcanics.

Strawberries, creamed cherries, some blackberries, baguette crust, good presence of chalkiness, saline, sea fossils, pink & red roses, good acidity, nice balance in the finish.

@K&L Rosé tasting in advance of V-day.

2/10/2024 - Somm David T Does not like this wine:

About 15 minutes west of Epernay. A mix of soils- chalk, limestone & clay. 100% Pinot Meunier.

It is a little sweet for me. Loads of strawberries, cherry, shortcake, light chalk & minerals.

I know some folks would love the sweet in this one. Refreshing on a warm sunny day. But, too sweet for me.

@K&L Rosé tasting in advance of V-day

2/9/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

I know I’ve posted a number of Kerr’s lately as I tasted there two-weeks ago. They didn’t pour this 2019 regular Cabernet at my tasting. But as fate would have it, this was at my Costco the following week for $58 and the winery sells it at $80.

I believe this is a blend of sites. Fermented in 85% new French oak for 22 months.

This is 92 which is stretching to 93. I brought this and coravined the bottle last weekend to try with friends and am finishing it with a 16oz Allen Brothers Ribeye. Bought three more to cellar today.

Looking forward to trying in again in 6-8 years…thinking it squeezes out another 1-2 points then.

I’m glad I found this as I’m looking for a Napa Phelps replacement. Since LVMH bought Phelps, it is now a $100 from the winery and you don’t see it in Costco anymore where I last bought the 2019 for $59 or $65. That is what corporations do. Especially, LVMH. They buy wineries and squeeze everything they can after purchasing them. They renamed & relabeled the Phelps Pinots that sold for $65-$80 and now are $225. I am not aware of any fruit source change.

After decanting an hour and half, the nose comes alive. It is a bit funky and dull immediately after pouring out of bottle. The fruits grow darker, some tarriness builds. It’s round and lush; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, plum, dark cherries, hues of purple & blue fruits. Tar, anise, bramble, dark melted chocolate, faint caramel, black licorice, baking soda again, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, wood shavings, dry tobacco & leather, withering; dark, red flowers set in violets & lavender.

The palate loads, thick, lush & rich. Good viscosity. The tannins are, round, supple, soft but meaty. It has stuffing unlike their higher end wines which are more feminine. The fruits are perfectly ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, plum, dark cherries, purple & blue fruits. Tar, anise, bramble, dark melted chocolate, caramel notes, black licorice, baking soda, dark spice that lifts and then presses into the palate w/ a fair amount of heat, dry herbaceous notes-Sage/Thyme, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, wood shavings, dry tobacco & leather, crushed volcanic rock powder w/ dry top soil, withering; dark, red flowers set in violets & lavender. Excellent round acidity, well structured, tensioned, balanced with a long finish that lasts minutes falling onto soft earth & minerality, dark spice with heat.

Be interesting to compare this 19 with a 19 Napa Phelps in fifteen years. See how the evolution measures up.

Happy SuperBowl weekend. GO NINERS!

2/3/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Nice evolution and well integrated. 92 that pushes 93.

The other wine from the great Napa producer, Philip Togni.

The mouthfeel is supple, round, soft, yet meaty and tarry tannins. Ripe, juicy, rich; blackberries, baked plum for days, dark cherries, black raspberries, hues of raspberries & boysenberries. Black licorice, berry cola, muddy, volcanic clay, herbaceous notes, soft baking spices, slightly, melted chocolate, dark spice with a touch of heat, coffee, dry crushed, rocks, dry stem, dry tobacco, new leather, oak to cedar shavings, volcanic ash, dark, slightly withering, red, blue flowers framed in a field of endless violets, rainfall acidity, great balance, nice tension/structure and a smartly polished finish that last a full minute.

If you own, I would drink over the next 3-4 years before it starts to slide.

2/3/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Perfect pair with Christina’s Bolognese Sauce.

Italian red are so astringent w/o this kind of age. At this age, it shows its bright fruits rather than all wood plank and barrel toast young. It takes this kind of age to shine. Roughly 18 years in bottle and it is near its peak.

Bright, ripe, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, touch of plum. Dry herbs-sage lead, bay leaf, moist, grey, volcanic clay, sandstone, sandalwood, light dry, tobacco notes, dry brush, dry top soil, powdery dry rocks, some cola, cocoa powder, dark spice, baking spices- clove, light nutmeg, touch of cinnamon, light vanillin, withering red roses, excellent acidity, perfect balance, tension, structure, length and a two-minute finish.

2/3/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Incredible body with 11 years on lees. Nice and creamy. Lacks a mid palate and finishes short but pleasant.

Green apple, pear, white grapefruit, some lemon…more lime, apple cider notes, dryish white peach, white spice, whip cream, ginger-ale, bread dough, yeast, saline, crumbed limestone, understated chalk, withering spring flowers, racing, crisp acidity and a even wire to wire finish that does come up short. Maybe, some more time will improve things?

2/3/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Beautiful. Much softer and rounder than the 16 Oger Grand Cru Special Club.

The mousse is fantastic…smooth as silk…micro oxygenation.

Lightly, bruised, red & green apple, pear, tones of apple cider, citrus blend-lime led, pineapple juice, notes of ginger-ale, shades of hues of brown sugar, cream, some bread dough, baguette crust, light yeastiness, perfect chalkiness, alluvial limestone, saline, sea fossils, soft white pepper, yellow lilies, spring flowers, soft, lively, perfect acidity and a beautiful two-minutes finish that encompasses; incredible balance, tension, structure and master woven.

The “Chouilly Grand Cru” Millésimé is the only vintage that comes from several plots, but from a single place called “Montaigu”. Its style represents the archetype of fine, delicate and creamy “blanc de Blancs” Champagne. It is made from several plots..12 hectares. 60 months on lees. They are an original member of the Club Trésors de Champagne.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

Nose of beautiful red, blue and violet florals. Strawberries, cranberries, cherries and blue fruits, softly layered bakings; cinnamon, clove, vanillin, some smoke & lightly grilled meats with delicate minerality.

Helen makes very feminine style Pinots & Cabernet.

Beautiful, elegant entry. Strawberries, cherries, cranberries, some pomegranate, plum with blueberries hues, soft, dark spices-clove, nutmeg, vanillin, cinnamon, notes of soft smokiness, lightly grill meats, fresh tobacco hues, finely crushed, limestone & rocks, dry top soils, beautiful, bright, fresh, dark, red, blue and violet florals, near perfect acidity with a gorgeous, well balanced, extremely well knitted and smartly polished two-minute finish w/o drop off.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

This is a 92+. Tasted pop & pour. I would also like to try this again in 4-5 more years. Think it would show some improvement.

The nose on the Sonoma was darker more brooding. Yet, still shows femininity. Blackberries, black raspberries, poached strawberries, cherries, plum, dry cranberries and hovering blueberry hues, delicate baking spices, some dark spice, and bright red, dark, blue florals set in violets.

The Sonoma was a bit lean on the palate…very light on its feet and elegant. Nicely, ripe; blackberries, poached strawberries, dry cranberries, pomegranate notes, some plum & blueberries. Soft baking spices-(light clove, cinnamon, touch of nutmeg) with a edge, lightly grilled meats, soft dark spice, some light, fresh tobacco, sandalwood, excellent acidity with a beautiful, elegant, rounded finish that lasts just under a minute.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

They shared with me a story about a vineyard name fight. I don’t completely recall it. Divided attention tasting and writing. However, he drew parallels to Stag’s Leap apostrophe story.

All the reds I had were feminine in style. If you like bold, meaty wines, these might not be for you. 94-95.

Beautiful elegant nose. Yet, broods just a touch. Candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, plum, cherries and purple hues, softly layered baking spices, understated dark spice and bright florals that are blue, dark & red framed in violets.

The palate shows candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries, black raspberries & cherries. A couple of their reds threw me a bit of a deductive curve but kept coming up baking soda notes. Soft, powdery, delicate volcanic minerals, dry top soils, soft, dark spice with some gentle heat as it sets, not over the top baking spices, black licorice, dry tobacco, soft leather, soft barrel notes, fresh, dark, red, blue flowers, excellent acidity, smooth as silk, elegant, well balanced, well polished finish that lasts 90 seconds.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

All the reds I had were feminine in style. If you like bold, meaty wines, these might not be for you. This only 92+ due to its vegetal characteristic on the nose and palate.

The nose reveals fruits are beautiful & floral; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blueberries hues. Soft baking spices, dark spices, mixed berry cola, delicate minerality, sweet, dark, rich soils, whiff of pepper, sadly some hues of green pepper & florals that are dark, red, blue set in violets.

The palate soft and elegant on entry. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum, strawberries & blueberry hues. Dark palate piercing spices with heat as it lingers, very soft baking spices-cinnamon, clove & vanillin, light, fresh tobacco, soft leathery tones, most clay, mid palate a good presence of pyrazine-vegetal/green pepper (fruit not quite ripe which is surprising from this vineyard), excellent bright florals, good acidity and a well knitted, balanced, elegant finish.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

This is 94-95.

The nose shows floral & candied fruit of; blueberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries & baked strawberries. Expresso, some grilled meats, touch of black pepper, sweet, dark spice, black licorice, crushed rocks, bark, turned earth, dry top soil, dry twig, hints of eucalyptus, fresh & withering, dark, red, blue florals with lavenders & violets.

Palate fruits are a bit on the dryer side. Blackberries, black raspberries, plum, deep strawberries, dark cherries & creamy raspberries. Beautiful, dark spice, mid intensity baking spices-touch of clove & nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, beautifully, soft earth & minerality, rich, dark soils, black licorice, dark cola, soft leather & tobacco, hints of lead pencil shavings, some dry herbaceous notes as it lingers, mixed bright florals for days, excellent acidity, well structured & balanced, nicely tensioned, good length and smartly polished finish that lasts two-minutes.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T wrote:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

This a blend of 70% Cabernet, 32% Cab Franc & the rest Petit Verdot. Aged in 70% new oak & 30% used oak for 18 months. 94-95.

Nose of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & raspberries, blue & purple fruit hues. Some smoky notes, soft baking spices, well toasted bread, baking soda, elegant minerality & earth with bright, dark, red, blue flowers set in violets.

The palate shows, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, creamy raspberries, fine tannins that show a little meatiness & tarriness, dark spice with some heat as it lingers, baking spices-touch of nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, finely, crushed, limestone & rocks, dry top soil, dry tobacco, slightly used leather, dark, rich earth, dry top soil, dry herbaceous notes, black licorice, mid berry cola,fresh & withering dark, red, blue in a field of violets, excellent acidity well balanced, softly tensioned, good length and wire to wire well polished finish.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

The is 96+.

The nose shows really pretty, bright, floral, fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries & baked strawberries. Pretty, soft baking spices, baking soda, vanillin, dark chocolate, caramel, dark, forest floor with leaves, smokiness, expresso roast, sandalwood, dark, red, blue florals framed in violets.

The palate is light & fresh and juicy fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, plum, some strawberries and dark cherries. The tannins are beautiful, soft & supple, finely crushed rocks & limestone, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry twig, dry top soil, dark spice, mid intensity baking spices, vanilla, dry tobacco, soft leather, touch of lead pencil, fresh, bright, dark, red blue florals with violets, rainfall acidity, elegant, well balanced, beautifully knitted, great length and smartly polished, wire to wire long finish.

1/26/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine:

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker Helen Keplinger, make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

As some of you know, I am not the biggest champion of California Chardonnay. There are some exceptions and this is one of them.

This is a beautiful expression of how good they can be w/o too much new oak. This is also one not to be served over chilled. I’d say around 60 degrees.

The Reserve has amazing viscosity and mouthfeel. It is slightly honeyed, vanillin, soft caramel notes, slivered almonds, lemon custard, white stone fruits, green apple, tropical melons, understated white citrus, pineapple hues, just a touch of herbaceousness, gentle minerality, yellow lilies & flowers, very round acidity, it is lush, elegant as it can get, beautifully balanced with a smooth and smartly polished finish that last nearly two-minutes.