2017 Michel Rebourgeon Pommard La Vache, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

Purple in color with ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose starts off dusty and "feeling" old but with some air, black cherries and slight earthiness.  Medium bodied.  Tannins seem resolved.  On the palate, flavors of cranberries with slight rhubarb.  Moderate finish.  This is a fine wine but nothing exceptional and (at least this bottle) seems past prime.  It is certainly worth drinking and will be better with food.  Mushroom Risotto would be a nice choice.  Drink over the next few years.

Lynmar Estate 2021 Pinot Noir, Quail Hill Vineyard

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$79.00USD

Soft and unassuming, this Pinot Noir exhibits a quiet luxury. Texturally it is smooth and soft and almost belies, the vibrant fruit notes of blackberry, black and Bing cherry, steeped black tea leaf and fresh/cut garden herbs. The tannins and acidity are modest making for an enjoyable and haptic drinking experience. Comprised of 14 different Pinot Noir clones from the Quail Hill Vineyard, this is truly a wine that exceeds the sum of its parts.

2017 Domaine François Buffet Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Rougeotte, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$165.00USD

This showed very well.  On the larger side of Burgundy Pinot Noir.  Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is earthy with cherries and slight black raspberries.  Medium to full bodied.  Good balance and energy.  On the palate, this is vibrant/fresh.  Plenty of depth.  Flavors of black cherries, slight cherries and slight earthiness.  Good finish.  This is getting close to peak but should go another ten to fifteen years.  It drinks well on its own and will work well with foods.  It would work well with Roasted Duck or Chicken.

2017 Maison Pierre Brisset Chambolle-Musigny, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

Ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose has cherries, raspberries, a hint of white pepper and a background floral note.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  Flavors of tart cherries with a slight earthiness.  A very nice, solid wine.  Not a ton of depth but very enjoyable.  Seems to be at peak so better to drink sooner.  Maybe five to seven year window.  Very food friendly and nice on its own.  A nice choice with Salmon.  

2018 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault Les Vireuils, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

Very nice showing for the Chardonnay from France.  Gold/green in color, clear and bright.  The nose is lovely with slate, pears,  "steely" lemon rind, and a touch of toasted oak.  Slightly oily texture.  Full bodied.  On the palate, a lemon hard candy (not sweet) note with some pear notes.  A hint of mint on the finish.  This is drinking well but no hurry.  It is delicious on its own but will work well with many foods.  Baked Trout would be a good choice as would Pasta Primavera.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  

Centennial Mountain 2022 Nebbiolo

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$79.00USD

This harkens back to more traditional, Italian Nebiolo, rather than a California iteration. Of course, that was their goal in planting their northern Sonoma property to begin with. The fruit is rather muted, the tannins fairly tight, and the acidity is noticeable. These are all traits of good European wine and it’s nice to see California making something that represents Nebbiolo’s true style. Though the tannins are a little tight decanting is not necessary, although an hour or so would do some good.

Centennial Mountain 2022 Carricante

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$49.00USD

You probably have never heard of Carricante, the Italian grape that grows on Mount Etna. Centennial Mountain specifically pursued their exact location in Sonoma to bring the Italian Carricante to California, the first of its kind.

2022 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch, USA, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$52.00USD

This remains my favorite wine in the Carlisle line-up.  Purple in color with a ruby rim, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great with black cherries, raspberries, nutmeg and other spices and slight char.  Lush texture!  Great energy and balance.  On the palate, this is young but delicious.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and red raspberries.  Long finish.  This is great on its own and will work with bigger foods.  A nice choice with ribs or a (veggie) Burger off the grill.  Drink over the next five to eight years.  

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