the club wine review
The Withers, Pinot Noir, English Hill, Sonoma Coast, California 2018
A great find!
We found hints of mushroom and earth on the nose, exciting complexity on the palate with well-balanced acidity, and a nice medium finish that makes me want more!
This Pinot Noir shines in the glass with a dark ruby red and plenty of aromas of ripe raspberry and strawberry.
GK 85 Points
Poggio Antico, Altero, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy 2016
Wow!
Montalcino is such an iconic place, Brunello is so charming to the eye, it starts with a deep dark red with hints of mahogany, very concentrated and focused, black, and red cherry, plummy and earthy, medium-bodied, charming hints of rosemary and rose
petal, intense till the end.
GK 90 Points
Bodvar Rose, No. 7, Côtes de Provence, France 2020
This is a fascinating Rose; it shows a pale pink hue with light copper tones. It is an enjoyable experience, fresh and elegant, with intense raspberry, and tropical fruit notes, hints of watermelon, good acidity brings forth a good amount of freshness.
Bodvar comes in various shades; this time, we tasted No.7.
Well-balanced, a sure summer hit!
GK 87 Points
Arista, Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California 2018
This is a serious Chardonnay, day bright and a golden core, ripe stone fruit and green apple aromas, hints of baking spice, lemon and citrusy flavors come forward on the palate, great acidity, and a medium body. It has a distinctive structure and power
that keeps evolving on the long finish.
Terrific wine for Chardonnay lovers!
GK 91 Points
My Favorite Neighbor, Cabernet Sauvignon, San Luis Obispo, California 2019
This Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my new favorites! Vibrant red garnet with hints of purple, blackcurrant, and dark fruit, blackberry, fig, and crème de cassis, opulent and rich, full-bodied, great tannic structure on the nose and fresh acidity, there are notes of fine herbs and a bit of toasted caramel on the long finish.
There is so much going on in My Favorite Neighbor, you have to taste it soon!
GK 95 Points
Quintessa, Rutherford, Napa Valley Red Wine, California 2018
Many have written and tasted this gem from Rutherford. I find the deep red garnet and intense black fruit and cassis aromas, charming and esoteric, a red blend that shows concentration and power from the beginning till the end.
On the palate aromas and flavors of black cherry, red berry, bitter chocolate, fine dusty tannins, stimulant, and refreshing acidity,
long finish, there also delicate notes of menthol and herbs. There is much more complexity and evolution as we move to the finish, fantastic wine!
GK 96 Points
Domaine Leflaive, Puligny Montrachet, Cote D’Or, Burgundy France 2019
This wine is singing!
It is vibrant with a bright gold center, greenish and silver highlights, aromas of white and yellow flowers; one can expect complexity from the start with hints of hazelnut, lemongrass, and honeyed green apple. A charming flint stone aroma is the most prevalent, followed by some delicate mineral notes, well balanced and in the possession of a harmonious flair, that shows in the palate with no interruptions through the long finish.
Fantastic!
GK 93 Points
L’Ecole No.41, Syrah, Seven Hills Vine- yard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington 2017
Walla Walla is coming up with some powerful and bold contenders!
L’Ecole No. 41 Syrah is definitely dark red garnet in the glass, black and blue fruit dominates the palate. Superfine tannins and well-balanced, this is a very expressive “GSM”(Grenache Syrah & Mourvedre grape varieties) style of Syrah blackberries, black cherry, and a hint of black olive and baking spices. Concentrated and a bit robust with an intriguing finish that develops into bitter chocolate and coffee. This beauty deserves a good spot on your wine list!
GK 87
Laurent-Perrier, Champagne Brut Millésimé, France 2007
There is something so attractive and charming about bubbles in a glass! The prestigious House Laurent-Perrier traditionally chooses to produce Vintage Champagnes in the best years and under the best climatic conditions. Every time we encounter a brut Millésimé, the vintage is a truly unique and memorable experience!
It is a pleasure to watch its pale golden core in the glass with an excellent mousse, delicate citrus notes, dried orange peel, evolving biscuit-croissant aroma, plenty of freshness, and abundant acidity on the palate. A true classic!
GK 97 Points
El Enemigo, Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2017
Malbec is an integral part of Argentine culture and this one, The Enemy or El Enemigo, just coming from the foothills of the Andes, is a true example of a flavorful concentrated, and rich Malbec, with intense aromas of black fruit and black cherry. Bold and inky!
This is a medium to full-bodied wine, with hints of spice and lilac, aromas most noticeable in the long finish. Get ready for fun times, gratifying till the last drop!
GK 85 Points
Vietti, Perbacco, Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy 2018
Piedmont in Italy has a lot to offer to the avid wine lover! This Nebbiolo opens with an intense aroma of red berry, a hint of blue flowers and spice, with a dark ruby core, an authentic medium-bodied wine in the glass.
There is certain complexity and elegance in Nebbiolo as it evolves during the tasting, and the tannins although evident are well integrated; with great composition and structure, Perbacco shows so much potential!
GK 89 Points
Jayson, Pahlmeyer Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California 2017
If you love Napa Valley Chardonnay, this California gem must be
on your list!
Jayson Chardonnay keeps you entertained till the last drop, with ripe yellow pear, on the nose, comes forward a delicate aroma of white flowers, full of citrusy lemon tart mouthfeel. There are light notes of orange peel with soft honeyed spices on the finish, excellent acidity, balance, and texture.
GK 93 Points
Puligny Montrachet, Domaine Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France 2018
Maison Joseph Drouhin, Laurent Drouhin.
A classic! This is a serious wine full of elegant citrusy notes. A charming hint of flintstone adds so much complexity to the glass—a light touch of tropical fruit and an ethereal character. The acidity vibrates on your palate to finish delicately with notes of honeyed yellow apple. Elegant till the end.
GK 96 Points
Hyde de Villaine, HDV, Carneros, Napa Valley Chardonnay, California, USA 2017
Winemaker: Stéphane Vivier
Proprietors: The Hyde and De Villaine Families.
HDV is a wonderfully made Chardonnay that exudes citrus and white flower Aromas. It is enchanting from beginning to end, with a generous ripe green apple core, hints of peach and apricot, and decadent golden and silver hues.
GK 90 Points
Winemaker: Stéphane Vivier
Proprietors: The Hyde and De Villaine Families.
HDV is a wonderfully made Chardonnay that exudes citrus and white flower Aromas. It is enchanting from beginning to end, with a generous ripe green apple core, hints of peach and apricot, and decadent golden and silver hues.
GK 90 Points
Chateau Fonplegade, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015
Denise Adams: Winemaker
For the love of Merlot! This is such a fantastic wine with dark and red fruit, a combination of plum and crème de cassis; Fonplegade is simply a rich lushness of velvety fruit.
Full-bodied with a long finish, complex, rich from every angle. Great aging potential.
GK 95 Points
Satyricon, Irpinia Campi Taurasini Rosso DOC, Campania, Italy 2018
Winemaker: Luigi Tecce
This Aglianico is a Rockstar! Ready to drink and ready to party. There is a hint of light cooking spice with intense and vibrating red cherry and a solid backbone of acidity.
Traditionally Aglianico wines tend to require aging and time. Luigi Tecce’s Satyricon is made for instant pleasure.
GK 93 Points
Domaine Sirech, Les deux Terroirs
Winemaker: Alexandre Sirech
A little gem from La Gironde, the blend is made up of Colombard, Gros Manseng and Ugni Blanc.
This wine will surprise your palate. It is extremely refreshing with a complex nose, exuding tropical fruit notes, beeswax, and ripe guava, a great find!
GK 90 Points
Dal Forno Romano, Valpolicella Superiore, Illasi, Verona, Italy 2013
A superb wine! This one puts all your senses into motion. It has great complexity on the nose and palate. Exquisite with a long finish; as expected, the tannins are robust but gentle.
Take your time when you taste this wine and notice the ripe red cherry, bitter chocolate, baked spice, and vibrant acidity.
GK 93 Points
A superb wine! This one puts all your senses into motion. It has great complexity on the nose and palate. Exquisite with a long finish; as expected, the tannins are robust but gentle.
Take your time when you taste this wine and notice the ripe red cherry, bitter chocolate, baked spice, and vibrant acidity.
GK 93 Points
Val de Flores, Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 2013
Winemaker: Michell Rolland
This timeless, complex, and rich Malbec is full of dark fruit, purple and blue flower notes, blackberry, red and black plum, and has a bitter cocoa finish. The seductive aromas of violets and black pepper notes make this wine round and balanced with silky tannins. There is something about Val de Flores that makes me think of Pomerol.
GK 96 Points
Castiglion del Bosco, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy 2015
Proprietor: Massimo Ferragamo
This full-bodied Brunello is full of black cherry, red plum, hints of cedar, and tobacco towards the end with fine but very evident tannins, precise and focused, enjoyable and fun till the last drop.
GK 90 Points
Castiglion del Bosco, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy 2015
Proprietor: Massimo Ferragamo
This full-bodied Brunello is full of black cherry, red plum, hints of cedar, and tobacco towards the end with fine but very evident tannins, precise and focused, enjoyable and fun till the last drop.
GK 90 Points
Barda, Pinot Noir Patagonia, 2015
Barda features some friendly notes of spices and packs of fresh strawberries and raspberries, followed by delicate notes of dried tea leaves. The man behind this project is Piero Incisa Della Rocchetta from Rio Negro (The Black River), located in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina.
Heads up! Barda might easily pass for a classic Burgundy.
GK 90 Points
Oublie, Booker Vineyard, Paso Robles, California 2017
Winemaker: Eric Jensen
This one is for the fans of the Rhone Valley Wines. Here is a fantastic tribute to the Noble Wines from Southern Rhone.
Oublie is loaded with red berries, red cherry, and hints of licorice. Its bright acidity hits your palate right from the start giving way to lively and lush tannins. The blend is composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
GK 90 Points
Tarot, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015
Winemaker: Stephanie Putnam
Proprietor: Jean Charles Boisset
An intriguing and delicious wine! This mighty Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is full of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry and hints of blue flowers, smooth tannins, and refreshing acidity. Fresh mint and lavender blend in a long finish bringing forth elegant aromas.
GK 93 Points
Stone The Crows, Three Twins Vineyard, Napa Valley, California 2017
Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown
Proprietor Richard Talmadge
Hailing from St. Helena, this powerful yet refined red, with ripe dark fruit and lush, velvety tannins, a hint of black pepper, and fresh mint, seduce your palate with vivid acidity. Let the intoxicating blackberry and cassis aromas give way to a long finish.
GK 95 Points
HOW WE SCORE WINES
95-100 Quintessential Wine:
Refined, elegant, and unique, a true expression of
varietal, terroir, and winemaking skills, with great
aging potential
90-94 Formidable Wine:
A wine full of life ready to become a true icon
85-89 Brilliant Wine:
Usually fresh, vibrant, and on its way to growth
80-84 Great Effort:
Enjoyable at many levels, easy to enjoy, a
party-going wine
75-79 Good effort:
Wines that are still developing character
50-74 Needs Improvement:
Wines that require some fine work
