5/17/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Worth the extra coin over the extra brut that was more angular with less depth.

Drink or hold

5/18/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Unmistakable at PNP. On the nose or palate Clape just hits different. Not a wine for all palates but I enjoy the flavors that set this producer apart.

Drink or hold.

5/17/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Love Rive Droite but vintage does not have the depth of fruit IMO. Barrel influenced flavors are dominating.

Not sure where this goes from here.

5/18/2024 - MJP Hou TX wrote:

Sweet vanilla. Is this wine or syrup for pancakes!?

Honestly, most of the group liked this wine, I just need some tension or other flavors.

5/14/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Best on day two or three.

Give this time or ox to be at it's best unless you enjoy tart lemon on the palate.

Disgorged 22

5/11/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Pappas Steakhouse.

Sommelier suggestion after a recent trip to Rhone'. This was sneaky good with great body, tannins and finish. Gamay grown in St Joseph. Pretty darn geeky wine that will stump the best.

93+

5/11/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Pappas steakhouse with my bride. A little pre-mothers day celebration.

A bit coiled up and youthful at this stage but wonderful nonetheless. Killer with deep cold water oysters.

93+

5/12/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Matriarch for mothers day. I thought it was fitting.

PNP, polished with medium weight. Lot's of vanilla and blues. All Napa without the jam.

92-93

5/10/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

2nd bottle, consumed over three days.

Solid depth and delivery. I still think this is floating around the 93-94 range for now but does have upside in development.

5/10/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

A great bottle to kick off mother's day weekend. My bride and I really enjoyed this one at PNP. Polished off quickly with nothing to check in on for day two.

93

5/10/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Motivated by Vinous new article on 2012 & 13 Napa revisited, I pulled a bottle to check in.

13 has always been a bit of an oddball for Rive Droite. Lighter and bit more pinot in depth than any other vintage. I find it very enjoyable if looking for something on the lighter side of delivery.

I think this has a little more runway than Galloni.

Drink or hold

93+

5/8/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

PNP, consumed over 3 days.

This bottle is just getting started. I'm going to hold back my other two for the long haul. Mataro dominated blend (I think) which is why I love this wine. Excellent with a rack of lamb.

Drink or hold

94+

5/2/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

A friend shared this over dinner. Distinctly priorat with minerality and the floral shop of garnacha.

A bit of heat at PNP and a good amount of sediment to midigate.

I would hold for further development.

5/3/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

PNP and consumed over a few days.

Pretty solid domestic Syrah. Not overly polished with heat under control.

Drink or hold

93+

5/7/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

First bottle from a 12 pack case. No guilt in blind buying at $32!

No formal notes as this bottle was polished off in about an hour. First impression 92-94+

I'll spend a little more time with the next one and provide proper feedback.

Fantastic QPR.

5/2/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

From 1.5L this was poured into a decanter one hour in advanced of service and consumed over another two.

Very tightly wound at PNP. After an hour in the wide basin decanter this nectar unwounded into a beautifully structured yet approachable wine that is on the lighter side of Syrah. Maybe that's more of the Landonne terroir but it's definitely Rhone with a Burgundian lift.

This was a bit of an impulse pull from the cellar considering the age and format. Killed early in the evolution but at least I know now to bring more of these into the cellar for aging.

94+

5/4/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Very enjoyable at PNP. Refined tannins and balance make this a very pleasing bottle at this stage in development.

Consumed over two days and both equally enjoyable. Plenty of tension to carry this for further development.

Drink or hold

95

5/4/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

For my palate I find this wine best after a few days open. Slightly oxidized on day 3 with slow ox in the bottle.

At PNP it's a bit boozy and floral to the point of distraction.

93+

5/2/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

A wonderful surprise brought over by a good friend that bought a case of his vintage years ago at the request of an Oil minister of a small country in Africa. The story of the motivation to purchase this wine decades ago was as interesting as the wine itself. This was the last of his stash and he was kind enough to share this over dinner.

I have little experience with wines of this age but I have a feeling after this I'll be seeking out more as 78 Cakebread was so unique and beautiful to drink.

Weightless silky tannins with the slightest touch of fruit still left washed the palate with each sip. Medium Garnet in color with the slightest bricking on the edges. Dried red fruits.

Just lovely.

96

4/28/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Open and consumed over three days.

A massive wine that somehow doesn't roll over under it's own weight. Polished tannins and plenty of depth carry this heritage blend of fruit across the palate. Extended aging seems to lend itself to a monolithic wine at the early going. A bit of a science experiment which is an investment of time and cellar space. I'm not sure what these wines will do with age!? Hopefully something special because right now they're good in the early going but I prefer Francoise's regular bottlings as they provide more tension.

Drink one and hold a few.

93/94

4/26/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Tightly coiled at PNP. A gentle splash decant got the show going.

A massive wine with the depth of Syrah yet 100% Grenache. I liken it to famed SQN. Great today with plenty of shelf life left. I'm very curious to see where this goes from here.

95+

4/27/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

It was a wonderful evening for porch sipping on my friends new deck overlooking Buffalo Bayou. There was a pleasant breeze keeping any bugs at bay. Paired wonderfully with the authentic street tacos that were freshly catered by a local vendor.

Entry level wines from this famed producer. A nice introduction on way I should splurge and open Pandora's box with these whites.

Let the journey begin.

4/27/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

It was a wonderful evening for porch sipping on my friends new deck overlooking Buffalo Bayou. There was a pleasant breeze keeping any bugs at bay. Paired wonderfully with the authentic street tacos that were freshly catered by a local vendor.

A bit of petrol on the palate which I don't recall in the last bottle.

93

4/27/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

It was a wonderful evening for porch sipping on my friends new deck overlooking Buffalo Bayou. There was a pleasant breeze keeping any bugs at bay. Paired wonderfully with the authentic street tacos that were freshly catered by a local vendor.

I'm going to have a really hard time not blowing through my stash which if cannot back fill is going to be a bit of an issue.

So good.

95

4/20/2024 - MJP Hou TX wrote:

Pinot trying to pass as cabernet. A bit heavy handed yet efficient at washing down French lamb chops.

To each there own.

4/20/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

A sommelier at Pappas Steakhouse put me on this wine. For around $100 on the menu this offers value but needs a hefty decant or days with slow ox in the bottle.

For me, it was best on day three.

Evidently there is a good decent buzz in Northern Rhone about Cecillon's work. Evidently one to follow.

91-92+

Hold.

4/21/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

It nice to have these Heritage bottles in 375 format when not looking to pull a 750. With regards to the wine, this is drinking really well. A balanced zin blend with nice acid that just over delivers on QPR. Easy drinking and firing right out of the gate.

Drink or hold.

93

4/21/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

At PNP this was a bit closed and shut down. On day two this was youthful yet approachable. It's hard not to reach for cellar defenders knowing time in the bottle will reward.

A great value now but even more so in the future.

Drink or hold.

93++

4/20/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

A wonderful Rose' champagne over the two days open.

Zero sweetness, and I loved it. This was a very unique expression that was very singular for rose'. I took a flyer on futures through Double P Imports and it paid off. Now I need to try and see if I can get more as a sixer is just not enough for the long haul.

94+

4/18/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Maya presented (18-20 DVO) to a small group while in Houston for the Southern Smoke Foundation.

Of the mini vertical I gravitated to 18 for it's tension and 19 due to it's approachability. 20 was an easy drinker but overshowed in the lineup.

Maya walked us through her story and how DVO "DUO" came to be a project and some of the vineyards the fruit is sourced from.

This 2020 exceeded expectations and presented itself very well in the lineup. Very pleasurable to drink with no signs of the dreaded smoke taint.

Lacks a bit of the tension of the other two vintages but none the less a great wine.

95

4/18/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Maya presented (18-20 DVO) to a small group while in Houston for the Southern Smoke Foundation.

Of the mini vertical I gravitated to 18 for it's tension and 19 due to it's approachability. 20 was an easy drinker but overshowed in the lineup.

Maya walked us through her story and how DVO "DUO" came to be a project and some of the vineyards the fruit is sourced from.

Scoring this wine as it is today but there is no doubt this wine is built for the cellar and will no doubt score higher in the future.

97+

4/18/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Maya presented (18-20 DVO) to a small group while in Houston for the Southern Smoke Foundation.

Of the mini vertical I gravitated to 18 for it's tension and 19 due to it's approachability. 20 was an easy drinker but overshowed in the lineup.

Maya walked us through her story and how DVO "DUO" came to be a project and some of the vineyards the fruit is sourced from.

Scoring this wine as it is today but there is no doubt this wine is built for the cellar and will no doubt score higher in the future.

97+

4/14/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Wonderful freshness at 10 years with this blend. Secondary flavors and in the fold which really rounds this wine out nicely. It will be fun to see how these wines hold up over the next 10.

Drink or hold.

94

4/14/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

I'm really digging the flinty gun oil notes upon PNP. Caldera with some age and really be a beautiful wine. Not the heights of 2010 but not far behind.

Drink or hold

4/14/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Solid Champagne at a great price. Maybe a point thrown in just for the QPR.

4/13/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Splash decant one hour before first pour.

This wine has gone through a beautiful evolution. Still loads of fresh fruit carried by great acidity. The oak is still present but no were near what it was when I first tried this wine with Bruce. This will cruise for another decade or so and there will be plenty of upside if you like aged cabernet.

These wines will compete with some of the best Araujo's I've had form 90's in the hands of Francoise.

97+

4/11/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Open and consumed over 3 days. Still surprisingly youthful and unrelenting over the tastings. Nice tannins that are still firm. I would hold this for further development which might be very slow to develop.

93-94 hold.

4/7/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Open for two days. Relentless palate drying and somewhat fatigue inducing tannins. A bit harsh upfront which mask the dark bramble fruit. Good acidity at 9 years in. Maybe this becomes something in time but it’s hard to say with my limited experience following a wine like this.

92 with potential upside if the tannins soften.

4/7/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

A score of 94 based on day two.

Extended ox allows this wine to fill out, settle in and become more approachable.

4/6/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

My first Gonon from St. Joe

First impression is the quality of fruit and balanced palate. A well captured sense of place in the wine making processes and farming. It's easy to see how this has a cult following. I have some 14's inbound so it will be nice to see what these wines do with relative age on them.

Plenty of upside laying these down but no harm pulling one now.

94+

3/30/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Fantastic youthful energy at this stage which should only get better with time in the bottle. Great pull for a quick weekend trip with the wife.

Paired well with midnight moon.

93+

3/30/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Pulled this bottle for a quick getaway trip with the wife. Back to Sedona.....

Another CT'er mentioned stewed and that is a good term. A little bit oxidative, maybe stewed or preserved baked fruits. Loved the nose.

Was only allocated one bottle so I feel good about the timing of this pulling this from the cellar.

94

3/26/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Opened on Saturday and finished on Tuesday.

This was pulled late night to defend the cellar. A bit disjointed with heat for the first two glasses. Slow ox in the bottle really worked wonders. I’m glad we didn’t polish it off Saturday night.

Hold or long slow ox.

93

3/23/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Opened and consumed over two days.

Upon opening this is a very expressive big wine for which I personally like. On day two it rounded out and became a little more tame and drinkable for the unfamiliar. Very distinct and not from everyone when it comes to the cured meats and stank on the nose.

Drink or hold.

93+

3/22/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Just starting to sample 21’s and so far I’ve been very impressed with the tannins. This might be the best Fuego Y Mar to date. The structure of this wine should make for an absolute gem if given proper time to come together.

Early

95+

3/21/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Pulled this to toast some life events. Lovely bottle of Champagne for a great price.

Thanks to TheBottleList.com

92

3/21/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

2021 happens to be one of the most unique expressions of Vine Hill Ranch I've had the pleasure of opening at such a young stage. Truly remarkable focus, tension and the tannins are just different. Fantastic acidy to back it all up. With extended aging, this might be the finest VHR to date.

Note, this is not offering the pure joy of 16 at an early stage but you can tell this has all the verve to go the distance and be king of the hill.

Francoise really made one heck of a wine in 2021.

Kill one early and hold the rest.

98++

3/13/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Another Safeway purchase in Sedona. This was consumed over two days.

I can see why this is scored low by someone looking for Napa Merlot, I would argue this drinks more like Bordeaux. Only going to get better with time in the bottle.

Great at 10 years of age. Just getting started.

3/13/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

Purchased at Safeway in Sedona. Needed some backup to the bottles we traveled with.

The wifey killed most of this while I was hiking but what I did have was lovely. No formal notes.

2019 offers such great wine out of Paso.

94

3/10/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

After a long day of travel our first stop was Vino de Sedona for a bottle of Champagne and a cheese board. Sans kids.

Beautiful start to our family trip.

Disgorged 2022