1/19/2024 - dbkitc wrote:

Spoofilation alert. When I tasted this in 2006, I thought new world and didn’t know where it would go. Based on this bottle, history has not been kind. Nose is all blueberry fruit and oak. If fruit is bitter, hot and short. A mess. Yuck. (83)

12/25/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

The wine of the night. Great Alsacien Riesling. Intensity, balance, purity.

11/25/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

This is delicious. Golden with a touch of pink. Apple skin, grape juice and limestone. Very deep and complex nose. Dry palate with persistent bubbles. Pungent. Precise. Solid yet refreshing. Long. Wonderful. (93)

6/9/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

Wow. This was just glorious. Mature, bright, floral, great finish. A complete wine at the perfect spot. A Domaine to take very seriously. (94)

9/30/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

Last bottle and sort of sits between the previous two. This is sweet and a touch flabby with cola, raisin and wood polish elements. There is some finishing zip (which it needs badly) but not enough to truly balance the palate. I much prefer medium sweet or drier styles of Madeira but enjoy sweet versions with more complexity and grip. (89)

9/8/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

Wow. This is a great wine. But boy is it unexpected. I don’t think I have ever had a GG like it. Two things are unusual (to me at least). First, the fruit is full bodied, auction-like spatlese in style. It’s dry, but it has a deeply rich and ripe impression. I know that GG’s are harvested at spatlese ripeness, but to me, they are typically more lithe and linear at this stage. The mouthfeel is like white burgundy. The second unique feature is an oak impression. The nose is a confluence of this perfectly ripe Riesling fruit, a rocky backbone and oak. I may be crazy, but it’s what I sense this evening. It’s unusual, but I am digging it. A mix of Lefleve and Clemens Busch. I’m losing it but I love it. (94?)

8/28/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

Holy cow. My first time with this wine and shame on me - it's glorious! Lots of red fruit, slightly soapy, violets. Sexy fruit, sweet with good acid. Long and great. Drinking beautifully. (96)

8/13/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

Simply killer, with each bottle better than the previous one. Lime and green melon give a zesty feel to this fully fruited, substantial white. This is serious and I just love it. (96)

8/6/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Charleston - Baltimore) A glorious bottle. Ample fruit, tobacco and earth swim in a feminine frame that comes together after an hour or so in a decanter. A complete wine that is drinking beautifully right now yet holds promise for another 20+ years of evolution. How this shows big flavors and elegance at the same time is remarkable. Will be looking for some to add to the cellar. Love this. (96+)

7/2/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Kimball’s - Sanderlng NC). This is absolutely one of the worst wines I have ever tasted. And it’s expensive. Manufactured sweet red fruit nose that competes with overly aggressive oak. The palate tastes more like ice cream than wine. It’s heavy, alcoholic and artificial - devoid of anything that resembles a harvested beverage. Would overpower a habanero pepper. Gross. Should have ordered the Guigal CdR for $100. Avoid. (65)

5/20/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

More resolved than past bottles. Grapy nose with white flowers and a slight mineral streak. The palate is a bit underwhelming for Grand Cru Chablis. Medium weight and intensity without fireworks. Maybe time rounds things out but I’m not sure there is really a there there. Good not great. Not Garagist’s best mystery. (90)

3/18/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

I really enjoy this producer’s wines. Unfortunately, I think this is my last bottle. There is so much cut, clarity and chalk. Pops in the mouth and remains long after the wine is swallowed. I would drink all the time if I could find more. (94)

2/25/2023 - dbkitc wrote:

First from a case. Deep garnet with a ruby rim. The nose is the highlight tonight - reserved, pure cassis fruit and crushed stones. On the palate, this bottle is still youthful and closed. Stern. There is coiled fruit that should lead to a fabulous wine in time. Give it another 5 years. (93++)

5/16/2022 - dbkitc wrote:

I don’t think I am being hyperbolic when I say this is the most surprising champagne value I have encountered. I bought a 6 pack from Crush many years ago and this third bottle marks a trifecta of classic quality bottles. Ripe apples and brioche. Deep - winey - complex. Mature. Long. I am going to drink the remaining bottles soon as I don’t see this getting any better. Wow. Have never seen the wine again - I need to look harder. (95)

7/22/2021 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Leon’s Oyster Shop - Charleston) Full, broad and precise. Lovely pear fruit. Great food fine with a crisp finish. Excellent. (93)

3/3/2022 - dbkitc wrote:

Holy cow. Fruit, earth, florals, licorice. Great balance. Long. Absolutely stunning. This very well might be the best wine I have ever tasted from NA. Bravo. (98+)

3/3/2022 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Bottega - Yountville) Big, bold, full of alcohol and blue fruit. Heavy and a bit tiring after the first few sips. Impactful but does this move me? Maybe needs time but I'm not sure.... (92+?)

2/17/2019 - dbkitc wrote:

Wonderful bottle. Classic aromas including red fruit, earth and oyster shells. Medium bodied with a lovely fruit sweetness. Elegant and caressing - there is an earthy warmth on the palate that has no rusticity. Classic Bordeaux drunk at the optimal time. My style and I love it. (93)

2/6/2022 - dbkitc wrote:

Just super. This is stunning Chianti with a long life ahead. Plush fruit covers a very linear and tannic core. Tactile. Garnet with a maturing rim. Sweet fruit and tobacco. There is oak present as well. This is fun and serious at the same time. If you are herb/green sensitive, you may like this less. I find the combination enjoyable. Should drink well for 10+ years. (94+)

10/15/2021 - dbkitc wrote:

My last bottle and I’m not sure I really care. This came out with a lot of hype and based on my three tastings of this vintage, I’m not sure why. Now I have tasted exactly zero other vintages so cannot offer an opinion on the winery today. But the 2002, while having a lovely, classic Cabernet nose that is filled with cassis and crushed stones, falls down on the hollow and edgy green palate. It wants to be there but isn’t. Good wine for sure but no more. (90)

10/17/2020 - dbkitc wrote:

Um. I like this a whole bunch more than most. To me this is classic, traditional and full impact-monumental Cornas. Full, deep, rustic, animal, dark fruited and loaded with structure that will allow this to age gracefully for years. Inky but not in a new world, overripe way. So concentrated. Yet so balanced and together. In ten years, I think this will be head turner. Love it. (96+)

7/9/2021 - dbkitc wrote:

I’ve been very lucky to drink a number of vintages of this wine and I think this along with the 2010 might be my favorite. The color is a light cherry/ruby with a pink rim. The nose is glorious: red fruits, lavender and a sprinkling of spice. Sweet perfume. So classic. Medium bodied. Just entering peak perfection. Velvety, pure, complete. Simply outrageous Village. I can’t see it getting better but should be delicious for another 5 or so years. (93)

4/3/2021 - dbkitc wrote:

A big boned Margaux for sure. But a delicious wine nonetheless. Deep garnet red color. Creamy dark fruited nose that leans modern (a good dose of oak) yet has good lift which it needs. Lush palate that is still a bit astringent with some bitterness on the finish. A good choice if you are looking for full throttle Bordeaux. It’s better than many in this style. But at the end of the day, not my cup of tea. Very Napa (which is not bad at all, it’s just not Margaux). Has a chance to be significantly better in five years if some of the structure integrates. (90)

12/7/2017 - dbkitc wrote:

(at La Cuchara - Baltimore) A wine of perfect balance. Lots of tannin on the palate suggests waiting 10+ years to open a bottle. Will be great. (96+)

12/18/2020 - dbkitc wrote:

Humph. Second bottle this month and second bottle that is clearly off. Deeply colored. The nose has lots of fruit and funk. A bit of brett and soap. The initial fruit wave is nice but things fall off a brett cliff. Either I am having really bad luck or this isn’t a great time to drink this wine. No score.

11/24/2020 - dbkitc wrote:

This is just terrific and I am having a hard time keeping my hands off it. Golden color is followed by a wine with notes of yellow plums, sea breeze and shells. In a perfect spot, there is super length and perfect balance. A delight with freshly harvested Maryland oysters - a match made in heaven. Thanks Moose for the perfect bivalves and thanks M. Dauvissat for this wine. I just love this bottling. (94)

6/21/2020 - dbkitc wrote:

I differ from most - I like this better than than the ‘98 La Landonne. Fresher, more of a red fruit profile if not as powerful. A sensual, exotic wine. Really draws you in with sneaky length. Ruby color. Nose seduces with red fruits, smoked meat, wood spice and garrigue. Will drink for years but just perfect now. Glorious. (98)

6/4/2020 - dbkitc wrote:

Didn’t know what to expect after reading a number of good but not special reviews. I am very pleased by what is in the glass. Classic Bordeaux. Black current, leather and cigar on the nose. Medium weight, with lovely depth and a serious backbone of tannin and acidity. Will last for years but very nice tonight. (94)

10/21/2016 - dbkitc wrote:

(at - Restaurant Tafelspitz – Dusseldorf) A bit deeper and a bit spicier than the Donnhoff. Also, very youthful in character – needs time to come together but there is some very good stuffing. (91+?)

7/1/2019 - dbkitc wrote:

Interesting bottle. Neither as good as the best or a disappointing as some. This bottle shows good balance with a bit of the over-cooked raisin aspect present in the less desirable bottles. Some freshness on the finish. Good but no more. Incredible bottle variation here. (89)

11/20/2017 - dbkitc wrote:

This is serious, old school Burgundy. A decent showing for a wine that has demonstrated significant bottle variation. The nose is dark Pinot fruit, earth, iron and celery salt. Opened mid-morning, it still shows a rough and tumble side - prominent acid, noticeable wood tannin (though softening) and some lovely maturing fruit goodness. This needs rich food. Stay away if you don’t like wines from the previous eras - nothing easy or lush here. I like but don’t love. Will continue to hold other bottles to see what happens. The fruit that is there is terrific. (87+?)

11/13/2017 - dbkitc wrote:

Pushing the over-ripe boundary. Sweet, raspberry fruit that is a bit sur maturite. A bit much for me and nowhere near as pleasurable as the last bottle. Bitter finish. (83)

4/24/2017 - dbkitc wrote:

The QPR of the year? Quite possibly. Youthful ruby color with no purple. Juicy fruit, cinnamon and dry leaves on the nose. Some green pepper. Gorgeous, integrated and juicy palate. A complete and satisfying wine. Not a pensive wine but holy cow it's good for the money. (90)

3/15/2017 - dbkitc wrote:

Perfect CdP? For me, it's dang close. Sweet Grenache fruit, rustic garrigue and crushed stones frame a balanced and powerful wine that is hitting in all cylinders. I have probably had this wine 20 times; many have been great but I don't remember my breath taken away to this extent. As a Burgundy lover, the weight is perfect and the flavor breadth should be illegal. A monumental bottle. (99)

11/28/2016 - dbkitc wrote:

Light gold with lots of tiny bubbles. Lots of brioche and honeysuckle on the nose. Gorgeous champagne - very robust flavors. Full bodied but very effervescent a real winner in my book. Will look for more. A stunner for the price. (95)

7/5/2016 - dbkitc wrote:

After the bottle last night, we decided to drive up and see what is going on here. Spent a wonderful hour with Bruce the owner. I believe this is a serious estate to seek out. The wines are simply at a very high level after just a few years. I loved this wine with its terrific grip, Riesling fruit and crushed rock finish. Still holding plenty in reserve, it should improve for 5 to 10 years easily. A steal for the money and an absolute gem from the east coast of the US. (90+)

8/22/2016 - dbkitc wrote:

Deep golden color. Lots of brioche on the nose but lacking some oomph. Tired maybe? The palate confirms that this bottle's best years are behind it. Initial attack is fine with good mature complexity. Falls off fast and turns slightly bitter. Not the best but has some nice features. Drink up. (84)

3/31/2016 - dbkitc wrote:

Ruby red with a clear rim. Wonderful nose of sweet red fruit, leather and earth. Classic and mature. Old school in the best way - no winemaker window dressing. Just solid wine that is drinking very well. An upside surprise as this is the only wine I have ever tasted from this winery. Remember buying it at Mills but don't remember why. (90)

2/9/2016 - dbkitc wrote:

Mature ruby with a light orange / pink rim. More mature color than I would have imagined. Nose is seductive: mature fruit sweetness, meat and olives. Wow - super wine that is full of fruit yet shows wonderful, mature Syrah complexity. I have always been a fan of this wine. (94)

12/28/2015 - dbkitc wrote:

Richer and more white fruited (pears) than the Keller but equally as exciting. Again, will hold for ages. But why wait? (95)

8/13/2015 - dbkitc wrote:

My first experience with this wine and a very positive one. Good dark berry fruit supported by ample tannin. Nice texture but not heavy. Should drink well for a while. (92)

7/20/2015 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Pre Catelan - Paris) Some days are just good days and this is one. After a hard day at work, we had an amazing meal with Roulot and this fantastic bottle. I have had more Trevallon in the past 6 weeks than I have had in my previous 30 years of wine drinking. Lucky me. I don't know if I prefer the '05 or '04. This bottle is perfectly mature with a wonderful right bank Bordeaux personality (maybe a lush Pomerol) mixed with some peppery Syrah earthiness. I am shocked by other’s notes on this wine. Maybe there is a difference between bottles in France and the U.S. The bottle I drank tonight bears little resemblance to most of the notes written over the last few years on CT. (94)

12/1/2014 - dbkitc wrote:

Wines of the U.S. week continues. Ruby color. Powerful nose of cherry fruit, herbs and cream soda. Full palate that has many layers of pinot fruit flavors. The herbal element (in a good way) balances the fruit nicely. Delicious - drinking well now. (92)

9/18/2013 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Per Se- NYC) Unfortunately, a big disappointment after the Les Rugiens from earlier in the week. Nothing wrong, per say, but flat and uninteresting. Showed neither joy or complexity. (83)

10/13/2014 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Sur Mesure – Paris) Light, almost clear color. Quinine and white fruits on the nose. Continues to build on the palate with explosive depth. Great stuff and very good value. (91)

6/20/2014 - dbkitc wrote:

(at The Modern – NYC, from 375ml) This was a bit of a disappointment (first two bottles were oxidized). Very lean stylistically which what expected, but this was lean to the extreme. Give it some time to hopefully flesh out – I don’t know what will happen. (85+?)

6/24/2013 - dbkitc wrote:

(at Jaleo – Washington DC) I really dig this wine. I have a bunch in my cellar and I am pleased to see if on many restaurant lists at good prices. Beautiful fruit, nice balance and a warm and inviting finish. (93)