A Wild Wine Review:

This one appeared in the on-line publication of Jancis Robinson regarding the 2017 Friedrich Becker (producer) Schweigener Heydenreich (vineyard) Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Großes Gewächs (Grand Cru) from the Pfalz (in Germany). It's deliciously epic:

"Tight, long, spicy, cedary lines, deep coffee-bean bitterness and deep-coal-mine minerality. Sawdust-dry tannins. Clenched fists of angry texture; dark purple-sweet, rose-petal-tinged fruit. Compact, dense and concentrated. Almost terrifying concentration, and yet I don't get an iota of the thick-set extraction that often comes with this level of concentration. Fantastic texture to those tannins! Like three-dimensional paisley in silk and sandalwood etching. At the moment, it's the texture that dominates. But this wine is just a baby. Put it back to sleep…"

For those with time on their hands, and are immune to sticker shock, we do have the wine in stock.

2020 Elise Dechannes Champagne "Essentielle" $86

2023 Christophe et Fils Chablis (France, Burgundy, Chablis) $35 This has been out hottest category this Fall: Chablis. And Sebastien Christophe is our budding superstar. His wine is a multidimensional mineral-rich masterpiece. Flinty, Smoky, Angular, Energetic, Citrus ladened, salty, mineral-E, vigorous, provoking. Oysters please!

2010 Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Réserve Merlot-Syrah (France, Southern Rhône, Vaucluse) $150 One rare holiday wine perfect for your table. Here's a quick down-low: Domaine des Tours Vin de Pays du Vaucluse 2010 is a captivating blend of Merlot and Syrah. The nose reveals an enticing mix of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, accented by notes of violet and black pepper. On the palate, rich flavors of ripe black fruits, cocoa, and a hint of licorice unfold, balanced by smooth tannins and vibrant acidity. Subtle earthy undertones and a touch of oak add complexity. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of spice and dark chocolate. This vintage showcases the harmonious integration of Merlot's softness and Syrah's spiciness, reflecting Emmanuel Reynaud's skillful winemaking. A masterpiece.

2022 Mail Road Wines Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) $62 If it's good enough to pour at The San Ysidro Ranch...or so the story goes. Matt Dees, local celebrity winemaker (Jonata, The Hilt), has created a wonderfully stunning wine here. It's juice, bright, layered, with wonderful elegance and poise. What does Matt Dees have to say about it? ""Lovely balance between lifted floral elements and earth-driven spice. Layered with luscious red fruit. Ripe Gaviota strawberry, rhubarb and dark raspberry. Rose and pink peppercorn. Sweet tobacco and porcini mushroom. Bold fruit shines on the mid-palate. Highlighted by herbal and resinous tones. Earthy and so complex. Full of pleasure today and wonderful glass for tonight." It's on the table for this evenings enjoyment.