Wine & Spirits

Olivier Pithon is a rising star in the world of natural wine. From the soil to the bottle, Olivier Pithon is focused on one simple rule: making wines the most natural way possible, with a deep respect for the environment. His 2020 "Lais" Blanc is a blend of 60% Maccabeu, 20% Grenache Gris and 20% Grenache Blanc, all grown on schiste-based soils. A light touch of new oak complements the wine's reductive style nicely.

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A wine which has become the illustration of changes in Sicilian wine. It was created from a wish to compete in the world production of this noble and widespread vine. After a long process beginning in 1985, full of surprises and successes, today Planeta’s Chardonnay is an icon for the whole of Sicily. The vines of Ulmo and Maroccoli, from which it is made, are unique for position and terroir. Fermentation and aging in French wood, with precision and care, present us with a wine unique for its grace and power.

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Final surplus bottle from BF S4. A genius selection from Giles Hannam and a special wine I'll remember for a long time. When not tasting blind I'm getting much more enjoyment. The spicy lees complexity + stoney mineral complexity combined w citrus, floral + white peach make for a profound combination. Alsation-like contrast between weight/texture + long, pointed, acid-boosted shape. Class in a glass. Scoring up from 4.1 earlier in the year.

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Winemaker Notes The Rieussec "R" is produced on the Château Rieussec estate, 1st Classified Growth in Sauternes. It is partly from the same vines that will give Sauternes. The fermentation is done for 20% in barrels. This technique gives the wine a good aging potential while preserving as much as possible the freshness and the fruit of the grapes. James Suckling Very aromatic with cooked pears, lemon rind, peaches and stone. This is very powerful and rich with depth and intensity that show superb power. Dense and foursquare with wild fruit. It’s phenolic and exciting. Needs a little time to soften the edges. Try after 2020.

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Regular Bordeaux white wine, there is no classification for white wines in the Medoc region. This alto is a blend of 70% Sémillon added with the remainder of SB. Again a 4 star wine this one! Indeed with a super nose and fine body which has more greasy notes on top of the fruits, the wood, also fine spices and a great balance! Long lasting finish. Good & very decent wine from a well known chateau! Rate --Dries Thirion

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Maggy Hawk Skycrest Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 Review Eighty miles north of San Francisco, near Mendocino, Anderson Valley is known mostly for its sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. Of course, Chardonnay is a bubbly ingredient and Maggie Hawk shows us a nice example of what still wine from this grape can achieve here. Stone fruit and wafts of white pepper populate the nose. It has bright acidity that is perceptible but is mostly doing work keeping the wine in balance. It allows the fruity to have some depth but keeps it creamy. The alcohol is kept in check, filling the gaps with depth.

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Winemaker Notes Layers of tropical fruits and floral aromas invite you into this intriguing and dynamic Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of fresh lime and grapefruit add tension and bring freshness on the approach, while yellow and white peach intermingle with subtle oak and a creamy meringue mid-palate. Hints of minerality and saline contribute to its long finish and complete this complex wine. Medium bodied, layered, and refreshing! Blend: 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Sémillon Critical Acclaim COMMENTARY: The Spottswoode Sauvignon Blancs have always found a special place on my palate. The 2021 vintage is, once again, at the top of its class. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of dried herbs, ripe melon, and lemon peel. Pair it with a bowl of steamed clams in light garlic, jalapeno, and black peppercorn broth. (Tasted: June 9, 2022, San Francisco, CA)

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“Sourced from the original 1969 planting of the Rued clone of Chardonnay, which is known for its somewhat tropical aromatics - some even refer to it as the Muscat clone of Chardonnay. Brilliant light golden straw in color with beautiful fruit aromas reminiscent of asian pear, green apple, pineapple, and citrus zest, with complementary notes of honey and crème brulee. A touch of toasty French oak enhances the aromatics and fruit flavors across the palate. The mouthfeel, texture and flavor profile is just delicious, with nicely balanced acidity and richness. Reminiscent of a white Burgundy or Chablis with its fresh and refined style.” - Heidi Peterson Barrett

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Wine is clear, brightness is bright, pale straw, edge is water color, no gas, no sediment, viscosity is moderate. Aroma is clean, dried lemon, orange peel, mineral, herb, toast aroma. Dry, medium full body, high acidity, medium alcohol, medium + finish, complex is moderate +.

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Bright golden color. Medium legs, thicker and slowish.. aromas of sweetness, oak notes, lychees and candied golden raisins. Tastes of same with a medium body and texture that's balanced and highlights the chardonnay fruit and not any oak. --Doc

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A beautiful Corton that showed its pedigree and terroir. Power and elegance in a glass. This has the stuffing one would expect from a grand cru. Complex aroma-flavours and minerality with vibrant acidity.  --Jack Madrid

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Quality oak, butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, tropical fruits, zest, pineapple, floral, bright, Long finish. Nice minerality, stone fruit. Brioche notes demonstrate the quality ageing and oak used. Excellent wine and drinks on par with white burgundies which makes it a great value for its price point. --Sarah Lessing

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