JohnBCI – Page 6 – Bachner Communications

February 10, 2022

2020 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay

Jeb Dunnuck is generally regarded as a top wine critic, especially when it comes to Rhone varietals. Here’s what he had to say about the 2020 Novellum Chardonnay: “A richer styled wine (I've compared this cuvée to a Chardonnay from Mark Aubert[which sells for $90+ per bottle), the 2020 Novellum[...]

February 3, 2022

2018 Frei Brothers Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

What a great taste treat! The 2018 version of the wine was just rated among Wine Spectator’s top-ten value wines of 2021, with a list price of (never-pay-this-much) $27. Wine Spectator gave the wine 90 points. So, too, did Wine Enthusiast, saying, “Opening on a hearty nose of clove, this[...]

December 2, 2021

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 71

Marietta Cellars has been around for a long time: So has its famous Old Vine Red, a red field blend; i.e., a wine composed of various grapes all grown in the same field or (of late) the same state. It has always been good and always has been inexpensive. Now comes the owners’ next generation. According to [...]

November 10, 2021

2016 Carlson Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Barbara County, California

I was surprised by the paucity of professional reviews of this outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. This one, from a professional employed by an online retailer, seems more or less right on: “As I sit and taste this wine, the first thing that comes to me is the dark crimson color. This to me indicates richness and [....]

November 4, 2021

2017 Domaine Pelaquie Lirac

“The Pélaquié family has been cultivating vines on the same Southern Rhone parcel since the mid-1500’s. Each generation has protected this cultural legacy with love, keeping the familial footprint intact via some of the most elegant wines you’ll find in Lirac, Tavel, and Laudun. The estate is 95 hectares [...]

October 27, 2021

2018 XANADU DJL Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River

Vinous Media’s Josh Raynolds loves this wine! “Deep, glistening ruby. Aromas of cassis, cherry pit and succulent herbs, with a floral nuance in the background. Lively and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors[...]

October 19, 2021

Chateau Bourdieu No. 1 2019

You like big, red wines? If so, back up the truck! Read this from Wine Access, a retailer I enjoy dealing with (great selection; six bottles usually ship free): “The judges at Decanter’s 2020 World Wine Awards evaluated more than 8,500 red wines. Of the 452 Bordeaux [...]

October 7, 2021

Chuck Wagner’s Nonvintage, Multi-Year Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the fourth incarnation of Chuck Wagner’s multi-year, nonvintage Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon. I couldn’t find any high-level (e.g., Parker’s Wine Advocate, Vinous, Wine Spectator) reviews, but some clear voices have chimed [...]

September 30, 2021

Bodegas Borsao “Zarihs” Syrah 2016

Chris Ringland is a world-renowned wine maker and consultant who specializes in Shiraz and Syrah. And he is but one of the two Shiraz/Syrah gurus behind this project. From “The Wine Buyer at Bottle King”: “93 Points, Top 100, Gold Medal, and voted one of the best Syrah's [...]