from the start to the finish, this wine continually got better over the course of three hours open. its defined black berry, cassis, licorice intermingled with wraps of old leather mocha, and black tea leaves, in a jar of pebbles. perfect tannin body, and acid balance. many years ahead.

out the door, perfect nose, thye real meaty-but-femineness of chambolle was exuded perfectly and in harmony. classic groffier extract but finesse

for rioja, this was an example that had no typicity what so ever,,,modern, extracted, concentrated fruit driven style with out the great american wood and balance of exotic spices. a little too austere for the place. i like french oak on spanish wines now adays, but only in certain places, and it should be indicated to the "outsider", or sommelier should tell the guest what they are about to get into as usual. Alavesa is a great place, and packs a serious punch, but this time a little too much of one. seemed liek there was maybe alot of grencache or graciano in there making it austere. Jorge Ordonez selection too, and a RP 94.. go figure

great out of the bottle, green apple, and apple skin, with the real meyer lemon aroma, amking it a little on the tropical side, behind the white fruit. lot of chalky, limestone on nose and palate,realing it back in to the classic slightly misky chablisian natural. give it a buzz, they also have a few killer grand crus that are very reasonably priced