Guess who’s back, back again… haha, but seriously... Every year I eagerly await the arrival of this wine. It. Is. Magnificent. I think the only other white I've given 5 hearts is an earlier vintage of this same wine. The nose brings with it some apricot and a touch of jasmine... and an open field of recently cut tall grass. (although it's not "grassy" which is a flavor I'm not a fan of) Apple, the same apricot from the nose and a bit of a pique-ishness hit the palate first...and I'm already overly-excited about this bottle after just one sip. I like to proclaim it as "my favorite Sauvignon Blanc" every time I have it. I bought so much the computer was convinced I needed more, so it asked if I wanted to sign up to get a case every year. Ummmmm, YEAH!! Brilliant marketing. So now I’m even more of a stockholder in Michaud than I was before. You think they have a little cabin somewhere near the vineyard that I can live in? hahaha If you love Sauv Blanc, or just love a fun, bright, fruit-filled white, this is for you! (If there's any left after my order) Cheers!!
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You and Erik
Erik's Top 3 Wines
Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022
by Justin & Katy Michaud
Price: $ 21.99
Angels: $ 12.99
Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020
by Justin & Katy Michaud
Price: $ 21.99
Angels: $ 10.99
Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017
by Justin & Katy Michaud
Price: $ 19.23
Angels: $ 11.99
Erik on Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Erik on Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Uhhhhhh, wow. I'm not sure how to put this. Though I've only consumed one sip, I may be staring into the glass of the most drinkable and palate-friendly Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had from NakedWines.com. It may also be the only white I've ever rated with 5 hearts (at a quick glance I can't find any I've rated over 4.5). I have yet to try the Grasset (a favorite) Sauv Blanc, but this bottle of Michaud magic has immediately made me want to buy more...like six more...no joke. First off, the color is on the precipice of clear, but with a faint golden hue quite similar to a fine Champagne. You know there's color to it, but you struggle at some angles to see it. The nose starts off with a light breeze over a dry grass field and then swells into the sweet aroma of a worn wooden bucket that had fresh peaches and apples in it yesterday. The palate gets a much more advanced version of what the nose picked up... a soft and ripe Bartlett pear along with an over-ripe red apple. There’s also that nearby hay or dry grass essence that has just a tinge of a distant floral touch. I have to be honest, this is just phenomenal! There's still no doubt this is a spectacular Sauv Blanc and will be on my 'favorites' list. I didn't want the bottle to empty, ever. Unfortunately, I consumed it much faster than usual, leaving me with not enough to say and an empty bottle of happiness haha. In lieu of a longer (and possibly boring) review, I'll reiterate how incredible this wine was from the first drop. I see it's received a bronze award, but in my heart it's all gold, baby. Maybe it's not the perfect Sauvignon Blanc by the standards of professional wine experts or anyone in France (I kid), but it was the epitome of perfection for my easy-drinking, fun-loving soul. I can't wait for another vintage of this to come out. I. Want. More. It feels odd to say this in 2019, but "Can't wait for 2018!" haha Cheers!!
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Erik reviewed D.H. Elliott California Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Absolutely delicious! I feel like I
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Erik liked D.H. Elliott California Sauvignon Blanc 2021
on 06/25/2024
Erik on Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022
They've done it again! What I originally called "my favorite Sauvignon Blanc" has retained its title for yet another vintage! Yes, I do try other Sauvs, and I enjoy them all, but this has become THE Sauv Blanc in my house. I honestly breezed through the first bottle (I have a standing pre-order of 9 per vintage) and didn't get a chance to write down any tasting notes. But there's more tasting to come, don't worry. What I can tell you; it was delicious and downright delightful. Fruity, not too fruity though. Felt a touch green on the first sip or two, but after just a moment of breathing the wine took its final form as an absolutely incredible Sauvignon Blanc. Can't wait for bottle number two! Maybe this time I'll remember to write down some notes...maybe. Cheers!!
Erik on Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Guess who’s back, back again… haha, but seriously... Every year I eagerly await the arrival of this wine. It. Is. Magnificent. I think the only other white I've given 5 hearts is an earlier vintage of this same wine. The nose brings with it some apricot and a touch of jasmine... and an open field of recently cut tall grass. (although it's not "grassy" which is a flavor I'm not a fan of) Apple, the same apricot from the nose and a bit of a pique-ishness hit the palate first...and I'm already overly-excited about this bottle after just one sip. I like to proclaim it as "my favorite Sauvignon Blanc" every time I have it. I bought so much the computer was convinced I needed more, so it asked if I wanted to sign up to get a case every year. Ummmmm, YEAH!! Brilliant marketing. So now I’m even more of a stockholder in Michaud than I was before. You think they have a little cabin somewhere near the vineyard that I can live in? hahaha If you love Sauv Blanc, or just love a fun, bright, fruit-filled white, this is for you! (If there's any left after my order) Cheers!!
Erik on Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Uhhhhhh, wow. I'm not sure how to put this. Though I've only consumed one sip, I may be staring into the glass of the most drinkable and palate-friendly Sauvignon Blanc I have ever had from NakedWines.com. It may also be the only white I've ever rated with 5 hearts (at a quick glance I can't find any I've rated over 4.5). I have yet to try the Grasset (a favorite) Sauv Blanc, but this bottle of Michaud magic has immediately made me want to buy more...like six more...no joke. First off, the color is on the precipice of clear, but with a faint golden hue quite similar to a fine Champagne. You know there's color to it, but you struggle at some angles to see it. The nose starts off with a light breeze over a dry grass field and then swells into the sweet aroma of a worn wooden bucket that had fresh peaches and apples in it yesterday. The palate gets a much more advanced version of what the nose picked up... a soft and ripe Bartlett pear along with an over-ripe red apple. There’s also that nearby hay or dry grass essence that has just a tinge of a distant floral touch. I have to be honest, this is just phenomenal! There's still no doubt this is a spectacular Sauv Blanc and will be on my 'favorites' list. I didn't want the bottle to empty, ever. Unfortunately, I consumed it much faster than usual, leaving me with not enough to say and an empty bottle of happiness haha. In lieu of a longer (and possibly boring) review, I'll reiterate how incredible this wine was from the first drop. I see it's received a bronze award, but in my heart it's all gold, baby. Maybe it's not the perfect Sauvignon Blanc by the standards of professional wine experts or anyone in France (I kid), but it was the epitome of perfection for my easy-drinking, fun-loving soul. I can't wait for another vintage of this to come out. I. Want. More. It feels odd to say this in 2019, but "Can't wait for 2018!" haha Cheers!!
Erik on David Akiyoshi Chardonnay Lodi Sur Lie Aged 2016
This is another instance of “Oh, wow, I still have one of these?” I was surprised and elated to discover this among my wines and chilled it immediately. This wine has become an absolute unit over time. It’s held up to years of loneliness to become outstanding. I will have to admit I did not get a chance to try this wine years ago when it was “new”, but if this is any indication of what David intended with the wine, he’s a remarkable genius. There is a soft, comforting feeling to almost all of David’s wines, and this takes it to the next level. The nose and palate are both sophisticated and succinct. The light green fruit flavors blend with a touch of sugar and are almost completely gone just a second after swallowing. I’m not sure my wine vocabulary is capable of translating the nuances I’m tasting and endorphins I’m releasing...but this wine is incredible! Bravo. Cheers!!
Erik on Ken Deis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2015
I know how good this wine is supposed to be. But I wasn’t prepared for how spectacular it was. I brought this to a friend’s birthday dinner at a new French bistro on Ventura Blvd. in L.A. We had a special occasion, a great location and an insanely decadent wine to pair with whatever we ordered. Needless to say, I save the Ken Deis for only the finest of company and most celebratory instances so I was already a bit juiced up about opening this bottle. The waiter, probably none too happy to see I had brought wine with me, popped the cork and I offered him a taste (I think this is respectful, not sure what the consensus is...). Returning to the table after a quick sip he said, “yeah, we don’t have anything like that here.” No, sir. No you do not. The smoothness and drinkability were completely off the charts! The heavy fruit, packed with plum and bountiful red grapes, joins a touch of maturity (that will only grow with time) and earthy highlights that combine to bring the most joyful and satisfying feelings to emerge from just sipping a liquid. Ken makes my favorite wines, so like I said, I was already anticipating greatness. But this took it a step further. A friend at the table, who doesn't usually drink, gave it a sip, and agreed that it was, indeed, exquisite. There's a reason I stock up on Deis' varietals every year. Legend status. Cheers!!
Erik on Sharon Weeks Cattoo California Red 2016
This is the second time I've had Cattoo and it's just as incredible this time around, if not better! (I believe I had the 2015, actually) Although it comes off a bit fruity and young at first (don't they all), just 30 minutes later it is a beautiful blend of fruit and maturity. The rich cherry becomes a little more subtle and takes a back seat to a seriously smooth leathery goodness that melds with a dry summer breeze coming across a forest floor. Wood begins to squeeze through as well, joining the forest floor for a hearty party. .... I actually set this bottle down with about a glass left in the bottom and came back 3 days later...to a completely different monster. The fruit, although still on the nose, is almost non-existent on the palate. Now it's a mildly spicy but smooth criminal with heavy earthen notes along with a bit of cigar smoke and perhaps some smoked meat. Somebody was busy doing a lot of smoking during those 3 days I guess haha. This has become one of my favorite wines from NW. Hopefully I can save a bottle or two to see what it's like in a year. Cheers!!
Erik on David Akiyoshi Reserve Chardonnay Clarksburg 2014
I would buy six more of these if possible. Details below. -Story time!- So with a couple friends at the house, possibly one bottle of white deep (wink), I decided to throw a foreseeably delicious white into the freezer so it would be chilly in just a few minutes….but, you guessed it, I FORGOT IT IN THE FREEZER OVERNIGHT. The worst part was when I realized what I had done the next morning, I also instantly realized this wine was really a one-of-a-kind and there was no way I would be able to replace it since it most likely sold out 2 years ago haha (and I can’t imagine too many people have stashed one as long as I had. Anyone else have one of these tucked away still?? I see a couple reviews from just a few months ago...). The cork had pushed itself halfway out but the glass was intact and only a few drops of sugary water had made their way past the coveted classic bottle stopper. Would it still be good? I was upset...but moved the bottle to the fridge to defrost with the hopes it would still be palatable. I worked for a short time in a brewery and I’m familiar with the effects of the cold on beer... but would the wine, a remarkable product of chemistry, artistry and craftsmanship, stand up to the cold of a Sub Zero freezer? Remarkably this once-arctic wine retained what I think is most of its integrity. Almost sultry in its smoothness and a little perky at points. Not as perky as a traditional California Chard (plenty of sunshine and butter and oak) but the magical butter and oak are there without being obtuse and boisterous. Temperature is no match for this Chardonnay! Frozen? No problem. After pouring the ice age wine it has now heated up in your hand? Still smooth, still scrumptious. The sur lie aging really comes through as well. You get a sense of a crushed grape rolling around on the back of your palate, the natural yeasts on the skin giving their occasional, mildly sour, pop. Again, I can only hope this is how it’s supposed to taste, but it’s pretty darn good, to put it simply. Fantastic! Akiyoshi has continuously outdone himself and this experience makes me even more excited to drink the rest of his bottles I have tucked away, not to mention purchase more in the future. Cheers!!
Erik on Ken Deis Merlot Rutherford Napa Valley 2013
Grab your smoking jacket (or Hugh Hefner robe), your hand-carved Sherlock pipe, a leather-bound Hemingway novel and your sense of adventure, because the sophisticated aristocratic explorer that lives inside of you is dying to get a swig of this after a trek across a foreboding and uncharted wilderness. This is the bottle of wine that reminds you why you started drinking in the first place. Ken Deis is back, and with a Merlot that's going to knock your socks off! There's a new label. I actually preferred the label of yester-year...but it is just a label after all, and it's what's inside the bottle that counts...and that's where this baby hits hard! Yet again, this is the Merlot that will make you truly believe in Merlots. The color is a stunning deep, inky purple and the aromas are equally wonderful. Berries and cherries and some smokey wood on the nose, the real kicker (as expected) is the palate. 'Smooth, fruity and smokey with some gentle spices' is my first reaction. Somehow this Merlot manages to spread its broad, aged shoulders after only being in the bottle for a month or so. (Decanting or at least a little forethought is definitely required for a wine in it's infancy, and this is no exception) Black cherry and an earthy woodiness are standouts with the most incredible blend of overall fruit and alcohol. A perfect balance of form and function. This was had with a tenderized rib-eye steak with mushrooms....which could not have been a better choice. This vino is scientifically certified "Amazing" when paired with red meat. I'm sure it would be just as spectacular without a food pairing, but I would highly recommend a complimentary dish to go along with it, just for the full experience. Enjoy! Cheers!!!
Erik on Jonathan Maltus Labrie Bordeaux Superieur 2012
Wow, this is delicious! A bountiful explosion of fruit flavor. No joke, Maltus is seriously impressive with his Bordeaux. Every sip blankets your tongue and palate with a thick layer of super-ripe berries and grapes with a tinge of spice and oak. I am enjoying this immensely and will most definitely get more. Cheers!!
F. Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi 2013
$16.99
Erik on F. Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi 2013
This wine turned out amazing! (Not that I doubted it...haha) Millier just knows what quality wine is about and how to make it dance on the palate like James Brown. "I got soul! And I'm superbad..." haha I recall seeing an influx of wines from Lodi a few years ago, and, initially, not seeing the potential for quality grapes. Lodi is kinda like a distant suburb of Stockton, separated only by a few miles of what usually look like empty fields. But once you get off the freeway and into the agricultural wonderland that is the area surrounding Lodi, it's pretty spectacular. Anyway, the wine is extremely good, just to be clear haha. The first taste was warm, smooth and silky, like the liquid version of that super soft scarf you love so much. The nose has some great elements, and not just those that typically come along with Cab Sauv. There's an incredible scent of a leather workshop...fresh tanned leather as well as the scent of aged, treated leather... all while dishing out dark fruit notes like Japanese plum and currant with a splash of an all-spice of sorts. The flavor, from the moment I opened the bottle, until now, a day later, has only grown more mature and polished. The sign of a wine that's sure to age nicely. Seriously delicious and now one of my favorites. Great work Mr. Millier. Cheers!!
Erik on Ken Deis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2012
This wine is unbelievable! To even attempt a glitzy and glamorous review would be taking away from the simple truth.... this could very well be the best wine you've ever had. Seriously. As always, well done Mr. Deis! Cheers!!
Erik on Lestonnat Bordeaux Superieur 2012
Just looking at the bottle...you know this wine is gonna have some serious class. I imagine that in Bordeaux they don't even use the term 'wine' when referring to the local varietals...they probably have a much more classy term for it that we little folk of hill and dale are unfamiliar with, haha. Aaaaanywaaayyy... The wine (as I shall refer to it) is glorious!! Rich, charcoal-ish, fresh-split oaky nose. Definitely has the old-world earthyness but also a fruity back end. Extremely delicious is basically what I'm saying here... haha. It's a tad low on the alcohol scale but it packs a serious mouthwatering punch of light peppery tannins and dark red and purple fruits. And it's 2012! A vintage that's being compared to 2007...if you're into that stuff haha. Oh, an there's a good old-fashioned cork. Awesome. I will be getting more. Cheers!!
Winemakers Erik is Archangel to
Ken Deis
He's won more awards than we knew existed.
Jorge Aleman
His path brought him straight to you...now be the first to discover this rising Sonoma star
Oscar Aragón
Spain
Mick Schroeter
USA
Jesse Katz
USA
Meaghan Hodge & Stephen Millier
USA
Penelope Gadd-Coster
USA
Bruno Lapierre
France
Yian Lu
USA
Dave Harvey
USA
Patrice Grasset
France
Cellar Cru
USA
Sharon Weeks
USA
David Marchesi
USA