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Up the PCH
Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, Paso Robles, Napa, and Willamette
Tasted June 4, 2019 - June 16, 2019 by sean7711 with 661 views
Introduction
2.5 week trip from San Diego to Seattle with many vineyard stops along the way
Flight 1 - Au Bon Climat - Santa Barbara (8 notes)
ABC Tasting room in Santa Barbara. Tasted with Nicole - very nice and friendly!
White
2015 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge
91 points
Nice Chardonnay to kick off the ABC tasting in downtown Santa Barbara. Not overoaked, not buttery, showed some minerality. Very well balanced.
Comprised of fruit from Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat vineyards, this chardonnay is picked later, sorted more, and kept in barrel longer than any other Chardonnay that ABC makes.
Comprised of fruit from Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat vineyards, this chardonnay is picked later, sorted more, and kept in barrel longer than any other Chardonnay that ABC makes.
Red
2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
90 points
From Sta Rita Hills. Very bright berry fruit, a bit of minerality. Very nice bottle.
Red
2014 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Aubaine Vineyard
91 points
Another nice bottle. 150 cases produced. Sourced from Aubaine Vineyard in Arroyo Grande. Perched at 900 feet, sweeping views of the ocean, 14 acres of Pinot clones 667 and 777.
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Red
2013 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
93 points
From Sonoma country. More fruit forward than the ABC, but nice touch by the winemaker. My favorite of the tasting, edging out ABC Isabelle slightly. In no rush to consume more.
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Red
2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle
92 points
Very nice "blue label" from ABC. Dark, richer than the previous tasting in the portfolio, there's a reason this was tasted last. Good for another 5-10 - no rush on this!
Red
2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus
92 points
Impressive wine at $35, took one bottle home with me.
Red
2009 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir "Dick and Marg Denny" Block Le Bon Climat
91 points
Nice representation of what ABC looks like after 10 years. Bought this from the tasting room in Santa Barbara. This wine is made for a couple in Atlanta for a local Atlanta wine auction and they keep back any wine that isn't sold. It's a specific block reserved for the couple. Nice bottle of wine, and a bit of a rarity!
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Red
2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus
90 points
Drank a bottle I purchased from the ABC tasting room in Santa Barbara the following night. Nice bottle, same as prior tasting.
Flight 2 - Barden Wines (4 notes)
Stopped over at ABC since it was around the corner - nice guys in the tasting room, wine was pretty good but pricey for my tasting notes.
Rosé
2018 Margerum Pinot Noir Barden Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
89 points
Interesting wine. My first vin gris rose, so I was not used to this.
Sanford & Benedict (100%)
46% Stainless Steel barrel
36% neutral French Oak barrique
9% New Francoise Freres barrique
9% 1 year old Francoise Freres barrique, all aged 5 months on fine lees
Nice tasting room experience in downtown Santa Barbara. Would not seek out for the price ($28), but nothing bad to say about the wine.
Sanford & Benedict (100%)
46% Stainless Steel barrel
36% neutral French Oak barrique
9% New Francoise Freres barrique
9% 1 year old Francoise Freres barrique, all aged 5 months on fine lees
Nice tasting room experience in downtown Santa Barbara. Would not seek out for the price ($28), but nothing bad to say about the wine.
White
2016 Margerum Barden Fonte
90 points
Really liked this chardonnay blend from Barden. I got a lot of toasted brioche, candied apples, pear.
Burgundy blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (per tasting room, about 1/3 each)
La Encantada Vineyard (76%)
La Rinconada (12%)
Donnachadh (12%)
Barrel fermented in 55 degree winery, malolactic fermentation and battonaged for 3 months.
Burgundy blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (per tasting room, about 1/3 each)
La Encantada Vineyard (76%)
La Rinconada (12%)
Donnachadh (12%)
Barrel fermented in 55 degree winery, malolactic fermentation and battonaged for 3 months.
White
2016 Margerum Chardonnay Barden
90 points
Nice chardonnay from Barden. Would drink this over and over again - nice minerality.
La Encantada Vineyard clone 76 & 15 (45%)
La Rinconada Vineyard clone 76 & 96 (46%)
Donnachadh Vineyard clone 76 & Wente
clone (9%).
Full malolactic fermentation and battonaged for 4 months. Battonaged for 10 months in half new french oak and half neutral french oak.
La Encantada Vineyard clone 76 & 15 (45%)
La Rinconada Vineyard clone 76 & 96 (46%)
Donnachadh Vineyard clone 76 & Wente
clone (9%).
Full malolactic fermentation and battonaged for 4 months. Battonaged for 10 months in half new french oak and half neutral french oak.
Red
2016 Margerum Pinot Noir Barden
91 points
Nice pinot from Barden - my favorite of the tasting. Complex fruit aromas w/ blueberry, nice earthiness, wood aromatics. Nice guys in the tasting room. $20 tasting w/ free burgundy glass.
La Encantada Vineyard (27%)
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (24%)
John Sebastiano Vineyard (28%)
Radian Vineyard (21%)
All hand sorted, 18% whole cluster, bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Matured in 10 months mostly in new French oak. Only free-run wine used, no SO2 during maturation on full lees.
La Encantada Vineyard (27%)
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (24%)
John Sebastiano Vineyard (28%)
Radian Vineyard (21%)
All hand sorted, 18% whole cluster, bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Matured in 10 months mostly in new French oak. Only free-run wine used, no SO2 during maturation on full lees.
Flight 3 - Dierberg Star Lane (7 notes)
White
2018 Star Lane Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
91 points
Loved this SB to kick off my tasting at Dierburg's Drum Canyon tasting room in Santa Ynez. Really fresh, clean. Bought 4 bottles
White
Red
2015 Dierberg Pinot Noir Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills
90 points
Had side by side with the Santa Maria Valley Dierberg, which I enjoyed better. Both had a nice mouthfeel, earthiness, but the SMV had a bit more complexity that I enjoyed more.
Red
2015 Dierberg Pinot Noir Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
91 points
At Dierberg. Side by side with the Sta. Rita Hills. More complexity than the other.
Red
2016 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
Highlight of the tasting at Dierberg. It had been opened since the day before at 4pm. It had this amazing mixed berry/purple skittles nose that I could literally smell all day. Was actually more impressed with this than the 2014 Astral tasted later. Picked up a bottle to ship home alongside 4 SBs and a winery-only rose.
83% CS, 7% Merlot, 7% CF, with the remaining malbec & PV.
83% CS, 7% Merlot, 7% CF, with the remaining malbec & PV.
Red
2016 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Franc
89 points
Bonus pour as part of the tasting.
Nice, but lacking after following up the 2016 Cab Sauvignon. I didn't get the exact percentages, but it's 83% cab franc with the remaining 17% consisting of the other bordeaux varieties.
Nice, but lacking after following up the 2016 Cab Sauvignon. I didn't get the exact percentages, but it's 83% cab franc with the remaining 17% consisting of the other bordeaux varieties.
Red
2014 Star Lane Vineyard Astral
91 points
Nice wine, but not $120 worth. Still very nice wine - integrated tannins, ready to go now.
Flight 4 - Turley Wine Cellars (8 notes)
Stopped by the Templeton location on a whim, and it was a great experience. Really friendly staff, a nice affordable listing of aged zins available for purchase, and really lovely wines.
Red
2017 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile
88 points
Opening wine for the classic tasting at the Templeton CA location.
Definitely young, just 25 year old vines from a variety of locations. Spicy and lively, but compared to the rest of the flight, couldn't hold a candle to the other sites and vintages.
Definitely young, just 25 year old vines from a variety of locations. Spicy and lively, but compared to the rest of the flight, couldn't hold a candle to the other sites and vintages.
Red
2016 Turley Zinfandel Steacy Ranch
91 points
Really liked this one. Very complex, different than the Paso and Sonoma ones tasted after.
Red
2016 Turley Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard
92 points
Another nice and complex Zin from Turley. Red fruit, bright acidity, smooth tannins.
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Red
2016 Turley Zinfandel Fredericks Vineyard
92 points
Most complex of the zins from 2016 tasted. From Sonoma Valley, vineyard planted in 1937. Very nice!
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Red
2016 Turley Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard
92 points
Bonus pour from the winery, beautiful wine, nice rasberry notes. My favorite of the 2016s by a hair.
Red
2016 Turley Tecolote Vineyards
89 points
Agree with Fred O. Another bonus pour, could use some time. Also came after a ton of Zins so it just felt out of place and light.
Red
1996 Turley Zinfandel Old Vines
89 points
Pleasure to taste since it was opened at the winery already. Past its prime for sure. Orange rim and in the glass, could not hold a candle to the Duarte tasted side by side. Really a pleasure to taste these old wines, unfortunately, this was on its decline.
Red
1996 Turley Zinfandel Duarte
91 points
Really a pleasure to taste, still had some lift to it. I wouldn't hold much longer, but I picked up a bottle and will plan on drinking over the next year. Just a really nice bottle to see how these zins can last over the year!
Flight 5 - Booker Vineyard (6 notes)
1st stop in Paso. Very nice tasting - very pleasurable experience, friendly staff, nice pours, great wine. What more could you want?
White
2017 Booker Vineyard White
88 points
Nice note by Whitman before me. Relatively nondescript white from Booker which was the first of the tasting. For $50, not much I could sign off on, although Whites are not much of my preferred tasting palette.
Rosé
2018 Booker Vineyard Pink
89 points
Very dark red for a rose. Kept on skins much longer than other wines tasted today. Not my favorite (see later notes for L'Aventure)
Red
2016 Booker Vineyard Grenache The Ripper 22 Months
92 points
Extra 4 months in barrel over the standard (22 mo. vs 18 mo.) 100% Grenache.
Very nice representation of a single varietal grenache, but not as good as the later tastings in the day. Dark fruit, leather notes, good fruit.
Very nice representation of a single varietal grenache, but not as good as the later tastings in the day. Dark fruit, leather notes, good fruit.
Red
2016 Booker Vineyard Fulldraw 22
93 points
Extra 4 months in barrel over the standard (22 mo. vs 18 mo.)
Much darker than the Ripper had before it. 1/3 each GSM. Sourced from Fulldraw vineyard right over the hill from the Booker tasting room. I believe 2017 is the last year of Fulldraw single vineyard as the owner of that vineyard decided to make their own label. Very nice - would seek out at $75
Much darker than the Ripper had before it. 1/3 each GSM. Sourced from Fulldraw vineyard right over the hill from the Booker tasting room. I believe 2017 is the last year of Fulldraw single vineyard as the owner of that vineyard decided to make their own label. Very nice - would seek out at $75
Red
2016 Booker Vineyard Vertigo 22
93 points
52% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 18% Mourverdre. Extra 4 months in barrel over the standard (22 mo. vs 18 mo.)
Dark, dark purple, really nice wine. Could use a little more time but with an hour decant this would be flying. All of Booker's wines are meant to be drank early, so this is no surprise, but I would suggest a little more time if you are not in hurry!
Dark, dark purple, really nice wine. Could use a little more time but with an hour decant this would be flying. All of Booker's wines are meant to be drank early, so this is no surprise, but I would suggest a little more time if you are not in hurry!
Red
2017 Booker Vineyard My Favorite Neighbor Harvey and Harriet
92 points
Bonus pour at Booker. This will be the lower entry Booker MFN wine that they will be offering in 2020 as part of the annual shipment. Based on my discussions at the winery, they are expanding the MFN winery club to include this wine and a white eventually while expanding the overall tasting room/winery experience.
This was poured to me via Coravin and it was from an unlabeled barrel pour bottle. Dark, inky, will be nice when released in 2020 as the 2nd wine to MFN.
Edit: Apparently this was offered as part of the 2019 offering. This will still rock upon release in the fall, but I'd still give it till 2020 before opening.
This was poured to me via Coravin and it was from an unlabeled barrel pour bottle. Dark, inky, will be nice when released in 2020 as the 2nd wine to MFN.
Edit: Apparently this was offered as part of the 2019 offering. This will still rock upon release in the fall, but I'd still give it till 2020 before opening.
Flight 6 - L'Aventure Winery (6 notes)
Beautiful tasting room, off the beaten path just a bit. You can tell the owners have spared no expense in building the winery, the tasting room, etc. Very nice wine, although hefty tariff on the tasting room flight fee, as you need to buy 6 reds just to waive the fee.
Rosé
2018 L'Aventure Estate Rosé
93 points
Kicked off tasting at L'Aventure
Very crisp, beautiful strawberry. A true Provenance rose- first I've seen done this way and in this fashion in CA. Obviously since the owner/winemaker is from France (outside Paris) that makes some sense, but I was really taken by how well they could replicate a good French rose. Bought 3 bottles.
Very crisp, beautiful strawberry. A true Provenance rose- first I've seen done this way and in this fashion in CA. Obviously since the owner/winemaker is from France (outside Paris) that makes some sense, but I was really taken by how well they could replicate a good French rose. Bought 3 bottles.
Red
2016 L'Aventure Optimus
92 points
50% Syrah, 30% Cab Sav, 20% PV.
14 months in 60% new french oak and 40% 1-year old french oak.
My favorite of the tasting, which included the estate cuvees among others. I thought this was most open for business, really well integrated tannins, nice balance. Outside of the absurd tasting fee requirements (and my luggage/shipping requirements), I would have bought a few of these.
Basically, I had to buy 6 bottles of red to waive a $30 fee, but I had to wait until November to ship them, which I thought was a little too much. Seemed liked a bit too high of a tariff to buy $400+ of wine for just a $30 fee to waive.
14 months in 60% new french oak and 40% 1-year old french oak.
My favorite of the tasting, which included the estate cuvees among others. I thought this was most open for business, really well integrated tannins, nice balance. Outside of the absurd tasting fee requirements (and my luggage/shipping requirements), I would have bought a few of these.
Basically, I had to buy 6 bottles of red to waive a $30 fee, but I had to wait until November to ship them, which I thought was a little too much. Seemed liked a bit too high of a tariff to buy $400+ of wine for just a $30 fee to waive.
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Red
2016 L'Aventure Côte-à-Côte Estate
91 points
55% Grenache, 25% Mouverdre, 20% Syrah. Classic RSM blend from L'Aventure.
14 months in 33% concrete tank, 9% egg amphora, 30% new french oak, 28% 1 year old french oak.
Nice GSM, but not on par with what I tasted at Epoch in terms of mix. Still lovely, but not $98 lovely.
14 months in 33% concrete tank, 9% egg amphora, 30% new french oak, 28% 1 year old french oak.
Nice GSM, but not on par with what I tasted at Epoch in terms of mix. Still lovely, but not $98 lovely.
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Red
2016 L'Aventure Cuvée Chloe
92 points
69% Syrah McVey Block, 31% Old Grenache Block (planted in 2004).
14 months in 40% new french oak, 60% 1 year old french oak.
Nice blend, crushing/bruising. A step above Cote a Cote, with a meaty grip/tannic finish. Could use a year or two, but doesn't hurt to open now.
14 months in 40% new french oak, 60% 1 year old french oak.
Nice blend, crushing/bruising. A step above Cote a Cote, with a meaty grip/tannic finish. Could use a year or two, but doesn't hurt to open now.
Red
2016 L'Aventure Estate Cuvée
93 points
52% Syrah, 32% CS, 16% PV.
15 months in 100% new french oak.
Much better than the 2017 cuvee, but that was really just due to time in bottle.
15 months in 100% new french oak.
Much better than the 2017 cuvee, but that was really just due to time in bottle.
Red
2017 L'Aventure Estate Cuvée
91 points
49% Syrah, 30% CS, 21% PV
15 months in 90% new french oak, 10% in 1 year old french oak.
Needs a lot more time. When I see a lot, it could be 1 year, since the 2016 cuvee was bursting with flavor and complexity, but this was a bit disjointed, fruit in your face, tannic overlords. Give it some time and you won't be disappointed. 92-93+ for future
15 months in 90% new french oak, 10% in 1 year old french oak.
Needs a lot more time. When I see a lot, it could be 1 year, since the 2016 cuvee was bursting with flavor and complexity, but this was a bit disjointed, fruit in your face, tannic overlords. Give it some time and you won't be disappointed. 92-93+ for future
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Flight 7 - Epoch Estate (8 notes)
A bit more off the beaten trail off Rte 46 - follow the 1 lane road to a beautiful tasting room, built into the hill, unbelievable architecture. Ryan was a phenomenal host, walking me through the different GSM blends. Highly recommended for anyone coming through the Paso area.
Rosé
2018 Epoch Estate Wines Rosé
90 points
Classic provenance style. 43% Mourvedre, 37% Grenache, and 20% Syrah from the Paderewski Vineyard, Catapult Vineyard (very close to Booker) and York Mtn vineyard. Aged 4 months sur lie, 100% stainless steel, 770 cases.
Very nice classic style. Pink rose, rhuharb, bit of guava. Not as good as L'Aventure but better than Booker. Keep an eye out on this one.
Very nice classic style. Pink rose, rhuharb, bit of guava. Not as good as L'Aventure but better than Booker. Keep an eye out on this one.
White
2018 Epoch Estate Wines White Wine
87 points
47% grenache blanc, 42% viognier, 11% roussanne. Paderewski and catapult vineyards. Aged 4 months sur lie in 53% concrete and 47% french oak barrels (14% new) 720 cases.
Minerality, but not my style of white. This was used more as a palate cleanser in my tasting, nothing inherently wrong with this, but it felt like a holdover wine until the goods were released with all the GSMs.
Minerality, but not my style of white. This was used more as a palate cleanser in my tasting, nothing inherently wrong with this, but it felt like a holdover wine until the goods were released with all the GSMs.
Red
2015 Epoch Estate Wines Sensibility Paderewski Vineyard
93 points
96% grenache (clones Alban 1 and 362), 4% syrah. Paderewski and catapult vineyard. Aged 18 months in 14% concrete egg and 86% neutral french oak. 534 cases.
Garnet-hued, this one really stood out to me in the tasting right away. Beautiful representation of a close-to 100% grenache from Paso. Bought 1 to ship back to PA
Garnet-hued, this one really stood out to me in the tasting right away. Beautiful representation of a close-to 100% grenache from Paso. Bought 1 to ship back to PA
Red
2015 Epoch Estate Wines Veracity
92 points
47% Grenache, 34% Mourvedre, 19% Syrah. Paderewski/Catapult vineyard. Aged 18 months in 28% Concrete tulip and the balance in new french oak (24% new). 866 cases.
Nice bottle. Not as good as my favorites (Sensibility and Ingenuity) but really nice minerality, fresh berry, a hint of citrus.
Nice bottle. Not as good as my favorites (Sensibility and Ingenuity) but really nice minerality, fresh berry, a hint of citrus.
Red
2015 Epoch Estate Wines Estate Blend
90 points
53% Syrah, 26% Mouverdre, 13% Grenache, 5% Tempranillo, 3% Zinfandel. Paderewski/Catapult vineyard. Aged 19 months in new French oak (48% new). 1,345 cases.
A big time blend (bigly) - all the major players from Epoch in 1 wine. Very smokey, meaty, from the syrah, with a bit of cherry, cassis, anise from the remainder. Pales in comparison to the other wines offered.
A big time blend (bigly) - all the major players from Epoch in 1 wine. Very smokey, meaty, from the syrah, with a bit of cherry, cassis, anise from the remainder. Pales in comparison to the other wines offered.
Red
2015 Epoch Estate Wines Ingenuity
93 points
53% Syrah, 28% Mouverdre, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Grenache. Paderewski and Catapult vineyard. Aged 19 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (60% new). 1,128 cases.
2nd favorite of the tasting alongside the Sensibility. Hitting on all notes - soft tannins, bramble, a bit of gravel/wet rock.
2nd favorite of the tasting alongside the Sensibility. Hitting on all notes - soft tannins, bramble, a bit of gravel/wet rock.
Red
2013 Epoch Estate Wines Tempranillo
90 points
Bonus pour at Epoch. 78% Tempranillo, 21% Grenache.
Overall, this was a pleasure to taste while I was there, it didn't fully deliver on the goods promised. Very nice wine, nice to taste an aged Temp from Epoch, but preferred their GSMs a bit more.
Overall, this was a pleasure to taste while I was there, it didn't fully deliver on the goods promised. Very nice wine, nice to taste an aged Temp from Epoch, but preferred their GSMs a bit more.
Red - Sweet/Dessert
2016 Epoch Estate Wines Possibility Paderewski Vineyard
95 points
Bonus pour from Epoch (thanks Ryan!). From 375. 62% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah, 8% Grenache Blanc. 19.2% - 212 cases. Aged 18 months in neutral french & hungarian oak puncheons and barrels. 32 Brix.
This was a revelation. Beautiful port wine from Epoch, despite a heavier price tag, this had that mixed berry/purple skittle nose with a nice smooth vanilla finish. I bought a bottle of this for a friend for his engagement present since he enjoys ports.
This was a revelation. Beautiful port wine from Epoch, despite a heavier price tag, this had that mixed berry/purple skittle nose with a nice smooth vanilla finish. I bought a bottle of this for a friend for his engagement present since he enjoys ports.
Flight 8 - Justin Downtown Paso (8 notes)
Stopped in to the Justin room on a whim as I was heading to dinner. I've always enjoyed the standard cab, and had the Isosceles a few times. The tasting room was nice, friendly service, and was an easy sell to me.
Rosé
2018 Justin Vineyards & Winery Rosé
91 points
Very nice rose blend. From syrah (if I remember from my tasting correctly), but they only put it on the skins for just 4 hours, making it retain that nice light pink color. Subtle floral notes, a bit of strawberry and cherry. Overall a very nice wine I was skeptical of first! Don't judge a wine by its label!
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White
2018 Justin Vineyards & Winery Sauvignon Blanc
89 points
Crisp, floral. Pear, burnt honey. Nice, but not a standout.
Red
2017 Justin Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
For $25 I like this. Look, it won't be the most complex, elegant wine you'll ever taste, but I think it hit a sweet spot to me at that price and my expectations. I think there is definitely a step up in the Justification and Icocoleses wines, but don't drink this expecting liquid gold! Enjoy it as a mid week quaffer or at a party, and it will be a hit. Me personally, I can't drink $100+ bottles every day so this was a nice wine.
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Red
2016 Justin Vineyards & Winery Malbec Reserve Paso Robles
89 points
Nice wine. Was served after the 2017 Cab and it was a fruit forward, nice malbec that had benefited from some air (in the tasting room since it was opened earlier in the day) and some time in the bottle. Not as good as the '17 cab, and when you're talking $40-45 probably not worth it.
Red
2016 Justin Vineyards & Winery Justification
88 points
Next up in the Justin tasting in downtown Paso. Did not like this bordeaux blend as much as both the 17 cab and the 16 malbec reserve. Maybe needs more time? Seemed to be light/thin, lacking focus or complexity.
Red
2016 Justin Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
90 points
I liked it, but not as much as the 2017 standard cab. Maybe that one is just built to drink young and this needed more time. Not worth it considering the higher price tag. For me, I'd buy the 2017 at $25 all day over this.
Red
2016 Justin Vineyards & Winery Isosceles
92 points
I really enjoyed this wine. I went to buy a bottle and they offered me a pour which is always appreciated. It's definitely a step up from all the other Justin offerings, and you can tell they do good grape sorting and thoughtfulness into the blending with this bottling. As mentioned, bought 1 bottle and had similar notes/experience later that night when drinking.
Flight 9 - Ridge Lytton Springs (12 notes)
After a long day driving up PCH 1 from Monterrey and making a number of stops in the Marin Highlands and Point Reyes, I arrived at my hotel at 4pm, just a few minutes from Ridge. Luckily, Ridge closed at 5 so I quickly checked in and headed over and had a great tasting. As a member, it was pretty much carte blanche, create your own tasting and just ask for pours, which I certainly appreciated.
Rosé
2018 Ridge Rosé Lytton Estate
90 points
I liked it. Light, bright, perfect for summer. Just 11.9% on the alcohol. It's a mix but I believe about 35% Zinfandel with a bunch of other Ridge staples thrown in there.
Red
2016 Ridge Zinfandel Blasi
89 points
Bright ruby red, red fruit in your face. Much less subtle than the other wines tasted in this flight. Not bad, not great
Red
2016 Ridge Zinfandel Boatman
90 points
Tasted after the Blasi. Much better - more refined, subtle flavors, building complexity. Would seek out.
Red
2017 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles
90 points
From Dusi ranch in Paso. Didn't jot any formal notes on this, but liked the East Bench served right after this and the Boatman served right before this better. I think this could use more time in bottle.
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Comments (1)
Red
2017 Ridge Zinfandel East Bench
91 points
All I wrote on my tasting sheet was "liked more than Paso". Sorry folks, don't have much to add, but it was in the middle of a long tasting. Nice wine.
Red
2014 Ridge Syrah Lytton Estate
93 points
Now this is what I'm talking about! 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier. Nice, bright round bing cherry. After tasting a bunch of 2016, 2017s, this was a nice wine to show the subtle depth that age in the bottle has given it.
Red
2016 Ridge Demostene Ranch
89 points
A step down after tasting the 2014 Lytton Syrah. This was a bit thinner, which was expected going from Syrah to 50/50 zin/carignan. Would not seek out more of this, although price was decent (sub $30 in the tasting room)
Red
2016 Ridge Merlot Estate
91 points
Glad I was able to taste this before opening my one bottle from the wine club. This definitely needs time, but had a nice dustiness to it that I also found in the Monte Bello which I thought was a positive for this.
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Red
2016 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
90 points
A monster. Needs way more time. Similar to the Merlot, I'm glad I was able to taste this in the tasting room without sacrificing my only bottle. Now, you could decant this 4-5 hours and it would be OK, but in my opinion you probably have some better bottles to open sooner than this, right??? This had very grippy tannins, and a hint of anise. Do yourself a favor and wait a bit on this and I think it will reward us all.
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Red
2016 Ridge Lytton Springs
90 points
Only note I had was "very silky". Nice zin blend. Would seek out more!
Red
2015 Ridge Monte Bello
95 points
Tasted at Lytton Springs - surprise pour! Ended up buying a 375ml to enjoy at the hotel later in the evening. This is the real deal folks. What a beautiful, elegant, dusty, complex wine. The winemakers blind taste all the lots and then blend based on the best barrels selected and it shows. I joined the club in advance of the 2018 futures, but unfortunately was not offered any. Will be looking forward to getting the 2019s onward! 95+++
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Red
2016 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Klein
90 points
Tasting room was very generous letting me taste basically whatever. I was curious about this one after getting an email offering. It's from the Monte Bello estate, and is sourced only with cabernet grapes from the lowest section of the vineyard (1200-2000 ft). In contrast with the Estate Cab or Monte Bello, there are a number of vineyards at the estate that range from the Klein to the Rousten (1,800-2100 ft), Torre (2,000-2,400 ft) and Perrone (2,600-2700 ft).
This was definitely more open than the Estate Cab, but was a tough act to follow the 2015 Monte Bello!
This was definitely more open than the Estate Cab, but was a tough act to follow the 2015 Monte Bello!
Flight 10 - Memento Mori (2 notes)
I decided to make an appointment given all the reviews of various vintages and the SVDs of this label. Not to mention, trying to get more Sam Kaplan wines in my cellar. Emily was a fantastic host, and we had a great time chatting about the story behind MM, our lives around wine, and other labels.
Red
2014 Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
Less ripe, cooler vintage as compared to the fruit forward 2016 tasted side by side. Red and blue fruit. This is a mix of Las Piedras, Dr. Crane, and Weitz. The 2016, which added Oakville Ranch, I thought had more complexity.
Red
2016 Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon
96 points
I preferred this to the 2014 when tasting side by side. Riper fruit, more intensity, and a bit more complexity which I think was due to the addition of Oakville Ranch in the blend (alongside LPV, Dr. Crane, and Weitz).
The 2018s will be exciting, with a single vineyard VHR. In 2017, they are also bringing a wine called Vanitas to the table, but this will be a restaurant only option at a lower bottle price than the standard MM lineup. They are thinking $85-90 to restaurants with the standard mark up applied to that. Additionally, they changed the bottle design which will be a nice change!
Really looking forward to following the label more, especially getting my hands on some of the SVDs.
The 2018s will be exciting, with a single vineyard VHR. In 2017, they are also bringing a wine called Vanitas to the table, but this will be a restaurant only option at a lower bottle price than the standard MM lineup. They are thinking $85-90 to restaurants with the standard mark up applied to that. Additionally, they changed the bottle design which will be a nice change!
Really looking forward to following the label more, especially getting my hands on some of the SVDs.
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Flight 11 - Sodhani (6 notes)
Wonderful tasting with Beverly at their house in St. Helena. Loved meeting her two pups Bordeaux and Burgundy! Was able to taste the full lineup from 2014-2016 of both the estate and the reserve. The 2016 reserve will be a stunner!
Red
2014 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
95 points
Despite having this a few weeks ago and rating a 97, this score reflects the more relative scoring after having the full Sodhani portfolio with Beverly at their house in St. Helena. Very similar experience to my last bottle, but just had a few two bottlings (both 2016s) overpower it in terms of complexity and overall enjoyment. The 2014 has 10% merlot in it (the only vintage that has any) which I think softens it a bit. Out of all the 2014s I've tasted this trip, this was the most accessible and bursting with flavor and fruit.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
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Red
2014 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
93 points
Part of portfolio tasting with Beverly at their house in St. Helena. It's a tough tasting through all the different Sodhani wines, so I don't want to make this seem like this is not a good wine. It was just overshadowed by the 2016s and a few others!
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
From a tasting perspective, while this note is a bit delayed, here's what I wrote down. Tannins soft, dark fruit, raspberry, a bit of crushed gravel, and vanilla/caramel/oak.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
From a tasting perspective, while this note is a bit delayed, here's what I wrote down. Tannins soft, dark fruit, raspberry, a bit of crushed gravel, and vanilla/caramel/oak.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
Red
2015 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
94 points
Part of portfolio tasting with Beverly at their house in St. Helena.
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
The 2015 estate was open, ready for business, and outshined the 2014s by a bit, but 2016s were better. I got more blackberry, a bit of raspberry, more of that dry gravel/minerality that I could from the 2014s.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
The 2015 estate was open, ready for business, and outshined the 2014s by a bit, but 2016s were better. I got more blackberry, a bit of raspberry, more of that dry gravel/minerality that I could from the 2014s.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
Red
2015 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
93 points
Part of portfolio tasting with Beverly at their house in St. Helena. It's a tough tasting through all the different Sodhani wines, so I don't want to make this seem like this is not a good wine. It was just overshadowed by the 2016s and a few others!
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
This one was a bit riper fruit, more shut down as compared to the 2015 estate, so I'd recommend giving this a little more time.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
This one was a bit riper fruit, more shut down as compared to the 2015 estate, so I'd recommend giving this a little more time.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
Red
2016 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
96 points
Part of portfolio tasting with Beverly at their house in St. Helena.
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
This 2016 had similar tasting notes as the 2014s and 2015s, but was more accessible. The fruit from this vineyard really shines in this vintage. It will be released this fall along with the reserve, and will be ready to drink then.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
This 2016 had similar tasting notes as the 2014s and 2015s, but was more accessible. The fruit from this vineyard really shines in this vintage. It will be released this fall along with the reserve, and will be ready to drink then.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
Red
2016 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
97 points
Part of portfolio tasting with Beverly at their house in St. Helena.
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
This was the highlight of the tasting. More subtle, smoother finish than the regular estate bottling. This will be 98+ in a few years, but will be ready to go upon release in September.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
First, it was great to hear the Sodhani story from Beverly (and meet their pups Burgundy and Bordeaux) and see the estate where the grapes are grown. It's a beautiful, slightly sloping location in St. Helena right off the highway. They had previously sold grapes to Harlan (among others). Having TRB on board, removing the merlot from the vineyard and dedicating to cab has been a great move for them.
This was the highlight of the tasting. More subtle, smoother finish than the regular estate bottling. This will be 98+ in a few years, but will be ready to go upon release in September.
Overall Rank - definitely splitting hairs, of course!
2016 Reserve
2016 Estate
2014 Estate
2015 Estate
2014 Reserve
2015 Reserve
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Comments (3)
Flight 12 - Fait Main / Bure (6 notes)
Met up with Niko (FM) and Camille (Bure) to learn more about both brands. I had purchased a few FMs for the 2016 LPV and Sleeping Lady. Was able to taste the 2016 Teeter Totter (of which I loved the 2015) and a new offering from Paso that Benoit knocked out of the park.
Red
2016 Teeter-Totter Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
Nice starter wine to the FM/Bure tasting. Yackman has a nice note on this before me, so I won't go into too much. Despite the price increase ($65 from $55), I think the 2016 will show incredibly well now and over the next 3-5.
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Red
2017 Fait-Main Fulldraw Vineyard
93 points
Tasting at FM/Bure. 66% Grenache, 17% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre. Less full throttle than the Booker Fulldraw I tasted in Paso, but I think that's attributable to the winemaker styles. Price is around $110/bottle. I felt it compelling enough to pick up 3 bottles, despite a heftier price tag than the Booker label - I think this one is more age worthy.
The story behind this wine is that Benoit has a good relationship with the Fulldraw vineyard owner, who also is beginning to bottle their own wine (of which Booker will not be making anymore).
The reason to dive into Paso was since 2017, Fait Main did not find the grapes suitable at Sleeping Lady, leading a search into creating a new wine to help substitute the loss of that wine offering for next year.
The story behind this wine is that Benoit has a good relationship with the Fulldraw vineyard owner, who also is beginning to bottle their own wine (of which Booker will not be making anymore).
The reason to dive into Paso was since 2017, Fait Main did not find the grapes suitable at Sleeping Lady, leading a search into creating a new wine to help substitute the loss of that wine offering for next year.
White
2016 Bure Family Nuit Blanche
89 points
Nice sonoma SB, semillon blend, but not $75 worthy. Crisp, pear, apples, tart acidity.
White
2016 Bure Family Chardonnay Malena Ritchie Vineyard
89 points
Not a big chard drinker in general, but this one had a bit of the flabby, buttery taste that I was not that much of a fan. Not worth the $95-100 tariff.
Red
2010 Bure Family Cabernet Sauvignon Thirteen
94 points
In a really nice place right now. I think this has a few more years in it to age. Won't be a fruit bomb (Luc Morlet wine) like a typical Napa cab.
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Red
2015 Bure Family Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
92 points
Still had grippy tannins and very ripe fruit, suggesting this needs a few years to lay down before re-trying. Bure recently changed over winemakers from Luc Morlet to Benoit Touquette starting with the 2016 vintage, so it will be another label I'll check in on.
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Flight 13 - Anomaly Vineyards (5 notes)
Excellent visit - after trying to connect with TJ since the fall, was finally able to visit the winery. They were bottling the 2017s when I got there at 10am, and it was already in the low 90s. Was able to walk the vineyard, learn more about the winemaking style and history of the brand. Located next to Las Piedras and down the street from Dr. Crane, the pedigree is there. The 2016s are really something special.
Red
2016 Anomaly Vineyards Petit Verdot
91 points
75% PV 25% Cab. Not bottled in 2015, this will be offered to the mailing list/club members later this year (I believe August). Had this while walking the Anomaly vineyard to start off the tasting. This is made when they have a strong bounty of fruit, but is hardly a leftovers wine.
Compared to the more cab heavy lineup tasted after this did struggle, as well as the price is a bit much ($130/bottle).
Compared to the more cab heavy lineup tasted after this did struggle, as well as the price is a bit much ($130/bottle).
Red
2016 Anomaly Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
Tasted alongside the 2014 and 2015. This was the best of the estate bottling, but behind the designation.
Very accessible now, will make me want to tap into one of the 3 bottles I have soon. Rich, silky, smooth tannins. One thing that was clear to me during this Napa trip was the 2016s are an amazing vintage, although 2014 and 2015 were no slouches. Just the immediate approach-ability and quality of the fruit is very evident.
Very accessible now, will make me want to tap into one of the 3 bottles I have soon. Rich, silky, smooth tannins. One thing that was clear to me during this Napa trip was the 2016s are an amazing vintage, although 2014 and 2015 were no slouches. Just the immediate approach-ability and quality of the fruit is very evident.
Red
2015 Anomaly Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
In isolation, in line with my bottle from a few weeks ago, this was a 95. In the lineup all together with the 2016 and Designation this was just a tick below, so the scoring represents the relative nature of my tasting.
The 2015 still had nice, ripe fruit, good tannins. Ready to drink now, but will evolve over next 3-5.
The 2015 still had nice, ripe fruit, good tannins. Ready to drink now, but will evolve over next 3-5.
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Red
2014 Anomaly Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
Good wine - better than my blind tasting experience I had a few months ago. However, 2014s are in a funky place for me right now, which was a consistent theme for me across multiple producers I tasted on this Napa trip. They're not bad - please don't mistake my reviews for that. Just compared to riper, bold 2015s and the absolutely stunning 2016s that are coming out, I feel like the 2014s are just lighter, less fruit forward to me. Maybe my palate is moving further away from that and I prefer to drink my cabs younger. I have two more bottles of this, so I'm happy to wait on this for another 3-5 years and see if it's improved.
Red
2016 Anomaly Vineyards Designation
96 points
Stunner. Believe this was 92% cab with bits of merlot, PV etc rounding it out. This is being released this fall, but it's already ready to go. The best of the barrels gets selected for this blend, with each bottled being numbered (i.e. that's why there are so many "designation" wines on cellar tracker. side note: they should really be merged somehow!).
Flight 14 - DiCostanzo (4 notes)
Tasting with Erin in downtown St. Helena. Was able to taste the 2014-2016 Farellas and the 2016 DICO.
From what Erin told me, Farella will eventually sell this site to Realm, but they have a good relationship to secure grapes from it for the foreseeable future. They are also coming out in the fall with a 2017 cab from Montecillo vineyard in Moon Mountain (likely in $75-90 range). There will be a 2017 DICO as well (100% CS, same price point, same vineyard from the base of Mt. Veeder). Rafael vineyard was picked before the fires (and Erin said it's better than the 2016s!).
Additionally, there will be a 2018 Caldwell vineyard offering down the road as they have secured grapes from that source in Coombsville.
Red
2014 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard
93 points
Tasted alongside the '15 and '16 Farella, and '16 DiCO. Similar to my experiences with other wineries during this visit, the 2014 is a shade below how the '15s and '16s are performing right now. Not to say this was a bad wine by any means (and my scoring certainly does not reflect that), it just has not been as performing as well for me as compared to more recent vintages.
This was lighter red (ruby), less dustiness than I got from the '15 and '16 Farellas, less blueberry, but I think msuwright nails the "pure" factor in this, something that I think Massimo's style brings out compared to the other winemakers in Napa right now, as he mentions. I love what DiCostanzo has done with this site.
This was lighter red (ruby), less dustiness than I got from the '15 and '16 Farellas, less blueberry, but I think msuwright nails the "pure" factor in this, something that I think Massimo's style brings out compared to the other winemakers in Napa right now, as he mentions. I love what DiCostanzo has done with this site.
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Red
2015 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard
95 points
Riper fruit than the 2016, but got very similar notes - blueberry, that Farella dustiness, and dark blue/red fruit. This bottled had been opened for awhile, so it had some air and the tannins had relaxed a bit.
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Red
2016 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard
96 points
Same notes as before. Love this wine - so glad I have two more bottles.
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Red
2016 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon DI CO
93 points
100% from the Rafael vineyard from Mt Veeder. Much different flavor profile than the Farellas.
QPR is off the charts with this. Tasting notes include baking spices, smooth mid palate, cocoa, dark cherry. I'd love to see the evolution of this after a few hours in a decanter - something I will revisit quite soon! 93 for now, with room for improvement!
QPR is off the charts with this. Tasting notes include baking spices, smooth mid palate, cocoa, dark cherry. I'd love to see the evolution of this after a few hours in a decanter - something I will revisit quite soon! 93 for now, with room for improvement!
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Flight 15 - Kinsman (2 notes)
Lunch with Shae Kinsman at Charter Oak. Nigel was visiting family in Australia so he could not join. Side note: The burger at Charter Oak is amazing!
Very nice of Shae to meet up with me. It was a great lunch - catching up on both wine and other things and really excited to follow their label. Great to taste both of the wines as well! There will also be a 2018 Geeslin (vineyard by Araujo) in the works as well which will be very exciting to taste when released in a few years!
Red
2016 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
93 points
Lunch with Shae Kinsman at Charter Oak.
Was able to taste both the 2016 Anjea and Rhadamanthus. To compare and contrast, this is 100% Cab from Yountville. Extremely tightly wound and coiled up for now, but did open up towards the end of the lunch. Smooth tannins, plenty of structure to go the distance. When I get my 3 pack of this in the fall, I will likely hold off on opening one for a little. These easily have 10+ years in them. 93 for now, 96-97 for the upside.
Was able to taste both the 2016 Anjea and Rhadamanthus. To compare and contrast, this is 100% Cab from Yountville. Extremely tightly wound and coiled up for now, but did open up towards the end of the lunch. Smooth tannins, plenty of structure to go the distance. When I get my 3 pack of this in the fall, I will likely hold off on opening one for a little. These easily have 10+ years in them. 93 for now, 96-97 for the upside.
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Red
2016 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus
98 points
As Phin mentioned, 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc 2% Malbec. Only 50 cases from the old Reverie site on Diamond Mountain.
This was amazing. Smooth, velvety, sexy. I think the Cab franc helped really balance this out. For mountain fruit, this was incredibly open and inviting. I will be opening one of these for Christmas 2019!
This was amazing. Smooth, velvety, sexy. I think the Cab franc helped really balance this out. For mountain fruit, this was incredibly open and inviting. I will be opening one of these for Christmas 2019!
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Comments (2)
Flight 16 - Carter Cellars (6 notes)
At Envy Wines in Calistoga. Was very happy to get to taste the 2017s before the release this week. However, each wine seemed a bit shut down and disjointed. This could have been due to the recent bottling done in May. My guess is they will be more resolved and ready to drink come shipping in the Fall. I did place a small order for La Verdad, GTO, and OG to secure those wines, but will explore a wait-and-see approach to the rest of the lineup based on CT notes.
Red
2017 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna Vineyard
91 points
Just bottled a few weeks ago, this Fortuna was very tightly wound and not open for business, which surprised me given the Fortuna is usually more open than the rest of the lineup early on. Cristal mentioned astringency, which I think is on point.
Black/dark plum fruit, tannic, a bit of silk coming through on the mid-palate, and an vanilla finish. Needs some time. I wonder if it would be open by the time it starts shipping in the fall, but I'd love to revisit winter 2019/2020. I think it has some potential, especially at the price point in the portfolio.
Black/dark plum fruit, tannic, a bit of silk coming through on the mid-palate, and an vanilla finish. Needs some time. I wonder if it would be open by the time it starts shipping in the fall, but I'd love to revisit winter 2019/2020. I think it has some potential, especially at the price point in the portfolio.
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Red
2017 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Weitz Vineyard
91 points
I don't want to seem to seem repetitive, but it seems Csimm and Cristal have beaten me to these reviews, but everything they said on this is true. Still searching for its stride. I may be staying away from this one during the release offering.
Red
2017 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Carter
92 points
Part of the lineup at Carter.
The 2016 for me was a revelation, but this was is still searching to find the sum of its parts (the blending of all the Carter vineyards it sources from). I think it has the structure/backbone to find its way in a year or two. I may consider adding this one to my cellar later this summer. Inky purple, blackberry.
The 2016 for me was a revelation, but this was is still searching to find the sum of its parts (the blending of all the Carter vineyards it sources from). I think it has the structure/backbone to find its way in a year or two. I may consider adding this one to my cellar later this summer. Inky purple, blackberry.
Red
2017 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon La Bam Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard
93 points
Again, Cristal/Csimm nailing it on the tasting notes and outlook. I actually wrote down "wild, untamed" when tasting last week, but I think this one shows more promise than the Fortuna/Weitz 2017s. 93 for now, 95+ for later.
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Comments (3)
Red
2017 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
92 points
I'm not as good as telling upside on these wines, given how they were just bottled 3 weeks ago, so I'd trust Cristal/Csimm over me. I was not as impressed with this one - still tightly coiled.
Black/blue fruit, spicy, a bit of floral undertones. A bit alcoholic at this stage on the finish. 92 for now.
Black/blue fruit, spicy, a bit of floral undertones. A bit alcoholic at this stage on the finish. 92 for now.
Red
2017 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
93 points
Again, completely agree with csimm and Cristal here. Completely unresolved at the moment. I went back and forth on whether to rate this one, but settled at a 93 for now. Believe it's just shut down for now. Got some licorice, blackberry, Clone 4 vines (as compared to Clone 7 with 3K). Grippy tannins - although all the 2017 Carters had heavy tannins, this was the most noted in the full tasting).