7/6/2015 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Possibly best ever from here. I've been enjoying this "tooth-stainer" for nearly a decade, and the production has always been small. Opaque purple/black. Med. body with subtle black-fruit aromas that expand with airtime. More balanced and refined than previous vintages. Although very young, this is already quite impressive. Drank solo (without food) with friends last evening, and the bottle disappeared quickly. The palate showed beautiful blackberry, blueberry, cherry, mineral and earth tones. Med.+ acidity. Med.+ finish. I had intended to let this rest for a few more years . . . But it was thoroughly enjoyable, and has some new fans as a result. The 15.7% abv is not even noticeable. QPR. Drink or hold.

12/1/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Easy 90 or something, and a Chianti Classico, pedestrian-priced, outperformer (without the fiasco). Dark, crystalline ruby. Long legs: top to bottom of glass. Bright cherry reindeer nose. Super food-friendly. Med. acids. Tannins and alcohol in balance and in-tegrated. Smooth operator. 14% abv. A nice surprise. QPR.

2/24/2016 - buffyst Likes this wine:

A brilliant experiment from the warm 2011 vintage, this seductive blend of 65% Garnacha, 25% Cariñena and 10% Syrah is ripe with aromas of red & black fruits, herbs & spices (garrigue, crocus, nora, vanilla), freshly-ground coffee beans, and moist tobacco. The rich and concentrated palate expands with extracted black cherry, boysenberry, raspberry, smashed-plum, and licorella flavors. Jubilant acids balance silky tannins, and a long, dry-ving (sic) finish. Salanques is the second wine from Mas Doix; however, in 2011 the grand vin was not produced. So, some of their best fruit bl/ended here. 15% abv (no heat). QPR+ Drink or hold.

1/19/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Complex and richly-styled, the 2012 Maritime has a coastal rhythm all its own. Violet-garnet. Ripened red fruit aromas (cherry, plum, strawberry) are backed by black tea, wet earth, mushroom, and rosebush bramble after a winter's rain. Nose is more pronounced the second day. Viscous, medium-plus weight, but light on its feet with agile acids that trace a round mid-palate. Beautifully balanced, this wine is sly, subtle, deep and funky (in a George Clinton way -- not brett, perhaps, but sensually delicious). Lip-smacking, with a so-long finish that tips the hat to winemaker Bill Smith. High QPR, despite some bottle variation. Last one: wish I had more. Anxious to try the 2013. 14.4% abv. Drink or hold.

11/18/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Zinfandel like this is why I live in Sonoma Valley. Pitch w/ ruby rim. Med. plus body (but not at all heavy). Earthy aromas that reach to the sky. So authentic, so homegrown. Acids balanced just beneath the surface, sending subtle currents to the edge of the glass shore. Purest fruits echo from the nose to mouth, and back again. Superb integration of tannins and alcohol (14.6% abv). Black, blue and red fruit mingle and sing, weaving blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, currants and licorice into a sphere that not so much collapses as implodes to the finish, candied and peppered. So good. Sorry: too difficult to assign a number to this. QPR. D/H.

3/9/2014 - buffyst Likes this wine:

The '05 Clarendon Hills Old Vines Romas is a dense, red-purple, full-bodied celebration of all things vinous. On opening, the wine displayed perhaps the purest expression of blackberry aromas I've ever encountered; I just wanted to inhale it forever. The integrated palate is an amalgam of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry, with background notes of cardamom, truffle and vanilla -- all exquisitely balanced. The mid-palate carries a youthful stream of refreshing acidity that leads to a long, tantalizing finish. 14.5% abv. Although not inexpensive, this wine is extraordinary, and worthy of enjoyment for many years to come.

10/18/2014 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Amazing wine, amazing value. Deep maroon. Medium to full-bodied. Rich texture. Blackfruit galore, boysen-berry, cedar, cocoa powder, licorice, and tabac. Excellent balance of fruits and acids. Pleasantly chewy tannins. Merlot w/2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Robust: finished the remainder of a glass in the morning after it had been sitting out all night (that's how much I enjoyed it) and there was no noticeable deterioration. Will buy again (14.5% abv). Drink or hold.

9/16/2013 - buffyst Likes this wine:

An easy score of 90; better than the overall vintage for Sonoma Valley. 70% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black-rose color, medium body, fruit forward. Briary blackberry, raspberry, red currant, chewing tobacco, mincemeat, and herbs. Nice balance of sugars and fruits. Good acidity and silky tannins make for a structured, complex, medium-plus finish. Terrific QPR. Kudos to winemaker Carol Wilson. Drink or hold.

5/15/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with Vitroman. Easy 90-something. A crowd-pleaser. Enjoyed with dinner (vegetarian from our local cantina). So good, that it was gone with the sun set. Has perfect balance, acidity and a juiciness that probably should be illegal. Will be interesting to see how this develops in bottle; i.e., if the others don't disappear by summer . . . 14.5% abv. QPR. D/H

3/22/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Deep Ruby, My Dear. Lustrous black fruits (especially blackberry) and chocolate on a medium frame with good structure, acids, and integration. A little over-the-top, but quite enjoyable.

11/30/2018 - buffyst Does not like this wine:

Agree with WINIAC's recent note. In fact, in a blind tasting, I would have difficulty identifying this as a Dolcetto. I probably would guess it hails from somewhere in California's Central Valley (!). Nice body. Silky texture. But lacks structure. Too grapey for me. Second day unchanged.

4/2/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Sometimes I think there should be a Tasting Note category: "I really like it." That is the case with the 2012 Array Cellars Dijon Clone Chardonnay from Otis Harlan Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. (Yeah, I wish I had purchased a case.) This Burgundian doppelgänger was whole cluster pressed, French oaked and sur-lee aged, with the benefit of native yeasts. For me this wine lays to rest any question regarding the inferiority of domestic Chardonnay. In fact, I dare anyone to host a blind tasting of your best Chardonnay from Burgundy, include a bottle of the above Array with your selections, and see what happens. (Okay, it is a Dijon Clone -- quite possibility Washington's oldest.) Color of sauterne gold. Medium body. Marvelous mouthfeel. Exquisite, refreshing acids. Long fervent finish. 13.6% abv. Really worth your time and study.

3/1/2019 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with JPINSB's recent note. And it improves with air. 13% abv. QPR. D/H.

12/29/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

This medium-bodied Syrah from Alder Springs (Mendocino) is at once elegant and expressive. Delicate aromatics, including blackberry, blueberry, cherry, raspberry, rose petal, white pepper and quince, dance in the glass. Good concentration but not heavy in the mouth, thanks to vibrant acidity and seamless integration. The 2010 may be on the peak. New world at its best. A feather in the cap for Pax Mahle. 14.7% abv. Drink now.

4/15/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Completely agree with CORKSCREWS. Dark fruit and spice. Licorice on the medium finish. QPR. D/H.

10/28/2020 - buffyst wrote:

Cool young sinewy farmer with big plans surveys a small but unique parcel in Saint Emilion chewing on a stalk of straw . . . 14% abv. HOLD.

12/26/2018 - buffyst Does not like this wine:

Sorry to say that for this vintage I must agree with SABABA1022. Almost cloying. Too bad.

8/7/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

This screwcap Pinot Noir is delectable, . . . especially given the modest tariff. Dark cherry red. Medium bodied. Slight tearing. Nose to glass: candied apple, cherry, cola, plum, and strawberry. On the velvety palate: extracted cherry, black raspberry and strawberry flavors are supported by earth, confectioner’s sugar, cherry pit and must, with a hint of wood spice. Nicely balanced. Blind, I surely would have guessed Willamette Valley, reminiscent of Ken Wright’s style. Serious bottle variation, though. Previous bottle was raw, making no improvement. This one was really something. QPR. 13.3% abv.

3/29/2024 - buffyst wrote:

Agree w/ kungfubaby. This has matured into a lovely, scene-stealer. QPR.

8/15/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Last and best bottle. In fact, the only bottle I truly enjoyed. Served at a cooler temp than usual. Translucent cranberry color. Medium weight. Bright red fruit. Slight vanilla oak. Faint white pepper. Balanced. Medium finish. QPR. D/H.

11/13/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

From roughly an acre of 62-year-old vines in the western bench of Dry Creek Valley comes a surprising, head-pruned and dry-farmed Cinsault. Dark and dense garnet, this medium-plus-bodied Rhone varietal displays aromas of fruitcake and spicebox as the slightly alcoholic nose fades away with a little air time. The palate reveals deep fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry and strawberry) that are lifted by keen acidity against a supporting background of cinnamon, vanilla, and faint dried fruit (cranberry, currant, fig, and pomegranate). Bill Frick's lush Cinsault finishes long and dry. This is a very nice showing. Should age well for at least half-a-dozen years. 358 cases. QPR. D/H.

1/19/2019 - buffyst Likes this wine:

A one-time, one-barrel production by Winery 16600 (Sam Coturri) for the girl & the fig, the 2009 Projet de Vie is one of the finest Syrahs I've ever tasted. I purchased this when there were only five (5) bottles left on the shelf at the Rhone Room. Aged 25 months in neutral oak and six years in the bottle, this dark purple, full-bodied treasure brims with class and personality. A unique and highly rewarding tasting experience. 14.5% abv. D/H.

10/27/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with PDEV (2 years later). Unlike anything we have in the States, yet unmistakably merlot. Inviting ruby. Medium frame. Aromas of autumnal vineyard, dried flowers, herbs, figs, plum pudding, shoe polish, vanilla bean, walnuts. The palate showcases bright red fruits (especially cherry and plum). Medium acids, medium finish. Good integration. Terrific company for seabiscuits and bavarian emmentaler, through aronia berry tortiglioni, w/ fresh-picked shiitaki mushrooms and shallots in a chunky tomato basil sauce. This is in a very nice place, but also is fine to keep cellared. 13.5% abv. Day 2: Lustrous fruit; all-in-balance; 92-93pts.

3/3/2023 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Last bottle. I was thinking this might not need much of a decant. And ta-da, enter a classic and luxurious stunner strolling across the red carpet of my tongue. Lip-smacking, with the faintest echo of pucker. Blackberry palate-staining, with a hint of chalk on entry. Seamless from start to finish. Medium+ viscosity. Acids etch an equal balance of freshness to the well-integrated tannin and oak. Il finale è la canzone d'amore del gondoliere, perfectly phrased. Will be interesting to see how this develops over the course of a spagetata evening. Grazie mille, Sansonina mio!

9/13/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Chianti with a terrific QPR, via Garagiste. Have not seen this available anywhere else, stateside. We enjoyed this with Sicilian cocoa and black garlic Busiata in a homemade red sauce. Med.+ body. Pure, firm red fruit in nose and mouth. Great balance and structure. Freshness that quenches all the way down. After tasting the last of the bottle this afternoon, we think our young Buontalenti should cellar well for at least another decade. D/H.

7/16/2022 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with MCROMAIN1021. Elegant, lithe, and fragrant aromas. Beautiful fruit -- not too soft or ripe. A gentle brook of acidity that carries the pure red fruit to a lengthy, inward-smiling finish. Most enjoyable. D/H.

2/3/2022 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Deep, crystalline, dried-blood color. Expressive nose of fruits (red and black) and flowers (wild rose petal). Generous, inviting body. Mouth-coating. Broad, soft, brushed texture. Moderate acids. Sandy tannins, almost chewy. Oak and alcohol are well-integrated. Long, slaking finish. Comparable to the 2013 vintage, the 2014 Liquid Sky is a standout. Day 2: unchanged. 14.9% abv. 92-93. D/H.

8/5/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with Ortiz Brown's 11/21/20 note.

8/15/2022 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Stellar location, superb fruit, small production. This 2016 Pinot Noir from Durell Vineyard (three converging AVAs) is exuberant. Medium body, sweet perfume, high-toned fruit (blackberry, cherry, plum, strawberry), freshness, balance, subtle spice -- it's all here. The Dunstan should continue to exceed expectations for several more years, at least. These folks also make Pinot Noir from the Chehalem Mountains in the Willamette Valley. Recommended.

11/11/2023 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Aroma-wise, agree with yaCellar. Palate-wise, agree with Madeiralev. Pretty much "medium" in every way. Good acid and balance. Improves with air.

7/29/2023 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree w/ Pablor and Jeff Leve. Easy ninety-something. 14.5% abv. D/H.

9/30/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with Winegirl1959. Quite pretty. Medium body. Structured~not too fruity. Bone-dry finish. Very nice. 13.3% abv.

10/7/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

The blue-black, Tannat grape originated in Basque country and is deep, dark and dry. The most famous Tannat is made in the village and AOC of Madiran, southwest France. Arguably the finest producer of Tannat is Chateau d'Aydie (pronounced DIE-dee). Much is made of Tannat that is produced in South America from pre-phylloxera cuttings brought across the Atlantic in the 19th century -- most notably in Argentina and Uruguay. But I prefer the French Tannat, which has more tannin, and IMO, more gusto. This wine is dense red, with blueberry and blackberry aromas, and a whiff of vanilla. The palate is plum full, but tannic. Our d'Aydie finishes long, with a sliver of barrel spice. Drinking very well now, but likely will improve with the decade. 14.3% abv. QPR. D/H.

1/3/2022 - buffyst Likes this wine:

From the Sonoma Coast (Sebastopol), the 2015 Clouds Rest is a chiseled, liquid Rodin sculpture. Dark, translucent red-purple. An enviable balance of pure red fruit (especially fresh pomegranate arils, cranberry bog, wild strawberries) and wet stoniness. The medium-plus body has pucker, firmness and length. Drank over two days. Held its own. Fatally delicious. 14.2% abv (not noticeable). D/H.

5/30/2023 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with SPENCEP. A lovely example of Santa Cruz Mountain Syrah.

12/13/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Red-Purple focus with high resolution. On opening, pure red and blue fruit aromas, with subtle mocha and pepper in the background. Medium body. Darker fruits in the mouth: plum, blackberry and black cherry. Well-balanced acids, sugars and tannins. Slightly sweet, slightly dry, tantalizing finish. Very nice. Really came together on the second day. QPR. D/H.

2/14/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with Fingers.

1/1/2022 - buffyst wrote:

The Solemme (50/50 Meunier and Chardonnay) was so good New Year's eve with oysters and quiche that I'd like to make it an annual tradition. Very fresh and flavorful -- with texture and verve. A blooming standout, hitting its stride.

8/19/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

First time tasting this Lindes. Did not need decanting. Deep, claro, and inviting ruby. Med.+ weight. Lovely blend of local (i.e., Rioja Alavasa) Tempranillo and a little Garnacha. I might have guessed the east coast, but still this is Spain. (After all, where else could it be?) Seamless, elegant and balanced. Aromas of dancing plum, cool mint, moist pipe tabac, rose and black-raspberry bush. In the mouth, black fruits galore, currants, fig newtons, subtle spice, pencil tip, and a trace of vanilla. Acids are lifting from behind the scenes. Tannins are superbly integrated. The Remelluri offers exquisite shape and liquid excitement from start to finish. Has a long life ahead. ABV is listed as 11-14% (likely a tax issue). QPR. D/H.

5/19/2022 - buffyst wrote:

Closed. Very good structure. Alcohol is integrated. Needs more time. Hold.

6/28/2023 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree w/ corkscrews and jay win. Still going strong. Needs an hour to open.

7/18/2021 - buffyst wrote:

Completely agree with PinotPaul: Wonderful.

2/3/2024 - buffyst Likes this wine:

13.3% abv. Deep purple-red. Medium+ body. Medium- acids. As fresh as when released. Superlative fruit, balance and structure. Ideal with food, and opened like a flower over the courses of dinner. On top of the world drinking (a reminder of the Dundee tasting room). Will extend our window by several years.

2/9/2019 - buffyst Likes this wine:

First day: A nice bit of funk which was missing from the previous bottle (12/31/18). Gulfi is the kind of wine you open, decant for a couple hours, put back in the bottle, and stopper overnight. Second day: this really sang with lunch. I might have thought a blythe soprano was vamping with a small combo at a Teatro Massimo matinée . . .

12/31/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Clearest ruby that you can swim in and see the bottom (without goggles). Medium-minus body. We decanted this for an hour per another taster's recommendation, and it really opened up with a violet-mint perfume midway through our vegetarian lasagna. The palate displays a dusky spice quality, more violets, red fruit (cherry and plum), and a stoniness that is hard to describe but rather pleasant. Ample acids and ripe fruits are delicately balanced. We found the fine tannins to be nicely integrated. Long, clean, lovely finish. First time tasting this varietal. High QPR. 13.7% abv. D/H.

3/16/2018 - buffyst Likes this wine:

JCB's 2015 Oceana is both stylish and reticent. Deconstructed Chablis (?). Pale sunlight in appearance. Nose of faint stone fruit, citrus, and green apple. Add to the mouth a de rigueur mineral-and-chalk thread. This wine caresses the palate with an effortlessness that belies the patience and care of its cultivation. Medium body, acidity, and finish. Shows good balance. Should hold up well for several more years. Shellfish required. 12.5% abv. Very nice.

9/18/2022 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with guitarguy and sgates. Lots to like about this maturing, Columbia Valley alumnus. I’ve contemplated uncorking this masterwork of Mr. Smith’s for some time, now, and feel confident about my decision to do so on this rainy, California Sunday afternoon in September. A heady wine, persuading both nose and mouth to wordlessly align in the superior enjoyment of a consummate, Merlotic experience. Drink up, while the band is still playing so well.

5/31/2020 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Agree with HEYJOHN. Lots of life left. D/H.

9/4/2021 - buffyst wrote:

If you enjoy sweet and fizzy, this is the one.

1/31/2021 - buffyst Likes this wine:

Liquid Sky is a tiny-production gem in the under-the-radar Moon Mountain AVA, grown on steep volcanic hillsides with magnificent views (a healthy hike from my home). The 2012 Syrah is a blend of 75% Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and a splash of Viognier. The result is an aromatic, lush, superbly balanced, integrated and seamless wine. Color of prescription cough medicine. Medium body. Luscious black and blue fruit, a pinch of pepper, and the faintest barnyard conspire to induce audible testimony of approval. Good acidity. Lengthy finish. We don't find these in local stores. Access is limited to membership. I’m a big fan of Liquid Sky’s Cab, and their Syrah equally has few peers. This one undoubtedly would raise eyebrows in a blind Rhone tasting. Lots to like. Drink now.