5/8/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Probably one of the most disappointing wines I've opened in a while. Went raisiny and pruney on me when I was hoping it would go blackberry and savory. Damn! I'll stick with their more affordable Angels Share line in the future which tastes much better to me.

2/26/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Fascinating California wine that, I agree, tastes like Bordeaux. Initial barnyard aromas give way to graphite/pencil lead. Satisfying fruit on the palate. Classy stuff.

6/13/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Not sure what happened here. The first bottle of this I liked quite a bit. The second was mightily flawed (corked). This third one is a rather gloppy, pruney, hot mess. Strange. Very strange. Wouldn't buy any more after this one.

7/22/2014 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

Spectacular. What Sojourn does best is site-specific yet fruit forward California Pinot Noir and this is a great example of their style. Bright light magenta in color but *full* of effortless power and finesse. Aromatically this is an amazing explosion of perfectly-ripened strawberries, briar patch, and orange peel. So light on its feet but it gets serious on the palate. The medium/slightly-full bodied mouthfeel is surprising given how light in color it is. Just brilliant across the palate and on the finish. A tremendous accomplishment here.

Classic California Pinot Noir. Wonderful.

14.2% Alcohol
325 Cases Produced
$59 Release Price
Sample for review

10/10/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

A savage wall of tannins assure this one will clog up your wine collection for however many years you can stand to look at it. Some admirable traits here but ultimately this is like the worst of 2005 Bordeaux: It needs to be aged for years and it's unclear whether it will ever be an enjoyable beverage.

11/24/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

This is a gorgeous wine.

On the nose I get rich ripe raspberries, menthol, rose petals, and flinty Certs retsin action. On the palate some earth comes forward. Mushrooms. Chalky tannins.

Still shows some tannic bite even after a quadruple decant. Will benefit from time, but I didn't regret opening it now. Could be my wine of the year. The kind of wine you want to seek out and stock your cellar with. Can't recommend a wine any more enthusiastically than this one. Truly special. Read more...

12/4/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

I was anxious to try this after adoring the 2010 across a bunch of bottles, but the 2011 comes through in a big way. The 2011 is perhaps a bit smoother and softer around the edges than the 2010, which can get a little rough at times. The alcohol (15.5%) is incredibly well concealed. The wine is just so utterly enjoyable to consume. Huge, gorgeous aromatics of rich fruit, vanilla, and a supporting touch of herbs. Coats the glass but amazingly doesn't feel heavy. A remarkable achievement. I can't think of a better wine in the $35-$40 price range. A great alternative to overpriced Napa Cabs.

3/2/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

I was so ready to love this wine but its peculiar bitter finish turned me off. When I taste Riesling like this from California I immediate think I could have found better value in Germany.

7/16/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

As predicted earlier this year, I couldn't resist opening a second bottle of this. Such a satisfying glass of wine at just 12.2% alcohol. Would be difficult to discern from a Rhone wine blind, but with an intriguing hint of new world sunshine. Tasted alongside an '04 Donjon CdP and the markings were so similar it was striking. This was much lighter but still - very similar flavor profiles. Great stuff.

7/26/2013 - RobertDwyer wrote:

If you like Juan Gil's silver label at around $12 this is the next step up from Gil Family Estates. Same parent company but a separate winemaking facility a couple hundred yards down the road from Juan Gil proper. Gorgeous rich fruit but it never ever gets over ripe or raisiny. Like milk chocolate on the palate. 15.5% alcohol but it's sufficiently downplayed. Compares favorably to Caymus SS for a third the cost. Price a consideration, this is a front-runner for my wine of the year.

12/29/2013 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine:

Bitter with dusty drying tannins and quirky vegetable notes. A massive disappointment given how reliable RC Pinots have been for me.

8/1/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Hard to think of a more delicious wine than this. It brings the same rich, plush satisfaction of the 2008 but (at this point) balances it out a bit with a layer of brighter flavors on initial attack. Behind this are the same slightly-sweet spice notes, cherry pipe tobacco, and enjoyable fruit flavors found in the prior vintage. Dangerously difficult to stop drinking. Highly recommended - back up the truck. Read more...

2/7/2013 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Overly hot, medicinal, and over ripe. Nearly disgusting at times. Gloppy. I don't get it. Would not buy anything from this producer again.

3/5/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Nice quality wine but for my tastes it's too herbaceous, too hot, and its tannins are too drying.

9/13/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Have to admit - I thought I was catching these on a deal at $20. But now I think I know why they were so cheap. Regretting buying 3.

The bottle I had was kind of a mess at this point. The flavor profile goes more pruney than a Barbaresco at this age should. Or ever should. Bottom of the bottle is a sediment-laden mess.

2/7/2014 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

Across a few bottles I think the 2010 is better than the 2009. Whereas the 2009 can get a bit boozy at times (almost Port-like) the 2010 shows better balance but still that signature Alto Moncayo full throttle fruit-driven flavor profile intermingled with savory notes. A stunning value in the mid-$30s. Drinks like an $80 wine. The real question is whether this is better than Clio? On average I think Clio delivers more consistent value, but man - this 2010 Alto Moncayo is tremendous. Both deserve consideration in your cellar.

4/29/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

After being impressed with prior vintages of the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot ('03/'04) and also the '07 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet I've been on the hunt for the H3 Merlot.

I found the '05 yesterday, which seemed like an old/back vintage of this wine so I was a little skeptical.

However, I think the bottle age of this wine is actually helpful and for my palate this wine is drinking really well right now. What I like about Columbia Crest wines (and this will play into whether you'll likely agree with my observations here and for what occasions this wine will be well-suited) is that they're so aromatic and flavorful from the moment you pop them open. No-fuss weeknight pizza/burger wine. Also great as a cocktail.

The flavor profile is very focused. Dark berries amply backed by bacon both on the nose and palate. The tannins are sweet- indeed the wine is probably too sugary for some. But it goes down dangerously easily.

I'm a big fan and consider Columbia Crest to be the premier value brand in the US market. For my palate, nobody delivers across all price points better than CC- and the good news it's available everywhere.

9/6/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Although I was blown away by a prior bottle from the same lot, this one seemed to take a long time to open up. This one just didn't have the same intensity of flavor.

4/17/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Enjoyable enough with red fruit, blackberries and vanilla supported by underlying crushed rock-like structure. On the second day the alcohol level is quite evident. Searing really. And really ripe. Never came through with a distinctive presence. It's plenty big but left me wanting something more.

1/9/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

Really excited to to taste this after SF Chronicle winemaker of the year. Just 12.2% alcohol. Aromatically present immediately upon opening. Olives, black pepper, corriander and just a hint of red fruit hiding in the background. Absolutely would have pegged it for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the nose, but where the low alcohol levels shows is on the palate. To be honest it's a little hollow, but it's such an interesting wine it's easily forgiven. Light acidity. Slightly chalky tannins with a touch of menthol in a high toned finish. Really pretty package (bottle/label/easily penetrated wax enclosure). A lot to like here. I have a second bottle of this I'll look forward to trying in a year or two but I doubt I'll be able to wait that long.

3/6/2010 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

Utterly delicious cocktail-style Pinot Noir. On the nose: tobacco, red raspberry, leather, and a hint of carmel/maple syrup. So clean and pure on the palate. It's really radiant and brilliant. A ridiculous amount of aroma and flavor considering it's medium color and body.

If you can find this on a closeout in the near term, and you can appreciate this style of CA Pinot Noir, I think it's a great value.

15.3% alcohol.

8/9/2014 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine:

This wine has gone south into the land of peanut butter. Undrinkable. Either this wine is a "drink immediately" kind of affair or this is an off bottle in a unique way.

5/17/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Where's the fruit? I realize this is super-young but I've got to favor WS's opinion over WA on this one. I think Bruce Sanderson nailed it: "Dense and austere in flavor, with a muscular structure dominating any fruit."

Compare this with Galloni's note: "caresses the palate with layers of round, sumptuous fruit. This is a more generous, enveloping style than the Tulin, and shows just an extra touch more depth. Dark red fruit, sweet spices".

Sweet spices? Sumptuous fruit? You've got to be kidding me. This wine is dark, brooding, and austere. It's more like a Barolo than a Barbaresco.

Props to Sanderson for good work in his rookie season covering Piedmont. I'll pay attention to his notes going forward.

3/31/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Totally agree with vinoceros here. Creamy white peaches on the nose. But falls short on the palate and doesn't have the satisfying weight prior vintages have shown.

11/28/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Tried this one with and without aeration. Couldn't really see my way to 90 points on this one. Not that it's bad - it's very good. I just can't see saying "this wine is OUTSTANDING!".

2/13/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

I agree with FreedyP: Typical modern Italian red. Tasted over a period of 5 hours. Tart red cherry flavors gave way to black cherry flavors after a while. Although the tannins were smooth, the wine was a little sharp for my palate at this point. Will wait at least a year before trying the next bottle.

2/10/2013 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine:

My notes totally agree with Annie's. This bottle came off as flat and boring with a bitter finish. This isn't the first bottle of WS I've been disappointed with. A 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that's off the mark? I don't get this producer.

4/27/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Another winner from Garagiste. Fresh and inviting. Really enjoyed it.

9/5/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Had high hopes for this one after being massively impressed with the Janasse CdR. The CdP bottle I tasted however is quite disappointing as it's marred with a bitter/off aftertaste. A booming 15.5% abv. Not impressed.

7/1/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

CA Pinot Perfection.

3/26/2014 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine:

Medium-full bodied visually. Aromas are pleasant but typical red fruit you'll find in most CA red wines. On the palate is where things get interesting, but not necessarily in a good way. Rough edges with gritty non-forgiving tannins. The high 14.6% alcohol is obvious on the finish. This thing is *hot*. I think this wine needs to be more polished with sweeter tannins and higher acidity to make it more lively and enjoyable. Night two update: Tannins are still hard to get through. A bottle I tried from a different source a few months ago wasn't nearly as tannic, but wasn't much more enjoyable. I really don't get this wine.

6/3/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

For my taste, this is a gorgeous bottle of wine. A powerful, inviting nose of dried blueberries and black currant with supporting savory notes which translate seamlessly to the palate and finish. 75% Syrah/25% Petite Sirah. 15.6% alcohol. $60 release price. I can totally see my way to the favorable rating Spectator bestowed upon this one. Spectacular.

12/16/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Nearly opaque but goes in a red direction (rather than purple or black). There's noticeable heat (15.3% abv) but there's also a tremendous range of aromas and favors. Cinnamon, raspberries, blackberries, cocoa powder, baking spices. Chalky mouthfeel with enjoyable tannic structure. I like it. A lot.

8/20/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Nice wine. I thought it drank like a Beaujolais.

11/5/2011 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

Medium-full bodied magenta. Aromatically beautiful with rich strawberry, red raspberry, and fresh clean earth which translates brilliantly to the palate. Silky texture balanced nearly perfectly with acidity and just a touch of tannic grip.

A benchmark California Pinot Noir from and iconic pruducer. Highly recommended.

5/21/2013 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine:

Interesting thing here - I've never had an "off" bottle of Meiomi across a couple cases. Until now.

Although I rated a prior bottle 91 points, the bottle I opened last night was dull and almost pruney. So strange! It's a screw cap so it's not like it was corked. But it was definitely off. But I can't say which flaw it might have been so I'll rate it for what I tasted.

10/31/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Very dark for a Pinot Noir. Darker than prior vintages of this wine I believe.

Almost brooding. Still tastes very primary but I have a feeling this will evolve quite well.

90+ for now. We'll see where this one goes. I'll be buying more. It's a great value, especially when you see it in the $16 range.

2/17/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

QPR Alert! I thought this was a fantastic wine irrespective of price and at $12.99 I think it's a steal. Classic CA Pinot Noir strawberries and spice on the nose along with some vanilla which I really enjoyed. Full of flavor on the palate with a silky smooth finish. Perhaps the best CA Pinot I've found under $15 ever.

11/24/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

I think our friends at 90+ have caught lightning in a bottle with this one. Confusingly similar to Sanford on the low-end and Sea Smoke on the high-end. Utterly delicious.

Perfect floral/fruit-driven SoCal Pinot aromatics are the first things I noticed followed up by by a satisfying experience on the palate. This one will sell out in a flash. I'm curious who the producer is. Fantastic stuff. Wow. Read more...

Sample for review.

3/21/2012 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine:

Probably one of the most disappointing wines I've tasted this year. Sure it's young, but I can't see my way to this ugly duckling becoming a swan. On the first night, after aerating the patient as if it were nearly dead, it was massively disjoint: Some fruit, and a lot of stems. After two days under stopper (which says a lot about how tasty it was or wasn't) it came together a bit, but tasted like a $25 Oregon Pinot. Will it be better with age? Perhaps. But I'm not interested in getting tangled up in a long-term relationship with this wine. Great wines should taste good in their youth.

If this is the future direction of California Pinot Noir I'm not interested. Is it well made? I guess. Will I buy it again? No way.

5/30/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Primary [very] ripe plum notes mug the otherwise nice Pinot characteristics lurking in the background. 14.9% alcohol (up from 14.2% in 2009) and it shows. The wine clings heavily to the glass and there's heat at the backend of every sip. An instanteaneous aerator the first night and an evening of rest under stopper didn't help accelerate the aging process. Will this be better with time? I wouldn't count on it. But for $24 retail it's a decent wine I guess. I just can't see my way to 92 or 93 points.

12/19/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

So solid. Really - the bottle I tasted from was completely free of a single off note. Gorgeous black cherry aromatics. A perfect balance of rich/silky mouthfeel and abundant supporting acid. The flavor profile is just so spot on for the category. It's textbook. Back up the truck if you can find this for just over $30 - and you can.

5/11/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Good vibrant Oregon Pinot Noir. Nothing magical though.

5/23/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

There's a purity of fruit and freshness here that's tremendously appealing. Light-medium bodied visually with perfectly ripe strawberries dominant and supporting tart cherry notes. It's subtle, but along with mild orange peel notes, supporting herabaceous aromatics and flavors add a perfect touch of earthy compleixty. Not an off note in the bottle. I like this. A lot. A tremendous introduction to the producer. 13.9% alcohol. Read more...

8/15/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Oh my what a delicious wine. If you're looking for a wine to share with guests who don't usually drink wine I think you might find them guzzling this one with delight. And for guests that do drink wine, if they're not adverse to a little fruit-forward, slight sweetness to their wine I think they'd appreciate this one too.

If we take Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc as the baseline for new world SB and subtract the edgy zingy pungent aromatics and replace it with new world tropical goodness- I think you have this wine.

Depending on the mood you're it might suit you very well.

2/5/2014 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine:

Hit the spot after clearing the driveway of a foot of snow. Juicy and almost plump but really quite enjoyable. I'm putting Atlas Peak on my list of great $20 Cabs.

3/20/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

If this wine tasted as good as it smelled I would have liked it more. Starts off with really enjoyable aromas reminiscent of German Riesling but adds a sweet-ish honeysuckle component I really enjoyed. On the palate it seemed a little tart to me. Like a grapefruit peel. It didn't come together completely for me because it didn't balance acidity with sweetness to my liking.

4/30/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Well balanced and multi-layered. Flavors ping pong between tart cherry and more mellow rich dark fruits. Very enjoyable.

Love the overall package and positioning of the Sea Smoke brand in the marketplace. Of the wines in my collection this one was easily in Top 5 most exciting to open and it didn't disappoint.

11/16/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote:

What a gorgeous well-balanced new world take on a Rhone styled wine. Flavorful but not at all sweet or overpowering. Nice backbone. Cracked black pepper. Red fruit. Really delicious, enjoyable, and elegant at the same time. Will seek out more from this producer.

5/31/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote:

Floral aromatics. A little thin and non-descript. Nothing special.