7/12/2015 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

This is an amazing rosè for $10!!! Would be a great one at 2x the price. Gorgeous watermelon flesh color, nose of fresh cherries, tomato Vine, strawberry. Great balance of acid and fruit with lingering finish, would pair well with a wide array of summer fare. Blend of 50% Syrah, 21% Cinsault, 18% Grenache , 6 Counoise, 5% Mourvedre.

6/11/2015 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

More oak Than I remembered but integrated well, good weight and texture.

6/7/2015 - SonomaWilliam Likes this wine:

On the beefier side but has held up perfectly fruit still intact and would go a few more years

6/7/2015 - SonomaWilliam Likes this wine:

Wonderful, still vibrant and bright

3/8/2015 - SonomaWilliam Likes this wine:

Still bright, fresh, vibrant.

12/18/2014 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Fruit is holding up quite well, as is the oak which unfortunately was still quite prevalent. This is more like a Bordeaux blend then Merlot,

11/16/2014 - SonomaWilliam Likes this wine:

This is a wonderful Spanish white, after open my first bottle from Garagiste, earlier this year I promptly ordered a case, which just came in.
Beautiful aromas, wonderful texture, mouthwatering acidity, One of my favorite Spanish whites.
I'm not sure who is inputing the bottle age duration, but the window should be far beyond 2014. I would give this to the five years minimum and perhaps beyond.

11/16/2014 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Recently acquired from Garagiste. Have tried it over the last few days without much change in my opinion, although I do like it a bit better day two.
Not a complex wine, nor one that I would eat without food, particularly a meat dish. Bigger, brambly fruit, very basic mid-palate, with good structure on the finish. I could be wrong, but I don't recommend laying this one down for many years.

6/18/2014 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

one of the few rose' that is as good year 2 as year one. Go Grenache Gris!

4/9/2014 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

refreshing new 2012 Rosé from Tablas. 73% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise.

Pretty, light rose pink color, nice notes of rose petal, strawberry, bright cherry on nose, well rounded in the mouth with citrus, red fruits, and tart cherry, with a nice lingering finish. 14% alc.

Wonderful summer porch wine and quaffer.

12/27/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Cabernet Sauvignon from the Languedoc.
Yield of 2.5 tons/acre, aged 6 months in barrel.

At immediate opening showed a slightly funky note, that though perhaps was a touch of Brett (which I don't mind)
that quickly blew off, though was just slightly detectable later, but doesn't detract from the wine.

Deep purplish red, but not as light absorbing as many of the bigger Cabs seen today.
Red fruit on the nose, with under tones of earth.
Young for a cabernet, with some drying tannins, but a nice profile of black fruit, brambly, but approachable now, that isn't overly fruit forward, and balanced at 13.5% alc. Would pair well now with lamb, or other richer roasted meats.

12/27/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Malbec from the Languedoc. A nice change from higher alcohol, ripe, fruit forward Malbec common these days.
Night harvested, 4 day cold soak, aged 4 months in barrel. 13% alc.

Purple, plum red color, not as dark or extracted as some of the inky purple Malbec commonly seen.
Notes of currant, violets, spice, and a hint of vanilla on the nose.
Enjoyable red and black fruits on the palate, not overpowering, with good structure also not dominating, balanced.
Easy drinking.

A good value for the price, and every day drinking wine.

12/27/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

I had higher hopes for this wine, and wanted to love it, as it sounded great on paper.
Clay and limestone soils vineyard specific site. Good acid #s and pH. Stainless fermentation with Malolactic.

It seems like this wine tries to have one foot in a riper style Chard, and another in restrained, bright, and accomplishes neither.

Its not a bad wine, it shows citrus notes, decent finish, some roundness, but its lacking varietal distinction.
Not having sampled much chardonnay from the Languedoc (Typically I look for Rhones there) I don't have a huge comparative basis but would be curious to know other farming and vinification details.

12/27/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

One the more interesting value priced Muscats I have tasted. From the Languedoc. Cold, slow fermented, aged 3 months sur lies, which shows in its rich texture.
The standard strong floral nose of Muscat, with notes of lemon custard, orange and peach blossom.
Ripe, baked stone fruits (like in a pie), noticeable heavy texture, density in the mouth. Notable on this wine is a nice touch of minerality, wet stone on the finish. If you like aromatic Viognier, or enjoy Muscat in general, you may enjoy this wine. Perhaps pair with Thai food.

12/9/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Good Premier Cru chablis for the money, but lacking the depth and brightness of others

11/3/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Unfortunately I didn't take tasting notes, but a wonderful value northern Rhone style syrah

11/3/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

a better CdP style wine then half of the over ripe ones coming out of Chateauneuf du Pape that have gone Parker-ish. Classic, well done. Very sad to see this is my last bottle.

10/17/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Stunning N Rhone Syrah from a great family I visited in Jan. Classic Saint Joseph - 11 months in mostly neutral puncheons. Celery salt, tart red fruit, olive brine, incredible lingering finish. Oak notes by others not detected . Especially 2nd day. Time may have helped it, but after spending a half day with them I can attest very little new oak is used on this particular wine.

10/14/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Haven't delved much into this Bordeaux variety, clearly something I must fix. Like many gray skinned grapes, it has great texture.
Nose is expressive, white grapefuit, hint of lanolin.
Bright but round in the mouth, with citrus, grapefruit, lime notes, slight waxiness, and a lingering mouth watering finish.

Better 2nd and 3rd day.

Another great import, find, from Kermit Lynch. Sadly, my only bottle, delivers a lot for $20.

10/11/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Blend of Syrah (primary) with some Grenache and Mourvedre from the Languedoc.
Planted on slopes in limestone soils.

Deep color.
Fragrant nose of blackberry, herbs, with the Grenache red fruit peeking through.

Layered flavors of black and red fruit, olive. Good structure, not a light wine by any means,
but not overpowering or brooding, or extracted.

Would pair well with many winter dishes and roasts.

An excellent value from Kermit Lynch.

10/11/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

a great entry level priced Burgundy. Not complex but solid with good red fruit, some earthiness, good finish.
For pasta night.

10/11/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Deep concentrated color for 60% Grenache 40% Mourvedre, the more muscular side of these, but not overdone.

A powerful but not intimidating wine perfect for a winter night. Good balance of fruit, tannins and acidity.

aquired via Garagiste Seattle.

10/11/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Good but not great chardonnay from the Jura. Not as interesting as what usually buy from the region.
Some chalk, limestone on nose, green apple, good acid.

8/15/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Always a fan of BDV and Randall.
We were a bit surprised the first night when opened this by a noticeable aroma of bandaid,
indicative of Brett. We tasted a bit and put it aside.

Gassed, chilled, a few nights late, its a normal wonderful wine.
The nose has a classic CdP nose with red and black fruits, granite, and black tea.
The palate is round and flavorful, almost gulpable, with an easy finish.

8/15/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Interesting blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Canelli, and trace 4% Viognier.

Muscat Canelli isn't my fave, so didn't think I would go gaga over this.

The Muscat Canelli is very present on the nose, with ripe stone fruits, floral notes.
The mouth is ripe fruits, with a hint of sweetness. (1.3% RS)
Served not overchilled its a value wine that will appeal to many consumers.
Would pair well with spicy Asian food.

8/14/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Good value rosé (rosado) from Spain, from 100% Grenache (garnacha), 13.5% (Grenache rosé is often a tad higher) that drinks very well, and has held up as a 2012.

Beautiful deep pink watermelon skin color.
Nose of strawberry, red fruits, citrus
Tasted at various temps, ranging from overchilled to higher than cellar temp, and shows no flaws.
Clean and bright in mouth, with strawberry, watermelon Jolly Rancher and a clean finish. Good for summer fare.

7/23/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Wonderful Chablis, full of minerality and essence of the ocean, great value.

7/23/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Similar to the Cote Rotie, fruit a bit masked by oak at opening, but much better 3 hours later and next day. Cellar.

7/23/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

great Syrah, but a fair amount of oak present at opening. Was much better after being open 3 hours, and next day. Recommend cellaring.

7/22/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

a young, but wonderful Cornas (syrah) tried over two nights, and a good value at $30 from Garagiste.
Cornas and N Rhone syrahs always great with age, but more and more I enjoy them equally well fresh and vibrant, when made traditionally and not over oaked. Go neutral!

Classic incredibly inky dark purple Cornas color
Very expressive nose, night one the classic celery salt, night two more black fruit. Slight game, smoked meat, spice, slightly floral. Wonderful.
On the palate its has bright black fruit, excellent acidity, wonderfully balanced. Mid palate is mouthwatering and complex, with a long, lingering pleasing finish, modest tannins that don't overwhelm at all. Bring me some lamb!
13% alc.

7/22/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Based on others notes, many I trust, surprised my thoughts on this, nice but not stellar away by the Kermit Lynch Cru Beaujolais, two of us agreed,
although its better today. Not a bad bottle by any means.

Dark garnet red color
Nice nose of raspberry, spice, red fruits
Palate is more intense 2nd day, with good structure and drying tannins, fruit has opened up a bit, but could be a bit more expressive.
Nice red fruit on front, good structure but a bit lacking on the mid palate, with astringent finish.

worth sitting on a bit longer or aerating, but for $21 can't complain!

7/21/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Incredible value Loire cab Franc, worth 2x the price. Classic Loire cool climate cab Franc.

7/16/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Consistent with previous notes on 3/19 below. This wonderful, slightly cloudy blend of Roussanne & Grenache Blanc is stunning.
Only Randall has the cajones to age wine in 5 gallon glass carboys or BonBonne, stirred by magnets.

I am hoarding the rest of my stash for 3+ years!

7/16/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

RRV continues to expand to Pinot and Chard (understandably so given what they sell for, sadly) so its wonderful too see D-G still doing a RRV Pinot Blanc.

Nicely balanced at 13.5% alc, with partial ML, this release shows nice minerality and mouth feel.

Nose of lychee, white pear, melon, white grapefuit
On the palate: pear, stone fruit, citrus, with palate cleansing acidity that lingers.

Wonderful solo, paired with summer salads, or other light summer fare.
Wish I had more to drink thru fall.

7/12/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Wonderful Picpoul from Lodi. Nice bright fruit, but well rounded on the palate. Was better 2nd day. Worth cellaring for some complexity. We need more Picpoul in CA!

7/12/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

One of the most stunning domestics Syrah's I have had, and exceeded many from N Rhone tasting the other night.
Incredible opulent nose, great body, structure, balance, comparable with N Rhone. Lots of life in this left, but very drinkable now, and I lean towards consuming while fresher. Sadly none left to re-taste day 2.

7/12/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

my last bottle of Faury (save magnums) carried back from Rhone. Another stunning wine, Faury is hands down my fave N Rhone producer.

7/12/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Like the lightness and acidity, tart cherry fruit. A bit lacking in structure and complexity. Was not as good 2nd day. Will give 2nd bottle some more time.

7/10/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

A good value for Cornas, but I have been spoiled by so much better. Classic Cornas syrah deep purple color.
Perhaps some oak still on the nose, but not a lot.
Classic notes of celery salt. Dark black fruits, savory. Good acidity and drying tannins on finish, much life left, as expected.

7/10/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

despite its 'youth' one the best expressions of Northern Rhone and Saint Joseph I have tasted...then 09 and 10 are stunning too.

7/10/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

probably the best Saint Joseph I have ever had...and not at all hedonist like the name implies. Lean, pure northern Rhone syrah

7/1/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

A gift, from winemaker at the time, Amy Butler. I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much, much Viognier doesn't age well, and this is Paso, not
Condrieu, but its beautiful.

Color light/medium yellow.
Nose has honeyed a touch, and not overly floral at all.
The front palate shows honey and citrus, with a slight hint of sweetness, which normally I don't like, but is balanced here.
Mid palate is round and lush. Finish is lingering, just the slightest touch of heat, but overall had held up very well.

Bravo Amy.

7/1/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

for $10 (sadly sold out now at K&L) a great rose'. My guess is its better this had a few extra months, as the acidity is very lively, will carry and drink well through the holidays easily.
(Jason notes below he found it at Whole Foods too)

Light salmon pink color
Nose of blood orange, baby aspirin (damn you to heck Alan Baker! :) ) , hint of ocean breeze
Nice citrus notes - red grapefruit, tangerine, blood orange.
Long finish.
racy acid, best served with a good (not too much!) chill

Rhone rose' rules the roost :)

6/4/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

A wonderful Syrah that has improved greatly over last months.

I have a hard time comparing all of these great new lean Syrahs to Northern Rhone, as, really they aren't, and there is nothing wrong with that, its a different terroir,
worthy of expressing.

The nose is quite wonderful, and keeps my head buried in the glass. Notes of dried herbs, tart blackberry, gravel, white pepper, and smoked meat.
Its lean on the palate as well. A treat for a cool climate lover, perhaps a stretch otherwise. This wine is a baby still with much to gain I suspect,
and i am going to try to sit on most of my other 6 bottles.

6/4/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

A Garagiste wine. I don't claim to be a Riesling expert...seemed a bit sweet for a Spatlese, and non descript.

6/4/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Bright tart Gruner. Not uninteresting as some of the domestic examples I have had, and nothing you would kick out of bed.
Acidity is wonderful, I would like a bit more texture and aromatics.
Its improving with an hour of air, I suspect a few years of cellaring would reward.
Nice finish with lingering acid and saline notes.

6/4/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Average Riesling from Garagiste. Not bad for the price, but nothing jaw dropping.

6/2/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

broke :(

6/2/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

this bottle did much better than the previous two, suspect they weren't stored properly in transit.

6/1/2013 - SonomaWilliam wrote:

Excellent Sonoma coast, cool climate syrah, reminiscent of Cote Rotie.