Napa
Tasted Thursday, April 29, 2021 - Wednesday, May 5, 2021 by Jbarryleonard with 481 views
Started off the trip with one of our favorite producers / people in Napa, Will of William and Mary. We were able to sample some of the '19s out of barrel and they were all unique and special. We went straight to Mending wall after landing and an early wake up so don't have great tasting notes. We tasted some Mending Wall wines as well but i didn't write down which they were.
Started the day off meeting with Roy Piper and had an incredible experience. He was able to offer so much insight on the wine industry and winemaking process and his goals for his own label.
Wanted to try the 2019 Myriad cabs but the were not available so we did a broader Mike Smith tasting with Leah. It was fun to try other MS labels (Bench, Steltzner) but Myriad, specifically the Dr. Crane stole the show.
Had an incredible experience where we walked the vineyards and learned the history of his family and the special place. It feels different here than anywhere else in Napa we have been. Almost remote.
I will preface this next comment by saying I haven been intentional about my wine drinking for 3 years now and have mainly focused on California (broadly) wine so very new and still learning. People are sleeping on Wayfarer! This set of 2018 pinots are exceptional. Balance was the theme here and each wine was unique and beautiful.
Great experience with Rob tasting the 2018 Greer. We tasted on the second floor of the barn in the middle of the property and the scene is epic. You sit this beautiful oak table with views of all of Rutherford out both sides of the barn.
Tasted through the full 2019 Maxem lineup and the 2018 Memento Mori blend and VHR. Two main takeaways for us was the clear Sam Kaplan style (which we loved) as well as how each wine was unique.
The hype is real.
Didn't know much about Arkenstone walking in as it was a last minute add but it was an awesome property. The underground winery was like a fortress that you'd never guess was there.
It was so cool meeting Aaron Pott and drink wine with him. I felt like i was talking to one of the Godfathers of modern Napa. So much knowledge and a beautiful property on Mt. Veeder. A great way to end the trip.
2018 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(4/29/2021)
Really enjoyed this. Dark fruit and complex.
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2019 William & Mary Cabernet Sauvignon Shifflett Ranch 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
(4/29/2021)
Barrel sample. No real tasting notes but the wine was balanced, complex, and unique. Very similar and on par with 2018.
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2019 William & Mary Proprietary Red Shifflett Ranch 97 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
(4/29/2021)
Barrel sample. I LOVED the 2018 version of this. Probably my favorite 2018 so far. Out of the barrel, the 2019 is its equal. Cannot wait for this release and will make sure not to under buy again.
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2019 William & Mary Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(4/29/2021)
Barrel sample. No real notes but I really enjoyed this. Thought it was better than the 2018. No idea how this will be in bottle but am excited to see.
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