10/1/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

- Garnet color - Deep garnet color. Rich aromas of dark red fruit. Surprisingly, first taste was dominated by smooth tannins. Let the wine open for 1 hr. And the fruit character really started to come through. When I opened this wine, I was expecting to find a wine well past its prime. I left half the bottle to sit out, sealed at RT for 24 hrs and it just got better. I remember fondly discovering Law with this wine and the longevity is an added bonus.

4/26/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red. Aromas of tart red fruit and a hint of oregano. Full mouth feel, pleasant red fruit flavors with a slight chalkiness on the finish.

4/28/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

At the tasting room in Sonoma. Medium dark garnet red, clear and bright. Pleasant dark red fruit aromas, that caress the senses. Wine is very well balanced with noticeable, refined tannins that are a pleasure. Flavors match aromas in a nicely developing package.

This was one of those surprises where you don’t expect to come across a wine of this caliber especially when tasting a number of excellent chardonnays and Pinot noirs.

In my opinion, this can be enjoyed now with appropriate open time. With 2-5 years with wine will smooth out even further.

2/20/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Shared a 3 L bottle with friends. Bright garnet red color, showing little signs of aging. Pleasant fruit forward nose with nicely matching flavors. Very well balanced and elegant in presentation.

2/26/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark garnet red. Aromas of ripe red fruit. Surprising amount of refined tannins that smooth out after 1 hr. In air. Nice lush red fruit flavors. I was surprised that this wine has held up so well. Could go another 3-5 years, but enjoyable now.

2/3/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark garnet color. Sweet cigar, oak and lush red fruit on the nose. Matching red fruit flavors complimented by smooth tannins. This is a very solid wine showing none of the flabbiness that we in the US too frequently see in our imported Aussie Shiraz’s.

2/3/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light, bright garnet color. Lush, big red fruit nose. A smooth, creamy wine with noticeable smooth tannins that currently dominate, but not hide red fruit flavors. If you like a medium bodied wine with a big bouquet and chewy tannins, this is the wine for you. For me, I’m going to give it a couple years.

2/3/2023 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Quirky wine. Hazy peach color. Pleasant apricot nose blended with more austere rock aromas. Very unusual fruit flavors that are both enjoyable and a bit perplexing. This is a sparkling wine where the second yeast addition is left in the bottle. It results in the cloudy appearance. I have never run across this style of sparkler and needed a few bottles to enjoy.

10/12/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red. Rich red fruit nose in a pleasant oak background. Notiable, smooth tannins showing this wine is aging nicely. Bright red fruit flavors.

12/12/2022 - Lee Fining wrote:

Dark garnet red, saturated to the rim. Aromas of lush red fruit and green pepper. I got some heat (high alcohol) on the nose. Red fruit flavors mildly hidden by tannins. Smooth, balanced with refined tannins. If I had more of this wine, I would be inclined to let it age another 3-5 years. Definitely is constructed for a long life.

12/12/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Very dark garnet, saturated to the rim. Lush aroma of complex red fruit blend and hints of neutral oak. Balanced with ample quantities of acid and tannins. Smooth presentation of red fruit nicely married to the aromas. Time has settled this wine down and it is now a pleasure to drink. Based on the acids and tannin levels, this wine still has many years ahead of it.

12/12/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Bright, dark garnet color, saturated to the rim. Sharp red cherry nose with a hint of taffy. Lush red fruit, noticeable tannins, chewy even after 24 hrs. A pleasurable drinker that still has years of life, but is ready now.

10/18/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium light garnet color. Shows little bricking for it’s age. Mild red fruit aromas. The wine in well balance although it is much lighter than the wine I experienced many years ago. No reason to age any further, it is past it’s prime.

8/5/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Age has balanced and smooth the rough edges. This was a highly enjoyable, mature, full bodied Cabernet that is ready to enjoy today. Well worth the wait!

7/24/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Thick, viscous, dark brown liquid. I won’t try to suggests aromas or flavors other than chocolate. There is a presence of Merlot, but this is all about the chocolate. Think of it as a chocolate syrup you pour on ice cream. I have a hard time even thinking about pouring this in a glass and sipping it. Seems very decadent but really yummy. The rating is for the quality of chocolate syrup, not wine. :)

7/24/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium red with good polish. Lush, bright red fruit nose. Matching fruit in the mouth with enjoyable chewy tannins.

7/24/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium dark rose’. Big nose of white and stone fruits. Full fruit flavors in the mouth with good minerality. Good for stand alone or with more flavorful meats and cheeses.

7/23/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red color. Very smooth, lush Syrah. Ready to open now.

7/23/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Rich, dark garnet red. Lush red fruit aromas and flavors. An excellently crafted Syrah that can be enjoyed now with a little open time, or lay down for a few years.

7/23/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red. Pleasant red fruit nose and taste. Smooth and approachable.

7/20/2022 - Lee Fining wrote:

Medium salmon color. Although a rose’ of Pinot noir, smells and tastes very much like a rose’ from Provence. Chilled, makes for a very good Summer wine.

7/18/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Very light garnet red. Moderate nose of very ripe strawberries. Lovely mid level red fruit with a nutty character.

7/18/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light straw yellow color. Lush, sweet candied white fruit with vanilla and oak aromas. Initially impresses as light bodied, but evolves in structure with tart white fruit flavors. French in style and should make for excellent food pairing.

7/1/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark red color. Full bodied, easy, approachable, everyday wine. Abundant red fruit flavors. I like the name and the fact that it is designed to serve with Mammoth!

7/1/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Easy, approachable Chardonnay that gratefully is not burdened with oak. Adastra makes three versions of the same Chardonnay, French oak, American oak and N’Oak. By far, N’Oak is my favorite.

7/8/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light straw color. Pleasant melon and floral aromas with a touch of oak on the nose. Full bodied fruit flavors that are quite enjoyable. This wine can be enjoyed now, but shows a strong potential to age into something special.

7/11/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light straw color. Mild aromas of melon and citrus. The flavors match nicely with the aromas. Very easy drinking Chardonnay!

7/11/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark red color. Significant aromas of ripe strawberries with a mingling of other red fruit in the background. Lush flavors of red fruit delivered with a creamy texture and long finish. A big delicious Pinot sure to annoy the French pallet.

7/11/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark red color. Medium aroma volume of rich red fruit. Lush red fruit flavors, a bit tart with a long, enjoyable finish. Another big Pinot from Wren Hop!

7/6/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Moderately dark garnet red. Quality nose of appealing red fruit with a hint of Basel. Lush red fruit flavors guided by refined tannins. This is a blend of several Rockpile vineyards. The result is a very refined, easy drinking Zin. This is not your average high alcohol, fruit bomb, pepper infused Zin that needs to lay down for several years. Refined, approachable and ready to drink now.

7/6/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red color. Moderate nose of strawberry, raspberry and cream soda. The first thought when tasting this wine was smooth. Smooth texture, well balanced, noticeable, refined tannins and subtle red fruit flavors. This is a young wine and given my history of predicting the future of Lytton Springs wines, I hesitate to rate the wine higher. It could age into something special. We will have to wait and see.

6/29/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium golden color. Full nose of tropical fruit and grapefruit. Very creamy for a SB. Full mouth feel. Flavors mirror aroma’s nicely.

6/28/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark garnet red. Moderate nose revealing just ripened strawberries. The wine was smooth, balanced and easily approachable. Pleasant collection of red fruit flavors with a long finish.

6/28/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red. Mild red fruit nose with a hint of mushroom. The wine was very smooth on the mouth, well balanced and ready to drink now. Moderate red fruit on the tongue. Very easy to drink and quite enjoyable.

6/29/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium dark garnet red. Aroma of fragrant strawberry. Lovely flavors of red fruit. Nicely balanced wine that can be enjoyed now.

6/29/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium straw color. Aromas of honey, lemon and hints of melon. Lush with just the right acid level. White fruit and apples on the tongue. Sat for a tasting of their wines and tried their Pratt and Bacigalupi chardonnays first. This wine, Russian River Valley tasted like a blend of the previously mention wines. They were great, Russian River was the best!

6/29/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Moderately dark salmon color. Moderate nose of lush strawberry. Well rounded mouthfeel, nice acid concentration and almost Grenache like fruit flavors. Very enjoyable and a worthy Rose for Summer enjoyment.

6/24/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light straw yellow color. Lovely, bright white fruit and honey on the nose. Smooth to the mouth with good acidity, a bit tart and bold citrus and melon flavors. Easily can be enjoyed with seasoned fish, flavorful cheeses and dynamic salads.

6/24/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light straw yellow color. Harmonizing white fruit nose. Nice acid, balanced wine with pleasant white fruit flavors. Enjoyable texture. No grass character.

6/18/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Pinkish salmon color, medium intensity. Big nose of ripe strawberries. Nice acid and minerality to complement lush red fruit flavors. Seems like what you get when a Provence winemaker receives California fruit. Very enjoyable and should be a hit during those hot Summer days.

5/6/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Garnet red color with minimal signs of aging. Initial aroma of orange cream soda. Within a short time, bright red cherry aromas started to reveal themselves. The wine was velvety smooth in the mouth with moderate tannins slightly overshadowing the acid. Mild, dark red fruit, leaning towards rock fruit flavors evolved. Wine was decanted and allowed to rest for 2 hours before drinking. Significant sediment in the bottle. When I purchased this bottle from the winery, my impression was big, bold, fruit forward Cab. It has lost a lot of this character over time. I don’t see a reason to hold on any longer, enjoy now.

5/6/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Bottle has been stored 55-60F since purchase direct from winery. Ullage was about 1/4”. Cork was on the soft side and actually broke in half during opening. Color was medium red with some signs of bricking. Nose was a pleasant combination of dark red fruit, spice, Carmel and a touch of wax. Initial taste displayed abundant, smooth tannins, brooding dark red fruit and a noticeable presence of alcohol. The wine was decanted and allowed to rest for 2 hours. Things really settled down. Nose was more fully focused on the fruit and the tannins and heat gave way to fruit flavors. I really enjoyed this wine at the time of purchase. Unfortunately, this bottle shows it past it’s prime. No reason to hold on to this one any longer.

2/17/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium dark garnet red color. Pleasant red fruit nose. Moderate, but noticeable tannins that compliment the red fruit flavors. The reason for the high rating is the simple pleasure this wine delivers. Upon opening, it is approachable and very easy to drink. This wine joins our collection of daily drinkers. Ready on opening, easy to drink and reasonable priced. Well done.

2/17/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Moderate straw yellow in color. Aromas of melon, citrus and light touch of green grass. Rich flavors of citrus and rock fruit with nice, smooth acid levels. This is a bold SB that shows signs of wanting to be a Pinot Gris. Very pleasant to drink!

1/20/2022 - Lee Fining wrote:

Dark garnet red color. Aromas of fresh cherries, Carmel and cotton candy. On the tongue, a wine that is not quite in balance. Big, smooth tannins out front with hints of sour cherry as it finishes. Definitely has a chalky character to it. This wine could definitely lay down for several years.

1/20/2022 - Lee Fining wrote:

Mid to dark garnet red. Aromas of bright red fruit, cherry/black cherry, ripe strawberry with hints of leather and oak. Tasting presented a smooth, well balanced wine with lush dark red fruit and a touch of cocoa. Everything sounds great, but I found it a bit disjointed. For the price, I expect more.

1/21/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium dark, purplish red color, color to the rim. Moderate aromas of lush raspberry, cherry and a hint of Carmel. Rich dark red fruit flavors with notable, supporting tannins. Long finish that lingers with leather. The wine was tight upon opening so I decanted and allowed it to breath for 1 hr. This made a huge difference. Minimal sediment. Wine is truly enjoyable now, but still could lay down in proper storage for 3-5 years.

1/16/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Dark red color. Moderate aromas of rich red fruit and a hint of cotton candy. Smooth on the tongue with nicely balanced acids and tannins. Pleasant mature red fruit flavors come through. Expect an age worthy wine.

1/16/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Light garnet red. Cooking spice and raspberry on the nose. Big, smooth tannins dominate the initial taste, but pleasant dark red fruit flavors were front and center. A very nice effort for a Cab Franc.

1/16/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine:

Medium garnet red color. Light red fruit and Carmel on the nose. Tasting gave initial impression of minerality and a bit of acid bite. Moderate red fruit flavors followed through to finish. A quality Cab with clear aging potential.