12/24/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Ripe, deep well-integrated fruit balanced and well integrated. Delicious

10/25/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Very concentrated, rich mouthfeel almost syrupy but enough acid to balance.

10/25/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Delicious, perfect now

10/3/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Smooth and full of well knitted flavors of rasberry, briar and earth. Very yummy

7/18/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Still had all fruit and lovely finish thanks to careful cellaring. . Not diminished but won’t improve. Time to enjoy.

7/7/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Drank perfectly last night. The age allowed everything to meld, yet it still is full of flavor and aromas from start to finish. Lots of layers and nice structure. Loved it.

1/15/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

We have had Palari Faro from this year-always nice depth, balance, fruit and finish. The Nerello base has a nice flavor profile. This bottle still was very good, but the fruit is slightly past peak. Have one more bottle; time to drink.

1/9/2023 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Light ruby color and nice subdued nose. Medium body lighter than typical barolo but with hints of leather and earth. Dark rasberrry fruit coming through and tannins well knitted. Good time to drink.

12/27/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Perfectly aged and knitted. Lovely fruit and soft tannins.

12/18/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

The fruit was luscious, but nicely knitted in given the aging. Balanced out with soft tannins, and good mouthfeel. Flavors of chocolate and subtle baking spices on a long finish. It was a very nice Amarone to enjoy now.

11/15/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Beautiful ruby color, soft dark red fruits initially, rounded, good structure and long finish. Hints of cedar, wood and a flint Inness.

11/1/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Probably the most rewarding Malbec we’ve tasted. It had it all with great fruit, smokiness and spice nicely balanced. This wine had good mouthfeel and taste from front of mouth to back. We loved it and are glad that we have three more in our cabinets.

10/15/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Lush and rich. Long elegant finish and velvety mouth feel. Upfront flavors of boysenberry and cocoa finishing with tobacco and forest floor. Delicious. Perfect now especially with decanting

9/13/2022 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

One of the nicest Barbarescos we have had. It had a fullness approaching a Barolo, but with the subtlety of a fine Barbaresco. All of the classic Nebbiolo flavors (tobacco, some tar, but also pretty violets and crushed, mature fruits knitted in). Not fruit forward at all, but plenty of fruit within the structure, that included fine tannins. Delicious.

7/20/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Many nice characteristics of a Chateauneuf, but a little more concentrated than we prefer. Still deep fruit and structure and enjoyed.

7/17/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This wine has lovely ripe red fruit flavors; earth, garrigue, stone, leather, and pencil; and very good/refined structure/acidity to back it up. Our impression is that everything has come together at this time of drinking; it was a pure pleasure from our last bottle of this.

1/28/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

We had this with lamb and it matched well. The wine still has almost full flavor and some years left, but maybe the fruit was slightly reduced from the last bottle. Nicely balanced from start to finish.

1/19/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This was a lovely Barbaresco, even ‘pretty’. There was a delicacy to it-kind of middle weight-with nice dark cherry and currant flavors, some moderate leather, subtle tannins, but enough for structure for balance and interest. We enjoyed it, especially after a 1/2 hour of decanting and it achieving the right temperature after being pulled from the wine cabinet.

1/19/2022 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

It had a certain elegance, but was not as complex as the Evening Land Seven Springs we had a week ago. The White Rose also was fading some at this point.

1/14/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

We liked this from start to finish. Beautiful nose and cherry/sour cherry with raspberry, some earthiness and minerality, herb (maybe some allspice and cinnamon) nice mouthfeel and finish. Elegant Burgundian style but with new world fruit and presence; nicely executed.

1/9/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Some decline in fruit versus when we had a bottle in 2020. Still enjoyable and knit together, but time to drink.

1/8/2022 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

It was hard to find any weaknesses in this wine and it is at a perfect age for this big a Barolo. Classic example of what a Barolo should be. Sheer pleasure.

9/12/2021 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

The W.E. Tasting notes really reflect the profile of this wine.

6/29/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Drinking beautifully. Balanced and long, full finish.

4/27/2021 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

It was at a perfect state, with gorgeous subtle fruits in a Burgundy-like wine (right amount of structure for completeness)

4/8/2021 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

It was sheer perfection, having had 20 years to fully come together. There were beautiful flavors at all levels from the first to the last sip. We just wish we had more.

3/20/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Benefitted from decanting. Woodsy earthy nose and lingering finish. Good structure.

3/17/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This was our idea of a perfect Rioja to pair with our Paella. It had good fruit, but also balanced with acid and medium-firm structure, all ready to drink. This also is good value for the quality.

3/10/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This was a very nice more traditional-style Barolo, with integrated layers of deep flavors including tobacco, tar earth and brush, all with good fruit (still) - sour cherry, cherry and cassis. It was a lovely bottle that cellared well in temperature and humidity controlled conditions.

2/13/2021 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

Very nice more middle-weight Barolo. It had smoke, mushroom and mature red fruits. We drink more traditional Barolo with more pronounced leather and tobacco notes, but this was an enjoyable difference and went perfectly with our osso buco!

2/7/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This bottle was at a very good state-it had the time to knit and become seamless, yet the distinctive characteristics all were there. We enjoyed the flavors that included matured red fruits and some spice, including some brush and sandalwood. The acidity danced on the tongue and the weight was nicely between middle and upper. The color was dark and rich and it had a good nose.

1/28/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Not as big as some Bordeauxs, but a very good wine. It is nice to have a well-balanced, nicely woven, medium weight Bordeaux that is ready to go and fits a nice niche in food pairing. It also is at the tail end of its drink-by date. We picked up red currant and anise highlights to go with the rest of the Bordeaux flavors.

1/1/2021 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Not huge but big, very well knit together with layers of lushness that keep coming through long finish

12/26/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Lush, deep garnet color, nose of black fruit and licorice. Benefitted greatly from decanting and opened more fully through the evening. Black currant, anise, briar, and dried mint. Long elegant finish.

12/20/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Fruit still quite intact and delightful. Lovely garnet color. Dark cherry and rasberry fruits,licorice, bark, dried herbs flavors well integrated and with long finish. Smooth and complex. Very pleasing.

12/14/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This was perfectly matured in the bottle and ready to drink now. Everything comes together in one seamless package; very much a Bordeaux feel at this point.

11/27/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Opened it a few days in advance for.a pre-holiday wine tasting. OK then but tight and not expressing much depth, too much fruit upfront. By Thanksgiving, it opened nicely with full expression of cherry fruits and soft turf. Medium weight and claret color. Nice earthy finish with allspice and cocoa.

11/27/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Lovely nose of dark fruit and earth. Good fruit still with red currant and boysenberry. Also mid-palate of licorice and spice. Long elegant finish. Very satisfying. Perfect now and should last several more years but likely will not improve more.

10/10/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Dark garnet color, big nose, lots of black fruit and brambles, some leather. Smooth finish

10/30/2020 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

Over the hill. Fruit had diminished and was punish with harsh tannins and heavy mouth feel. Poured down the drain

10/12/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Lighter body than many Barolo but still had distinctive Nebbiolo flavors of menthol, soft leather and sour cherry. Fruit is subtle and while good now will not improve although should last several more years as tannins are still present.

10/5/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Very rich and inky. Deep garnet color. Sensuous nose with herbal and earth scents. Opened up as the night progressed. Red currant subtle fruit with strong backbone of eucalyptus, sweet tobacco and briar. Will not improve further, but still going strong to our pleasure. One of biggest expressions of this grape we have tasted

9/28/2020 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

Perfect, especially after decanting and opening up. Initial front palate of red currant, opening Softly to Undertones of eucalyptus, bramble and Sweet tobacco. Finished with black fruit/boysenberry. Loved it!

9/14/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Put this in our wine cabinet after purchasing at winery and it is perfect to drink now. This has the depth and subtly of a French Burgund, but with nicely knitted California fruits. It is balanced and delicious from start to finish. Our guests were really impressed with the wine.

9/12/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

This is rich and full. We decanted the wine and it opened up nicely after even 1/2 hour-the fruit tasted more knitted in and the tannins were there, but in balance and less pronounced. It became a nice, balanced wine and the rich undertones of chocolate and cocoa to complement the fruit all came together well. Very good merlot and we think it will be even better in a year.

8/25/2020 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

Hard to find fault. Well rounded, balanced, black fruit with earthy forest floor, eucalypsis, mint and long elegant finish. Decanted beforehand and opened beautifully as night progressed. Fruit still prominent, not diminished but won’t improve. Drink now or next few years.

8/19/2020 - Val D'Orcia Likes this wine:

Exceptional quality in this Wicker Cabernet. Everything has come together in aging to a beautiful combination of black fruits and some eucalyptus in a deep, luscious frame with nice mouthfeel from start to finish. Any tannins have been integrated well and there is no oak overtone. We are glad that we have more and that we visited Wicker and bought this some years ago.

6/6/2020 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

From the winery: During the time of Emperor Napoleon the third's rule, and the prestigious 1855 classification of the Premier Cru Chateau's of Bordeaux, a well kept secret remained amongst the Bordeaux winemakers. In lighter vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon the winemakers would secretly source Syrah from the Rhone Valley to help darken and intensify their traditional blends.

This blend is composed of the five primary red varietals from Bordeaux; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and of course, 'the secret,' Syrah from the McKinney Family Estate. Napoleon's Secret is exposed in this elegant, rich, and seductive red wine.

100% French Oak (33% New)
Aged 25 months in barrel
44% Cabernet Sauvignon - 22% Malbec - 17% Merlot - 11% Petite Verdot - 4% Cabernet Franc - 2% Syrah
Drink by: now -20 years

Aromas

Metaled rose petals, sweet cigar tobacco, black cherry, black currant, black raspberry, lavender, charcoal, graphite.

Flavors

Black cherry, black currant, black tea, black raspberry, gun powder, stony minerals, vanilla, baking spices.

6/6/2020 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

From the winery - For centuries Sangiovese has been held as Italy’s premier red grape varietal. The great showman of Tuscan viticulture, Sangiovese is known for world-renowned wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Noble di Montepulciano. In the 1970’s a new class of wines known in the trade as “Super Tuscans” emerged. Many of these wines became cult wines. The wine is made in the style of the “Super Tuscans” with Cabernet Sauvignon (a French - non native Italian grape varietal) blended in to add depth and complexity to this beautiful Italian stallion.

Our love affair with Tuscany is portrayed in this elegant yet bold red wine. Enjoy at the end of a long hard day, and let this wine lift your spirit across the Italian landscape to Tuscan Nights...

Intense bright red cherry flavors indicative of classic Italian Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Dark cherry and black current from the Cabernet Sauvignon blended within add depth and body to this elegant Super Tuscan. A polished mouth feel with smooth silky tannins, this wine illustrates the highest level of class and sophistication.

100% French Oak (33% New)
Aged 25 months in barrel
66% Sangiovese
34% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drink by: 5-20 years

Aromas

Black cherries, black currant, vanilla, cinnamon, baking spices.

Flavors

Velvet tannins, cedar-oak, baking spices, raspberries, vanilla, cherry.

6/6/2020 - Val D'Orcia wrote:

From the vineyard: The light at the end of the Dark Ages was marked by the rule of King Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. In 775 AD, the world famous vineyard of Corton-Charlemagne was planted in Burgundy to only Chardonnay by the king’s orders.

Many nobles questioned the king’s logic as to why he turned his back on the renowned red varietal of Pinot Noir. As legend has it, Queen Charlemagne did not approve of the way red wine stained her husband’s white beard. This luscious Chardonnay, from one of the crown vineyards of Santa Rita Hills, was made as a tribute to the Queen, the great woman beside every great man, and crafted in an old world style as the Queen would have approved.

Grown in some of the rarest terroir in Santa Rita Hills AVA, the Chardonnay is grown in pure diatomaceous earth creating chalky minerality and bright, vibrant acidity.

40% New French Oak
Aged 14 months in barrel
100% Chardonnay
Drink by: 5-12 years

Aromas

Citrus blossom, vanilla French oak, lychee.

Flavors

Lemon, lime, white peach, gooseberry, crisp golden apple, French vanilla, creme-brulee, chalky minerality.