4/15/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Although I rarely drink big California Chardonnay, I make an exception for Kistler, and this vineyard specifically. The wine is huge in all aspects. Complex nose of honey, white flowers, tropical fruits. Long legs revealing 14.7 ABV. Full bodied and voluptuous on the palate, with pineapple, mango, guava. Extremely complex with enough acidity to balance it out. Better with some air. I am for the most part a Chablis drinker, but this wine with homemade crab cakes was a classic match. Quite enjoyable. Solid 94.

4/14/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Still going strong. Fruit holding in, tertiary flavors blooming, beautiful acidity and Bordeaux nuances. As always, a delight to drink. Enjoyed with family on Masters Sunday. Solid 92, sadly my last bottle. Drink or hold. Delicious.

3/29/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Solid 94 and last of my two magnums. This is now perfectly in the drinking window. 1 hour decant. Slightest amount of bricking. Dense purple in the glass. Enticing aromas of earth, forest floor, garrigue, dark fruits. Beautiful balance, nice acidity, tannins smooth and integrated. Just a beautiful wine. Opened at family dinner and it was loved by all. Consumed quickly….

3/24/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Borrowing a line from El Presidente, like an offensive lineman, big but light on its feet. Massive nose with steaming road tar, creosote, bacon fat, blueberry compote, allspice. Full bodied but the bracing acidity balances it out. One of the few wines vinified at 15.9 that hide it well enough for my palate. There will always be a spot in my cellar for Alban wines.

3/22/2024 - markydecker Does not like this wine:

Sort of a green herbal note both on the nose and palate that was off putting from the start. An unusual effervescence as well. Not my favorite Gruner, surprising from this usually excellent producer. If it’s difficult to drink, I’m out. Tasted over 2 nights, no significant change on night 2.

3/21/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Toward the upper limit of concentration and ripeness for me, but the acidity balances it out. Medium to full bodied. Another TN mentioned “cherry candy” and that is quite accurate. I wager this will age and improve gracefully. A lush example of full throttle California Pinot Noir.

3/20/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Very enjoyable Gevrey. Medium to full bodied, damp earth and dried rose petals on the nose. Good balance, lively acidity, savory. Drinks very young, consumed two glasses first night and vacuumed the remainder which was consumed 48 hours later. Even better and more complex on day 3. Give it some air if you drink now, but patience will be rewarded. Enjoyed this.

3/15/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Delicate and nuanced. Acidity dominates, which is usually fine with me, but I do like some fruit along with it. This is light to medium bodied and a bit hollow. Sour cherry and dried spices, but the palate does not live up to the nose. Hard to find premier cru characteristics in this wine. Color is slightly brown with a bit of bricking. It’s a decent food wine, but a bit lacin the pleasure department.

2/17/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

May be my fave Ridge Zin. 13.5 ABV, like an old school Bordeaux. This allows the cool climate Monte Bello fruit to shine, and paired with perfect, bracing acidity, the full package is a stunner. Putting the other five to sleep for a few years. Better things to come, but a solid 94 for my palate. Poured into Riedel Bordeaux glasses for a 90 minute decant. Delicious Zinfandel.

2/11/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

From magnum purchased at Sun Valley Wine Company for Super Bowl weekend with our travel group. Luxurious nose of dried rose petals, cranberries, and spice. Medium bodied with bracing acidity. Luscious fruit, raspberry and cranberry and cherry, minerals, stones. Very young but oh so delicious. The group was exceedingly happy with this one. Bravo!

2/8/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Excellent wine. I enjoy drinking these on the younger side, and this vintage is open for business. Nuanced and balanced. Dried rose petals, allspice, moist earth, bitter cherry. Light to medium body, good acidity. Great food wine. Always a pleasure.

2/7/2024 - markydecker Does not like this wine:

When I saw 15% ABV I knew I might have an issue and I was correct. Unbalanced on the overripe, over extracted side. Dense and full bodied, but sweet and syrupy. Not nearly enough acidity, fat and flabby and hot. Unfortunately this describes too many new world cabernets these days. Not enjoyable for my palate.

2/4/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

I’m a Z List member, but this was on the list at La Bicyclette, my favorite Carmel restaurant, so I got an early look (these generally go straight to the cellar for at least 5 years). Juicy, structured, balanced, tannic, just a baby but among the best young Lyttons I’ve had. Dark with the usual beautiful Ridge acidity. This will be fantastic in the 5-10 year window.

1/30/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

96 on the way to 100. Two hour decant. Explosive aromas of cherry, raspberry, roses, touch of earth. Mouth wagering acidity, hits the palate with a silk blanket of delicious fruit.. Obviously so young, but so much greatness ahead. Punches with the grand cru of Burgundy at a relative bargain price point. The best that Dundee has to offer. Captivating.

1/26/2024 - markydecker Does not like this wine:

Very thin, insipid, watery. No body, no fruit, overall not enjoyable for my palate. This producer makes excellent reds, but this white is nowhere near the same quality. Not recommended.

1/14/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Solid 90. Meets my desire for unoaked Chardonnay, with a clean, crisp, crunchy, lighter bodied, and savory style. Green apple, flinty, nice acidity. Well executed.

1/14/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

My last bottle, sadly. Holding in extremely well. Slightest of bricking, secondary flavors just emerging. Perfect for a 15 degree winter evening with meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Solid 94.

1/12/2024 - markydecker wrote:

Outstanding bottle, confirms my love for dry, stony, minerally Alsatian Riesling. Peach, pear, spice, crushed stones, excellent body and heft, a fantastic match with pork tenderloin. Best on day 3. What a pleasure to drink. Delicious.

1/10/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

The last of the single vineyard Turleys in my cellar. My taste has morphed toward wines with more finesse and subtlety as opposed to those with high alcohol, upfront fruit, and concentration such as the Turley style. Full bodied and jammy and somewhat hot (15.9 ABV), it is a fun cocktail wine but less of a food wine. Somewhat in balance, but could use more acidity. Peppery and fruity, lots of blackberry and raspberry jam. My Zinfandel preference is a Ridge Lytton or Geyserville with 5-10 years of bottle age. Cheers!

1/4/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Really not my preferred style of Pinot Noir. Nonetheless, a well made and complex wine. Full bodied and concentrated, all chocolate covered black cherries. Could use more acidity. Enjoyed it but not interested in buying more.

12/27/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

A very Burgundian Cali Pinot Noir, so it is definitely my preferred style. Very floral, mint and anise on the nose. Medium bodied with excellent acidity and crunchy cherry fruit. Silky and balanced. Will most likely improve with some cellar time. Very enjoyable.

12/17/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

From magnum, shared with family at our annual Christmas gathering. Beautiful golden color in the glass, aromas of sea spray, brine, crushed limestone, and a beautiful whiff of earth. The term “mouthwatering” is front and center, each sip has you going for another sip quickly. The brine and lemon zest and acid dance on the palate. A fantastic Petit Chablis from the genius that is Raveneau. Glad to have two more in the cellar. Delicious.

12/9/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Similar flavor profile to the 2020, a bit less reductive. Has all of the brine, minerals, seawater and acid that makes Chablis the beautiful thing that it is. Not overly complex but very satisfying. Cheers!

12/8/2023 - markydecker wrote:

Well made Zinfandel. Slight bricking, earthy and plummy on the nose. Petite Sirah and Carignane in the blend, which adds a great extra dimension. In balance and ready for quaffing. Medium body, nice acid, spicy. Perfect burger and pizza wine. Very enjoyable.

11/26/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Shows the 15.2 ABV on the nose initially, but it calms down after an hour of air. Full bodied and viscous, long legs. Tar and burnt embers, blueberry compote, spice. Highly concentrated, ripe, and extracted. It somehow manages to maintain a semblance of balance, with just enough acidity to do the job. Quite nice with cheeseburgers. Enjoyable drink.

11/25/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

At The Phoenician, dinner with family. Beautiful nose of crushed blackberries, road tar, spice. Full bodied but balanced with lively acidity. Mouthwatering minerality. Fantastic QPR. One of the best new world syrahs I have had. Kudos to Penner Ash!

10/31/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Bottle was perfectly stored since purchase from the winery. I’ve always known from personal experience with these that 10 years brings out the best, and this is no exception. Slightest of bricking, with jammy crushed blue fruit soaring from the glass. Great balance, soft tannins, best after 3rd hour open. Still has long life ahead. Patience is rewarded. Delicious.

10/28/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

A well made, balanced, and food friendly wine. Freshly tilled earth, cherry, minerals, medium bodied. Not overly complex or exciting at this stage. Obviously quite young and needs some cellaring. All of that said, not really something I would seek out or buy again given my Dujac addiction which takes up most of my Burgundy budget LOL….

10/1/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

First impressions of the nose scream out “Chablis”! Crushed limestone and seashells/seawater, along with some strong matchstick. High, mouthwatering level of acidity. Slightly reductive but quite delicious. Old school Chablis. Worth seeking out.

9/19/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Via Coravin, had to have a glass to check on this. As suspected, after 8 years, still painfully young. Given my extensive experience with much older vintages of Ridge York Creek PS from the late 70’s, early 80’s and 90’s, best advice is patience. This needs at least another 5 years in the cellar. Dense and concentrated, medium plus acidity, jammy black fruits, graphite, road tar, creosote, garrigue. When properly aged, these wines can be sublime. Higher scores ahead. Put them away at the bottom of your cellar and forget about them for a while…

8/20/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

QPR off the charts. Beautiful salinity, minerality, acidity, and floral nuances. Strawberry on the nose and palate. The perfect summer wine for a scorching Dallas summer. Stock up on this beautiful rose!!!

7/31/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

QPR is off the charts with this fabulous Cremant rose. Intense mousse, lively acidity, minerality. Strawberries on the nose and palate, very refreshing. At a third of the cost of a NV Rose Champagne, this is an amazing value and a wine to be purchased in quantity. A very enjoyable drink.

7/25/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

This has always been a go to SB for me, because it consistently delivers. Such body and character and balance between the brightest citrus fruit, tangy acidity, pleasant green notes. A must for hot Texas summertime drinking. Delicious.

7/23/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

As with all Ridge wines, impeccable balance. More Volnay than California. Decanted for 2 hours. Tart cherry, medium body, medium plus acidity. Needs some time to integrate, back label notes that only 9% new oak was used. 13.9 ABV. If you are looking for a voluptuous RRV style, this is not for you, but if you like finesse, restraint, and pure expression of fruit, this delivers. Would definitely purchase again.

7/17/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Very light bodied and austere. Large dollop of acidity (not offensive to my palate which loves the acid). Grassy, grapefruit notes at the forefront. Refreshing summertime quaff. Good QPR. Not unpleasant with a Cobb salad on a 104 degree Texas summer evening.

7/15/2023 - markydecker wrote:

An unfortunate victim of premature oxidation. Cellared since release. Curses!

7/11/2023 - markydecker Does not like this wine:

At Shinsei on Monday half price wine night. Have been a fan of Isoceles in the past, but this vintage is way too hot, extracted, overripe, and unbalanced. Syrupy, not enough acidity to balance out the thick dark black fruit. Definitely not my style.

6/25/2023 - markydecker Does not like this wine:

Flabby, sweet, distinct lack of any discernible acidity, overripe, manipulated, manufactured. Fortunately it was gifted to me. Did not finish the glass. Not recommended.

6/24/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

An absolute STEAL for the price point. Vincent has the best QPR in Oregon by a mile. This Bjornson is concentrated but balanced, with beautiful acidity and voluptuous fruit. Throw in the minerality and you have an amazingly good Pinot Noir. I will try to convince him to send me another case. Bravo!

6/20/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

For my palate, very close to perfection. Reserving a few points for bottle aging. Heady aromatics. Dense and concentrated but perfectly in balance. Lively, lip smacking acidity. Delicious saline and mineral nuances from the Sonoma Coast terroir. Very plush and hedonistic Pinot noir. Another Kistler home run. Gorgeous wine.

6/9/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Delightful and outstanding QPR, if a tad bit sweet for my palate as I like my Riesling bone dry. A beautiful mineral nuance, petrol, peaches, nice acidity. A great match with spicier foods.

5/10/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

A serious white wine with outstanding QPR. BEAUTIFUL acidity. Lemons, citrusy, minerally, delicious fruit, balanced. Punches way above the price point. This little winery puts out some fantastic values. Highly recommended.

5/9/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

I cannot do better than my friend csimm1161 so I’ll say 94 and leave it there…

4/30/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

More Bordeaux than California. The great thing about Geyserville and Lytton is that extended cellar time brings out earthy, herbal, leathery, graphite nuances. This wine has all of those, and is aging beautifully. Slight bricking, good acid, medium body, smooth tannins. From standard bottle over 2 nights, better on the second. Delicious. In a great drinking window, with secondary flavors in force, but well stored bottles will continue to develop. Delicious.

4/30/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Monte Bello, to me, is the perfect marriage of the best of Bordeaux and California. All of the complexity and finesse of France, combined with the gorgeous up front voluptuous fruit of California in a seamless package that is consistently first class. Tasted this vintage at the MB tasting room last summer, and purchased some 375’s for early drinking which was a great move! Could not resist opening one on my birthday. 3 hour decant. This is very young, but approachable with some air. Grippy but perfectly rounded tannins, bracing acidity, pencil lead, limestone, crushed black fruits. The American oak is present but not obtrusive. What a pleasure to drink. Another Ridge masterpiece.

4/13/2023 - markydecker Does not like this wine:

This comes up short for me. Dark and extracted and a bit overripe, and a tad sweet. Flat mid palate. On the nose quite nice, but not necessarily on the palate. Disappointing.

4/13/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

Cannot do better than my friend Tom Lee’s tn, but suffice it to say this is one of my favorite East Bench vintages. By all means decant the wine for at least an hour. Nothing like a perfectly balanced Zinfandel. This is one to reload on. Delicious.

4/9/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

It’s a fine line for the winemaker, balancing ripe fruit, extraction, acidity, but the Kistler team always seems to pull it off handily. White peaches, pineapple, mango, all in great balance with mouthwatering acidity. Nice streak of minerality and crushed limestone adds to the complexity. Every now and then I’m in the mood for a big Cali chard and this one always delivers.

4/8/2023 - markydecker Likes this wine:

2 hour decant, wine is open for business but still quite tannic and primary. Green pepper, graphite, dark berry fruit, balanced acidity. More St. Julien then California. Very well made and not a fruit bomb by any means. Long life ahead.

4/7/2023 - markydecker wrote:

Don’t know what to think of this. More Russian River Valley than Bourgogne. Concentrated and ripe, bordering on overripe. Could use a tad more acid. Tannic. Actually better on day 5 after vacuuming the bottle and holding in the cellar. Withholding rating for the time being, 2 more in the cellar and will let them sit for a while.