12/2/2023 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

This has really benefited from 10 years in the cellar...an excellent NPV Syrah with dark berry flavors and a long finish.

1/7/2023 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

I always open a GTS with fond memories of my childhood watching Mr. Seaver pitch for the NY Mets including enjoying him banter with his teammates (Bud Harrelson, Jerry Grote, et al) on Kiner's Korner after another pitching gem. The passion he brought to the game is also evident in the wine bearing his initials. I know Tom spent endless hours tending the vines ensuring the bounty produced was the best it could be...

The wine itself is just fantastic..endless blue and black fruits with a complexity on the palate that keeps you going back for more. And the finish sails on and on...Thanks Tom, your legend lives on!

12/21/2022 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

Definitely a lighter style CDP potentially needing more time to (hopefully) put on some weight and complexity. I would give this until at least 2025 before opening another bottle.

12/20/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Another great bottle from Saxum!. Poured in a wide bottom decanter and let sit in the cellar for about an hour. Drank over the next two...hard to keep my hands off of this one!

Gobs and gobs of black fruits with hints of bacon fat and tobacco on the finish. This is definitely good to go...a short decant will have this wine singing.

10/6/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Another butt kicking wine from QC!! Gobs and gobs of blue and black fruit glide across the palate and crescendo in an incredible finish! How QC can maintain this level of quality across multiple vintages is just incredible. Definitely one of my favorite CS producers!!!!

8/22/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Decanted for a couple hours then found this to be a deep, brooding syrah with gobs of bacon fat and stewed meats on the palate in the first hour or so. Over time the mouvedre and grenache content mellowed this a bit...a really great wine overall.

6/6/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Found this in the cellar after searching for a couple of missing wines...pleasantly surprised by how well this has held up over the last 10 years or so since purchase. A good, buttery Chardonnay definitely worth the price...

5/21/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

One of the best Syrahs I've had from Paso...this wine has great intensity and balance and has really improved over the past 5 years. A nose filled with dark fruits, olive tapenade and blood leads to a complex mid palate and a finish that lasts a good minute. If you have one break it open as you'll be in for a real treat! Unfortunately this was my last bottle...

4/6/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

It's been a little over 7 years since I opened a bottle of the Bryant and it was well worth the wait. Just an absolutely elegant wine that has matured to a great place over the years.

The nose is filled with tobacco, olive tapenade, and blue/black fruits. The palate is dense without being overpowering...I despise using the cliche but it fits, the wine is an "iron fist in a velvet glove". A smooth mouthfeel, fully integrated tannins, and a finish that goes on and on. Not a wine built on sheer power but one that just oozes finesse. Fantabulous!

3/19/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Another standout performance from Quilceda Creek. This is just a beautiful wine with gobs of blackberry and blueberry fruit, cassis and plum on the palate. A finish that sails on and on...

Drank with dinner of grilled Bison steaks, charred yams, and brussel sprouts. Truly delicious!

3/18/2022 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

My first purchase of a wine from the 2020 vintage...At least upon initial tasting the Rochioli 2020 RRV estate Pinot is not up to par with the previous two years ('18 and '19 were far better in my view). The fruit in this wine is definitely in the background with a good bit of heat and alcohol at the forefront. I believe this wine will take at least a year to work itself out and hopefully further integrate...hold for now and try again in 2023/24.

3/8/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

This wine is absolutely gorgeous! On the nose an array of red raspberry/strawberry and spices with a hint of cinnamon. The palate is extraordinary as the fruit takes center stage... and then a spice driven finish that reminds me a bit of candied red hots! Unbelievable!

For those that are fans of Grenache this wine is an experience of how complex and delicious Grenache heavy blends can be. A testament to the great winemaking at SAXUM!!! Awesome!

2/17/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

I couldn't agree more with Marvin77s note...Just a fabulous CdP (60% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre) with great structure and complexity. The Grenache really shines on opening as the strawberry/red berry flavors dominate. With more and more time in the glass the Mourvedre depth kicks in driving up the complexity and depth of flavors. The finish sails on and on!

A total pleasure to drink as the wife and I easily finished the bottle wanting for more. Terrific!

2/15/2022 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

PnP...first taste the wine showed really great strawberry/blueberry flavors with balancing acidity. With time in the glass the acidity began to take center stage and the fruit moved more to the background. Hopefully with more time in the bottle the flavors will balance themselves out and this will improve significantly. Hold for now...I'll let my other bottle lay down until at least 2025.

2/15/2022 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Opened and poured in a wide bottom decanter for about 2 hours at cellar temp. Initial taste of this wine revealed significant tannins that mellowed significantly over about a 3 hour drinking window. Strong red and blue fruit on the nose, excellent texture and balance on the palate with the fruit shining through! The finish lasted for a good minute or so.

Overall an excellent wine that needs significant air right now to reveal its true character and complexity (the last sip was the best). I'd give this at least a year or two in the bottle or at least 4 hours in a decanter if you are looking to enjoy in the near term.

12/23/2020 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

Opened on a whim given the recent tasting notes and.....Whoa Nellie! This bad boy needs a good slumber. All of the stuffing is there, really strong berry flavors but a tannic backbone that is difficult for the fruit to push through. I'd say don't open this for Christmas...at least until Christmas 2023!

12/20/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

If I was to use a single work to describe this wine it would be...SMOOOOOTH. Just a great rendition of Syrah from Booker...the fabulous dark fruits just glide across your palate, a great nose of berries and roasted meats, and a finish that sails on and on. Terrific!

12/12/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Just a really great bottle of wine with currants and spice abounding. The initial flavors transverse your palate beautifully tilting towards the red fruit spectrum. A long finish follows...had with "blue" Tri-Tip (you Costco shoppers know what I mean) and it went perfectly. For my taste the QC wines give almost any Napa Cabernet a real run for the money! Excellent!

11/26/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Wondering what to drink on a Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving I turned to one of my favorite producers...SAXUM. I just can't say enough good things about this vineyard. Owned and operated by Justin Smith SAXUM is one of the founding wineries of Paso Robles and, no doubt, one of the finest in California. No price increases in more than 5 years, making a great wine from grapes disqualified from SAXUM's more popular labels and selling to to his mailing list for a lousy $10 (other wineries sell these kitchen sink wines for far more), helping his competition flourish (Epoch, Torrin, and others), and making fabulous wine year in and year out. Just an absolute pleasure whenever I open a bottle!

The 2014 James Berry Vineyard (JBV for short - maybe it should mean Justin' s Bountiful Vineyard) is a monster of a wine. This balanced GSM blend posses a highly perfumed aroma of dark berries and a bit of spice on the nose. The dark berry and mineral flavors glide across your palate with the seamless harmony of a Vienna symphony playing Beethoven's 5th! The finish sails on and on leaving you wanting for more. It's really tough staying away from my last bottle of the 2014 but I'll give it a couple more years to see if it can get even better. The 2014 JBV is truly a testament to the the great winemaking going on at SAXUM.

11/23/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

After sitting in my cellar for a good 7 years I finally decided to pop the cork on one of these and boy am I glad I did! Just an elegant bottle of wine with crushed rocks, cassis, blackberries, and boysenberries on the nose. Mid palate density is fabulous , the tannins were well integrated, and the finish sailed on and on, Shafer's HS spends almost three years in barrel yet I get virtually no oakey spice aftertaste on this wine...Excellent! I'm confidant this wine has at least another decade to go (I've saved the other two to try one every five years...).

11/1/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

I must agree with the note published by pgrzesik...This wine is the exception to my experience with the majority of the 2011 vintage from Napa. The Continuum has black fruits, cassis, and a hint of tobacco on the palate, good mid palate density and a reasonable finish to complete the experience. Not on a level with the better vintages from this producer (nor a really great QPR) but a damn good showing overall for a 2011.

10/27/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

What a great value the Dehlinger Goldridge is....I think I paid around 40 bucks for this wine and it's just terrific with strawberry and cherry notes on the front end and a good bit of acidity. Finishes strong but light on its feet...This baby is ready to drink now but could hold for anther 5 years or so in my opinion!

Too bad this is my last bottle!!!

10/25/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Had with flank steak with garlic/oregano Chimichurri, grilled asparagus, and baked potatoes. Just an absolutely excellent bottle of wine...blue/black fruit, pencil shavings and granite, and a bit of slate on the palate. Every release I think of dropping Realm given the tiny allocations I get and then I open a bottle in the cellar...

10/21/2020 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Excellent value Pinot from Rochioli! Just loaded with strawberry and blueberry notes with great length and a looooong finish. Given how great the estate is I can't wait to try the vineyard designates!

1/27/2018 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Wadesh is spot on...pure pleasure on pop and pour. Solid red fruit and a hint of cola on the nose...follows through with pure, unadulterated, ripe red fruit and a bit of spice on the palate. A hedonistic beauty...just the way I like it! An excellent value from RM.

12/25/2017 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

I must say Yack Man's review is spot on! This wine is just singing with dark blue and black fruit and finish that goes on and on. Geez...for $65 bucks a bottle? Is there a better QPR wine out there? Mike Smith does it again! This wine will hold it's own against bottles that cost more than 3X this one. I hope I can get more!!!!

10/19/2017 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Excellent...velvety tannins and well integrated black fruit. A great "2nd" wine from Hundred Acre!

10/17/2017 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Just a fabulous bottle of wine...power on the nose with blueberry and blackberry. Sails through the palate with great fruit...somehat plum driven much to my liking! Loooooooong finish. This wine has it all...one of the best Tor's I've tasted recently.

10/17/2017 - T.O.Wineaux Does not like this wine:

Robitussin!

9/25/2017 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

My initial assessment on the first sip was....WOW! Really beautiful wine with a rich, voluptuous texture and fabulous flavor. The nose is a bit deceiving and doesn't reveal all of the rich fruit and depth the wine unveils across your palate. I'd have to say this is the finest wine I've ever had for $75 from Napa. Bravo!!!!

9/25/2017 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Significant improvement over my last bottle about a year ago. Deep dark blue and black fruit on the initial sip with a little heat on the back end. Evolved nicely over about a 2 hour drinking window blowing off some of the heat and mellowing a bit on the palate to show some red fruit and spice with blue and black fruit dominating. Another year or so in the bottle should take this wine to its optimum drinking window.

11/24/2016 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Tasted on a food pairing visit to Paul Hobbs the day before Thanksgiving (paired with morel mushroom paste on crustini bread)... Just a beautiful Pinot with fresh cut flowers and strawberries on the nose. red fruits and berries on the palate with a long finish. I'd give this a year or so to further integrate but it is drinking great today for those who can't wait!

7/31/2016 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Decanted for about two hours in the cellar then this revealed to be a terrific Paloma...I think one of the best if not the the best I've ever had! The nose hits you with bing cherry, plum and a hint of nutmeg. Flavors of plum, cherry, strawberry, and cinnamon sitting very plush on the palate. The finish lasts and lasts. Liquid velvet with a toast to Barbara Richards...may she rest in peace!

5/22/2016 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

Don't open this yet! After a 3 hour decant still not open...the tannins are in the foreground but the fruit is there lurking in the background...just needs more time to integrate and develop. I wouldn't touch this again until 2019.

3/16/2016 - T.O.Wineaux Does not like this wine:

Oak! Oak! Oak!...I had heard on a recent trip to Paso that the Farm Winery was one of the best to come out of Paso in a loooooong time. Well nothing I've had from this winery has proven this to be true. The "Big Game" is just a poor wine...no fruit or complexity whatsoever. A poorly assembled wine that is not even worth $5 at BevMO. Really a disappointment! Stick to the proven producers (Saxum, Linne Calodo, Booker, Torrin, L'aventure, etc.) and stay away from The Farm!!!!

1/29/2016 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Fabulous balance with an exquisite mouthfeel and flavor. Just a great nose of dark fruits. A hint of spice on the palate. The wife said its one of the best wines she's ever had! Terrific!!!

1/4/2016 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Nice Pinot from an excellent year in Sonoma. Strawberry and raspberry fruit on the nose, light fruits dance across the palate. Great overall structure and balance with nice acidity.

1/3/2016 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

Reminds me of the cold Santander nights in December of 2014 at Kings on Calle Castelar. Great flavor of Rioja...dark fruit on the nose. Mid palate is dense with that certain "No se lo que". A finish that sits in the palate with great density. Great Paso "Spanish" wine!

1/1/2016 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Definitely needs some time to come together...i would give this at least 3 years. Has all of the makings of a high QPR wine!

12/21/2015 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Great nose of black fruit and currants with a hint of vanilla bean. Excellent overall density with rich black fruit and cassis on the palate. A long, lingering finish that lasts for a good thirty seconds. The beyond is truly beyond category with a blend of almost every grape that has made Paso such a provocative wine region. Scott Hawley (Torrin) has done a tremendous job taking Law Estates to the pinnacle of wine in Central California!!!

5/12/2015 - T.O.Wineaux wrote:

Minor notes of cassis on the nose...very light flavor profile with a finish that doesn't satisfy. Not good, not bad. Just overall a poor value for Napa valley wine.

4/5/2015 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

A terrific rendition of Cabernet. An inviting nose of dark fruits, vanilla and a bit of tobacco. The wine presents flavors of dark fruits, cocoa, and a touch of vanilla as it just glides across your palate. The finish lasts a good 30 seconds. If the 2012 1.5 is this good I can't wait to see the HS. Awesome... a great QPR from a fabulous producer.

3/26/2015 - T.O.Wineaux Does not like this wine:

This wasn't a horrible wine...just a horrible Pinot. Over extracted mess with little resemblance to Pinot Noir. Tastes more like a cheap port or sherry (dare I say!!). Missing the brightness, acidity, red fruit and balance of a well made Pinot. Hopefully this was just an off bottle...OK way off!

3/8/2015 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Beautiful nose of red fruit and a hint of freshly opened bubble gum. The palate is seductive and slightly understated...needs some time to integrate and come together. I'd give this a couple years before opening another.

2/13/2015 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Light, crisp, bright, & beautiful! A reddish hue in the glass with a nose of young red fruits and, what is that, bazooka? Reminds me of the smell of a 5 & 10 candy counter when I was a kid! Red fruits on the nose...the palate sings with rose petals and spice. Just fabulous. I've asked this question before...why don't more wineries bottle Grenache as a single varietal? Thanks Outpost!!!!!!

1/18/2015 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

My first PH Pinot and all I can say is wow! Light strawberry and red fruits on the nose, a smooth, elegant mouthfeel with red fruit and a hint of spice on the palate. Just a baby right now that I'm looking forward to having over the next several years. Tasty!

11/23/2014 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Dinner out with friends at Mastros Ocean Club in Malibu featuring 07 Ornellaia, 01 Mondavi Reserve, and 10 Bryant. Bryant WOTN featuring dark fruits, spice, and a hint of cocoa on the nose. An elegant plush mouthfeel with smooth, well integrated tannins. All voted the Bryant a cut above! Excellent!

11/12/2014 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

Beautifully integrated excellent Pinot. Deep dark red fruits, spice, and apple cider on the nose makes you want to just breathe this wine. Well integrated palate of spice and fruit with a long, lingering finish. Absolutely delicious! This Pinot hits right in my sweet spot and I only have one more...bummer!

10/10/2014 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

An impressive nose with red fruits, berries and, what is that, cola? Medium carry through on the palate with low tannins and high acidity. Should age gracefully and improve significantly over the next 3 - 5 years. I'll definitely hold off on the next bottle for a few years.

10/4/2014 - T.O.Wineaux Likes this wine:

This wine went great with the wife's signature meatloaf! Just a phenomenal bouquet of roasted meats, dark berries, and vanilla. The palate boasts deep dark fruits with well integrated oak and a lingering finish. Another well made wine from the Favia team, one of my favorite under the radar Napa valley producers (although this wine is made from Amador county fruit).