4/17/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Definitely should move to a caraffe to assist in removing solids from this 12 year old wine.
Dark red/ruby color, no hint of orange.
From first inhale you can tell this is going to be nice. Dark fruit/berries, very ripe cherries, blackberry …
Nice mouth feel, warm shortbread, more ripe cherry, very slight tang, finish goes on for a while as tannins have softened since my last tasting.
Really enjoy this wine. Just want to sip it all night. Does not need a paring, but went well with lobster ravioli.

4/5/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

Agreed, this is a nice wine for the money. Smells of blackberries, taste of black cherries, medium acidity, maybe on the light side of acidity, decent mouth feel, enough tannins to give that dry finish.
But, I cannot ignore the taste of stems. Almost as if there are crunched stems in the bottle. Imagine chewing on a small bit of grape stem.
I’m guessing, but I don’t think age will mellow this to equal a better wine. Hoping I’m wrong. Maybe this just needs more time in the bottle. Or needed more time in the barrel. But what do I know.
2nd opinion; the wife enjoyed it.

3/31/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

I am not familiar with arneis wines/grapes, so take this review with a grain of salt, or with a brix of chocolate.
Color is light gold.
Nose is minimal - straw, mild lemon and pear.
Taste of lemon, peach, and maybe pear.
Feel is clean, a little too citric at first, but mellows as it opened ( approx 1hr un-chilled). Not a bad balance between dry and sweet. Starts out sweet, but ends dry. Not a tannin type dry. Just dryer.
2nd opinion - wifey no likey.

3/29/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

FYI, per WS:” Score 95. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry aromas and flavors are beautifully displayed in this charming version, with loam, tobacco and herbs adding detail while the aftertaste goes on and on. Shows balance and formidable length. Best from 2026 through 2042. 2,660 cases made, 1,250 cases imported.
Bruce Sanderson
Issue Date: Mar 27, 2024
Release Price: $65/750mL“
Based on the above WS review, we bought this wine, but have not yet sampled it.

3/28/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Smooth creamy oaked flavor/ feel. Can still taste the stone even with the oak. Mild citric tang. Peach, maybe nectarine, with buttered popcorn nose.
Wife and I both think this is a good find (in our cellar). Unfortunately we do not know where we bought it, nor how much we paid for it. Would whole heartedly buy again if under $50.

3/28/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS: “Score 93. Rich, powerful and well-structured, with lemon drop accents to the dried apple and pear tart flavors that show plenty of toasty accents. The creamy finish is boosted by rich acidity. Drink now through 2026. 18,375 cases made.
Kim Marcus
Issue Date: Feb 28, 2022
Release Price: $42/750mL“
FYI, I have not tried this yet.

3/28/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS: “Score 92. A delicate white, featuring peach and lemon flavors that mingle with toasty oak. Vivid acidity sets the pace as the spice and fruit notes intertwine through the finish. Drink now through 2028. 8,333 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
Bruce Sanderson
Issue Date: Feb 28, 2023
Release Price: $65/750mL“
Have not tried this yet. Just FYI.

3/28/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS: “score 91. Intense and complex, featuring lemon cake, apple, yellow plum and mineral flavors. Bright and fresh, with a lemon-infused aftertaste. Drink now through 2027. 1,173 cases made, 987 cases imported.
Bruce Sanderson
Issue Date: Oct 31, 2022
Release Price: $63/750mL”
Have not tried this yet. Just FYI.

3/11/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

I agree with BESTDAMCAB’s notes. For me, the earth and mushroom were unexpected. The differing fruits changed from lighter to darker berries, plums maybe, as it opened over our dinner. But the earth smell reminded me of damp cellars in the Midwest. I worried it was bad. Un-expected, but not unpleasant, just different, interesting. Can’t give it a number. May buy again at about $54 + 7 CF served at Third Corner.

2/27/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

Apparently, this got a great review by Asimov on the NYTimes. My wife bought three bottles. We tried one immediately in ~2018(?) and hated it. All tannins and leather. Kind of chewy.
It is much improved now. Thought I’m not a fan of Syrah, the leather notes have moved to the background now, allowing the fruit to come forward. Others in this group have described tasting details better than I, so will spare you my notes. But would like to add that it is more complex and interesting than many of the wines we have been drinking. Must be decanted or poured slowly.

2/23/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

I basically agree with the following review by Wine Spectator, but I’m backing off of their score a bit. I’d say 90 or 91. Hard to believe this is a $20 wine.
Per WS: score 93
Rich and supple, laced with black currant, black cherry, violet and earth notes. Vibrant, firming up as the fruit-stained aftertaste lingers. Best from 2020 through 2033. 6,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.
Bruce Sanderson
Issue Date: Oct 31, 2018
Release Price: $20/750mL

2/17/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

One of the best Chablis I’ve ever tasted. The nose was very mineral with lemon and mild apple soon after opening. It took a few to warm up and open. Just got better as it approached room temperature. Faint apricot, honey, maybe custard, basil, with clean graphite finish. Just sooo good. Price not bad for a restaurant purchase. Hard to find grand crus in the wild at my local wine shops. Loved it.

2/2/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

OK, this may get me kicked off Cellar Tracker - Liking a wine bottled in Temecula California !?! Actually the grapes are from Santa Lucia Highlands (central coast), which makes a huge improvement over the local grapes. Found this wine in my cellar. Must have been a dinner party gift. decided to give it a try. I found it went will with a meal of home-made pizza. Taste of cherries, raspberry, red apple, even a bit of lemon, but not as acidic as many Pinot Noirs. Smooth mouthfeel. Nose was the best part. Though I have trouble distinguishing smells, it was fruity, a bit earthy / musty. Color was also darker than many pinots I've had lately. Very nice. I would give it 91 points, but need to chew on it a bit more before i decide.

1/26/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Restaurant purchase, so paid double the average price here. Overall it was the best part of our meal.
Sorry, did not keep notes. So no rating number. Just documenting that I liked it.

1/13/2024 - wino from way back wrote:

Not bad, but would not buy again. A little spicy, with strong cherry notes. But off-cherry, a little like cough syrup. The nose is blandish. Still not that bad. If blind tasting, I might have thought this was a zin. It was still totally drinkable, but I’ve consumed some rather nice Pinots lately, which leaves me a little spoiled.
Sorry, but I think this wine falls below 90, which is below my preferred drinking threshold.

1/12/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Still really refined. Low tannins, so flavors and aroma are in full bloom. Raspberry, blackberry, but not sweet. Put your nose in this glass, and you will not want to take it out. Can’t put a name to the nose appeal, but I love it. Just amazing for a $30 wine.
The only drawback is that it is light. Pairs well with lobster. But many meals might overwhelm the delicate flavors. Wish I had bought more.

Additional note, from WE;
93 points Wine Enthusiast
“This beautiful expression of Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley emits immediate aromas of bright red cherry, raspberry and red plum complemented by earthy tones of roses, violets, damp forest floor, fresh mountain air and river-rock minerality. This depth and complexity follows through onto the palate, where fine-grained tannins create a silky texture. Elevated acidity maintains a sense of freshness from start to lingering finish. *Editors’ Choice* (SB)” (11/2022)

I do not have the sensory facilities, nor the verbal fluency of the WE writing staff, but I do agree with the notes of plum and minerality.

1/12/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

.

1/5/2024 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Still like this wine. Particularly at this price point. I think I paid $29. Agree with the dark cherry and spices. Acidity great with a meal with cheese or meat, but may not stand so well on its lonesome.

11/5/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Restaurant purchase. Definitely needs some cellar time. Felt heavy, dense, dark berries, and tannins were strong like a youngish Bordeaux.
I’m guessing that this “reserve” wine will get lighter with loads of fruit/berries as it ages.
Already seductive, but give it some time.
Lastly, this is a great price point for a powerful cab with a lot of potential. I plan to buy more.
But what do I know.

10/6/2023 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS, Rate 94 -
“A dynamic blend, combining deep structure with finesse and polish, this features black cherry and cassis flavors laced with toasty spice, red licorice and a hint of dusty herbs as it builds tension toward refined tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030. 1,150 cases made.”
Tim Fish
Issue Date: Dec 15, 2022
Release Price: $99/750mL

9/24/2023 - wino from way back wrote:

Definitely fruity, cherries, bing in particular. Maybe me, but it seemed to have just that one flavor note. Plus, it was a bit too sweet for my taste. Just a bit.
In general, I find most pinot noirs run a bit citric, which made the sweet a little tart simultaneously.
It all evened out with our meals of fish and chicken. But would not drink this bottle by its lonesome.

7/24/2023 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS;
“Very tight, this has shut down, with the structure dominating any fruit or savory flavors for now. The nose and palate, however, hint at the depth and ripe fruit that lurks beneath. Fine balance. Best from 2024 through 2045. 400 cases made, 35 cases imported.”
Bruce Sanderson
Issue Date: Oct 31, 2022
Release Price: $97/750mL

Our tasting at winery in Barolo region of Italy in June 2023 was promising with a slight aroma of plum and cherries, but still strong tannins. Price at winery was 20 euros per bottle below US price, but shipping would add 20 back on, so just packed 3 bottles in my return luggage. In 2035 we shall see if it was worth it to carry the extra weight home.

7/3/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Light, not too sweet, not too fruity, goes great with cheese. This would be a great backyard deck, party by the pool, sit in the shade on a sunny day wine.
Bought at vinyard in Barolo. Don’t know if you can get it in California.

6/9/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Unlike most whites, it seemed even better the next night.

5/28/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Inky, black currant, dark berries, earthy, slight licorice. Enjoyed every sip.

4/20/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

The drinking window is open. Tannins reduced significantly compared to my first bottle opening in 2021. A lot of sediment fallen out. Full of body, lower than expected acidity. Very drinkable. Wish I had bought more at that price. More notes to follow.

3/4/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Per 3rd Corner, WS 93 points;
Inky, dark fruit, and a plush mouthfeel while boasting notes of blackberry, mocha, fig, dates and dense black currant fruit accented with hints of nettle, earth and clove.
Dine in $58.81 + Corkage
Retail Wine Club To-Go $49.99

3/3/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Per 3rd Corner, per JS
This is very complex, with blackcurrants, tobacco and cedar. Some sandalwood and terra-cotta, too. Medium-to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are creamy- textured and so long and pure.
95 points James Suckling
Dine in $96.99 + Corkage
Retail Wine Club To-Go $82.44

2/18/2023 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Per WS: 93 points.
“Alluring, with Lapsang souchong notes that weave around the core of gently steeped red and black currant and plum fruit flavors. A strong graphite edge marks the finish, giving this excellent cut and drive. Very suave. Best from 2020 through 2030. 8,100 cases made.”
James Molesworth
Issue Date: Mar 31, 2017

2/3/2023 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS, Tim Fish; 90 points. “This red is appealing for its straightforward currant, bay leaf and dusky spice flavors that finish with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2027. 5,590 cases made.”
Issue Date: Jan 25, 2023
Release Price: $15/750mL

11/24/2022 - wino from way back wrote:

Not my normal M.O., but tonight we had three guests debating the nose, flavors, and merits of this bottle. All agreed it just kept getting better as it opened in the caraffe. Tasting notes included currents, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, vanilla, licorice, leather, and earth. It changed throughout the 40 or so minutes it took us to consume the bottle. For instance, vanilla disappeared completely after about 10 minutes.
Wondering how much more it would changed if we had not consumed it so quickly. I’m giving it a high rating because of it’s complexity.

11/24/2022 - wino from way back wrote:

Per WS: “Score 93. An elegant version, with firm earthy notes to the star anise, green cardamom and cigar box spiciness, backed by a touch of Dutch cocoa powder. Reveals spiced plum, cassis and kirsch flavors that are plump and velvety, with a long finish. Drink now through 2030. 7,000 cases imported.
MaryAnn Worobiec
Issue Date: Oct 31, 2022
Release Price: $20/750mL”

6/3/2022 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

I really like this wine. Well balanced, berries, some fruit, tannins, good mouth feel. And under $30. The nose does not stand out, but certainly not displeasing. Cheap enough to keep a case on hand to go with any meal.

3/2/2022 - wino from way back wrote:

Delivered to our table, cold, distinct taste of green apples and limited bouquet. As it warmed up, the flavor moved more to lemon and maybe a slight golden raisin while aroma became more floral.

1/25/2022 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

For a zin, it is lacking the spice. But I like it. An easy going spicy vanilla berry mix. A nice weekday wine which should go well with almost any meal. I’d guess it would be good for parties with non-discerning guests. A crowd pleaser. Good value for the price.

1/17/2022 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

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1/9/2022 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

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1/6/2022 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

WS “ This red marries the ripe fruit and toasty oak of the international style with a savory, rustic character. ..."
I agree, plus a bit of prune or raisin but not sweet. Also needed some time to burn off a slight alcohol character. Nice finish. Great price.

1/6/2022 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Per WS: "This has a svelte texture, with refined flavors of cherry pastry and ripe raspberry ..."
Personally, i would agree with most of those observations, but the flavors are so delicately that the wine was easily overwhelmed by our food choices. Even our chocolates. I would pair it with something light to really enjoy this wine.

12/8/2021 - wino from way back wrote:

Smells of vaporub and vinegar. Cork looks perfect. Something has gone afoul.

11/28/2021 - wino from way back wrote:

Hard too believe this is the same wine that I gave a rave review to before. Though muted, I can still smell much of the fruit and earth, but it does not stand out like the last bottle. Any taste is lost in strong tanins which leave the tongue immediately dry.
Is this already beyond the drinking window or too early? Either way, I'm just going to let my other bottles sit for few more years before I try again.
Edit: 2nd day it has improved a bit, but not greatly.
Edit2: so bad it lasted 3rd evening. But it improved more. Wife suggested I put it in the blender next time. ;-)

11/13/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

90+, Very drinkable Bordeaux style blend. Fruity with good mouth feel. Enough tannins to give the impression it is cellar-able. I think it is a deal at $30. Not a bad deal at the CellarTracker average of $42.

10/11/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Mellowed, mild, but deep. Aroma of currents, mild peppermint, gingerbread, watermelon, and some kind of dark fruit. Cannot put a name to the combination off smells except pinot noir. Not that I'm a fan of pinot, but I like this. Makes me want to try the Loring or Cordant.

9/24/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

dark berries, vanilla, a bit spicy. Not too fruity. BUT a hint of grape at the start. Either lost the grape when it opened up, or we lost the grape as we ate our meal. So all was well by the end. I would buy again. Just give it time too breath.

9/5/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Since I must add a note to give this wine a number rating - this tastes like a cross between a good French Chablis and a slightly fruit forward, mildly buttery chard. I like it. Will buy again, next time I see it.

8/14/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Dark ripe fruit, but can't nail down a specific fruit, maybe overripe pears, but not sweet. Just love the smell, the taste, the mouth feel. Opened up even more after an hour or so. Why can't all blends be built like this?

8/14/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Lemon and vanilla bean.

8/1/2021 - wino from way back Does not like this wine:

Unpleasant aftertaste.

5/5/2021 - wino from way back Does not like this wine:

Not bad, bad, but also not impressed. Lighter fruit than many, if not most, cabs. Also a distinct aftertaste of alcohol, even hours after it was opened. Wife poured hers down the drain. I tried again the next evening. I'm pouring this out also. Would not buy again. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt with my# score. The aftertaste may be a thing with Italian cabs. Not a fan.

4/23/2021 - wino from way back Likes this wine:

Not as good as I remembered, or great as RP (94) and WS (93) made it sound. Maybe it is on the downside. Still very drinkable. Still a 91, maybe a 92.