3/25/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Generously shared by my friend Paul, this is the greatest champagne I've ever tasted. Amber in color, the aromas and flavors are unlike any I've ever experienced in a Champagne. I've only had a couple of old white Burgundies with characteristics similar to this. Notes of fresh honeycomb, sea salted butter on sourdough, butterscotch. The finish reminds me of a creamier, nuttier cheese with a mellow richness (mimolette comes to mind). What was once a lemon citrus has evolved into tropical fruits (passion fruit, grilled pineapple, kumquat). While the wine has lost its bubbles, and there's less tension of youth, there is still a vibrant acidity that almost gave the illusion of fine bubbles. Hard to describe. But aren't all great wines?

3/1/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

I buy all the top producers from Russian River and in my opinion, the Rochioli Three Corner is the most classic, quintessential expression of pinot noir from this tiny corner of the world. It always comes off as balanced, vibrant, composed - nothing over the top and just the right amount of energy, acid, femininity, elegance. From vintage to vintage, sometimes less power and richness than some other Rochioli SVD's but always tastes consistent and classic. Rest in peace, Joe Rochioli.

2/15/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

I think this is the best Rivers-Marie cab I've ever had and the first one that I could say could be a dead ringer for a Schrader. I purchased this on release (I believe this was the first vintage for the Herb Lamb) but this is my first time tasting this wine. Immediately on the beautiful nose, you can tell it soaked up new french oak. Blueberry compote is front and center but the grippy tannins give it a luxurious mouthfeel. This is very much a hedonistic style, so it may not score a lot of points for anyone looking for a more intellectual wine. Rivers-Marie always seems more approachable in youth than Schrader, and certainly more than Outpost, so feel free to crack it open now.

2/11/2024 - Jonathan T wrote:

Bought this at a discount price, and on initial taste, the quality seemed in line with the price I paid than the "full" retail price. As some other tasters noted, maybe it needs some more time, but my impression is that it needed more new french oak to give it some more structure. I was surprised at how light this wine tasted given the quality of the vintage and pedigree (partially sourced from Beckstoffer GIII). I will give my next bottle more time in the cellar before opening.

1/12/2024 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Showing its age, but still surprisingly vibrant for a 27 year old wine. This one has aged beautifully. Very savory and soulful, but the napa fruit is still there. Despite still having structure, I wouldn't pair this with any heavy foods. Better by itself, or with a simple charcuterie board with hard, salty cheeses.

12/14/2023 - Jonathan T wrote:

Still extremely tightly wound. It's been 13 years from the vintage date, but it might as well have been 3 months. Probably needs another decade or two, if you can wait that long. I'm giving it a 94 now, based on glimpses of what I saw after 2 hours of air - towering depths of dark fruits, espresso, graphite, charcoal, wet soil, as one would expect from the Grand Vin Montrose. But it has potential to be one of the greatest Bordeaux 2nd wines I've ever had.

12/11/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Really outstanding. Everything you would expect from Paul Hobbs - a new world cabernet but still very classic. Somewhere at the midpoint between old school Napa and modern winemaking. Nothing overdone and absolutely delicious and irresistible. Not sure what he does, but there is a distinctive sweetness on the nose that I love about all Paul Hobbs cabs. Tannins resolved; popped and poured and no need for decanting. The 14.6% alcohol sneaks up on you though. There is no sense of heat and I wolfed this down a little too fast.

12/7/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This Kistler Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay was easily one of the best white wines I had in 2023. It was so pretty, feminine, and balanced. Simply lovely. Many chardonnays that receive accolades from critics (including some Kistler's) lean towards richness but this was not that. While not heavy, it was certainly not lean or lightweight either. Delicate, with subtle butter and floral notes on the nose, along with bright citrus fruit that carry through the palate to the finish. Lemon, lemon zest, key lime, peaches. There is just enough acidity to keep it refreshing. Some people have commented about a luxurious mouthfeel. 100% agree. It is plush and just slightly oily in a good way. Perfect pairing for all the cooked or chilled shellfish during this winter season!

12/5/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

A lot more herbaceousness, cloves, spice, charcoal, sea salt, coarse black pepper than I remember my last bottle having. This is a fun wine. If tasted blind, I would have guessed an excellent GSM blend from Paso, heavier on the Grenache and Mouvedre. I do think it's fun that zinfandel has the ability to morph into different personalities depending on the vineyard source and winemaking.

11/16/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Phenomenal. I seem to have been saying that often recently about Kosta Browne as I've been drinking through 2008's and 2009's. I've come to the following conclusions: (1) I think 2008-2009 are the best pair of vintages ever for Kosta Browne. I seem to remember both being cooler vintages, compared to the warmer 2007, but also not as cold and dry as 2010-2011. I don't know if the current winemaking regime can match what was accomplished then. (2) Many vintages of KB, the RRV and SC appellation bottlings are comparable to the SVD's. For these two vintages, I think the SVD's are spectacular compared to the very good appellation wines. (3) Contrary to what the naysayers were saying 15 years ago, the KB from this era do age well, and very linearly. The 2009 Koplen is so pretty. So graceful, soft and velvety in texture and detailed nuances of fresh, delicate berry like farmer's market fruit in peak season. Weightless on the palate, sophisticated, but not fragile. Imagine a ballerina's power and grace. The level of acidity is just right to me. Does not come off as overly acidic, but definitely a crisp, juicy berry or citrus zing on the finish. It's peaking, so drink up!

11/14/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Fantastic. Dense dark fruits, brambly, rustic, charcoal - everything an old vine zinfandel should be, from a legendary vineyard site. Something about it feels more italian than californian to me. Pair it with some hard cheeses. One of the best offerings from Bedrock in my opinion.

11/10/2023 - Jonathan T wrote:

My first experience with Don Melchor and it was fabulous. Clearly new world - it does not have the austerity of some old world wines - but it doesn't have the heaviness of California cab either. Full-bodied, but doesn't fatigue the palate. The fruit is fresh and texture soft and satiny. There is some mineral note on the back end, maybe graphite, but more mouthwatering like volcanic sea salt, that I really enjoyed. Clearly a wine that can only come from an outstanding growing season and thoughtful, deliberate winemaking.

11/9/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This wine is still excellent. But the level of enjoyment depends on your palate. If you enjoy aged champagne, it is in a perfect place right now. I personally still want energy and brightness, and I think it has faded a bit from my previous bottle nearly a decade ago. There's no mistaking the Grand Cru pedigree of this champagne though. The Chardonnay base of this Blanc de Blancs is clearly evident with tons of rich lemon meringue, lemon zest. This, and the salty minerality make this a perfect pairing with oysters and chilled or grilled shellfish. I had it with a grilled California spiny lobster and it was an epic pairing. It is definitely starting to show its age though - fewer bubbles, less acid and tension, and secondary notes of a savory mushroom. Regardless of whether you think this is at peak or slightly past prime, I wouldn't hesitate to drink this up!

11/3/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This is such an underrated wine in Rochioli's portfolio. The noise is so pretty, with floral notes (violets maybe?) and juicy tropical fruits and melon (honey dew?). Still vibrant, but I would drink this sooner rather than later. This would be a perfect pairing with a summer salad with strawberries or proscuitto-wrapped tuscan melon, but the clean freshness made it a great pairing with charred octopus and sushi as well. Cheers and rest in peace, Joe Rochioli!

10/21/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

When I first tasted this 12 years ago, my impression was that this was the greatest Insignia I've ever had. This bottle not only reaffirms that, but it's even better than before. What is striking now is how the tannins have resolved into a velvety texture that engulfs the palate. No signs of decline and barely any hints of secondary notes. My last bottle, but if I did have more, I would have no concerns about cellaring this in another decade.

8/23/2023 - Jonathan T wrote:

This is a high quality cabernet and just entering a nice drinking window. Massive amount of fruit with a nice mineral streak on the back end. Still tight and dense and could benefit from some more time in the cellar. At this point, you do feel the considerable alcohol level. I think this is a fair value at $150, but I'm not sure if it it's worth $200.

8/4/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Wow... I don't have much experience with this producer, but this was really outstanding. Still a lot of tannic grip but I love the texture this wine has at this stage. A lot of saline and minerality to envelope the dark fruits. I haven't tasted any 2016 yet, but I'm convinced that 2010 is the best vintage for Brunello of the last 20 years. 94 points now, but I can imagine this will improve over the next decade or more.

7/24/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Stunning. Impeccably well balanced. Probably the best pinot noir I've had this year. It showcases the freshness and bright acidity you would expect from a top site in the Sonoma Coast. While it is unmistakably Californian, it has all the elegance of a Grand Cru Burgundy.

6/24/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Delicious. A racier, juicer Aubert filled with tropical fruits - think pineapple, passion fruit - and toasted coconut. Finishes with sweet oak and a charcoal minerality. I would pair this with chilled shellfish for a summer lunch.

6/14/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Sadly, my last bottle of this fabulous wine. Lovely. Drinking perfectly right now.

5/24/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

The first 15 minutes after opening, it was muted, but then it exploded with all the Sangiovese goodness and reminded me of why Canalicchio di Sopra is always one of my favorite Brunello producers. This bottle today is so classic brunello and anyone who has been patient with this 2010 will be rewarded. Have it with some braised meats or bolognese sauce. But while it is singing now, no rush to open, as there is no indication that this won't be aging gracefully over the next decade or more. From my experiences with this producer, do target the top vintages such as 2010 as Canalicchio di Sopra really shines in those years.

5/19/2023 - Jonathan T wrote:

This was a big, massively fruit forward Pinot. Loads of sweet, ripe jammy fruit. Still very primary at the moment. If you like your Cali pinots with energy and exuberance, I think this is the perfect time to open it. If you like your pinots to grow into a little more elegance, give it a few more years. I had this with a marinated ribeye and it stood up quite nicely.

3/24/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Delicious. Popped and poured, and ready to go. One of the best Broken Stones I've had. This cuvee has really come a long way. For what it's worth, this one can easily be drunk by itself or with food - surprisingly well balanced. I can't always say that about the bigger Saxum. There's obviously no rush to drink this, but I think it's entering a nice drinking window.

3/21/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This wine has gotten better and better each time I've revisited it. It doesn't taste like a Napa syrah-based wine anymore. It has loads of charcoal, salt, white pepper, crushed rocks that remind me more of the limestone driven syrahs of the central coast. I love the complexity of this wine.

2/18/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Outstanding. Does not have the energy and mouth-watering acidity that the best Yquem vintages have, but this was absolutely delightful. This has aged extremely well over 35 years and is certainly showing all the hallmarks of beautifully aged Sauternes such as rich dried apricots, orange marmalade and raw honey. The dark amber color is gorgeous.

2/18/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

I was completely blown away by this. Crazy as it sounds, it may be the best new world pinot noir I've ever had. I've had my share of Kosta Browne, having been on the list since the 2003 vintage and this is far more impressive than any Kosta Browne Kanzler or any KB for that matter. The nose is so explosive and on the palate so incredibly complex and balanced - so much so that I'm lost with the proper descriptors. I previously had said that the 1998 Kistler Cuvee Elizabeth was the greatest new world pinot ever but this is a different animal. While the Kistler evolved into Grand Cru burgundy, this KB completely stands on its own. Perhaps the most amazing feat is that everyone unanimously agreed it was wine of the night - from friends who were new to wine to sommeliers who tasted it without bias.

2/15/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This is drinking beautifully. Honestly, I'm not always a fan of north coast syrah, and this is one of the best I've had. I'm comfortable scoring this a 95 as I think this is qualitatively and stylistically similar to the Alban Reva, which I unabashedly love. Even though Morgan Twain-Peterson is more known for his zinfandels or field blends, this syrah is varietally correct, expressive of the site, and honest to his philosophy and winemaking style. Brambly and savory with meaty and charcoal notes, wrapped around juicy dark fruits.

2/1/2023 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

An absolutely lovely Brunello. This is not a Brunello to have with a 40oz Bistecca alla Fiortentina. This wine has evolved more quickly than I expected, even for an 11 year old wine, and the flavors are much too nuanced and delicate to simply be wolfed down with red meat. Not that it wouldn't be delicious. But with all the notes of bay leaves, sundried tomatoes, Mediterranean spices, dried mushrooms, it's savory (almost salty) and filled with umami. I would rather pair this with a simple charcuterie plate - I'm thinking salami, soppressatta, and some nice pecorino or aged gouda. But, oh man, it would be fabulous with a rigatoni pomodoro too.

12/20/2022 - Jonathan T wrote:

This was tasty, and in the right audience, a real crowd-pleaser. There is a sweetness, almost liqueur like that makes it taste inexpensive though, like a cocktail wine. My guess is that it’s the petite sirah component that contributes that ripe sweet fruit.

12/6/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Fabulous. Very close in quality to the equally overachieving 2016 Napa Valley Cab. I give a slight nod to the 2015 today because it had a delicious, gravelly, mineral streak that elevates the complexity and gives it a more classic profile. Candidate for best cab < $100 this year so far.

11/17/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

After pop-and-pour, this needed a good 60 minutes to unwind. But after it did, it was gorgeous. Not the same level of complexity as the top vintages of HSS but it's packed with all the goodness you expect from Shafer Hillside - velvety sweet fruit, dark chocolate mocha / espresso on the back end, very fine tannins. It's much more extroverted than I had expected, and a total crowd-pleaser. As with all Shafer Hillsides, no need to rush to drink it, but it definitely is entering a nice drinking window.

10/25/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This was my first experience with a Lorraine. Each sip is so inviting, I could not stop drinking it. There is more texture from the grip of tannins than any Reva I've had before and what I believe is missing from syrahs from Saxum. The mouthfeel is tremendous. Flavors are deep and enveloping - more fruit and charcoal minerality and less of the provencal herbs, spice and game meat I get from Reva. Same family, but a different shift in balance of flavors than Reva. This is top-tier syrah from California.

10/18/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Still delicious, but I might have waited too long to drink this bottle. Still one of the prettier domestic sparkling wines at this price point, in my opinion, but this bottle has lost some tension and energy it had when it was younger, and, sadly, much of the fine bubbles. This is the "estate" bottling, presumably only available from the winery.

10/14/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

This may be an unpopular opinion but I actually enjoyed this bottle today more than a 12 Myriad Crane a few months ago. I should have bought more of this! 3 bottles certainly wasn’t enough!

10/13/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Absolutely delicious. Confirms my belief that the best wines from cool, dry years such as 2011 are from the mountain vineyards. May be the best Napa cabernet I've had from the 2011 vintage. And might be the most "TRB" of the Output wines I've had, as strange as it sounds. Many Outpost wines I've had tend to be less extroverted than Schrader or R-M. But this is plush and velvety, rounded tannins, tons of delicious blueberry fruit that you would expect from TRB. Most definitely a crowd-pleasing style.

10/12/2022 - Jonathan T wrote:

I'm hesitant to rate this, because I think it needed to be decanted, and I didn't do it proper justice. Tons of fruit hidden behind a wall of tannins. Seemed a little one-dimensional and certainly very primary. I will give my next bottle a few more years in the cellar before opening.

10/11/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

My impression echoes Christoffer78. He nailed all the descriptors. And I'm having this bottle 5 years after that review, so nothing's changed.
One of the best pinot noirs I've had this year, and quite honestly, one of the best pinots I've ever had from the Santa Barbara region. It's different from Sea Smoke, but strangely also different from other Melville and Brewer-Clifton's I've had. Less of the density and jamminess that Melvile sometimes has, and the fruit does not come off as candied or overripe. Exceptionally well composed. If I were to taste this blind, I wouldn't necessarily assume Cali pinot. There are nuances I typically find in a fine Premier Cru Burgundy.

9/23/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Is there a more consistently delicious Cabernet from Napa, vintage to vintage, at roughly the $100 price point, than Paul Hobbs? Of course, people have caught on how great this wine is, and it's no longer a $75 wine, and more a $110 wine. But factoring inflation, I think it's still worth it. Whether you're opening a bottle at 15 years of age or in its youth, you'll get a 93-95 point experience. Of course there's some extraordinary years like 2002. But hot vintage, cool vintage, drought year, wet year, every bottle I've had of this has been remarkably consistent. Never disappointed.

9/13/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

An amazingly beautiful nose. It wasn't so much barnyard funk to me. More sweetness on the nose reminiscent of wet leaves and berries after an autumn rain. Tannins fully resolved but dustiness still there to give structure to the otherwise silky mouthfeel. Lovely, delicate dried red berry fruits which make this an elegant wine to contemplate and to share with friends and drink with food. It does fade a bit after long exposure to air which shows its age and pedigree, but I wanted more immediately after drinking this. I literally just ordered another couple bottles of this beauty.

9/5/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Really enjoyable. One of the better roses I've had from California. The first time I tasted it, I instantly thought this could be my go-to for a crowd-pleasing rose. Doesn't hurt that it comes in a pretty bottle. Bright, floral, refreshing. Perfect for a summer time feast in 100 degree weather.

8/26/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Absolutely gorgeous wine. Everything that you could ever want from a Russian River pinot. Opened this in honor of Joe Rochioli who had recently passed. This wine is a tribute to him and his legacy. May he rest in peace.

8/22/2022 - Jonathan T wrote:

A solid old-vine syrah, right now still very primary and fruit forward. But didn't come off as special and didn't have as much of the rustic, old-world quality I love about many Bedrock wines.

8/17/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

What a surprise! One of the best < $100 Napa Cabernets I’ve had in a while. It’s been some time since I’ve had a a Gemstone and I didn’t know what to expect. Definitely some TRB handiwork here as a modern-styled cab, fragrant nose, lighter on oak and heavier on rich dark fruit. Great mouthfeel and still considerable tannic grip. Give this one a little more time.

8/11/2022 - Jonathan T wrote:

This is certainly not a subtle pinot noir and will most definitely be polarizing at this stage of its development. Rich, dense, almost chewy in texture. Mouthful of deeply concentrated but very plush fruit. This would go fantastic with duck or a double cut pork chop.

8/5/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Underrated wine from an underrated vintage. Like many Kosta Browne's I have had from the 2000's, this one has aged gracefully. Sadly, my last bottle of this vintage. I'm curious if the KB wines made now by different ownership and different winemaking will be as lovely at 14 years of age as this one.

7/29/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Yet another excellent showing by an early 2000's Heitz Trailside. This bottle was ex-winery, library released to few retail stores prior to the winery sale a few years ago. So, the provenance was perfect, but getting the cork out in one piece was an adventure. Sublime, new world interpretation of an old world style. It will definitely not wow anyone whose palate is acclimated to modern wines, but I loved it, and it transports me to a slower, more analog time in my past. I didn't know at the time of purchase that the winery was getting sold. Otherwise, I would have bought this by the case.

7/25/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

I'm not totally sure how I feel about this pinot. On one hand, it is classy and enjoyable, and clearly made by a producer with decades of experience making honest pinot noir. On the other hand, it is somewhat simplistic - driven heavily by bright red berry fruits and lacking nuances that make the profile taste distinctive. It didn't wow any non-pinot drinkers. Bottom line is, I purchased this bottle on clearance and it was a bargain. I would happily buy it again at that price.

7/15/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Still epic. Just starting to enter a beautiful drinking phase. Tannins are starting to resolve and everything tastes so pure and delicious. I knocked it down one point from my previous note because the nose was a little more muted than before, but I suspect it may be due to the stemware. Advice… don’t be like me, drink this wine with the finest stemware. It deserves it.

7/12/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Excellent Zinfandel. It’s a shame that the last review was posted in 2017. This bottle will likely have a long, linear evolution. 2011 (worst drought year) really benefitted 100+ year old Zinfandel vineyard such as this. Typical dense dark fruits and savory peppery meats, but really nicely balanced which separates this wine from lesser zins.

7/8/2022 - Jonathan T Likes this wine:

Purchased this bottle on a whim, and I'm really impressed by this one. Punches way above it's price point. Beautiful nose with smoked herbs, grilled meats which carries into a savory palate with soy and black tea along with the sweet dark fruits. Only thing missing that I would have liked more of would be some more tannic grip, but overall an excellent wine.