12/16/2021 - John at WAJ wrote:

Nice Rutherford Cab, but lacks several characteristics typical to wines from this area - light with herbs rather than dirt with chocolate. Far over priced at more than $200.

8/18/2018 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

A departure from the usual big Sonoma/Napa Cabs. I don't see a need to age it much, just drink when you're ready. Blending with Zin and Barbera drags nose and palate see it as a mid-priced central-Italian table wine. A little over-priced for the product, but nice enough.

10/29/2017 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Excellent $9 Chardonnay. Nice citrus and apple.

12/19/2016 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Very smooth for the price, good everyday drinking wine.

5/10/2016 - John at WAJ wrote:

Edge of oak, high acidity.

5/9/2016 - John at WAJ wrote:

Pleasant overall, but has a rough edge this young. Hold until 2018 or beyond.

2/10/2016 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Very smooth at a great price. Red berries with a hint of floral. Refreshing.

12/14/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Slightly floral in the glass with concentrated fruit, hint of oak and minerality in the sip. Comes from a hilltop shale vineyard that produces concentrated fruit, which comes through in the wine.

11/29/2015 - John at WAJ wrote:

Excellent Napa Valley Malbec. Let it open an hour. Smooth and full of dark fruits.

11/21/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Give it an hour or two to open up. Ready to drink now.

11/24/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Much like a Syrah on the palate.

11/25/2015 - John at WAJ wrote:

Nice blend that is not very heavy despite 70% Cabernet Sauvignon. Good summer sipping.

11/14/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Bought a case to lay down, but opened a bottle to sample while it's still young. Could use a few more years in the cellar, but right now it shows excellent balance.

11/16/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Full-bodied Carneros Pinot Noir featuring black cherry and cranberry. Perfect Thanksgiving wine.

11/6/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Clean with floral notes, Apple and subtle minerality.

10/28/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Dark berries with vanilla and light oak. Very smooth and ready to drink. Will only improve with 2 or 3 more years in the bottle. Let open 2 or 3 hours.

10/20/2015 - John at WAJ wrote:

Appropriately priced around $13. Opens up after an hour, but still a bit listless.

10/17/2015 - John at WAJ wrote:

Tasted this wine at Vino Godfather's tasting room grand opening. A pleasant red blend with Tempranillo and Petite Syrah. Smooth, though slightly grapey. Good to sip alone or with hearty foods.
Ready to drink now.

10/17/2015 - John at WAJ Does not like this wine:

Tasted this wine at Vino Godfather's tasting room grand opening. An unoaked Chardonnay, but with high acidity (VG makes a 2013 Speakeasy Chardonnay with mild oak if that's your preference).
Be careful when buying Vino Godfather whites, the labels are confusing. The 2013 Prohibition White (wine I'm rating here) is primarily Chardonnay, while the 2012 Prohibition White is primarily Pinot Grigio with 4% Viognier. Label notes are same on both vintages (not helpful). Go by the vintage and the green (2012) or white (2013)band on the foil (see photo).

10/17/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Tasted this wine at Vino Godfather's tasting room grand opening. A solid summer wine with excellent balance and mild citrus. Steel tanked, no oak, a blend of 96% Pinot Grigio and 4% Viognier.
Be careful when buying Vino Godfather whites, the labels are confusing. The 2012 Prohibition White (wine I'm rating here) is primarily Pinot Grigio, while the 2013 Prohibition White is primarily Chardonnay (unoaked and actually very nice). Label notes are same on both vintages (not helpful). Go by the vintage and the green or white band on the foil (see photo).

10/15/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

A lighter Zin with good balance. Consider holding in the cellar until 2017.

10/3/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

White Oak’s 2012 Alexander Valley Zinfandel has been a great late-summer find. I picked up a few bottles during a recent visit to their tasting room on Highway 128 and was anxious to pair it with a hearty meal.
I tasted the wine before decanting and then again after about three hours. It opened up nicely. Smooth finish with lots of black berry fruit and hints of black cherry (click here for wine maker’s notes). Paired it with a secret recipe for lightly spiced bun-less burgers and the Zinfandel held its own. This is a great Zinfandel at $40 (tasting room).
Could cellar it for a couple more years, but opens up nicely as-is.

9/29/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

An hour in the decanter helps a lot, otherwise very smooth and balanced.

9/24/2015 - John at WAJ wrote:

Lighter than I thought it would be, glad I didn't let it sit any longer.

9/9/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

An excellent and refreshing summer wine, very sippable in the heat we've had here lately in Northern California. Only 13% alcohol.
My first sip gave a hint of plum, but quickly behind it emerged strawberry, kiwi, cherry and pear. Winemaker Nancy Walker’s online notes say to look for guava-pineapple, key-lime and pomegranate, too. The wine is made from 60% Carignange, 20% Zinfandel, 10% Syrah and 10% Petit Sirah.

9/7/2015 - John at WAJ Likes this wine:

Clean and crisp, even when served a tad above cold. Light on the oak with a smooth finish.