CellarTracker 2023 Year in Wine is Live! See insights >

Tasting Notes for Stephen Rash

(477 notes on 414 wines)

1 - 50 of 477 Sort order
Red
27th Anniversary Cellar Pull. Ravenswood wines age gracefully and this 1997 Monte Rosso vineyard Zinfandel was no exception! Mostly tertiary, but still holding on to some primary fruit. The palate is still lively with silky tannins and a beautiful acid streak lasting into the long finish. The only downfall was the amount of sediment that had fallen out.
Red
Opened for my 50th birthday. It was garnet in color with bricking at the edges. I didn't take very good notes, but there was still primary fruit and plenty of acidity left to give it structure and lift.
Red
Not as expressive as I had hoped, but still a delicious wine. Red fruit, licorice, herbs, pepper, and Sonoma dust on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with acidity and tannins in balance. So long on the finish with tastes mirroring those on the nose. On day 2, this was just as tight and not wanting to let go of it's secrets. I'd give it another 2-3 years before it hits full stride.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
For being 26 years old, this still was hanging on to its youthful side while showing some tertiary class. Aromas of fresh cherries, mushrooms, forest floor, and cedar on the nose. Tastes of cherry cough syrup, tobacco, graphite, pepper, and hints of caramel on the medium(+) bodied palate. There was still a nice acid streak that gave some lift and a nice tannic grip that gave a nice texture through the long finish. I'm glad a took a chance on this at an auction site!
Red
9/9/2023 - Stephen Rash Likes this wine:
93 points
This Syrah can be summed up in four words: full-bodied, complex, Umami, and class!! Just a stunning vintage from Thompson Vineyard. Constantly evolving with every sip. Aromas of blackberries, plum, strawberries, smoke, olive, and tar on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, soy sauce, and black pepper on the palate.
Red
Deep, intellectual, and masculine Syrah with a savory boost. Very Cornas-like!!
White
7/28/2023 - Stephen Rash Likes this wine:
92 points
Mango, peach, orange zest, honey, and white flowers on the nose and palate. The little bit of residual sugar was perfectly in balance with the acidity. Wow! I wish I had ordered more of this.
Red
7/28/2023 - Stephen Rash Likes this wine:
91 points
This was very stoic and slow to reveal itself on day 1, but on day 3 WOW!! Blackberry, plum, olives, shoe leather, herbs, and violets on the nose and palate. Great weight throughout and just enough presence of tannins to add texture to the palate. Deep, yet elegant Syrah! Drink or hold, this is in good shape.
Red
Drank this over two nights and day 2 was WOW!

DAY 1: PnP and it took 30 minutes in the glass for some funk to blow off and then aromas of cassis and herbs presented themselves faintly on the nose. The palate was fresh and complex with tastes of blackberry, cassis, violets, and black pepper. Full-bodied, but not heavy, with tannins that left their grip on the gums through the long, black pepper finish.

DAY 2: The nose was reticent on the first day, but on day 2 there were aromas of cherry, cassis, roasted meat, sanguine, and herbs. The palate was a show stopper on this wine. Fresh and lively with bold tastes of cherry cassis, violets, and black pepper. The grippy, peppery finish was just as long and wonderful as the first day.
Red
4/21/2023 - Stephen Rash Likes this wine:
93 points
This is the best Grenache that I have ever had rom California. Aromas of fresh strawberries, red licorice, blood orange, sage, and rosemary leads the way to the palate that is fresh and intense with great energy. Tastes of strawberries, lemon peel, and white pepper continue on the finish for well over a minute!
Red
4/11/2023 - Stephen Rash wrote:
Light and effortless on the palate; everything has come into balance and is a very elegant Gigondas!
Red
Beautiful Syrah and the best I've had from Cody. Early WOTY Candidate. Aromas of blackberry, smoke, herbs de Provence, pepper, and peony on the nose; tastes of blackberry, cherry, and pepper on the palate. Acidity adds great lift and length to the finish.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
Drank a lot differently than the bottle I had 7 months ago. This bottle was fresher and more primary with black cherry, kirsch, blood orange, smoked meat, and garrigue on the nose. Full bodied with balanced acidity and tannins that were fully integrated. Cherry, kirsch, and white pepper on the palate.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
Purple in color and opaque in the glass. Aromas of roasted meat, tar, and smoke dominate the nose with hints of raspberry in the background. Beautiful raspberry fruit on the palate along with black pepper. Everything was in balance and I just thoroughly enjoyed this Saint JOseph!
Red
Still young and primary yet drinking beautifully. Blackberry, black cherry, roasted meat, cinnamon, and walnut shell on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, black cherry, garrigue, and cinnamon on the palate. Great acidity with chalky tannins and a long, peppery finish.
Red
Dark garnet in color and lightening towards the edge. Black cherry, roasted meat, chocolate, orange rind, and black pepper. Nice acidity and texture on the palate! Still many years left for this one.
Red
12/20/2022 - Stephen Rash wrote:
flawed
Corked. Cody and Emily sent a replacement bottle
Red
12/9/2022 - Stephen Rash wrote:
Dark garnet in color with slight bricking at the edge. Aromas of dried cherries, cassis, red licorice, leather, and garrigue on the nose. Tastes of cherries and white pepper on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with chalky tannins. This rustic Gigondas had a great nose with wonderful texture on the palate.
Red
Dark garnet in color lightening towards the edge, but no signs of bricking. Dried cherries, raisins, mushrooms, forest floor, and cocoa powder on the nose. Cherries and pepper on the palate. Long, peppery finish. Always love Ridge!!
Red
2019 Bedrock Wine Co. Heritage Wine Papera Ranch Russian River Valley Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel (view label images)
Very primary with aromas of blackberry, plum, peach skins, and pepper on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, black raspberry, and pepper on the palate. Acid and tannins are already in balance and this drank way too easily!
3 people found this helpful Comment
Red
12/9/2022 - Stephen Rash wrote:
Very tertiary with aromas of dried cherries, prunes, chocolate, aged meat, leather and dried flower petals. Tastes of cherries, dried cranberries, and pepper on the palate. Tannins were fully resolved and their was still an acid streak that gave energy to the palate.
White
Golden yellow in color and clear in the glass. Aromas of dried apricots, bruised apples, marzipan, honey, and white flowers on the nose. Tastes of bruised apples, almonds, white chocolate?, and minerality on the palate. Still a zip of acidity left to add the perfect amount of lift t the palate. A stunning Rhone blend!
White
11/13/2022 - Stephen Rash wrote:
I really enjoyed this as it was my first Condrieu. Aromas of stone fruit, citrus blossoms, and minerality on the nose; tastes of peach, orange rind, and white flowers on the palate; NIce creaminess to the palate.
White
Intoxicating nose of apricots, peaches, almonds, honeysuckle, and slight hints of vanilla. A beautiful palate with tastes of apricots, peaches, citrus rind, and white pepper. Unctuous, but not heavy; the acidity gives a nice lift to the end of the palate and into the finish.
Red
2017 Ridge Geyserville Alexander Valley Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel (view label images)
Great on day 1, but just Wow on Day 2!! On day 2, aromas of blackberries, prunes, roasted meat, earthy loam, and black pepper on the nose. Tastes of blackberries, cherries, and black pepper on the palate. Balanced and elegant!!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
11/13/2022 - Stephen Rash wrote:
Aging gracefully. Dark garnet in color with slight bricking on the edge. Still has acidity which adds nice texture. Cherry cordial, chocolate, leather and dill.
Red
Almost two years since I tasted my last bottle of this and it has developed nicely in bottle. Aromas of blackberry, tar, herbs, and violets on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, plum, herbs, and black pepper on the palate. The acidity and tannins complimented each other providing an amazing mouthfeel and texture.
2 people found this helpful Comment
White
This is probably my favorite domestic white wine! Aromas of white peach, apricots, honey, chalk, and honeysuckle on the nose; tastes of peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and white pepper on the palate. Beautiful texture on the palate and an extremely, long finish
Red
What a gorgeous Zinfandel!! Aromas of blackberry, plum, herbs, and pepper on the nose; tastes of blackberry, and pepper on the palate; medium(+) body with plush, velvety tannins; long, fruity finish. This wine just solidifies my love for Pagani Ranch.
Red
10/5/2022 - Stephen Rash wrote:
This full-bodied petite sirah was way too young to be opened! I didn't care for the amount of oak on day 1. The oak was less obtrusive to my nose and palate on day 2. Plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, and dried flowers on the nose; blck cherry, caramel, herbs, and pepper on the palate. Long, oaky finish.
Red
Exuded class and complexity for three days. It never lost anything from cork pop to last sip. This is the best cool-climate Syrah I've had in a long time. Plum, mint, tar, roasted meat, herbs, and black pepper aromas made me want to keep swirling and sniffing. Plum, lavender, and black pepper on the full-bodied palate. Slightly grippy tannins let you know this was still young and has a long ways to go.
Red
2019 Andrew Murray Roasted Slope Santa Barbara County Syrah Blend, Syrah (view label images)
When I last had this wine 8 months ago, I picked up aromas of peach skin which I did not get on this bottle. Aromas of blackberry, crushed rock, roasted meat, and violets on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, sanguine, licorice, and pepper on the palate. I always love the fresh, floral aspects to this wine that the co-fermented Viognier provides.
Red
Amazing ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, spice, forest floor, and white pepper on the nose. Medium body, medium acidity, and medium(+) tannins. Tastes of pomegranate, acai, and white pepper on the palate. Long, peppery finish. An incredible red for summer!
1 person found this helpful Comment
White
Leaner and more feminine than the 2020. Aromas of apricots, almonds, and white flowers on the palate. Tastes of apricots, white flowers, and minerality on the palate. Medium(+) body, medium acidity, and a medium finish.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
A very complex nose of blackberry, blueberry, salty olive, sanguine, coffee, and pepper. Medium(+) body, medium acidity, and medium(+) tannins. Blackberry and pepper on the palate that linger for awhile on the long finish.
Red
The best vintage I've had of this wine! A beautiful nose of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and pepper. Palate is similar to the nose with the addition of some baking spices. Medium(+) body with velvety tannins and a long peppery finish.
Red
Dark garnet in color w/slight bricking at the edge. Great nose of blackberries, raspberries, tar, and violets. Tastes of blackberry, raspberry, violets, and pepper on the palate. Still fresh and vibrant at 12 years. Elegant and polished with integrated tannins.
Red
Beautiful Syrah that I decanted for 1 hour while making dinner and enjoyed over the rest of the night. Very complex nose with velvety tannins. A pleasure to drink and I wish I had more bottles!

Aromas of blackberry, plum, blood (sanguine), olives, camphor, herbs, and black pepper on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, plum, olives, and black pepper on the palate. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. Long, olivey finish.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2020 Andrew Murray Roasted Slope Santa Barbara County Syrah Blend, Syrah (view label images)
Nice young Syrah that is drinking great right now, but I feel will really shine in a couple years. Aromas of blackberry, plum, blood, olive, menthol, and pepper on the nose. Tastes of blackberry, plum, blood, roasted meat, and pepper on the palate. Long, slightly astringent finish.
White
Light and delicate nose of white peach, lime zest, lemon/lime blossoms, petrol, and honey. Lemon and white flowers on the palate with a long acidic finish. Another beautifully made Riesling by Cody!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
Purple in color and clear in the glass. Aromas of cherry, cranberry, blood orange, mint, herbs, and dried florals on the nose. Tastes of cherry, white pepper, and dried flower petals on the palate. Medium(+) in body with medium tannins. Long, peppery finish. This was a really nice Grenache and I am glad I have another bottle.
Red
Dark garnet in color with slight bricking at the edge. Very tertiary at first, taking almost an hour of air to coax out any fruit. Very complex nose. Balanced Gigondas and the only complaint was the thin (watery) finish.

Glass 1 (pnp) - Aromas of plum, spice, roasted meat, pine needles, and black olive on the nose. Tastes of cherry, pomegranate, and baking spice on the palate.

Glass 2 (4 hours later) - Aromas of cherry, plum, licorice, spice, pine needles, and olive on the nose. Tastes of cherry, olive, and pepper on the palate.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
Opened this birth year wine for my daughters 21st birthday.

It was a pristine cork that I got out with ease with my wine key

Pnp with aromas of figs, chocolate, and roasted meat on the nose. Tastes of cherry, garrigue, and pepper on the palate. Very tertiary but some fruit came out with time in the glass. Fully integrated and was a pleasure to drink. Maybe a few years past peak, but definitely not on the downhill.
Red
Dark garnet in color w/slight hints of bricking and opaque in the glass; aromas of cherry, cassis, caramel, graphite, and hints of eucalyptus on the nose; tastes of cherry, graphite, and white pepper on the palate; medium body, medium(+) acidity, integrated tannins. There is still lots of life left in this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon!!
Red
Purple in color and opaque in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, iron/blood (sanguine), dried herbs, and pepper on the nose; tastes of blackberry, black cherry, and black pepper on the palate; medium(+) body, medium(+) acidity, and medium(+) tannins; long finish. So good and balanced already!!
Red
Purple in color and opaque in the glass; aromas of blackberry, roasted meat, black pepper, and lavender on the nose; tastes of blackberry, herbs, violets, and black pepper on the palate; medium(+) body, medium acidity, and medium(+) tannins. I love fruit from the John Sebastiano vineyard and this wine from Zac Wasserman solidified that!
Red
This is a very young Syrah that drank well over two days, but needs more time in the bottle for everything to come together. Purple in color and opaque in the glass

DAY 1: Aromas of blackberry, black licorice, tar, black pepper, and violets on the nose; tastes of blackberry, tar, and black pepper on the palate; full-bodied, medium acidity, and medium(+) tannins; slightly astringent finish

DAY 2: Aromas of blackberry, tar, iron, herbs, and violets on the nose; tastes of blackberry, herbs, and black pepper on the palate
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
This Syrah from Joey Tensley was absolutely beautiful and drank even better on day 3! Purple in color and opaque in the glass

Day 1: Aromas of blackberry, smoke, briny olive, and lavender on the nose; tastes of blackberry, briny olive, iron, and pepper on the palate; medium(+) body, medium(+) acidity, and medium(+) tannins that were slightly grippy; long, salty and minerally finish.

Day 3: Aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, olive, and lavender on the nose with tastes of blackberry and black pepper on the palate.
Red
2018 Ridge Geyserville Alexander Valley Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel (view label images)
This drank well, but did not live up to the Geyserville hype! Muted nose and had to really concentrate to pinpoint aromas. I feel it was either slightly flawed or just shut down.
2 people found this helpful Comments (1)
Red
Purple in color and clear in the glass; Aromas of blackberry, pomegranate, cherry, roasted meat, dried eucalyptus/floral, and violets on the nose; taste sof blackberry, eucalyptus/dried flowers, and pepper on the palate; medium(+) body, medium acidity, medium(+) grippy tannins; long, peppery and dried floral finish. Beautiful wine!
1 person found this helpful Comment
1 - 50 of 477
More results
  • Tasting Notes: 477 notes on 414 wines
© 2003-24 CellarTracker! LLC.

Report a Problem

Close