December 2, 2012 - Wine was reserved when first opened but with some air nice notes of garrigue, kirsch, and berries on the nose. The palate was initially tight, with garrigue, red berries and a bit of minerality. This need some more cellar time before it really starts to get good.
September 24, 2011 - New Arrival Southern Rhone Wines (Beltramo's, Menlo Park): Medium red. A bit of funk. Light to medium body-this is a reserved, more elegant style. Nice segue of red fruit to herbs, pretty classic in this respect. Not as impressive on the finish either in terms of length or harmony. New producer for me and I liked many aspects of the wine.
April 18, 2011 - Beltramos 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape tasting: Dark, nice intensity, good structure. Quite good.
April 5, 2011 - 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape cask and barrel samples (Beltramo's Wines and Spirits, Menlo Park, California): Barrel sample - dark red violet color; garrigue, roasted berry, ripe berry, kirsch nose; tight, ripe berry, tart berry, garrigue, red berry palate, needs 2-3 years; medium-plus finish 91+ points (80% Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvedre)