Bill Bender

9.3

While I’m a sucker for rose’ I rarely rate them this high. This is a different animal. I’d say it’s more of a “with food” rose’ than a “lounging by the pool” rose’. Ample weight and a full mouthfeel, strawberry/rhubarb pie filling, bold and savory with a dollop of all-spice. I enjoyed this immensely and it made great strides as it warmed up. I’d serve at 65+ degrees. Shout out to @Connor McMahon and @Rebecca McMahon for loving what they do and making it show in our glass. Cheers. — 15 days ago

Bill Bender

9.3

Chocolate covered cedar chips and cherry compote. Juicy mountain fruit with admirable balance — a month ago

Bill Bender

9.4

The last 2 years of rest have worked wonders in allowing this to shed what were some substantial tannins. Noticeable structure and weight, racy dark cherry with some blood orange zest. A very engaging wine. — 2 months ago

Bill Bender

9.5

If I was to identify a North Coast California vintage that is a “go to” right now I’d select the ‘05 without reservation, I’ve had so many spectacular samples lately and I’m smitten. This Backus was just singing tonight. Gorgeous, powerful multi dimensional nirvana. — 18 days ago

Bill Bender

9.5

A big lush PN that does what it does extremely well. — a month ago

Bill Bender

9.5

I opened a ‘12 about three years ago and it was completely shut down. Additional time in the bottle has served this well. A completely different wine. Significant power and depth combined with finesse and style. A 50% Merlot/40% Cab/10% PV Super Tuscan, it is absolutely exquisite. Rich crimson fruit and dark chocolate accelerate through the mid palate and linger with a lengthy gripping finish. — 2 months ago

Bill Bender

9.6

An extracted, plush wine with a delicious core of crimson fruit, a dash of herb roasted meat and chocolate lava cake. The perfect companion to good company and NY strip. Phenomenal but just slightly less compelling than the ‘08 I had in November. — a month ago

Bill Bender

9.3

Rich, bright red youthful fruit — a month ago

Bill Bender

9.2

Some real heft for a domestic SB. More ginger gold/green apple than citrus in terms of flavor profile. I catch a grassy element here that works, some white nectarine....very steely. A unique expression. — a month ago

Bill Bender

9.6

3 hour Audoze followed by a 2 hour decant and poured back in the bottle for dinner. This was extraordinary! Every bit as impressive as the ‘01 and ‘02. Robust blackberries, graphite, a smooth yet substantial mouthfeel and a sensational lingering finish. I recall reading a review of the Shafer HSS that descried the wine as “an elegant sledgehammer”....a perfectly succinct and apt description — 2 months ago