Isaac Pirolo

9.3

Burgess Cellars has been making overlooked (undeservedly) Cabernet on Howell Mountain since 1972. Their vineyards appear to fall just under the Howell Mountain AVA elevation requirements, so the front label can only say Napa, but there's no question, this is Howell Mountain juice. I'm embarrassed to say this is actually my first Burgess... and after an hour, my embarrassment turns to regret. Black currant, cassis, cocoa powder, espresso, and cedar make an excellent case for distinction. The secondary black tea, underbrush, menthol, and bing cherry offer confirmation of its deserved status. — 2 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

After 40 inches of rain the sun is back. Freshly picked raspberry straight off the vine, white pepper, and loaded with purity. Rebirth! — 23 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.0

100% Marsanne. White peach, lemon zest, and loaded with stone minerality. — a month ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.0

Founded in 1880 by Augustus Quitzow, Sonoma's Geyser Peak is California's 29th bonded winery. Their Russian River Valley Pluto's Fury is GP's top Pinot Noir. From the Middle Reach of RRV (immediately south of Healdsburg and where the river exits Alexander Valley and enters RRV). Produced from vineyard sites situated among the Westside Road wineries and vineyards, including Williams Selyem's Estate, J. Rochioli, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Allen, and Flax vineyards (to name just a few). While this won't be mistaken for Selyem or Rochioli, it's quite representative of the locale, with copious amounts of black cherry, clove, charred oak, with some secondary baking spice and barbecue smoke. The silky, yet structured mouthfeel works wonders, accentuating every curve. — 9 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

From Bodegas El Nido, a collaboration between the Gil family and Chris Ringland, Clio is a 70/30 blend of Mourvèdre (Monastrell, as it's known in Spain) and Cabernet Sauvignon. From vineyards in the Jumilla DO in the region of Murcia, located in southeastern Spain. Roughly 85% of Jumilla's production is Monastrell. This is a steakhouse style wine. Over-the-top, rich blackberry and blueberry that falls somewhere between preserves and glaze, singed cedar, dried underbrush, with a vanilla driven perfume that evokes the first scent you get at a speciality cake shop. — 22 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.4

Closing in on three feet of rain from Harvey. Reaching for something strong. Plumpjack's 2013 Syrah comes from two of the most high profile Napa vineyards for Syrah, Hudson and Stagecoach. Creosote, mocha, crème de cassis, black raspberry, leather, wild game, incense, lavender, and licorice. A mouth-staining mix of Northern Rhone flavor and Southern Rhone richness, with Napa Valley polish. — 24 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.4

Planted in 1953 by Otty Hayne while he was home from college, along with his father. The vines are all head-trained, dry-farmed and organic. Turley has made their Hayne Vineyard Petite Syrah since 1993. Opening this was borderline infanticide, but it was my first Turley Petite Syrah. A massive beast, but the black and blue fruit is high-toned, and accompanied by an almost Mad Max inspired collection of secondary notes, including iron, graphite, scorched earth, and burning wood that are only reinforced by the strength of the tannin. However, lavender pastille is cleverly woven throughout and should move to the front of the stage over time, avoiding complete dystopia. — 14 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

Eroica is the collaboration of Washington's largest riesling producer, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Mosel's Weingut Dr. Loosen. 2012 was the first vintage of Gold, which is done in an Auslese style and sourced from two Washington vineyards, Viewcrest and CSM's Horse Heaven. It's a lip-smacking, off-dry explosion of orange marmalade, grilled pineapple, Anjou pear, and lime zest, with a healthy dose of botrytis and ample acidity. — 15 days ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.1

Isaac had this 23 days ago

with April, Jeff and 1 other

Isaac Pirolo

9.4

Merlot... I had no idea... so plush. A chocolate and plum jacket that makes you feel safe. Lush, and like a silk pillow. I would pair this with Pink Floyd's comfortably numb. — a month ago