Joseph LaPanna

9.5

Of the older wines I have been pulling from my collection this is one of the real stars! Plump and sexy with aromas of blackberry jam, white pepper, toast and Asian spices. On the palate the richness of the tannins harmonizes with the finesse of the acidity. Black cherry , ripe blackberry, black currant, plum compote and sage finish with finish that lingers like the crack of a whip. It leaves a lasting impression! — 6 hours ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.7

Dark purple with a soft thinning at the rim. Despite the age it offered a soft perfume of vanilla, pencil lead, espresso and black cherry. I imagine when young, the mouth feel was bigger and carried more weight. Time has softened the edges but still exhibits flavors of chocolate, blueberries and blackberries. Time took its toll on the finish but there was a nice minerality laced with soft tea like tannins. — a day ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.5

Pale yellow with a light nose offering pineapple, melon and citrus. The medium bodied Chardonnay held up well for an older vintage. The acid was holding tight with flavors of green apple, pear and white peach finish softly with a touch of granite and chalk. — a month ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.9

What’s not to love about high elevation, old vine garnacha! Dark purple with an opaque rim. The nose was bright and brimming with minerals, earth and Asian spices. Tons of fruit runs from tip to stern; dominated by black cherry lavender and brambley spices. Great depth and grip! — a month ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.9

Bright ruby with a ripe nose of spiced plum, cherries, anise and sandalwood. The round supple tannins and bright acidity show off the black cherry, cola, bacon and cedar in a feminine fashion. The finish is light and soft with sappy undertones. — 6 hours ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.6

Dark purple, thinning at the edges. Aromas of violets, black cherry, and black currant. The wine has evolved nicely with a full to medium body, soft tannins and balanced acidity. The fruit is soft, waxy and almost stewed. The finish is medium in length and adds a nice trail of minerality behind. — 7 hours ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.7

Didn’t expect this wine to have held up but it offered a lot of nice surprises. Color was deep garnet with a thick bricking ring. The nose was soft with red fruit, tasted oak and a slight oxidation note on the finish. In the mouth, the feel was soft and round with more red fruit and tea but the wine changed with every glass, sometimes, in the glass. It never faded to nothing but was breaking down in intensity over time. Fading flavors of figs, tobacco, black tea, licorice and menthol faded in and out in various combinations. It was definitely an interesting journey! — a day ago

Joseph LaPanna

9.2

Bright crimson in color with a bouquet of ripe raspberries and strawberries with subtle hints of rose pedals. The wine is true to its California roots with bright acidity and a core of ripe fruit; tart cranberries, red raspberry, red currant cola and dried dates. The tannins are silky and smooth with a finish that runs as long as the river valley it hails. — 7 hours ago

Joseph LaPanna

9.0

Solid garnet in color. The nose was fresh despite the age; floral with red fruit emanating from the glass. Medium bodied with red currant, wild strawberry, white pepper and vanilla. The finish drew small rings of smoke and flint but was relatively short. — a day ago

Joseph LaPanna

8.8

Labeled a Cote du Rhône but this, mostly Grenache bottling is made with plantings from Sablet and Seguret bordering Gigondas. It brings a bright purple hue with a nose of vanilla, toast tobacco, cedar, cinnamon, black pepper and mint. Just as expressive in the mouth, black currant, leather, blackberries, violets and smoke mingle with a touch of oak. Unfortunately, age has withered the finish but the acidity helps carry the mid palate in an unexpected but pleasant fashion. — a month ago