Boen Wines
'Tri Appellation' Santa Barbara, Monterey, Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2021
Wagner did a nice job with this Pinot. Nice clarity in the glass. Notes of bright cherry, herbal notes, black tea and a ting of vanilla. The finish is more than ample. Maybe the bottle age adds a bit on the back end. Better than its RRV sister. — 3 months ago
Dovecote
Red Tail Thompson Vineyard Red Rhone Blend
Visited this gem of a winery last year. 2021 brings 56% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 23% Mourvédre, and 12% Petite Sirah, with 8% whole cluster fruit in the blend. Not much nose, but you'll initially get some savory spices of fennel and thyme in the glass. As it evolves the complexity shines. Cassis, dark currants and a smokiness. Medium to full bodied. Make a point of visiting for a tasting. — a month ago
Ladera Vineyards
Howell Mountain Malbec 2015
Last vintage of this Ladera Howell Mtn Malbec. Opens to a mouthful of red berries and a juicy texture. Soft tannins elongate the finish. This is a great juice. — 2 months ago
Brave & Maiden Estate
Bequest Los Olivos District Cabernet Franc Blend 2021
Just an exquisite red blend from B&M. Produced in a Bordeaux style. Beautiful nose. Opens with blackberry, a hint of cinnamon and a chocolate sweetness to balance it out. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 12.5% Merlot, 12.5% Cabernet Franc. This will drink well for a while. Don't pass on this winery/winemaker if you're in Santa Ynez. — 2 months ago
Louis Jadot
Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay 1559
Easy drinker. Pale straw hues in the glass and medium white fruits on the nose. Light citrusy lemon, melon and green apple on the palate. A good balance of acidity and minerality. Don't kill this with an icy chill. Drink this with a light chill for optimum flavor. — 3 months ago
Ken Venezio
100% mountain Cab sourced from vineyards in Atlas Peak and Calistoga. This production was a partnership between Ladera Vineyards and a now defunct Napa producer. Opens with blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate. Big mouthfeel but the wine will need a long decant. Wine should age well. — a month ago