Benovia
Martaeilla Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
The Benovia Pinot Noir (2019) opens with an inviting bouquet that immediately signals elegance. On the palate, it is silky and refined, carrying a texture that glides effortlessly across the tongue. The medium acidity provides balance, keeping the wine lively without overwhelming its softer qualities.
Flavors unfold in layers: dark berry notes—think blackberry and black cherry—form the core, offering richness and depth. These fruit tones are complemented by hints of baking spice, adding warmth and complexity that linger through the finish. Together, the fruit and spice creates a pleasing profile that is approachable and sophisticated.
The Benovia Pinot Noir’s structure is graceful, with tannins that are gentle yet supportive, allowing the flavors to shine without harshness. Its finish is long and smooth, leaving behind a memory of ripe fruit and a whisper of spice.
Overall, this is a lovely Pinot Noir! And I recommend it. — 2 months ago
Michael David Winery
Earthquake Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
I didn’t have expectations when I opened this bottle, but Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon proved to be a nice discovery. This 2021 Lodi cab delivers beyond its modest price point, opening with an assertive nose that hints at the intensity to come.
The first taste reveals bold, concentrated dark fruit that dominates the palate—ripe blackberry takes center stage, supported by layers of black cherry that add depth and complexity. There’s a jammy richness here that speaks to Lodi’s warm climate and the wine’s full ripeness at harvest. What genuinely surprised me was the balance. Despite the fruit-forward intensity, there’s nothing cloying or one-dimensional about this Cabernet.
The oak integration is particularly well-handled, providing a smooth, vanilla-tinged backdrop that rounds out the wine’s edges without overwhelming the fruit. The finish lingers pleasantly, carrying those dark berry notes through with a silky texture that makes this remarkably easy to drink.
Rating: recommend for every day drinking  — 6 days ago
Andrew Murray
Tous les Jours Central Coast Syrah 2021
Decent Syrah. Deep pleasant aromas in the glass. A bit tart for my taste but still drinks well. — 2 months ago
J. Lohr
Hilltop Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Mark had this 25 days ago
Hall Wines
Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Hall, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
This Mount Veeder Cabernet delivers impressive consistency, with ripe plum and blackberry flavors that open the wine and carry seamlessly through the mid-palate. The concentration and depth are excellent—a direct result of the small grapes produced in Mount Veeder’s challenging terrain.
What stands out is the wine’s wide structure balanced by soft, approachable tannins. It’s substantial without being heavy, offering both immediate pleasure and the framework to age gracefully.
Definitely a special occasion recommend! — 2 months ago
Rutherford Hill
Napa Valley Merlot 2021
The Rutherford Hill Napa Merlot (2021) reveals a deep ruby core with subtle garnet reflections, suggesting youthful vibrancy with potential for short-term development. The nose is precise and layered, offering blackberry and raspberry fruit interwoven with cedar nuances, indicative of measured oak influence.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with light acidity that enlivens the fruit profile while maintaining balance.
Tannins are fine-grained and unobtrusive, supporting a bright structural framework that lends clarity and poise.
The finish is clean and persistent, marked by freshness rather than weight, making this a versatile companion to dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or semi-hard cheeses. — 2 months ago
Mark Osmers
The 2020 vintage of Michael David Freak Show is a blend for everyday drinking. A blend of Syrah (appx 54%), Petite Sirah (appx 42%) and Souzao (appx 4%), it is a balanced, fruit-forward red wine with notes of dark berries and plum. Although it does not provide the complexity and tannic structure of a Napa or Sonoma Cabernet, neither does it come with the same price tag.
I recommend this wine, but just find the circus-themed bottle label a little freaky. — 6 hours ago