Ming Liang

8.6

Subtle nose of lime, citrus, peach, and hint of chalk. Palate was refreshing but thin. Oak influence was kept to the minimum, though still detectable. Light and simple. Kind of disappointed.
I think the restaurant chilled the bottle a bit too much. Would like to try again. — 4 days ago

Ming Liang

8.6

A smooth easy drinking Malbec. Nice acidity. For under $15, no complains here. — 22 days ago

Ming Liang

9.0

Irresistible nose of blackberry, blueberry, cedar, chocolate mint, fungus, and hint of BBQ smoke. Feels slightly ripe on the palate, but balanced nicely by medium to high acidity. Polished round tannins.
The 2nd vintage release from Merryvale, Forward Kidd features Petite Sirah (52%) with Malbec, CS, Syrah, Petite Verdot, and CF round out the rest of the blend. 22 months in 35% French oak. Not quite Profile, but a beautiful blend nevertheless. — a month ago

Ming Liang

8.9

Red cherry anchors the bright red fruit core with complimentary notes of blackberry, spice, violet, incense and some earthy elements. The plush yet delicate palate is medium to full with silky tannins and a medium but harmonious finish.
I don’t drink Cabernet Franc often, but this is so nice. — a month ago

Ming Liang

8.9

A beautiful blend of Cab Franc and Malbec with dash of Syrah. On the nose it was a interplay between red and black fruits, violet, and hint of barnyard. Entry was smooth, fresh, and elegant, building up an intense mid palate with spice, pepper, chocolate and a long meaty finish. I really like what Marcelo Pelleriti, of 100-point Chateau La Violette and 99-point Chateau Le Guy fame, is doing with all these projects with various artist in Argentina. — 5 days ago

Ming Liang

8.7

Their Silver Unoaked bottle was not really my cup of tea, so I wondered what an oaked bottle would be like.
Nice nose mix of stone fruits, melon, and lime, and hint of sea breeze as well. Palate was round and smooth, with notes of minerals and some tropical fruits. Acidity is a bit dull, with a medium spicy finish. Not bad at all. — a month ago

Ming Liang

9.3

I bought this bottle because the label claims the winery was the first one to use Meritage for its Bordeaux blend, back in 1985, and did not expect it to be this good.
The nose is deep, complex elegant with classic cassis, cedar, and tobacco with flair of slightly ripe plum and cranberry. Hint of anise and Chinese herbs too. The entry was soft, silky, round almost feminine, slowly building up to a full body with great texture and good tension between medium acidity and bitter sweet authoritative powdery tannins. A real beauty! — a month ago

Ming Liang

8.9

Not as concentrated and powerful as the 2013, but the fruits feel fresher and the acidity brighter while still maintaining pretty much the same structure and tannins profile. It’s drinking nicely right now, but can be aged for another 5-8 years easily. Fantastic!
There are a handful Napa wineries which Napa Cab bottling can be still had for under $20, and Franciscan is one of them. If you can still find 13, 14, or 15 vintages at around $20, buy it. — 17 days ago

Ming Liang

8.9

The 2016 Southern Rhône blend added significant amount of Counoise, Petite Sirah, and Tannat to the traditional GSM. And the winery note was spot on: Inviting nose of vanilla, red fruit and tobacco lead to flavors of strawberry and Rainier cherries. The fruit forward character of the Grenache and Counoise shine through on the palate while the Petite Sirah and Tannat create a juicy finish with soft tannins and a hint of spice.
375 cases made. — a month ago

Ming Liang

8.6

The aromatic nose was a good mix of citrus and tropical fruits and light toast. Wondered if I chilled it a bit too much in a hot day, but the palate was crisp and refreshing with medium to high acidity. Not much oak influence noticed. Simple but delicious. — a month ago