Ming L

9.0

Lovely Nebbiolo rose. Fragrant nose with abundance of chalky mineral and seashell salinity. Crisp and refreshing. Just a hot summer day needs. — 2 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The reasonably-priced Right Bank is probably my favorite from the winery. For 2018, it’s a blend of 56% Cab Franc and 44% Merlot.

The perfumed nose offers lush dark cherry, plum, and violet aromas, layered with hints of tobacco, cocoa, and early autumn leaves. The palate is velvety yet structured, with bright acidity balancing ripe fruit and savory spice. Polished tannins lead to a lingering finish with notes of mocha and dried herbs. — 9 days ago

Ming L

9.2

I opened my go-to Knights Valley Cabernet to compare it with the Trace Ridge from Jackson Estate. While the two share a similar aromatic profile, this offers a fuller body, greater depth, and a firmer structure, making it the more sophisticated of the two.

This is the KB, the entry level cab. Prior notes apply. — 14 days ago

Ming L

9.3

From my favorite winery in Central coast, this ‘16 Southern Rhone blend with 78% Grenache is rich, dark, and brooding. Tremendous complexity. So different than the ‘18 Miner Odyssey.
Prior notes applied. — 19 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Of the many Zinfandel bottlings from Turley, those from Sonoma (over Napa and Paso) are my favorite.

With some age, this shows a lovely mix of blue and red fruits, accented by dried herbs and a touch of smoke. On the palate, it’s reserved and balanced - much less rich than I expected. The acidity is quite high-toned, high alcohol is well concealed, and the finish is delicious and long. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The 2017 shows some nice bottle aging development compared to the 2021, trading some of the exuberant flash for greater nuance. Still plush and fruit-driven, but the oak influence has mellowed, allowing notes of dried herbs, graphite, and earth to come through. Just enough acidity to hold things together, while softened tannins lend a smooth finish.
— 10 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Nicely aged Pinot in peak form. The nose still shows traces of sweet cherry and raspberry along with steeped red tea, worn leather, baking spice, and dried earth. Palate echoes the nose. Medium body with snappy acidity. Tannins still have good grip.
Can’t get enough of ABC! — 16 days ago

Ming L

9.1

This exceeds expectations - one of the finer rosé champagnes in its price range.

The nose is vibrant and layered, with bright aromas of raspberry, grapefruit, Asian pear, and clementine, and a delicate touch of brioche. On the palate, it offers a refined mousse, lively acidity, and a beautiful interplay of subtle minerality and grapefruit zest. The finish is long, crisp, and clean. About 1/3 of Chardonnay with unspecified Pinot still wines blended. — 6 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Stylistically similar to Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and fruit forward with loads of oak influences. Probaly slightly more jammy than Caymus, it also has a bit more minerality nuance.
Undeniably delicious and easy to drink, it might benefit from several more years of bottle age. — 12 days ago

Ming L

9.0

First time tasted a Jackson Estate bottling, and it’s very good and a world away from the mass market Kendall-Jackson.

On the nose, expressive aromas of black cherry, blueberry, licorice, and cedar. Medium to full body. Flavors of dark plum, espresso, cocoa, and a hint of allspice. A nicely structured and polished Knights Valley cab. — 14 days ago