Ming L

9.3

My favorite producer from the central coast who specialized in Rhone blend. Unfortunately they have to wind down the business at the end of this year.
The reserve is the flagship bottling and received at least 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck every vintage since 2012. The 18’ is bold yet elegant, like the previous vintages I’ve tasted. Dangerously delicious now, I would hold this for at least another 4-5 years if I have the patience. — 12 hours ago

Ming L

9.3

2016 is a relatively week vintage for Argentina Malbec but this shows exceptionally well.
Fragrant and layered, the nose shows ripe blackberries, plums, vanilla, nutmeg, touch of tobacco, and hint of dusty violets. Juicy and refined palate with fine balance of fresh acidity and plush fruits. Velvety tannins.
Not very complex and deep, but this has the elegance that I don’t often see with bottles in this price range. Peaking now. — 7 days ago

Ming L

8.8

Blends of predominately Rhone varieties with Sangiovese and Alvarelhao. Ripe juicy black fruits and Christmas spices. Unpretentious and easy drinking. Very good value considering the vineyard source - 57% from Rodney’s and the rest from Camp 4 in Santa Ynez valley. — 23 days ago

Ming L

9.1

I purchased the bottle specifically for paring with spicy hot pot as I rarely drink sweet Champaign and wanted to give it a try.
Beautiful nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, ripe strawberry, orange peel, chalk, and hint of warm spices. Fine persistent mellow mouse. Acidity can barely keep up with the 45g dosage. There is pomelo-like bitterness to keep the sweetness in check as well.
Too sweet for me to drink on its own, but it was a fantastic pairing.
— a month ago

Ming L

9.3

Not really a time for celebration given the recent events, but life is too short no to live in the moment.
I thought this cuvée has higher % of PN, but it does not seem to be the case for 2005 (can’t fine the exact blend for the vintage) as it shows prominent apple and citrus notes. Peach, pomelo, brioche, and white flowers as well. Very intense yet quite refined on the palate with chalky minerals. The finish is precise and long. — 3 days ago

Ming L

9.0

The winery claims to produce more different bottling of PN than any other wineries in the U.S. This is a good entry level bottling. Blueberry, raspberry, black tea, forest floor and warm spices on the nose. Medium body. Hint of fresh herbs on the otherwise juicy palate. Fresh lively acidity.
Cofounder Patricia Green died from an apparent accident some years ago. Glad that the winery carries on. — 15 days ago

Ming L

9.3

When last tasted about 3 years ago, the palate left much to be desired. This is finally coming together.
The nose shows beautifully with blackberries, prune, black tea leaf, cured meat, black pepper, and cocoa powder. Medium to full, the palate is lush, silky, and powerful. Fresh round acidity and fine grained tannins. Long candied herbal finish.
This will continued to evolve and provide drinking pleasure for the next 10-15 years.
— 22 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Fun mini vertical of En Gobelet. Drank this ‘20 right after the ‘21. It’s noticeable richer and more powerful. The fruits are riper but still quite fresh. Has all the structure to evolve over the next 10-15 years. But at this young age I like the 21’ a bit more. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The grapes are exclusively from head-trained (En Gobelet) dry-farmed blocks of the estate vineyard.
The ‘21 really showcases the freshness of the fruits with raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry scented with fresh herbs and light warm spices. Juicy and a bit crunchy palate. Very good concentration and purity. Lovely. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.6

No doubt a cut above the NV rose bottling. Full of youthful energy yet so complex and composed.
The perfumed nose shows pristine berry fruits, blood orange, Granny Smith apple, citrus zest, white floral, light brioche, and chalk. Vibrant creamy bubbles. Tastes of Ginger spice and cinnamon as well. Clean and elegant long finish.
Disgorged in 2019. — 16 days ago