Sipping Fine Wine

7.7

Had some prior vintages, I’m not a big fan. Aromas of spicy berry fruit and earthy oak scents. On the palate light cherry flavors, big acidity with tight harsh tannins. Medium finish ending with an oaky herbaceous character, lacks balance. Pass on this one. Tasting Sample. — 9 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Just tried new vintage! 30+ years ago, Jack Cakebread came to photograph Napa for a book & bought a vineyard, Cakebread Cellars was born. Cakebread wine offerings are among my Favs, Chard is no exception, consistent quality year/year. The ‘17 has an elegant nose, stone fruits, citrus, floral & honey scents. On the palate complex flavors of apple, peach & lemon zest, balanced with good acidity & great mouthfeel. Lingering finish ending with wet stone and citrus character. Can age a bit but I just cannot hold on to these bottles long enough! — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

All of the grapes from the vineyards owned by the Latour family are vinified and aged in the cuverie of Château Corton Grancey in Aloxe-Corton. The winery was the first purpose-built cuverie in France and remains the oldest still-functioning. Pale straw with gold edges and aromas of stone fruits with a slight floralbcharacter. On the palate peach flavors with lemon nutty notes. The finish has lively acidity and ends with some of minerality. — 3 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.2

Sourced from 3 vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA from volcanic soils. Ruby with aromas of red and black fruits and light spice. The palate shows cherry & raspberry flavors with earthy tones, nuts & cacao. Full-bodied, smooth tannins, good balanced, medium finish ending with fruit notes. Tasting Sample. — 9 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Inspired by the golden hills that frame the landscape of San Bernabe Vineyard at the southern edge of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. Deep color with berry fruit aromas and notes of toasty honey scents. On the palate blueberry and cherry flavors with vanilla, cacao and toasty notes. Smooth tannins balanced well with acidity, lingering ending with espresso and spice character. Nice value. — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founded by Donn and Molly Chappelet in 1967 on renowned Pritchard Hill. A blend of 76% Cab Sauv, 9% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cab Franc & 4% Merlot. Deep Ruby with purple edges, aromas of dark berry fruits, cedar, cacao and gentle sweet herbs. On the palate rich flavors of blackberry and currants with sweet oak and herbs with a great mouthfeel. Soft fine tannins, lingering ending with fruit and gentle oak. Will improve but great now! — 3 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.0

Typical SB, pale with green edges, fruit and citrus aromas. On the palate peach and sweet grapefruit flavors, light spice, vivid acidity on medium finish. Drink now. Tasting Sample. — 21 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

6.9

Went to a recent tasting and tried this wine that I also tried over a year ago. In a word terrible and past it’s prime. Deep Straw yellow (showing some oxidation) with stone fruit aromas and heavy oak spice (provably from wood chips). On the palate apple and hints of tart peach flavors with harsh spice. Big acidity, a bit harsh with an alcohol presence. Pass, not worth it. Tasting Sample. — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.8

A blend of about 60% Syrah with remainder Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Aromas of lively berry fruits and spicy notes. On the palate cherry and plum flavors with licorice notes and light pepper spice. Soft tannins medium finish ending with fruit and spice. Good drinking now. — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Ruby with aromas of dried baked berry fruits with some floral and spice notes. On the palate black cherry with plum and sweet vanilla flavors adding in some notes of black pepper and floral tones. Lively medium+ acidity on medium tannins, full body with a bit of alcohol present, medium+ length ending with a fruit, herb and toasty character. Has potential for short term aging. Tasting Sample. — 4 days ago