Tom Riley

2017. Even before I opened this tonight, but after I bought the lamb for dinner, I had reminded myself that I’m in love with grenache. Is the southern Rhône my top region? I don’t know. But it’s up there. Really, really up there. This juicy, concentrated, delicious bottle is just one example of why. $25 is a big spend for many wine drinkers, but with wines like this I think your money is well spent. 14.5% abv. And that alcohol is beautifully and sneakily integrated. Enjoy! — 6 years ago

Tom Riley

2016. A delicious treat. Balanced and concentrated, with bright, insistent acid and juicy, complex, mid-palate flavor. Wish I had more. Still so youthful. Was a good friend tonight to grilled loin lamb chops. So good. So, so good. $28. 12.9% abv. — 6 years ago

with Mary

Tom Riley

Sleek, balanced, concentrated, and delicious. — 6 years ago

with Mary

Tom Riley

2016. Not too often you run into a pinot noir under $20 of this quality. Solid from start to finish. Complex aromas, intriguing flavors that run the gamut fr herbal and tart to spicy and sweet. Wonderful mouthfeel. Long, lingering finish. Very good value. 13.2% abv. SRP $19.99 — 6 years ago

Tom Riley

1999. Brilliant. No signs of this being 20 years old. Just past primary. Elegant. Balanced. Delicious. I think I caught it at its peak. Another gem from one of Napa’s all-time greats. Wow! — 6 years ago

with Mary

Tom Riley

I opened a bottle of this upon release, and was disappointed. How could Ehrenberg Jordan make a wine like this? Clumsy, hot, disjointed… I was not optimistic about the remaining three bottles in my cellar. Fast forward a couple of years and all of a sudden this wine is a true delight. This zinfandel is still evolving, the alcohol is still integrating, but the fruit is bright and the spice is a delight. All of a sudden I’m glad to have a few of these left. Hey, Day, see you in a couple of years. Don’t go anywhere. — 6 years ago

with Mary

Tom Riley

2012. I’ve not had a ton of tannat, but, of the ones that I have had, this is the most elegant, energetic, complex, and delicious of them all. Its 14.8% abv. is sneaky and needs to be watched. Nimble, juicy, and well made. Excellent value. SRP $28. Gift from a friend. PS - start paying attention to wine from Arizona. It is happening. It is definitely happening. — 6 years ago

Tom Riley

Restrained. Balanced. Delightful, complex flavors and impressive concentration. — 6 years ago

with Mary

Tom Riley

2013. A surprising delight. Cool fruit, a comfy weight on the palate, complex aromas and flavors. Great concentration leading to a long, somewhat earthy finish. This was tonight’s aperitif but it would sing with a variety of grilled white meats - chicken, pork — but delights as a stand-alone. $28. 14.3% abv. — 6 years ago

with Mary

Tom Riley

Apart from the discovery years ago of Tres Picos, this is easily the best $14 bottle I’ve ever had. Sleek, inky, balanced, complex, and interesting. Oh, and juicy as hell. I only bought two of them. Now I’m kicking myself. — 6 years ago