Mussel Shoals
Santa Ynez Valley G.S.M. Red Blend 2016
Another mussel shoals in CA? I only knew the place in the southeast where they made great soul music. The label has a b.w. photo of an old pier. Cool. Dark as blackberry pie filling color. Smells like rocks, berry fruit sauce, and leather. Hint of wood and wood oils too. Flavors are dense and big. But nicely augmented with a bit of acid and plenty of earth. Fruit is there. Little bit of cherry fruit leather perhaps. Some cola nut. Plenty of tannin too. This could handle even more time aging away. As is now it’s interesting, a little strange and very unique. Little those old soul classics from the other Mussel Shoals it hits though. A hip shaking winner. — 5 days ago
Sarah's Vineyard
Dwarf Oak Pinot Noir 2019
Dark color. Smells ripe. Cranberries. Flavors are dense and bittersweet. Not simple or subtle. A robust style. Complex with a licorice and smoke side in it. This is nice. — 12 days ago
El Vaquero
Muro Vineyard Zinfandel 2019
Trying again. Color is hint rusty. Smells like a dusty berry. Hint of brandy and cherry jelly. Flavors are Zin style big time. But also hint hot. Plenty of fruitiness. But also more of the brandy and higher ABV on the tongue. 16.4%! Ripe and ready. Almost 40 proof… It decent for such a high alcohol experience. But it’s kinda distracting. — a day ago
Donkey & Goat
Lily's Pet Nat Anderson Valley Sparkling Chardonnay 2026
Lovely golden hue. Bottle is cool pop-top like an old-time soda. Aroma of honeydew melons and lime sorbets. Hint of celery? Sweet celery. Apple cider too. Flavors are unique. Crisp and very fresh. Has a filtered sweet ‘cider’ flavor without the sweetness. Essence of Martinelli’s? It’s fun and light. Prefect for a sunny day at the ocean. — 4 days ago
Ophiolite
Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
This is Ophiolite Cabernet Sauvignon Combesville, Napa Valley. Dark color with a purple-urple edge. Smells like earth and black currants. Maybe a hint of cut lumber. Flavors are full, fine, and juicy. Lots of depth. Hints of horehound and Italian basil. Zingy and complex. This is fine wine at its finest. — 11 days ago
Maison Roche de Bellene
Bellenos Heritage Red Blend 2020
This one says ‘Heritage Red Blend’. It’s a mix of Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir. Screw-top easy. Color is an opaque red-ish. It’s got a hint of spice on the nose. Also smells like wet outdoor stuff from the hills of Washington state. Ocean spray bushes, leaves of salmon berry and maples. Rocks. There is just a whiff of not very sweet berries. Flavors are tart and astringent. Little bit of burnt crust. Plenty of low/no sugar cranberry sauce. It’s a dry French style for sure. Earthy, sour and grippy. Has decent complexity, and some strangely interesting flavors. Would go well with cheese. Or maybe a cherry, cheese danish. I was hoping it might be a bit fancier, but I liked it for sure. Just can’t seem to make up its mind as far as a berry Gamay or a strange little Pinot. — 4 days ago
Epicuro
Puglia Aglianico 2024
Nice deep maroon color. Smells like rocks and berries cooked in sugar. Flavors are juicy and clean. Plenty of black cherry juice. A classic delicious fruit streak. This is lively and lovely red from southern Italy for a great price. — 12 days ago
Tree Kilpatrick
Showing rust in the glass for sure. Lighter color than expected. Ruby really. Aroma is not bad. Wet leaves from plants in the chaparral hills. And rye bread soaked in red currant liquor. Maybe a hint of a wet unfired clay pot. Flavors have cola and tobacco big time. It’s very dry and ‘Euro’ flavored. Plenty of fruit, but funky and complex. This is a nice Franc that has aged wonderfully. — a day ago