Jay Kline

9.4

If you’ve been following me on CT or Delectable for while, you’ve probably read some of my tasting notes on the Pinot Noirs from McHenry Vineyard. Few are aware that this special vineyard, way up on Bonny Doon Road, even exists. Fewer probably know that the McHenry family have been quietly producing wine from this vineyard for over 40 years. It has never been easy. Not only are the vines own-rooted, they have also had to deal with some devastating fires over the years. And yet, despite the challenges, the McHenry’s remain committed to growing Pinot Noir and making truly special wine.

As I have mentioned in the past the winery was destroyed by the CZU Lightening Complex Fire in August of 2020. The vines survived but no wine from the vineyard was made that year (obviously). While the winery gets rebuilt, the fruit from the McHenry Vineyard has been made with care by their neighbor, Ryan Beauregard. The McHenry’s are still making a lot of the decisions but they are working around the Beauregard’s schedule. 2021 represents the first year of this collaboration and the results are nothing short of incredible.

Popped and poured; consumed over the course of a week with the help of a “Repour” stopper. A little austere on Day 1 but it was obvious the quality was super high and unmistakably McHenry. As hilarious as this may read, this was best on Day 7. The 2021 Swan Clone pours very pretty ruby with medium viscosity and no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with beguiling aromas of the tiniest forest strawberries, dark cherries, anise, some tomato leaf, some beets, a touch of clove, a mix of red and purple flowers, limestone minerals and some beautiful, soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish lasts forever and it’s got a lovely savory thing going on. This is a wow wine with a long, bright future ahead. You can drink now with patience but this will drink best after 2026 and probably be stunning through 2040. How will I keep my hands off my remaining bottles? Only 100 cases were produced.
— a year ago

David Vielhauer

9.2

Maybe not my favorite RM Chardonnay, still high quality wine, of course very young. Almost Big League Chew bubble gum flavors on night #1, My wife didn’t get that at all, oh well. Some toasty notes. — 4 years ago

Deborah M

9.2

I opened this 2012 Chateau Pontet-Canet last night and it was stellar. The Pontet-Canet is a 5th growth classification that hits way above that tier. The estate of Pontet-Canet is located in the northern end of the Pauillac commune, across the road from Chateau Mouton Rothschild. The grape variety is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. I describe this one as a restrained elegant beauty. @55Seventy — 2 years ago

Neal Ferry

9.2

I brought it I won with it… you always win when you bring the goods… landslide # 1 — 3 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.2

Nice, fresh and vibrant Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. Gooseberry (reminded me of growing up on the farm at home) and hints of subdued grapefruit. Beautiful light gold color, crystal clear. Not from Marlborough on the northern end of the South Island but Martinborough on the North Island. Very interesting region that grows all their grapes on a strip of 3-4 miles long and 1-2 miles wide raised tectonic plate of alluvial gravel. Pinot noir is king in this region, but this Sauvignon blanc was also very nice. — 3 years ago

with Tammy

Tom Elliot

Founder Northwest Wines

9.2

White Rhône blend. Unfiltered turbidity. After 1 hour aeration, aromas of wet rocks. Grown in cobblestones. Farmed organic. 12.9 alc. Well done. Decant and drink now if you have some. — 4 years ago

Seth Masterson

9.2

Balletto Pinot showdown no. 1
Best in the mouth.
Light ruby-garnet. Visually appears to have age beyond it's 4 years to me.
Not a great nose- overripe fruit, some blue notes, oaky spice- maybe has seen new American oak?
Mouth: wow, great full++ mouth feel, a really nice roundness here, unexpected.
This wine is ready to drink right now! — 2 years ago

muoi Mulry

8.9

Fresh crisp taste with a hint of tobacco. Light but best after 1/2 hour of airing. Bit pricey as other pinots from the area is just as good half the cost. — 3 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.4

Jeff Mangahas, winemaker for Williams Selyem, joined our tasting of 11 Pinots from the 2010 vintage. This was my #1 — 3 years ago

Te

8.9

Both you and Liz liked this one quite a bit. Rich, acidic. Really very good. Everything you like about Riesling. — 4 years ago