Pooneet K

9.1

Don’t often drink Sauvignon blanc, especially not from California, but this is actually quite nice. Just a kiss of oak is very nicely balanced. Holds up well on days 2 and 3 too. — a year ago

Ron R

9.2

We love Aesthete, and we love this rosé, too. But at $40 per? — 6 years ago

with Anne-marie

Nick H

9.3

A more restrained animal up against Aesthete, but provided for an interesting comparison. More rounded, with herbal and pepper notes with the peach, crushed stone, and white floral notes. A little more alcohol here, but the acidity is still very much carrying a youthful spirit. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Day 2 of Napa in the books!

Quick lunch with my friend Jason Moore of Modus Operandi Cellars. He was Weston’s (of Montagu Wines) mentor and is a fellow Texan! He submitted his wines for review for the very first time last year after 10+yrs, and received multiple 92-97pt wines. This SB is so much better than expected...tropical and explosive. Not quite on Arkenstone or Aesthete SB level, but the richness and round texture are very similar. Kiwi, stone fruit, nectarine and a melon/cantaloupe finish. If you enjoy big style SB, not sure there is a better Napa Valley one at $40. — 7 years ago

Ron R

9.3

This is fully mature and needs to be consumed yesterday. However, still excellent. — a year ago

with Anne-marie

Mark Flesher

9.4

A really nice SB although for the price I think that this is outdone by the Aesthete SB. Grapefruit dominated nose but with peaches and kiwi fruit on the finish. This is a hefty SB. But honestly I think this is probably at the top for the next 1-2 years. Glad I have 1 more of these but I would recommend that you consume now! At the top! — 7 years ago

with Dan and Shay

Shay A

9.3

Weekly Wednesday Wine Committee. Incredible hosting by Joe. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert wine, all tasted blind.

Bonus wines. I’ve heard of this and was happy to try. Bibiana from Wayfarer and Jeff Pisoni joint project. Bigger style SB, definitely done in the Bordeaux style. Good amount of semillon to round the edges out. High acidity. Lemon and lime tart, lychee, limestone and saline notes. Oak isn’t as powerful as Aesthete or other notable bigger style Cali SBs, but it’s certainly as flavor packed. Wish I could enjoy one of these stand alone to see how it evolves. — 7 years ago

David L

9.4

Not as approachable upon release as the 2016. That extra six months in the cellar has made a world of difference. Exceptional stuff! They seem to just get it. Balance between more old world “17”& new world. Highly recommend.  — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.4

VASO cellars is essentially Dana Estate’s third label. However, what makes VASO unique is that while it’s a third label, the fruit that is used is the same fruit that goes in to Dana. No young vines or anything like that here. The main difference is the way it is oak aged. This SB comes from Dana’s Hershey Vineyard on Howell Mountain.

This is good. Like really good. Would love to try next to Dana’s own SB. 8yrs young and drinking wonderfully...almost shockingly so. This is like a combo of high end Bordeaux Blanc with Aesthete Sauv Blanc. Aromatically, it leaps from the glass with honeyed sea salt, grapefruit, lemongrass and white peach. On the palate, it is so textured and rich, almost creamy. More peach, poached pear, lemon oil, creamsicle, and wet rock. There is good acidity here (still at 8yrs for a Napa SB!), and while the profile is rounded, it’s certainly not flabby. One of the best Napa SBs I’ve tasted and still has a couple years of cruising at peak. I’m going to open my ‘13 soon, but I’m going to hold my ‘15 for a while! Best around cellar temp, don’t get it too cold or it will mute some of the flavors. I owe you for this one, @Mike R ! — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Day 3 in Napa in the books! Running a day behind on notes...Napa time runs slow AND fast!

Loved our visit here. Gorgeous property & wines. Bigger style SB with explosive stone fruit & tropical fruit aromatics. Not quite as round and rich as Aesthete or Arkenstone, but very similar. Nice acidity with pronounced notes of honeyed passion fruit & white peach. — 7 years ago