Jay Kline

8.9

Year in, year out this is one of the more reliable values in California Cabernet. I think it’s sort of a second wine of Optima and I’m certain I’ve tried every vintage since 2001 because it rarely disappoints. I used to be able to swoop it for around $17 but it’s closer to $30 retail these days. Nevertheless, great QPR. Popped and poured; consumed over three days and best on Day 3. The 2017 pours deep ruby with an opaque core. The nose black currants, grilled kofta, purple flowers, baking spice and very light pyrazines…almost undetectable. On the palate, dark and red fruits, smoke and baking spice. Dry. Medium tannin; medium acid. Finish is medium…and savory. A totally respectable Tuesday night wine. — 2 months ago

Bob Traube

9.3

Bold and beautiful. Complex, abounds with flavors of dark fruit. — 2 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.4

Vintage 2009 / Awesome balance. #Riesling in optima forma. Honey in smell and taste, vivid acidity. — 3 years ago

Sagee Aran

8.9

2017 vintage. A blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Margalit blanc (a native mutation of Cabarnet franc, but white). Mineral and crisp, good balanced acidity. Missing floral and fruit forward notes. — 3 months ago

JKT

9.0

Excellent old Zin! Balanced and still a bit of ripe fruits and lots of tertiary notes of forest floor and earth. Think just a bit lower than Optima. — a year ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.5

Vintage 1990 / Beautiful gold colour. Mesmerizing honey smell. Delicate taste with vibrant balance. Chenin blanc in optima forma. Paired with rye sordough bread and rilettes. Perfect Sunday lunch. — 2 years ago

Matt Hanley

9.0

Solid for a cab. — 4 months ago

Trixie

9.0

Sweet with ripe apricot and Muscat aromas.

Was perfect with cheese and fruit.

•11% ABV• February 11, 2021 — 6 months ago

Paco Suro

9.2

Jump. Panama. Hot for Teacher. Oops not a Van Halen retro but wow. Yum. Still has legs. Medium to full. Alexander Valley fruit all the way. Santa Rosa produced. Love that too. Garage winemakers everywhere. — 3 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2014 #cheninblanc in optima forma with good balance and playfull minerality — 3 years ago