County Line
Fitch Mountain Cellars
Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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. — 18 days ago
Ultramarine Wines
Charles Heintz Vineyard Blanc de Noirs Pinot Noir 2014
Widely considered a top domestic sparkler, the Ultramarine BdN definitely has some bottle variation because the last time I had this bottle in July of last year, it was generally subdued and unexpressive. On this occasion, although there isn’t much intensity on the nose, the palate is much more expressive. It’s energetic and focused showing precise red berry fruit and florals, salted hazelnuts and baked brioche. Becomes more savory with air. Definitely impressive domestic bubbles. — 6 hours ago
Williams Selyem
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2002
Not exactly pizza wine but, I bought six bottles of this 02 Williams Selyem for $35-$36 w/ tax & fees recently on the secondary market. I have enjoyed a number of their 02’s for many years…such a great Pinot Noir Sonoma vintage. Especially, for WS. I feel for the seller who actually barely might have broke even or even lost a couple of bucks on this sale after fees.
Still spectacular after 18 plus years in bottle. She is still strutting her stuff.
Visually you look at the color in the glass, it’s silty & cloudy.
The body is ripe, rich, smooth & shining integration. The fruits bright, somewhat candied, floral & showing shades of stewed. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, pomegranate juice, slightly dry cranberries, raspberries with singing purple & blue fruits as it sets. Some dark, rich, dark forest floor with dry leaves & twigs w/ tree sap, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon, dark spices, notes of dry herbaceousness - bay leaf, sage & marjoram, black licorice, mixed berry cola, powdery limestone & dry rocks, just a hint of pepper, grilled, savory meats, fresh tobacco leaves, red, blue, dark flowers laid in a field of violets. The acidity is like a spring shower. The finish is rich, ruby, well knitted & balanced with length & polish for days.
Its subtle knock, a touch hot at the beginning with it fading in the second glass.
The 02 is singing with another 3-5 years of good drinking ahead. It’s new world with Burgundy threads.
For me, this WS Pinot Noir is seriously peaking. Best bottle of the 02 WS Sonoma Coast I have enjoyed over the 12-15 bottles I’ve had.
Definitely pushing 94. I stole these amazing bottles. Thank you universe. — 8 days ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Cuvée Caritas Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Medium gold in the glass…clear, touch of green color. Touch of oxidation on the nose.,.apricots, some bitter green stem. Nice weight and long finish. — 4 days ago
Adobe Road
Bavarian Lion Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
It's time for my #FridayCabernetfix. Here is a delicious one from Knights Valley.
Pretty color of dark ruby with a brick rim.
Beautiful nose of black currants, cooked cherries, black plums, figs, raisins, vanilla, cedar, cola, Indian spices, earth, chocolates, black pepper, pencil lead, turmeric, cumin and tobacco.
Medium plus in body and elegant, with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, dried figs, cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, earth, chocolates, tobacco, light herbs, cola, turmeric, graphite, dark coffee and peppercorn.
Long finish with fine grained tannins, spices and cherries.
This is a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County. Showing great complexity and a nice mouthfeel. Nicely balanced with a long, smooth finish.
Good right out of the bottle, but so much better after 3 hours of airtime, when the complexity shows up. Worth the wait.
Loved the nose, and kept smelling on it for a while. Tastes very much like a Napa Cabernet.
This Single Vineyard from the great 2014 vintage is rich, yet elegant. Fruit forward, deep and smooth. Tasty and delicious. Alcohol is nicely integrated by now.
Thank you David for sharing this with me.
A great sipping wine that doesn't need food at all. Will continue to age nicely in the next 7 to 10 years.
Aged for 30 months in 90% new French oak barrels.
15.4% alcohol by volume.
94 points.
$88. — a day ago
"Odedi"
This 6 year old is drinking very nicely now. Showing blueberries, black cherries, plums, sweet strawberries, earth, vegetables, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, pencil lead, bitter herbs, Indian spices and peppercorn.
Medium plus in body and smooth. Dry on the palate with medium acidity. Nicely balanced with nice complexity.
This Single Vineyard has a tangy finish with fine grained tannins, but not particularly long.
Very enjoyable, easy drinking and fruit forward. A little hot at the back of the throat, though.
Showing a gorgeous nose at this point, full of wildflowers and blue and black fruits.
Good right out of the bottle, good by itself, and better with food.
As it opens up, more complexity comes in, especially on the nose.
15.5% alcohol by volume.
89 points.
A small production of only 72 cases. — 5 hours ago