Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

A proprietary blend, made by Founder and Winemaker Dave Phinney, from Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, and Vermentino from California. Golden yellow color with aromas of tropical and citrus fruit and melons, aged, 25% in new oak, 60% neutral & 15% stainless for 10 months. On the palate flavors of melons, citrus, and pears, hints of cinnamon spice and toasty oak. Long finish, lively acidity, good balance ending with fruit and mineral character. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Giovanni Allegrini was the founder of the new generation and revolutionized changes to accepted practices. A blend of Corvina Veronese 45%, Corvinone 45%, Rondinella 5% & Oseleta 5%, deep Ruby with aromas of dried dark fruits, spice and herb, about 120 days of appassimento. Palate shows ripe cherry & raspberry flavors with fig, cacao, flint and mineral tones. Soft smooth tannins well balanced with acidity on a long spicy finish. Will continued to get better with age. Sustainable. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Nothing to add to my extensive notes from January 2021. To reiterate this was the last vintage for the founder, Dr Bailey Carrodus before his passing. Just an excellent aged Yarra Valley Cabernet. — 3 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Cobb is another solid producer of CA Pinot Noir. A 14 acre parcel bought in 1988 by Ross Cobb and began making wine in 1989.

The nose reveals ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; poached strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, hints of blueberries, uncooked rhubarb, tree bark w/sap, hints of eucalyptus, smoky characteristics, lightly grilled meats, black pepper, red licorice/cola, understated baking spices, dry top soil w/ crushed rocks, light, fresh tobacco, volcanic ash and fresh; dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets.

The palate is ripe, juicy and very elegant. Fruits are; ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; poached strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, plum, raspberries, hues of blueberries, uncooked rhubarb and pomegranate juice. Tree bark w/sap, hints of eucalyptus, smoky characteristics, lightly grilled meats, black pepper, red licorice/cola, understated baking spices, dark, moist spice, very, dry, dusty top soil w/ crushed rocks, crumbled volcanics, dry, grey clay, light, fresh tobacco, cigar & volcanic ash and fresh; dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets. The excellent acidity runs like a cool mountain river with a well knitted, structured, balanced, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts over a minute landing on soft minerality & spice.

This 14 has another 4-5 years of good drinking before it starts its gentle decline.

Photos of the Jack Hill Vineyard, winery gate and founder Ross Cobb. — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Developed by Winery founder, Giuseppe Tasca to honor his wife on their golden wedding anniversary. Primarily Inzolia with a bit of Sauvignon Tasca blended in. Beautiful straw gold color. Aromas and flavors of yellow apple, peaches, white flowers and honey. Quite expressive with a bit of heft which allows it to stand up to many different foods. Touch of wet stones on the long finish. Excellent balance. Thank You Ron B! — 2 years ago

Gary Gillette

9.0

Enjoyed at Swift & Sons in Chicago with founder Kevin Boehm. They private-label it for their restaurant — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2020 vintage. First wine I’ve had from Qupé since founder Bob Lindquist no longer with this winery. This effort is a little sweeter and less earthy than 5-6 CC-designated syrahs I tasted under his Rhône Ranger hand over the last three decades. For the price, it’s pretty delicious tho. The single vineyard Qupé syrahs really set the benchmark for what was possible in the Central Coast area for syrah…and grenache…and marsanne…and viognier…and…Part of Bob’s legacy is raising the overall quality of (esp Rhône) varietals in the various CC areas, even with an entry-level effort such as this. For that, we should all be eternally grateful. Thank you, Bob Lindquist. 11.24.23 — 5 months ago

Ming L

9.1

Name after the nickname of the winery founder, the ‘19 is a blend of 65/35 Nebbiolo/Barbera that spent 12 months in French oak barrel, 20% new.

Very attractive nose of raspberry, strawberry, warm spices, thyme, and brambles. The palate is a slightly earthier than the nose suggests and quite dense even for a Nebbiolo, but with good intensity. Juicy tannins has a firm grip.
— 10 months ago

Heather Powell

9.5

Hermann MO — 3 years ago

Edo Wachters

9.2

Named after the founder Doro Princic, the Princic estate is located in the Collio DOC area of Italy’s Friuli region. Made of 100% Malvasia Istriana, in appearance golden yellow and on the palate minarality, green apple, pear and a crispy freshness. — 3 years ago