Aaron Tan

8.9

Thought this blind was an aged red burg, so colour me surprised when it was revealed to be a young NZ pinot. Clearly a little more developed than it should be (colour and aromas), but credit where credit’s due, this was quite elegant. Even after the reveal I could not detect that marmalade finish I find so often in NZ pinot’s. This was all red cherries and ripe strawberries, with savoury spices and earthy notes. Perhaps the quality of the oak, which left much to be desired, and rich velvety texture were the only indications of it’s origin. Finished a touch short. There were wines with more intrigue on the table so I didn’t drink much of it, but it definitely wasn’t a bad drop. One to revisit. — 12 days ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Super fresh and clean Pinot Noir, nice acid and excellent balance, medium-long finish, very nice!! — 7 days ago

with Jim

Henry Fuseler

9.0

6/2022. Nice Grenache blend. Full of flavor and a smooth finish.

Mr. Friendly’s — 4 days ago

Willem Booij

9.3

Thie is a classic one, spice-box, chocolate and great use of wood. — 7 days ago

Willie Carter

9.2

California Syrah the way I like it. And I do definitely like it. A really pretty deep dark purple with a wide brim and little cherry red flecks. This nose is just plain silly good and exciting. Plums and raspberries abound here. Blackberries with a touch of fennel go a long way. The olive aromas are jumping out of the glass and my goodness it’s special. There’s a rich meaty, fatty aspect to the nose that just blows me away. Stupendous.

Every wine I have from Big Basin is just as good as the next one. All so good and so well crafted. Hailing from the Rattlesnake Rock vineyard in Santa Cruz and definitely fruit forward. At this age, it’s drinking with more refinement than you may expect. Classy and stylish but never forgets about the fun. A lesson in how to make a big and bold Syrah without even coming close to going overboard. Smoke and grilled meat in the mouth to go with the vibrant red and blue fruits. Black pepper and menthol. The finish is long and fulfilling. Don’t listen to me, seriously don’t. Just go taste it. — 9 hours ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. No formal notes. The 2020 Mataro pours a deep garnet/purple with a nearly opaque core and some staining of the tears. Predominately dark fruited with some pepper, and minerals. The wine is dry with very good structure. Tart and so fresh at this stage! I’m going to give my remaining bottles a bit more time. — 13 days ago

Robert

9.5

Very good Merlot from Livermore! Ripe red and black fruits, ripe tannins. Very enjoyable! — 5 days ago

Dawn E.

9.4

Absolutely an amazing wine! Thank you @Ron R for recommending this! I am experiencing so many elements at the same time. Reminisce of an aged Chenin Blanc where you get creaminess almost wax cheese rind and honey. Picking up an almond sticky bun. Not really acidity but unique freshness of lemon, peaches & yellow apples. Golden hay in color, Med+ body w/ nice long finish. Drinking this w/ a nice chill presents some nice acidity.
Hard not to make a comparison (sigh) to something I paid a lot more for and enjoyed...not so much! Love the balance and 13.5 alc. — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; served with cedar plank salmon for Father’s Day. No formal notes but consistent with previous experiences. Bruised strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, mushroom, a kiss of baking spices and a touch of VA. Way more open for business than typical from McHenry at this stage, but the challenges of the vintage explain it all. Drink this vintage now. — 10 days ago

Jake Hajer

9.3

Guava, pomelo, lime. Chalk mineral and a touch of haze. Gorgeous and drinkable. One of the best chenins in America. — 12 days ago