David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

1998 not the best Napa vintage. This defies that a bit. If I rounded up, would make 9.4. From their original winemaker, not TRB as in latter vintages. This is a little the other side of its peak but really delicious. On the first few sips, a touch a tomato w/ leaf. There is even the faintest of bandaid-v/a on the nose.

But the nose reveals slightly, liqueured, stewed fruits of blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, poached strawberries, and creamy raspberries. Limestone, dry brush, mixed dark berry cola, black licorice, dark, rich earth, mid dark, spices, clove, some ruby, lush, fresh & withering dark, red and purple florals.

Slightly, liqueured, stewed fruits of blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, creamy raspberries & blueberries on the long open/finish. Limestone, moist, volcanic clays, dry brush, mixed dark berry cola, black licorice, warm, salted, caramel, dark fruit tea, dark, rich earth, some fresh tobacco, sandalwood, light, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark spices, clove, vanillin, ruby, lush, fresh & withering dark, red and purple florals framed in violets, round acidity and a well structured, tensioned, balanced, well polished finish that lasts two-minutes. — 17 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

1998 vintage. 3.11.23. — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Light to mid Ruby in colour. Red and dark fruit florals like Plums also rose petals and sous bois like compost heap. Palate is quite stolid and deep - needs more time to add complexity. A natural acidity still present ( Phillip Jones always bangs on about natural acidity and would never add acid). After an hour or so in the decanter and vigorous swirling you could smell this wine for days. I believe HH’s drinking window of 2016 to 2021 is conservative and should leave my last one for a couple of years to at least 2022. — 4 years ago

Paul Jakubowski

9.4

PnP. Dark purple color. Integrated oak, cedar, and dark cherries on the nose and palate. Medium plus depth and finish. Such a nice wine at a great price! Shame they don’t make it anymore. — a month ago

with Brooke

Douglas Braun

9.0

This is the 2022 Vintage - out of a 375ml - have a soft spot for this Winery when Brice Jones owned it he had the most amazing Chardonnay symposium with speakers from around the world - Now it’s owned by Brown Forman ( big distributor) Made in the same style lees contact - toasted bread , toasted nuts , honey , butterscotch, medium bodied , med acidity , — 5 months ago

Anthony Auger

9.0

Mint and pear on the nose. Upfront there’s a really interesting impression of cotton candy or bubblegum. Then I get a mild apple cider vinegar and tart pear note. Finishes with a strong lemon oil linger. Aged pretty nicely, only a hint of ferment that I actually kind of linked! — 3 years ago

Robert

10

Sweet and bubbly and tastes like strawberries. — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

This small Calistoga producer falls largely under the radar. I am thankful. The 12 vintage brings such fruit. However, this 12 Sisters rides the fence of 12 & 13. Shows dark currents, concreted mouthfeel in addition to its ripe, rich opulence.

The nose ascends with rich dark, purple, blue fruits, dark spice, violets framed in lavender for days.

The palate is ripe, ruby, lush, concentrated fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, boysenberries, very dark cherries, creamy raspberries, in & out strawberries & blueberries. Big, heated, dark spice-box, round, meaty, sweet tannins cigar ash, led pencil, tarriness, anise, moist, fresh tobacco, black licorice & cola, dark, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, rich soil w/ dry leaves, dry, crush rocks/limestone, dry herbs-bay leaves, sage, parsley, notes of eucalyptus bark shavings, tree bark w/ hints of sap, touch of black sandalwood to barrel shavings, pepper, moist, volcanic clay, fresh & withering; dark, purple, red, blue floral bouquet framed in violets & lavender, excellent acidity with a lush, rich, big, round & meaty structure, still shows great tension, well balanced with endless polish & finish. 10 years of life ahead…properly stored. Wine post 4,600.

Such a deal at the Benchmark Bin Sale. @Paul T- Huntington Beach if you find any of this, just tell me about em, don’t buy em. 😂🤥 — 2 months ago

Ashley Ready

9.0

Greatly paired with spicy ramen. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

This is officially the Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay but that choice not offered by Delectable. The wine is pale gold in colour. Aromas of leesy solids, cashews and toasty notes. On the palate sweetish, mandarin flesh and white nectarines. Quite developed on the palate with minimal acid and Medium + Intensity. A mouthful of flavour - quite delicious in the richer spectrum. If Phillip Jones makes great Pinot Noir he should be able to make great Chardonnay, and he does. — 4 years ago