Smoky Bay Winery

Sandlands

Contra Costa County Carignane 2019

Popped and poured; consumed over two days and there was little in way of development over the course of those two days. The 2019 Sandlands Carignane “CCC” is packed with character…but there is a catch: it needs considerable more time to really deliver all the goods. The wine pours a deep ruby with a purple hue. Medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is drop dead gorgeous with notes of fresh, ripe dark fruits, a bouquet of red flowers, cumin, spiced meats, and crushed gravel. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+?) tannins and medium(+?) acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium with a somewhat austere, mineral finish. Honestly, I feel like the structure is “dominating the room” at this point and needs more time to settle in. But when it does…and it will…folks who have been patient will be duly rewarded. Hold. If I had more, I wouldn’t touch until after 2027. — 21 hours ago

Shay, Michael and 5 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Domaine Eden Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2018

This Pinot toes the line between power and grace. Robust aromas and flavors but still fine and light, even for California. Red cherries and orange peel, some nutmeg and baking spices, even some mint. 2018 is drinking really well right now. — a month ago

Ceritas

Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay 2017

Might be a bit early to drink this wine — 20 days ago

Iwan, Eric and 3 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay

John Howard
9.1

Heavy reduction day 1, day 2, really great! Agree with most reviews on here. Very nice. — a day ago

Shay, Doug and 9 others liked this

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir

This is a BIG Pinot. Big, fruit dominated nose, with a little herbal spice on the back end, with hints of black olive and rose permeating throughout. Big palate and body, with an herbal, hay or thyme palate, tannic, with a salinity that’s prominent, with black olive, some tar, and even a smokiness hitting the end, with dark cherry, plum, and a peppery spice showing up loud on the palate. Really good entry to South African Pinot. — 12 days ago

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2016

Excellent cab. Nicely aged but could go more with no problem. Full bodied with light oak tones and a delectable richness in flavor. One of my favorites. — 12 days ago

Rhys Vineyards

Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006

WOTN for all of us even with the cork being a disaster. Firing beautifully with layers and layers of fruit, spice, and earth. Everything in its place. The waiter decanted into a kitchen quart tupperware for us, lol. — 16 days ago

Ira, Andrew and 3 others liked this

Kathryn Kennedy

Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

So vibrant and beautiful, it belies its age. Fresh fruit nuanced with caramel, spice and greens. Love the OG Kathryn Kennedy 🍷 — 23 days ago

Jay, Severn and 4 others liked this

Cloudy Bay

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Bright lemon color. Particularly intense grapefruit aromas and flavors with hints of freshly cut grass, asparagus and fresh herbs. Distinct citrus note on the very long finish. Bright, crisp, refreshing and zingy! Wonderfully consistent from vintage to vintage. — 15 days ago

Cline Cellars

Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Zinfandel 2021

more tannin, full body, notes of cigar and dark chocolate — 17 days ago