This is about as good as Carignane gets. I would happily put this up against a great Carignane-centric Priorat. Gorgeous nose has deep, pure, red berry fruit, wet river stones, and a zesty dusting of spice. Just beautiful balance in the mouth. Rich fruit with no jammy excess, subtle barrel scents, subtle stony notes. Great acids. And for Carignane, with is not known for its length, it has a surprisingly lengthy, juicy finish. Very impressive. — a year ago
Purple-red, moderately extracted pigment, very good clarity. Raspberry, cherry, butter, thyme and stone notes in nose. Raspberry, soy sauce and tar flavors, grainy tannin sediment, moderate to high skin astringency, mineral finish with seed bitterness. Needs time to open. Ready to drink after three hours decanting, rounded mouthfeel, excellent depth of fruit - raspberry, cherry, blueberry water plus barrel char. — 5 years ago
Second winery on day two in Sonoma was Hanzell Vineyards with Whitney. Third wine was the Hanzell Chardonnay, which is their flagship Chardonnay bottling. All the fruit comes from five of their estate vineyards with an average age of 29 years; de Brye, Zellerbach, Day, Ramos and Ambassador's 1953 vineyards. This bottling is fermented in a mix of stainless steel (62%) and new French oak barrel (38%), the later goes through lee stirring for two months. Aged for a total of twelve months in neutral French oak with all barrel fermentation going through malolactic.
Medium to medium plus lemon yellow with a slight golden hue. Lovely Chardonnay nose with layers of stone, tree and tropical fruits followed by an interesting note of herbal tea like chamomile and honeysuckle. A touch of citrus zest and brioche. Some more mouthwatering acidity on this bottling from Hanzell (7/10) with a medium plus body. Rich palate with a touch of butter, citrus, honeysuckle and some white stone fruits. A nice creamy mouthfeel with a long, lingering finish. Drink till 2032. (93+)
$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $78.00. — 6 years ago
Louis Martini Winery:
Underground cellar (in the 85 year old barrel cellar)food and wine experience. 6 dishes paired with their small production wines only available at the winery
WINES
2008 Monte Rosso cab
2013 cellar 254 Meritage
2019 cellar 254 merlot
2013 Monte Rosso cab
2015 Lot No 1 cab
2016 Lot No 1 cab
2017 Monte Rosso Gnarly vine zinfandel
FOOD:
Burrata,mustard green salad
Farro risotto with speck
Yellowtail tuna
Hamilton ranch lamb loin
Carboncino — a year ago
Blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot sourced estate-owned vineyards in Rutherford (30%), South Napa (22%), the St. Helena home ranch (17%), and Stag's Leap District (Barboza Vineyard, 17% and Las Rocas Vineyard, 14%). Just opened this, 14 years in the bottle after a couple of years in the barrel! Still tasting well, young and juicy, should easily last another 14 years in the bottle. Deep Ruby, dark fruits, spice, complex nose. Palate reflects juicy rich berry fruits, well structured harmonious wine. Fine soft rich tannins, long finish ending with fruit, tobacco and earthy tones. Wow! — 2 years ago
Elegant doesn’t even begin to describe this single vineyard Pinot. Barrel notes shine through dark red fruit, substantial minerality, and balanced acidity. Gorgeous wine. — 6 years ago
B Williams
Had at twelve thirty club in Nashville. Very good with Waygu Bolognese. — a year ago