Severn Goodwin

9.2

Capitol Region Wine Collectors Club (WCC), USA West Coast Pinot Noir; 26 October 2023 at Fort Orange Club, Albany, NY

Group scoring, No. 3 bottle of the night. — 6 months ago

Willie Carter

9.0

This is just a really really good wine. Outstanding even. Deep dark purple in the glass with a wide brim. Violets and white flower aromas on the nose initially with a ton of powerhouse red and black fruits following closely behind. Dried herbs and smoke accompanying. Smoked tobacco and underbrush. There’s a bit of oak but it’s hiding playfully in the background.

70/30 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Definitely a major step above other Cali blends, this has brains and beauty. Big and full bodied. Fun and full of character with silky tannins. The palate is electric with a continuation of those dark fruits along with milk chocolate and more herbs. A long finish with black pepper makes you instantly pour another glass and that’s a bit of a shame because if you show patience, this wine will reward you. — a year ago

Benjamin Shirk

9.3

McCarthy & Schiering, $50

Bittersweet occasion and went way above my budget to celebrate my birthday and also mourn Grandma Julie's passing. She loved CdP so thought I'd splurge on one. I've only had a couple but have loved every one I tried. This was a bit different, I'm used to bright fruit forward but this was very muted cooked dark fruit with a lot of emphasis on the baking spice and earthy tobacco notes. Incredibly complex - licorice, coffee, clove, tobacco with an underlying subtle dried/cooked dark fruit. Crazy smooth, but I'm comparing it to sub $20 wines that I'm used to, and you can barely tell that it's 15% alc. Nice tannins but I think it would benefit from a touch more acidity. I'm being picky since I paid so much for it but in summary it's one of the best made wines I've ever had, but not among my favorites. But it's still a great experience and I don't regret the purchase — 2 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

A big surprise here. Expected a nice, steady Burg but this definitely over delivers. Medium bodied with so, so much fruit on the nose. Raspberries and cherries galore. A touch of blueberry and smoke. Black olives and a hint of mushroom. There’s a really nice tapenade element here that is just splendid.

From a Premier Cru vineyard in Givry in the Côte Chalonnaise and punching well above its weight class. Graceful yet earthy with plenty of refinement and emotion. Silky mouthfeel and very pure. The fruit is dominant on the palate with white pepper, oak, and earth. Truly a wonderful Burgundy. It delivers now but will be even better in a few years. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2005 vintage. Almost tastes like it could have been released last week. Super youthful with dark berry and plum blasts. Decent structure but not oppressive. Catching this one just below the top of the bell curve. Hopefully, you’ve got more than one bottle kicking around on a piece of ground in your hometown. Other-worldly now but methinx it’s about to get even better. Last tasted in mid-June and same score but this bottle was slightly better. Seek this out-now. — 2 years ago

Chris A

9.0

A fantastic red fruit forward red - mature, smooth and a light hint of oak on the exit notes that just dance on the tongue. Superb glass! Drinks above its price point - pairs nicely with a great red meat meal/cheese or even as a solo slow sipper! — 2 years ago

Alan Weinberg

9.2

punches far above its weight. Gorgeous Burgundy nose. Silk. — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

From the Piedmont region, Barbaresco sub-region, 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the hills above above Barbaresco. Ruby with aromas of sweet dark berry fruit with herb notes. Aged for 2 years on oak showing flavors of black cherry and strawberry with hints of black pepper and tobacco, nice balance and structure. Fine soft tannins on long finish ending with earthy tones. Will age well. Pair with a veal piccata and roasted vegetables. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2018 vintage. Light medium body. decent but not impressive color. Lithe and silky mouthfeel. Proportional fruit. Well-made without being clinical and a step above delicate but not far from. Good finishing length. — 2 years ago

Craig Williams

9.1

Approachable now with red fruit aromas, cranberry, cherry; modest structure and acidity. Clean medium long finish. Good quality and drinks above its level. — 2 years ago