Jason Phillips

9.2

Great nose. Complex but well balanced. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 30% petit syrah, 9% merlot, 4% petit verdot, 4% malbec. Enjoyed at the castle in Napa. — 2 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

96 that leans deep into 97. Always stunning from this producer regardless of vintage. Producer trust.

This still has dark, round, meaty, backbone tannins, dark currents w/ Indian/Asian spices. Ruby, lush; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum w/ dry skin, darkest of cherries, raspberry hues, purple fruits hues, deep baking spices, dark chocolate bar, mocha, caramel, dry top soil, crushed limestone powder, dry tobacco/leather, dry herbs-bay leave/sage, dry, slightly candied to withering flowers framed in violets/lavender, excellent, round acidity with a finish that is well structured, balanced, nicely tensioned & elegantly polished finish that falls onto dry earth & lasts minutes.

This 2001 is still youthful & has at least another decade well stored. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes. The 2006 “Amber Knolls Vineyard” blows the mind. Yes, I know, it’s made by Schrader but this humble Lake County designation was meant to be enjoyed early while one allowed the more significant Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon’s mature. Yet here we are, thoroughly enjoying this 18 years from vintage. Fruit not only hanging on; dare I say this is still developing? Structure is sound. Drink now through 2030. Very impressive. — 6 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

1996 vintage. Amber coloured. Intense, complex. Maybe not in the same league as the impressive 2005 tasted alongside at the château, but very good indeed. — a month ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Leaner than the El Puntido. This is more classic Tempranillo. Drier & earthier.

Beautiful wine. Ripe, juicy & slightly candied & floral fruits of; mid to dark cherries, black raspberries, black raspberries, dry blue berries. Cherry cola, dry tobacco w/ ash, dry leathery, barrel staves, muddy herb mix, dark, dry spices, steeped, sun tea, mid; clove, nutmeg, vanilla, limestone minerals, crushed limestone/dry rocks, dry flowers that are black, red w/ dry lavender, round, high acidity with a high, dry tannin finish that falls on to the wild, dry, earthy, wildest finish that is balanced for many minutes.

Paired this with/ a dry rub tri-tip and a burgundy marinaded Cardiff Crack tri-tip. Both very different and enjoyable, but liked the dry rub with the Rioja.

Photos of, my visit to the Bodega, old oak vats that are decades old, neutral wood that is still used as of 2015 when I visited & been repaired endlessly, old wood press and tasting room outside their cellar/tasting room. — 5 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

10

Deep amber color. Soft sugar plum, apricot and botritis aromas. Amazing 1960 D’Yquem! — 6 months ago

with Quentin

Siena Garbaccio

9.0

Orange is hit or miss for me. This one was balanced and bright. Delicious with my pizza. Very cool winery name. Pleasantly surprised by this! — 2 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Papa luis xfg — 4 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.4

Deep ruby in color; blackberries, black cherries, and cedar on the nose; medium acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like plums, strawberry jam, violets, and clay pots with a long finish. Nellie loves it! And so do I. — 5 months ago

with Nellie

Bart Bartlett

9.0

Delicious. Citrus hits you from the beginning. Just a hint of salt keep it delightful throughout. — 6 months ago