Bear Flag Wine
Domaine du Coulet (Matthieu Barret)
Petit Ours Côtes du Rhône Syrah 2019
From legendary winemaker Matthieu Barret of Domaine de Coulet in Cornas, nickname Little Bear. Medium Ruby organic wine with aromas fresh berries, floral and hints of spice. On the palate of this 100% Syrah, flavors of blackberry and blueberry with notes of lavender and white pepper spice. Medium+ finish, fine soft tannins, ending with fruit, cedar and smoky spice. — 20 days ago
Chalk Hill
Estate Bottled Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019
I was in the mood for Sauvignon Blanc that had more to say for itself than “hi, I’m Sauvignon Blanc” to which I’d theoretically reply “do I LOOK like a Basic B? Huh? Whatcha gonna say about THAT Savvy B?” Kidding, I’d never do that but if I were the type to be so insulting this wine would not bear the brunt of my wrath because it is more than SB spiritually and literally (there’s 8% Sauvignon Gris in the mix). It is understated. Sort of hinting first at greens, then grapefruit and lemons. On the palate it is quite elegant, bringing in honeysuckle and zip. It does a graceful dance over your tongue, a petite allegro but slightly slowed down, not too fast too follow if you happen to be it’s dance partner.
If you like your SB to slap you around and make you say it’s name this may not be your jam, but if you want a little intrigue, this one’s for you. — a month ago
Fairview Cellars
The Bear Premier Series Okanagan Valley Red Blend 2017
Bordeaux-style blend with finesse. One of BC’s best unknown producers of the big reds. Beautifully silky and well-rounded tannins. Blackberry, cassis, caramel, cedar, smoke and vanilla notes on the palette. Excellent wine. — a month ago
Bear Path Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Lamb dinner at home — a month ago
Bear Cub
Columbia Valley Red Blend 2016
Pretty outstanding QPR. Black fruit, milk chocolate, baking spice, vanilla. — 24 days ago
Delectus Winery
Bear Crossing Knight Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Excellent+ — 19 days ago
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir 2019
The 2019 Pinot Noir is Walker Bay in terms of Wine of Origin rather than Hemel-en-Aarde, since much of their Pinot Noir was rejected after wildfires tainted the fruit. The majority of fruit was sourced from benevolent growers in the valley, and completely destemmed but not crushed, then matured in 24% new French oak. This has an open, quite herbal bouquet of vibrant red and black fruit, underlying sous-bois notes coming through with aeration. The well-balanced palate offers fine-grained tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Open and expressive, with a pinch of black pepper on the cohesive finish. Given the trauma suffered this vintage, this should be considered a success, not least because it still seems to bear the imprimatur of Hamilton Russell. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2021)
— 12 days ago
John Murphy
Fun. Fruity. Peppery. Zingy. Very enjoyable — 4 hours ago