David Samples

10

Beyond beautiful! Immediately soft upon opening—had planned to decant for 4-6 hours but decided against. Open and had small taste with Maggie Harrison around noon. Decided to re-cork it and decanted at 4PM.
At noon I got (very unexpected) cranberry notes on the nose and the palate was considerably more gentle than expected.

After two hour decant: Soft (cat tongue), integrated tannins, pomegranate, black cherry begins to emerge. Herbs, smoky/meaty notes emerge


Tasted: 5.20.26
Attendees: Mark Cerimele, Maggie Harrison, Steve Pfancuff, Lorne McClelland, Andy McCray, Denise Casino, Randy Nelson — a month ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.1

4 bottles within a week. Corks are in trouble they all seeped. Their top bottling in 2009 one barrel made / 60 year old vines / clone no idea? Still quite tannic. Needs 1 hour to open up before that flat/dull. Raspberries, tart cherry, red currant, chalky. Less complicated compared to 5 years ago some bottle variation. My strong advice - drink now (I re-corked 2 for 2029 for science). But honestly this is beyond its prime! OK gains significant elegance and pose after 2 hours of air. So yes still good but tough to figure out - and recommendation still the same drink up! May be folks luck out on the upside. — 4 months ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.8

Took 3 hours and was unforgiving when initially opened but then at 3 hours it was heavenly. Just classy beyond belief and a pillow on your palate with incredible fruit. Elite finesse and had that X factor. It was better than an 08 Roumier Les Cras that I had a sip of. I think I’d wait 2-3 more years on these or decant for 3 hours. — 3 years ago

LM Segal

9.5

Sublime. Iron fist, velvet glove and all that. Beyond doubt that this cuvée rocks when Capo not made. Decant briefly and sip away slowly. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Our first bottling from this small production family winery in Calistoga.

My first impressions of this wine, it’s a classic older Calistoga Cabernet. It’s nicely resolved but, not at the end of its life as some have predicted. It is a shade past its prime but, drinking nicely with the exception it’s a touch hot, even after all this time in bottle and when temp’s were not pushing alcohol levels like they can now. However, heat aside, I enjoy wines just the other side of their prime and beyond. Brings out additional complexity-characteristics and are infinitely more interesting.

The nose reveals, stewed & baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, black cherry extract, black raspberries with some deep blue fruits. Loads of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Dark spice, dark chocolate, sweet tarriness, mocha, caramel, walnut shells, anise to black licorice, steeped, dark fruit teas, mint/eucalyptus, dry crushed rocks, leather, tobacco, graphite, used charcoal, dark liqueur and cola, dry herbs with dark, red, blue, purple, fresh & withering flowers accented with lavender.

The body is rich, lush, ruby, statin, velvety and thick. The tannins are rounded & softened but, still speaking loudly. The structure, tension, length and balance are in a very good place. This wine has legs to stand for another 5-10 years depending on how you enjoy them. Stewed, candied & baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, black cherry extract, black raspberries deep blue fruits, purple fruit blend, haunting raspberries with poached strawberries as it sets. Loads of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Dark spice with good palate heat, dark chocolate, sweet tarriness, mocha, caramel, walnut shells, anise to black licorice, steeped, dark fruit teas, mint/eucalyptus, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, slightly, moist clay, pronounced, fine volcanic minerals, leather, tobacco, graphite, used charcoal, dark liqueur and cola, dry herbs with dark, red, blue, purple, fresh & withering flowers accented with lavender. The acidity is round & exquisite. The long finish is; well balanced fruit & earth, very complexity, rich, delicious and persists endlessly.

Photos of; Stephanie Jones Bailey, Rick and Elaine Jones, Estate view, their Cabernet fruit close to harvest and vineyard staff managing fruit clusters & leafing.

Producer notes...they were founded in 1996. Jones Family Vineyards specializes in estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Thomas Rivers Brown makes their wines, two Cabernet wines...Jones Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and The Sisters. TRB also makes an extremely limited production of aged Sauvignon Blanc that is cellared for over 3 years in barrel and bottle.

Jones Family has ten acres of south facing vineyards that lie 600 to 800 feet off the valley floor, resting above the fog line, an ideal altitude for growing Cabernet in the Napa Valley area.

@Paul T- Huntington Beach FYI. — 7 years ago

Bill Bender

9.7

My buddy @Mike R and his lovely wife drove all the way out to the sticks to meet me and my daughters on our country vacation and we met at a little diner and brought a few wines to share....I meant to bring the ‘13 Scarecrow but mistakenly grabbed the ‘14 because of the damn tissue wrap. No worries with the vintage mix up—it absolutely shined bright like a diamond as did Mike and Rhonda who immediately make you feel at ease and happy when you see them. The Scarecrow was resplendent in dark chocolate, Jamaican coffee, rich soil, smoke and buoyant sweet purple fruit. Astonishing purity, acceleration through the mid palate and a very lengthy velvet coated finish. Superb performance for such a nascent wine and the company was beyond compare. @Mike R drove me home to my farm afterword and we hit a deer (it and his car are OK) on the way and we ended the evening shooting off fireworks on the back porch. Pure country goodness. — 8 years ago

with Mike

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.

Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — 2 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Reddish in color with light intensity.

Nice and elegant nose of red fruits with chocolate notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with cherries, red currants, earth, light wood, spices and coffee.

Medium plus on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This young, 4 year old Barolo, is already drinking nicely, even by itself.
Well balanced and elegant.

This 2020 vintage was great for Barolo, and is very approachable right now. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years and beyond.

I've had the 2015 vintage a few years ago, and this vintage is drinking better. Complex with a soft mouthfeel.

Good right out of the bottle and better with some airtime. A good sipping wine, and will pair nicely with food too.

A blend from three different Nebbiolo Vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. Aged in large oak barrels for 2 years.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$60. — 2 years ago

Angila Hutchinson

9.2

Angila had this 5 years ago

Willie Carter

8.9

A lovely Champagne that never tries to get beyond itself. Persistent small bubbles that never seem to stop with a fine mousse. Fresh brioche, apricots, and tart apples comprise the nose. Consistency is key here. This little sparkler is so solid and sturdy. Beautifully balanced, delivers at a high level that’s easily comparable to other big Champagne houses. Predominantly Chardonnay, there is a freshness and effervescence to these bubbles. Very bright and lively on the tongue, this is clearly a step above similar bottlings. Toasted almonds and toasted bread lead on the palate with vanilla and green apples bring up the rear. Such a solid, terrific Champagne, this should be your house bubbles. — 6 years ago

Paul J

9.2

Very nice, but getting up there in price.

The nose was the best part! Very complex, with smoke, earth, and fruit. Wine had good fruit, but wine is beyond its prime. Shortish finish.
— 7 years ago

with Brooke

Nicole Revilo

8.9

Solid blend for the price point. Definitely give it a try. Let it open a little bit for it’s full potential. If I find it for $12 again, I’m buying at least 2. — 7 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2021 vintage. Last tasted 1.9.25 (9.3). Did indeed pick up extra for the resto and down to 1-2 bottles left. PNP. Still beyond solid for the price. It you find this vintage retail and it is $50 or below, you'd better pick it up or I'll call the federales/gendarmes/polizia/po po myself. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Interesting blend of mostly Chardonnay adding Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, medium vibrant lemon yellow color, with aromas of complex fruits, nutty and floral notes. On the palate flavors of pineapple, apricot and citrus with cinnamon, honey and floral spice. Long finish ending creamy with juicy fruit, almonds, citrus and mineral notes. Will age a bit, but nice now! — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Always finish the tasting with something older. This works.

It has hit just beyond its precipice. Older, not quite stewy; blackberries, black cherries, plum, sandalwood, dry twig-leaves, nice acidity-roundness and well balanced finish. — 4 months ago

Michelle Beer

8.9

Zin with a nice spice — 4 years ago

Adam Hoogeveen

9.3

Figs, balsamic, and pepper on the nose. Depth and character on the palate that goes beyond the initial impressions. Let it open a bit. — 5 years ago

with Micaela

Mike R

9.6

WNH rides again - this wine keeps getting better - incredible wine - the dark fruit and amazing color are prefect - but the taste is powerful but beyond approachable- extremely smooth / and the finish speaks in loud Dolby brilliant sounds - just so damn long

The herd had our party at Bookers Guesthouse / thank you Eric, Lauren and Glenn. — 7 years ago

with Shawn, Carl and 3 others

Tarique Qayumi

9.1

Superb! Beyond my expectations! — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Rated a 10/10 vintage from Moss Wood and this bottle certainly lived up to that. Herbaceous as expected with hints of tobacco but also coupled with cassis and blackberry on the palate. Medium bodied and resolved tannins but still with a future. It will easily see its 20th Birthday and beyond. Last one was in April 2015 and was superlative. Drink the next one in 2021. — 7 years ago

with Georgina