Refreshing & enjoyably min Saturday night with Rafael! — 3 years ago
The label was soiled when I received the order. I was immediately concerned regarding the contents. Happily, the wine was in pristine nick. Forest floor and cinnamon nose transitioned to the signature gnarly, textured dark fruit, smoke, and spice box presentation. I’m going to hold some of these Astons and see what happens. Intro’d to this by @Bill Bender, this has become my fave Cali pinot. Every vintage comes correct. — 5 years ago

This is a very youthful wine. Still, with about an hour of decanting, this one was drinking very lovely. The nose and palate is sweet black cherry with red clay influence. This Rutherford site has such dynamic soil and Bill has been making terroir driven wines for 20+ years from this same parcel of land. The finish has good acidity and a sweeter cedary type of tannin but the wine is already incredibly balanced given its youth. 94 now with definite improvement expected in the 10 or 15 years that it will develop. — 7 years ago
A legend for a reason, young but decanting helped. Tannic structure is incredible. Tannins are still noticeably present at this age but still well done. Cherry and cranberry and incredibly rich. Really oustanding wine — 8 years ago
One of the first few vintages of Bill Sweat's and Donna Morris' Pinot Noir is still drinking quite well. Softened a bit and still has some complexity and is pleasant. — 8 years ago
2005 vintage. Courtesy of @Bill Bender Menthol, blueberry skins, tobacco in the nose. Medium-bodied. Elegant, chocolate chip ice cream finish. Holding up really nicely and would seem to have another half-decade in this phase of life. — 4 years ago



Oppliger bill h jkh 6/17
Bl bistro amarillo tx — 6 years ago
I am blessed - this is a birth year wine for me - thank you so much @Bill Bender @David L - first time ever - the wine was stunning - partially because it truly was and partially because this was a gift of a birth year wine
The wine was so fresh and got even better after 45 minutes- this was brilliant- God only knows I was shocked to see some great friends for a early surprise birthday party but then to get to enjoy this was mind blowing
The wine for me was prefect - color was darker than you would expect - the smell was still intoxicating after being in the bottle that long - no signs of oxygenation - the presentation of the bottle was incredible- the taste aye the taste was absolutely so damn good - no signs of taste falling off at all
Thank you so much gents — 7 years ago



John Ledgend medium blend red. Little rough which must be Zin. But overall very drinkable to pallet. — 8 years ago
1982 vintage. Last tasted 6.1.24 (9.4) and nearly 9 years ago (9.0). Courtesy of Monsieur @Bill Bender. Sweet fill. Opened with a Durand. Cork 95% saturated. A little reticent in the early going and decanted a third of the bottle to see if that would pull the juice out of a sullen funk. It did, so the remainder got decanted whilst throwing much less sed than expected. Medium body still. Slightly brickish and plenty fleshy with well-integrated complexity. Very pleasant and lingering finish. A great bottle with more than could reasonably be expected at this juncture. Thank you, Bill! 4.24.26. — 3 months ago



Butterrrrrr — 6 years ago
vivid, medium ruby with amber rim; red cherry, damp earth, caramel, cloves; intense flavors, red cherry, cranberry, medium finish; light-medium body, medium+ tannins, fine grained tannin, 12.59% ABV; partnership between winemaker Gavin Chanin and Durell Vineyard owner Bill Price, spends 15 months in 36% new French oak; $60 — 7 years ago
Out with Peg and Bill! — 7 years ago
@Bill Bender recognizes the goods when he sees them. This wine was every thing you’d want from an mature elite Syrah. Very fresh, alive, savory, and powerful. For the record, I said “wine”. 😉 — 8 years ago
Went to a tasting and they were featuring Chalk Hill, winery now owned by Bill Foley, of Foley Family Wines, who continues the traditions that Fred Furth, who founded CH in 1972. Had this ‘16 about a year ago. Rich deep straw color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits and citrus notes. On the palate ripe apple, sweet melon and lemon flavors with gentle vanilla toasty oak. Well balanced on lingering finish ending with oak and mineral notes. Aged well. Tasting Sample. — 8 years ago
One of the best ever made??? @Bill Bender thank you. — 9 years ago
Dan Hermann
Full, flavorful. — 20 days ago