Chris Wheaton

9.5

So good on a rainy SF Friday evening…. Dense and serious with the lightness and lift of bubbles. — 6 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

I have posted a number of older vintage Jones Family Cabernets. Many 20 yrs and older. Three to four 97’s…none better than this one. I give few wines a score above 96. This is different. It is so close to perfect. Some might give it a 100. I struggle to give a wine a perfect 100. I have only done it 4 times in an estimated 25k wines tasted or bottles I’ve enjoyed. One was a port made before 1886 and tasted in Oporto at Taylor Fladgate’s tasting room in 2015, it was their Scion. Only sold there and at the time 5k at bottle. You end up there purchase the Scion taste regardless of the current cost. They put on a tasting show for you. I am half tempted here to give out a 100 but will refrain.

I am not sure what to add to that but will attempt to do so.

The nose is a beautiful, perfectly evolved Napa Cabernet. Nothing overpowers any of its singular components. I think the word I am looking for is harmony. Lush, plush, ruby dark currants/cassis. The best, mid, subtle/gentle/soft, dark spice box I certainly can remember, lush blackberries, both plums, dark, not quite liqueur cherries, a mix of subtle purple fruits, poached to baked strawberries, some light hints of raspberries, dark sweet tarriness, melted dark chocolate, anise to black licorice, steep fruit tea leaning into black tea, sweet/soft leather, moist tobacco, sandalwood, dark, rich forest floor, sweet graphite, hints of dry twig, a flutter note of eucalyptus, dry, withering & slightly candied florals that are; dark, red & blue & framed in light lavender with more pronounced liquid violets.

The palate wire to wire is even & stupidly, gloriously, grand. It mirrors the nose very closely. Lush, plush, ruby dark currants/cassis. The best mid, subtle/gentle/soft, dark spice box w/ some light palate heat, best I certainly can remember, lush blackberries, both plums, dark, kirsch not quite liqueur cherries, a mix of subtle purple fruits, poached to baked strawberries, some light hints of raspberries, dark sweet tarriness, melted dark chocolate, anise to black licorice, steep fruit tea leaning into black tea, beautifully layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanillin, caramel, sweet/soft leather, moist tobacco w/ a hint is ash, sandalwood, dark, rich forest floor, dry, crushed rock powder, dry top soil, crushed limestone powder, sweet graphite, hints of dry twig, a fluttering note of eucalyptus, dry, withering & slightly candied florals that are; dark, red & blue framed in light lavender with more pronounced liquid violets, perfect, rainfall acidity, extremely well balanced, even & subtle tension-structure that stands up on the long set, refined elegance with a finish that goes on and on and eventually lands on spice & beautiful, refined earthiness.

What a bottle! 98 that leans into 99. I paid somewhere between $80-$90 on the secondary market for this bottle. — 7 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This is 50% Monastrell & 50% Petit Verdot.

This is nice and on latter side of its drinking window. Go figure w/ my palate. Brickish color on the edges. It is interesting, heady wine at this stage, soft, resolved with nice evolution and nothing that bites back. The benefit of drinking older wines. The nose is Spanish rustic. Understated fruits that are floral, slightly bright and yet have a stewy character. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, pomegranate, stewed black plums/plums. Vanillin, mid fruit cola, soft tarry notes, anise, dark rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, hint of mint, light caramel notes, dry top soil, soft, old tobacco, dry twig, used leather with withering & candied; dark, red & blue flowers.

The palate is on the leaner side. Rustic fruits of ; blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, pomegranate, stewed black plums/plums. Vanillin, mid fruit cola, soft tarry notes, anise, dark rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, hint of mint, light caramel notes, dry top soil, soft, old tobacco, sandy limestone, dry twig, used leather with withering & candied; dark, red & blue flowers. The acidity is really good. The finish is well balanced with nice structure and similar wire to wire.

@Delectable this is the Pico Madama — 3 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

A very rare bird almost impossible to find where the production on their 9 plots only amounts to a total of 9000 btls. I discovered their wines when I attended a Bizot tasting & lunch at Marea in Feb 2020 where I found their whole cluster wines had this beautiful purity of fruit & transparency. This btl was no different offering up an amazing nose of red cherry & berry fruits, lush & pure on the palate with baking spices, floral & mineral notes. A wine that is so good now you can drink young but will reward time in the cellar. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Meat sauce night part II. Always even more complex after it refrigerates overnight.

The nose expresses, ruby, lush, floral fruits of; blackberries, both black & regular plums, dark cherries, black raspberries with strawberries & creamy raspberries along the edge of the glass. Still a good presence of toasted barrel, anise to black licorice, vanilla, dark spice, nutmeg & clove, sweet tarriness, French expresso roast, mixed berry cola, used leather, dry & fresh tobacco leafs, sandstone & limestone, black pepper, herbaceousness-sage dominate, graphite, shades of menthol & mint, underbrush, dry clay, dry crushed rocks, stones, rich, turned, dark earth with bright, fresh & candied florals that are; dark, red, purple framed in violets & a field of lavender.

The body is round, juicy, clean & full. Wire to wire beautiful on the palate. The tension, structure, length and balance have hit second gear but, still needs more time in the bottle to flourish. This is bottling that will long haul to 30 years plus with proper storage. I will be saving at least one bottle to that age. The tannins are still sizable & meaty. Ruby, ripe, lush, candied/floral fruits of; dark currants, blackberries, both black & regular plums, slight sour/tart dark cherries, black raspberries with strawberries & creamy raspberries. Still a good presence of toasted barrel/shavings, anise to black licorice, dark spice with heat, sweet tarriness, French expresso roast, bright mixed berry cola/licorice, caramel, dark chocolate, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, used leather, dry & fresh tobacco leafs, sandstone & limestone, black pepper, herbaceousness-sage dominate, graphite, shades of menthol & mint, underbrush, dry clay, dry crushed rocks, stones, rich, turned, dark earth dry top soil with bright, fresh & candied florals that are; dark, red, purple framed in violets & field of lavender. The acidity is a cool stream & light on its feet. The finish is well balanced, elegant, nicely kittened that goes from ripe & juicy into dry tannins, earth & spice persisting endlessly.

The only faults that stick out to me is the ABV (a little hot) & believe they could dial back the amount of new oak & barrel toasting level. These do calm some with more time in the decanter but, not enough. — 6 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.0

And from France…. right to Idaho! A Chardonnay from the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in Idaho. Planted in the late nineteeneighties facing the Snake River from 2,700 feet elevation. An American style Chardonnay, if that exists, aged in new American oak. Slightly creamy, hints of sweet vanilla oak flavors well integrated with a high acidic, well structured wine with lifted minerals on the finish. — 6 months ago

with Chris, RoAnne and 1 other

Zimran Ahmed

9.2

A real live wire act. Perfectly balanced on the razors edge between fruit stone and acidity. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Happy birthday honey. 🎂🥳🎉❤️

The Chateau that got my wife Sofia to finally love Bordeaux (1995). Expected more from the this property in 2000. But 2000 is still either the stubborn I think it is or just not as good as critically advertised. 20 years in bottle and think it needs at least 10 more years. Also, a touch of v/a-bandaid. It has nice balance with soft fruit & earth. It just lacks the wow factor for the property & vintage. Maybe, it is in a dumb faze. But, I’ve been waiting 20 years for 2000 to come out of its shell. I love this property but it is not up to its reputation…even for lesser vintages. It might be outstanding in another 20. This bottle is a little flawed and perhaps maybe (?) a better 2nd day wine. Tonight it is leaner than I would expect. Ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, poached strawberries. Sweet lead pencil, charcoal, volcanic ash, spice, nutmeg, some cinnamon, vanillin, dry tobacco, sandalwood, limestone, dry crushed rocks , dry pebbles, dark, rich earth w/ dry leaves, dry herbs, hints of Worcestershire sauce, moist clay, withering mid floral bouquet with excellent acidity and a wire to wire finish that is balanced, nicely tensioned and elegance that lasts minutes. One of the few slightly flawed bottles in 25 plus yrs of collecting. I can count them on just over one-hand.

Picture of Sofia picking the 2012 Mouton Rothschild Merlot. — 3 years ago

Erica Wheeler

9.0

Spicy, easy to drink red. — 4 years ago

Joe Fischer

9.0

Decided to try this one that has been on the shelf awhile for NYE. Quite nice with a very yeasty, flint, and smoke aroma. Nice Fizz. Yellow-green in color. The cork is a bit unusual as it is held on with a rope as opposed to a wire cage. Smooth with a slight salinity and nice finish. — 4 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.2

Nice light lemon color and citrus/lemon notes on the nose. Tons of tiny active bubbles. A bit clunky, but vibrant balanced mid-palate. Weightier than anticipated, but lots going on... pear, ripe apple, Meyer lemon and a touch of toasty fresh baked bread. Lacking the weightlessness and elegance of France, nonetheless a fun companion with King Crab Legs on an early Spring evening. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

2005 such an amazing vintage.

The 05 Pipeau is a bottle that I’ve looked at in my EuroCave for awhile & have passed on it for bigger name producers. But, not tonight w/o disappointment. Especially, for $25 a bottle upon release.

It took a small glass & a few sips to get there. I’m there now.
.
Ruby, Claret in a classic style.

Showing the beauty of the age & vintage. Ruby, inky, ripe, slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, raspberries, dried strawberries & notes of dry cranberries. Dry top soils, dark, rich, forest floor, river stones, dry tobacco, graphite, dark, grey volcanics, limestone/sandstone, anise to black licorice, dark, sweet tarriness, dry, dark dates, steeped tea with dark, withering florals that are also, red, purple and red. The acidity is mountain, cool, stream like and elegant finish that set nicely wire to wire with persistence.

Good first look and will drink well for another 15 years with proper storage.

Allen Brothers Ribcap...10 — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Felt it was a good ten year in bottle check on the 08 Pavie Macquin. I wasn’t expecting the wine to blow my hair back but, I expected a little something better.

The 2008 Bordeaux growing season was one of difficult weather through August. Then, grand weather in September & October saved the vintage. Well...with this one, it likely made a bad vintage into just a good one.

The nose reveals classic Merlot based nose, nice Claret. The fruits are ripe, slightly ruby & candied but, a little dull. Blackberries, black raspberries, baked, dark cherries, black raspberries & stewed strawberries. Dark fruit cola, vanilla, black licorice, dark, rich earth, stones, touch leather, cinnamon stick, some graphite, light herbal quality with candied dark, red, & a touch fresh of blue florals framed in violets.

The body is just full & very velvety. The tension & structure are a little soft. The balance is good as is the length. However as it continues on the palate is just never pops. In fact, leaner & somewhat hollow. It lacks depth & complexity. The fruits are ripe, slightly ruby & candied but, a little dull. Blackberries, black raspberries, baked, dark cherries, black raspberries & stewed strawberries. Dark fruit cola, vanilla, black licorice, dark, rich earth, stones, soft, velvety leather, cinnamon stick, some graphite, light herbal quality with candied dark, red, & a touch fresh of blue florals framed in violets. The acidity is really nice, fresh. The finish is, soft, elegant, the same wire to wire but, just never dazzles.

I am afraid this is not showing any signs of being in a dumb phase. Nor, is it showing any earmarks that it is going to improve, just evolve.

Photos of; Chateau Pavie Macquin, signage tell you are close, Winemaker - Nicolas Thienpont & their barrel room. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have enjoyed this producers vineyard over many vintage and this might be the best.

The 22 vintage is stunning and as good as it is, 23 might be better based on a somewhat limited exposure at this point.

The entry is glorious…such balance and wire to wire it doesn’t change much.

Green apple, perfect lemon & lime pulp into subtle candy, grapefruit, white stone fruit, kiwi, tropical melons, pineapple, cream reduction, saline, perfect sea fossils, fine powdery taut chalkiness, crisp volcanics, white spice, grey volcanic minerals, limestone marl, mix of fresh & dry stubble herbs, honeysuckle, light caramel, warm lightly done toast, yellow florals, spring flowers with greens, grand waterfall acidity, beautiful structure-tension, incredible balance with an elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and long sets on volcanic minerals and spice.

Decanted 1 hour.

When I first started buying this bottling, it was $50-$60, now $150. Might be my last bought. My white spend has a more limited range than my red. Don’t think I’m alone.

A property Sofia & I have visited in 2015. — 7 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Happy New Year! 🎈🎊🎆 Hope yours is rosie like ours.

Beautiful mousse, soft on the palate, micro-oxygenation, creamy, strawberries w/ cream, orange citrus blend-orange, blood orange, tangerine, cherries, some light blackberries, saline, soft chalkiness with a fine sharp edge, baguette crust, light dough, light yeastiness, sea fossils, limestone powder, spring flowers, fruit blossoms, pink roses, soft, round acidity, excellently knitted, well balanced, soft tension and beautiful wire to wire with a not overly polished finish that lasts 90 seconds. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Its been awhile since I’ve opened a Geyserville. This is the 2015 50th Anniversary. Young for me on this bottling. But, a decent first look. Still shows some astringency. This will age like a Cabernet if stored correctly. 70% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 12% Petite Syrah and 3% Alicante Bouschet. 14.5% ABV. Never opened a bad bottle of Ridge.

It is ready to drink but will improve over time. It will age 15 plus years stored correctly. Black raspberries, blackberries, plum, boysenberries, dark cherries, spice, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanillin, clay, dark chocolate, forest floor with dry leaves, caramel, malt balls, dry twig, light, soft pepper, dark, mid & purple florals for days-violets, excellent acidity and a pleasant wire to wire finish.

Excellent gourmet burger wine. — 3 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.0

Sea breeze, lemon verbena, green melon, mineral (hint of flunky) and an almond/vanilla note.

Greek salad was one of the first foods I learned to “cook” for myself, and it’s still a go to for me: salty, crisp, simple, refreshing, much like this delightful Greek wine. And most of the time, that’s more than enough. Made from the much maligned Savatiano grape (for its unfortunate association with retsina). It reminds me more of a Gavi, (lower acid) Chablis, or Soave than Assyrtiko.

Also, the bird on the label is wearing a bowler hat which is fun. — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Nose has juiced ripe cherries, wet cedar, roses, dry garden soil and faint strawberry jam.

Palate has bright cherry fruit, elderberry jelly, ripe cranberry, wet leather and faint tobacco notes. Great acidity and long finish.

Decanted 5H, this is in the zone now for sure.

Paired with a local whole chicken, 24H brine, Asian style spice rub, cooked on my grill rotisserie with apple wood chips smoking away for about 75m. Potatoes, onions and root vegetables in the roasting pan beneath to catch all the drippings. Crispy skin on the bird and good smoke flavor/penetration in the meat. A great reward for laboring away in the yard and garden all weekend. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

A good follow up to the 2008 Forts de Latour.

Great bottle that shows beauty of the 2012 Napa Valley vintage managed by the right hands.

Charles Hendricks is maybe one of the most under the radar producers in the Napa Valley and certainly shouldn’t.

This wine is $125 in futures. I can think of other Napa Cabernets that cost much more that are not nearly as good.

Charles does not make this bottling every year...only when he has the right quality of fruit.

His wines always drink well young and will improve with the right bottle evolution depending on varietal and vintage.

This 12 is a gorgeous, sexy wine immediately upon entry. Beautiful round, supple tannins. Perfectly ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum and blueberries. Black licorice, sweet tarriness, Asian & Indian spices, just the right amount of barrel selection/toast that bring out soft baking spices of; cinnamon, nutmeg, clove & vanillin, soft earthiness of; dry crushed rocks, loamy soils, limestone & volcanics. Suede leather, some fresh tobacco & shades of graphite with fresh; dark, red, blue & purple florals. The acidity is round and near perfect. The finish is; elegant, well knitted & balanced in fruit in earth, polished and excellent wire to wire settling onto mid dark spice on the long set.

Photos of; the Hope & Grace tasting room in downtown Yountville (Charles makes H&G as well), Charles doing the heavy lifting of winemaking and my favorite Pollock like painting that used to be behind their tasting bar and now hangs in Charles house. — 6 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.1

The label says to “uncork 3 to 4 hours before tasting” so I did. Pale garnet with rust on the edges, a little VA (not a bad thing) on the nose with cherries and roses. Delicate but not without structure. Red fruits, florals, licorice, dried herbs, touch of wild yeast, and a saline minerality that went great with this brined roasted bird — 6 years ago