Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.6

The 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Clos du Val is the most interesting of all the wines. The estate was founded by John and Henrietta Goelet in the early Seventies when the couple challenged recently graduated winemaker Bernard Portet to create a Bordeaux-inspired estate in Napa. Clos du Val attained global recognition when its inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the wines poured blind by Steven Spurrier at the epochal The Judgement of Paris, so this bottle of 1976 was one of their earliest bottlings that, incidentally, came directly from Clos de Val’s apparently meager reserves. It is very elegant and perfumed on the nose, typical old school, classic Napa Cabernet in all its unfettered glory, beautifully defined with wilted rose petals and a light fish scale element. Supple, very pliant tannins define the palate. There remains ample freshness and poise, a fine silver thread of acidity and a clove-tinged, rounded, exquisitely balanced finish that would surpass practically every other Bordeaux from this vintage. Outstanding. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 8 months ago

Alexander Niehenke

9.5

@John Raytek makes Chard like no one else in CA — 8 years ago

Mikaela Cazzell

9.9

Delicious Sauvignon Blanc from WBJ Mystery Box, drank with chicken tacos. — 8 years ago

Maxence Guilluy

9.2

Thick, spicy, chocolat cake — 9 years ago

John Hagood

9.4

From ETS Martin in late 2019. (Laura Christmas gift to John, after 2017. Had 2015 on 4/24/2021. Very dark opaque at center, magenta at edge. Forest berries. Bubble gum. Overripe banana/butterscotch/pecan bread. Tannins strong, overpowering front and middle mouthfeel and taste. Glorious lasting finish, breathing out for minutes (would that be alcohol?). All Merlot or some Cab franc? Velvety like right bank. — 4 years ago

TheElder Pinot

9.1

Newly released so very fresh and a touch raw. Nothing that can’t be resolved with a little time in bottle. Elegant fruit, nicely handled, great acidity, subtle tannins, it will sell out very quickly I expect. — 6 years ago

TheSkip

9.5

Family effort for Santa's snacks.

I believe HoHo and Mrs Claus enjoyed the Myriad very much.

Merry Christmas to all my Delectable friends!! @Ron R @Bill Bender@David L @Martin G Rivard @Fraser McKinley @Mike Rowe @Jeff Shapiro @Jody Scharf @Jim Trobaugh @Jeff Shapiro @John Howard @Joe Lucca @Jody Scharf @Shay Aldriedge @Shawn G. Rose @Mo Salem @philip Angino @Sharon B @Rochelle @Bob McDonald @Greg Ballington @Matthew Beninati @Evan Bienstock @Carl Fischer @Martin A. Cody @Daryl Calhoun @Eric Shanks @Jean-Francois Pelletier @jesus g @Henrik Poulsen @Christanna Honer @Isaac Pirolo @Rafael Landestoy @MaJ CappS @"Odedi" @Paul T @jerod peitsmeyer @Ryan Mitchell @David Trumper @Kim Stanbro

And I'm sure so many more that I'm forgetting!!!!!! — 8 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.0

The 2019 Snakes & Ladders consists of Sauvignon Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains. It has a potent bell pepper and gooseberry nose that maybe lacks the complexity of John Seccombe’s Chenins. The palate is well balanced with good weight. Bitter lemon, orange peel and light saline notes define the finish. This is a fine Sauvignon Blanc that should drink well for 3–6 years. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2021)
— 4 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.6

This estate was a spectacular find this trip! @John Boich was an amazing host and so was Jnani!
@Shay Aldriedge @Martin G Rivard @David L @Ron R @Carl Fischer this is an estate you guys need to check out, especially if you love the Rudius Wines. This is the same winemaker, Jeff Ames, same as TOR too.


Deep and dark ruby red. Dark purple floral attack with lavender and lilacs, followed with tons of savory notes. Nose finished off with some black and blue berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) and tighter than the rest of the Cabernet Sauvignons. A bit savory with dried red berries and black cherries. A little floral too. Full bodied and lingering finish. Drink from 2019 till 2040. — 8 years ago

with Sean and India

Jeremy Pollard

9.0

A well made pinot that's definitely better on its second day open, but the best still lies ahead of it. A bit tight and closed currently - give it several years. — 9 years ago

with Sam