David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The Hendricks Pinot from the Doctors Vineyard in Santa Lucia. 11 barrels made. 22 months in French oak. I don’t know what everyone is used to but a Pinot 22 months in French oak is far more rare than common. This is my first look from the four bottles I’ve stored. Roughly eight years is the timing for first look.

This may be the best CA Pinot I have consistently yr over yr. The fruit is ripe, dry-ish, slightly tart; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, plum, notes of blueberries, raspberries, dry cranberries & strawberries. Beautiful mid spices, nutmeg, cinnamon-cinnamon stick, vanillin, mid to dark berry cola, dry brush, dry clay, loamy, limestone volcanics, dark, dry soil, dark chocolate baking bar, crushed dry rocks, notes of not quite eucalyptus, tree bark w/ sap, fresh & slightly withering, dark, red, blue florals framed in subtle violets, near perfect acidity with a nicely structured, well balanced, velvety/silky, consistent wire to wire finish that lasts a minute and half. Simply amazing palate.

Good first look but better things ahead for my next bottle(s). Another 15 plus years of half drinking ahead.

Happy Labor Day weekend. — 8 months ago

Katie

9.1

8/19/22 with Sheryl and Linda at Peake ranch, CA — 2 years ago

Neil Blaze

8.9

If I had been tasting this blind, I may have guessed it to be German. Although, there is an individuality here that is uniquely Bay Area, CA. Nice floral aromas, along with some key lime pie. Citrus notes on the palate, along with sponge cake! Interestingly, I caught a bit of cigar smoke on the finish! 50% Gewürztraminer, 50% Riesling. 7/12/22. — 2 years ago

Alberto Cdm

9.3

Ottimo! 22 anni in gran forma! — a year ago

Brian Ager

8.9

A well balanced delicate yet delicious central coast CA rosé.  Provencial in style it starts with a floral, honeysuckle, strawberry, and a touch minerality in the form of crushed rocks.  The palate adds lots bright red fruit flavors and a strong backbone of acidity.  Quite a good pairing with stuffed yellow & red bell peppers as we wrap up rosé season here in MN! ($30).[10/14/22] — 2 years ago

Katie

9.2

8/18/22 with Linda in little Dutch land CA. It’s actually the box rouge — 2 years ago

JKT

9.0

Same as previous. Wine for Pino! 6/12/22 BD Grad celebration with Cindy/David Et Al. — 2 years ago

Marc Melser

9.0

We had the 2015 Vintage on 12/17-18/22. This CA red blend really captures the essence of a good Bordeaux. Blackberry, cedar, cassis plum. The tannins were all smoothed out. Very good. Full bodied. — a year ago

Brian Ager

8.9

A small production central coast CA Pinot which actually comes across more Burgundian in style with plenty of earthy fruit flavors.  Dried herds, cranberry hints of allspice and forest floor abound on the nose ans palate. Despite its ~10 year age it also greatly benefited from a 30+ min decant.  A tasty wine and great pairing with stuffed red and yellow bell peppers!
($40) [9/18/22] — 2 years ago

Anuja Agnihotri

10

Sparkling cold red wine. Had in Terroni for Kats birthday 7/30/22 — 2 years ago