Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2016 pours a deep ruby/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe black and red fruits: cassis, blackberries, raspberries, red plum, tobacco, a touch of bell pepper, earth, old wood, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. A classic expression of Bordeaux during a period where the lines between New and Old World have been blurred. This is tasty and showing well in its early drinking window. Drink now through 2036+. — 14 days ago

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.4

I’ve been loving the much maligned 2011’s lately. Most of them are in their prime right now including this one which was super elegant with a great mix of rocky minerality and dark fruit. This is at peak and will drink well for another decade. — 17 days ago

Henry Fuseler

9.1

1/2025. Wet nice cab. Nice on the palate, good fruit and a nice finish. — 2 months ago

Brad Jensen

9.0

DEEP red color, almost black and non-see-through. Big fruit forward nose, jammy dark ripe fruits, with hints of blood orange and violet peppered in. A big fruit palate with hints of graphite, vanilla and wood, with tight tannins that hang on and don’t let you forget, with a lithe, tight acidity that shows that it still needs some time to reach its peak, despite the pedigree. This is a prime example of modern Napa cab, dry but fruity, but bombs, American as hell, distinctive and brash, and not ready to play on the big stage, but lots of potential. — 10 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.1

Thought there was a chance this one was corked… turned out solid. Deep ruby color. Aromas of leather, blackberry and earthy mushroom. Hanging in there with some solid licorice, baked berry and oaky finish. — 22 days ago

Tom Martin

9.0

Lighter than I thought … need to try more Pinot Noirs — 24 days ago

"Odedi"

9.1

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Light nose of red fruits with oak, licorice, spices, chocolates and moca.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with red cherries, currants, wood, spices, coffee, earth, dark chocolates, tobacco leaf, herbs and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 6 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is drinking very nicely now. Tasty and easy drinking. Rich and extracted.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years. Needs 3 hours to open up properly, so be patient.

Nicely balanced and feels like a Right Bank Bordeaux red.

Good by itself as a sipping wine.

100% Merlot grapes were aged in (33% new) French and American Oak barrels for 18 months.

14.3% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$60. — 2 months ago

Jennifer Henry Gregorio

9.8

Loved it! Super dark, fruit forward. Blackberry. — 11 days ago

with Daniel and Brianne

Chris MacLean

9.1

In a good spot — a day ago

with Sarah

Zach Jennings

9.4

Delicious — 12 days ago

with Dylan