Sandlands

Contra Costa County Carignane 2023

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent throughout. The 2023 “Contra Costa County” pours, a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe mixed bramble fruit: blackberries, Marionberries, raspberries, black pepper, orange zest, menthol, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the orange citrus notes show a bit more prominently. The finish is medium+, bright and refreshing. 9 barrels produced. Drink now through 2038. — 5 days ago

Daniel, Ira and 11 others liked this

Three Wine Company

Spinelli Vineyard Mataro 2015

Doug Powers

9.2

128-year-old Mataro vines grown in the sand in Contra Costa County, stunning redfruits, great freshness and lift from the lovely acidity, good balance, excellent depth, long finish, terrific Mataro!! — 4 months ago

with Jim

Tom, Scott@Mister and 3 others liked this

Cline Cellars

Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel 2016

Jay Kline

9.1

Poured into a decanter roughly an hour prior to service and presented double-blind. The 2016 “Big Break” presents a bright ruby with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart, ripe and dried red fruits: cherries, Craisins, red flowers, leather, dried earth and light baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, though the fruit comes across a lot more ripe. The finish is medium+ and the alcohol is high. I called 2020 Cote du Rhône (Southern), Grenache heavy GSM blend. What a pleasant surprise! I used to drink the smack out of various Cline Zinfandel’s and Big Break was always amongst their better, if not a little more difficult to find. Drinking well now and will continue to do so through 2031, easy. — 4 months ago

Tom, Douglas and 11 others liked this