Jay Kline

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.  — a day ago

John Willison

9.2

Crushed red and blue fruit, earthy, berry compote finish. — 3 months ago

Charlie Tapp

9.2

Black fruit, tobacco and leather. — 4 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Balanced and vibrant. Yay Carignane! — 9 days ago

with Dan, Rebecca and 1 other

PM

9.3

2021 is too young but I’m drinking it, and it’s delicious. — 2 months ago

Larry Schnelle

9.3

Excellent with Dr . Pepper short ribs — 3 months ago

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

Jason Muniz

8.9

Very good, color was just ok — 2 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

This is drinking really nice right now. Great mature fruit. Drink while it's at peak. Very nice upside surprise on a regional (vs vineyard) designated wine. Prost! — 2 months ago

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!! — 3 months ago

with Jim