Cruz Alta

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

Opened the evening prior at 7pm and double-decanted; the bottle was left at room temp with the cork pressed lightly back into the neck until service. The 2000 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and a slightly water rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous and showing some real power with a compelling combination of ripe and desiccated fruit: dark brambles, cassis, leather, dill, olives, spiced meat, tobacco and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and whoa is it ever delicious. This has to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink now through 2040. — a day ago

Hermes, Ira and 13 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2019

2019 vintage. As delicious as ever. Exquisite balance of fruit and acidity. Medium-heavy bod. Clean with a smattering of mineral influence here and there. So good. 6.5.24. — 20 days ago

Austin, Ira and 15 others liked this
Norman Gennaro

Norman Gennaro Premium Badge

These are great

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

2010 vintage (half bottle). Upon opening, there was a split second hesitation as to whether the wine was skunked or not. Extremely earthy and funky nose though the taste and color assured that it was fine, though it surely needed a ton of time to come together. We enjoyed a Chenin Blanc while we waited for the Rioja. Revisiting the nose about 45 minutes later, it was clear the time alone improved it immensely. Alas, the classic notes of vanilla and oak and cherry that I so often associate with Rioja. Drinking it 20 minutes later over the next hour, the wine was showing incredibly well and so different from its previously unruly and spastic self. It was now much more tame and finessed, well integrated tannins yet still present, with nice acidity and a good amount of freshness. Incredibly enjoyable all on its own. A fun journey that had a rocky beginning but very rewarding end. — 11 days ago

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2012

Good show. Only a hint of CA sunshine on the close. — 10 days ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Pinotman, Bob and 8 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

2018 vintage. Oak a little showier than last visit 4.20.24. *Full disclosure* Probably my favorite CA cabernet for QPR purposes-year in, year out-since the early 90's. Not inexpensive, yet, in a world of ridiculous CA cab pricing, this is a bargain. Had I storage space and projected lifespan, would pick up two cases and crack a bottle every year starting in 2028. Some overt baby fat/oak to dissipate in anticipation. Currently, wanting more structure and depth but, given the track record with this wine/producer, it's enroute. 5.29.24. — a month ago

Ted, Jan and 17 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012

One of the best bottles of Cubillo I can remember tasting — 9 days ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Pinotman, Ron and 5 others liked this

Ceritas

Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

This how really smoothed out with age and I really like it now. The acidity before I think was over powering. Delightful. — 2 days ago

Ira, Shay and 5 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Norman Gennaro Very happy age brought you a positive experience. Up to now it has been my experience that Ceritas whites need time. The foundation for really good wines are there they just have to come together. I am hoping it was my note that motivated you to revisit their whites.
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Norman Gennaro If you have other bottles try to put 1 or 2 down for 10 + years.
Norman Gennaro

Norman Gennaro Premium Badge

@Ira Schwartz you were right! I have a habit of losing wines in my storage so 10+ can easily happen ;)

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 16 days ago

Scott@Mister liked this