Joe Flo

9.9

This wine is still bordering on perfection absolutely gorgeous and delicious. — a month ago

Nathan Renfro

9.4

Quite enjoyable. Great find while on vaca at grocery store in Houston. — 3 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

A winemaker dinner with Andy Erickson(Favia). Has made wine in the past for Screaming Eagle, Ovid, Dalla Valle, etc.

WINE:
2024 Favia Linea sav blanc
2017 Favia Linea sav blanc from 3L
2021 Favia Cerro Sur red wine
2021 Favia cab sav, Coombsville
2022 Favia cab sav, Oakville
2006 Favia Quarzo Syrah

FOOD:
Pacific lobster cannoli
Pork belly arancini
Elk carpaccio
Venison New York strip
Chocolate souffle cake — 8 months ago

with Brenda

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I was given this tasting kit they sometimes send to customers on their list at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

Gorgeous nose that shows ruby, plush, slightly candied-gummy, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, mulberries, gooseberries, black plum, slightly pan chard dark cherries, ripe strawberries & raspberries on the edge of the glass. Chocolate cake, plum pudding, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, some black pepper, mix of soft, dry, moist tobacco, barrel shavings to sandalwood, soft baking spices: light clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, moist volcanics & grey, wet clay, dry river stone, light dry herbs, dry crushed rock & brush with dry, perfumed florals that are; dark red, blue framed in a field of lavender & violets.

Gorgeous, seductive entry and mouthfeel. Buyers are going struggle not to open and drink these 21’s early. They are that good now and people that read this nonsense that I post almost never reads as such! But, I’d still hold to get full price of admission. Lithography craft & wine prices necessitate it. Floral, ripe, juicy fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, mulberries, gooseberries, black plum, slightly pan chard dark cherries, ripe strawberries & raspberries on the edge of the glass. Chocolate cake, plum pudding, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, dark spice with heat that cools as it sets, some black pepper, mix of soft, dry, moist tobacco, some black pepper, barrel shavings to sandalwood, soft baking spices: light clove & nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, most volcanics & grey, wet clay, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry crushed rock & brush with dry, perfumed florals that are; dark red, blue framed in a field of lavender & violets. Grand round acidity with a plush, rich, balanced, elegant finish’s that seems not to end, but falls on dry earth spice.

I really like this barrel selection & toast for their wines. Outstanding!

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky whose resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I was given this tasting kit they sometimes send to customers on their list at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

This is quite good & somewhat approachable for a Napa Cabernet so young. Yet, not entirely surprising given the vintage, terroir & winemaking team. But, it should lay down another 7-8 plus for you to get your full price of admission.

The nose reveals ripe, rich, lush fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, lots of blueberries, mulberries, black plum skin & deep, very dark cherries. Big cocoa/mocha, fresh with some slightly dry tobacco, soft leather, black licorice and mid & dark berry cola, dark chocolate to chocolate cake to chocolate pudding, soft baking spices, dry herbs with an undertone of spearmint, soft barrel shavings (I like the wood & barrel toast they have selected), soft, elegant forest floor with dark, slight candied with some withering red, flowers that are set in lavender & liquid violets. Beautiful!

The fruits are perfectly ripe, lush, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, lots of blueberries, mulberries, black plum skin & deep, very dark cherries. Big cocoa/mocha, fresh with some slightly dry tobacco, soft leather, black licorice and mid & dark berry cola, dark chocolate to chocolate cake to chocolate pudding, soft baking spices-nutmeg, cinnamon clove & vanillin, dry herbs with an undertone of spearmint, soft barrel shavings, dark Indian/Asian spices-some Allspice mixed in, pronounced lead pencil, soft, elegant forest floor with dark, slightly candied with some withering red, flowers that are set in lavender & liquid violets. Flowers/florals are exquisite. Excellent round acidity with an extremely well balanced/knitted with an amazing glorious finish that goes on and on. Really well made. I would like to try this again in another 7-10 years. One dent, it does show some alcohol burn. 14.8% ABV. Feels above 15. Maybe, 15.5.%.

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky who’s resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

This is the last fruit MH will get from Stagecoach. Gallo bought the vineyard. Seems the 1,300 acre site deal will help Gallo grow Orin Swift and Louis Martini, and down the road it may help it with new projects. Producers who purchased Stagecoach fruit include; Bryant Family Vineyard and Dalla Valle. Krupp sells fruit to more than 90 wineries, including Alpha Omega, Caymus, Duckhorn and Pahlmeyer.

Pretty nose with perfume, candied, purple florals. A lot beauty and elegance.

Beautiful tannins, soft, supple and dusty. Feel tiny in the mouth but are sweet & tarry. Ripe, juicy, blackberries, black raspberries, purple fruits, plum & strawberries. Powdery rocks, dry, river stone, light, fresh tobacco, used leather, steeped fruit tea, touch of fresh bay leaves, dark, rich soil, black licorice, chocolate cake, berry fruit cola, fresh, red, dark, purple and blue florals. Excellent rainfall acidity. Well structured, nice tension with very good balance. The long finish starts juicy, fruity and mixes in the soft earth. Lasts minutes. Hard to resist now and easy to drink young but would love to try this again in 10-15 years. — 3 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.7

Nice 👍🏼, definitely a 4 hour decant or 5-10 year hold $150. 00 on release but it has the stuffing of a $250.00 bottle, Parker 98 + review This is the second vintage from Seven Apart—a blend coming from Stag's Ridge vineyard, located up on Atlas Peak, and Base Camp vineyard, located seven miles down the mountain (hence the name). The winemaker here is Andy Erickson, formerly at Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate and currently also consulting winemaker at Dalla Valle (among others). The upper vineyard (Stag's Ridge) is planted to mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Seven miles down the road, where Soda Canyon Road meets the Silverado Trail, is the four-acre Base Camp vineyard, planted in the mid-1990s to Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Base Camp was planted in 1994 and 1998. Opaque purple-black in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Expedition erupts from the glass with explosive scents of boysenberry preserves, blueberry pie and Black Forest cake, plus suggestions of molten chocolate, licorice, tar and violets, with a waft of sandalwood. The full-bodied palate is full-on rich and decadent, exuding layer upon layer of opulent black and blue fruit preserves with bags of exotic spice accents and a long, fragrant finish. Pure hedonism. It is tantalizingly delicious right now, but give it 3-4 years in bottle to blow off that puppy fat, and drink it over the next 25 years+. — 5 years ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Inspire Napa...Best of Oakville wine tasting
Moderated by Antonio Galloni, founder Vinous

WINES
2023 Favia cabernet
2016 Dalla Valle Maya
2013 Opus One
2023 Gamble estates cab
2023 Vine Hill Ranch cab
2023 Keplinger cab franc Detert vineyard

PANEL
Tom Gamble...Gamble estates
Ray Isle...wine editor,  Food and Wine
Bruce Phillips...owner Vine Hill Ranch
Michael Silacca...winemaker, Opus One
Maya  Dalla Valle...winemaker Dalla Valle — 2 months ago

with Brenda

Daniel Jara

9.5

Vinazo! Acompaño con un New York steak , un vino excelente en nariz , con carácter, intenso , pero elegante en el paladar y de mediana acidez . Vinazo , se debe de comprar más seguido ! — 9 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I was given this tasting kit they sometimes send to customers on their list at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

All their reds show beautiful noses that are ripe & nicely candied fruits; creamy blackberries & black raspberries, dark plum, mulberries, sweet dark cherries, juicy strawberries. Chocolate cake & pudding, mid berry cola/licorice, black licorice, dry earth, beautifully soft, baking spices, caramel, mocha, sandalwood, soft, fresh tobacco, restrained leather with brilliantly candied & florals that are; dark, red and framed in lavender & violets.

I sound like a broken record on this sixth wine, elegant, fresh, plush, velvety, round, soft supple tannins on this well balanced elegant entry. They are simple gorgeous and easy to drink young. Yet, I still can’t stress showing restraint on these 21’s and waiting 7 or more years. Wow…haven’t been this impressed in a Napa tasting in some time. Ripe & nicely candied fruits; creamy blackberries & black raspberries, dark plum, mulberries, sweet dark cherries, juicy strawberries. Chocolate cake & pudding, mid berry cola/licorice, black licorice, soy dry earth, beautifully soft, baking spices, caramel, mocha, dark spice, dry herbs, dry top soil/brush, sandalwood, wet clay, sandstone, soft, fresh tobacco, restrained leather, right amount of lead pencil with brilliantly candied & florals that are; dark, red and framed in lavender & violets. Wire to wire great length & straight up consistency from entry to long finish. Perfect, round, rain shower acidity and amazingly balanced, structured, tensioned, elegant, plush, finish that is without end.

I really like this barrel selection & toast for their wines. Outstanding!

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky whose resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

I was given this tasting kit they sometimes send to customers on their list at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

The nose is somewhat muted. Yet, still beautiful. Dark, lush, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, mulberries, dark cherries with ripe strawberries hues. Dark chocolate, beautiful, soft baking spices, dry herbs, dry top soil, dry volcanic powder, tea leaves, some tarriness, tobacco w/ ash, lead pencil, leather, back licorice, dark, red, withering flowers framed in violets.

This drinks incredibly well now but needs more evolution. Many will find this hard to resist now.

The palate shows; dark, lush, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, mulberries, dark cherries with ripe strawberries hues. Refined but medium plus tannins, dark chocolate, coco powder, beautiful, soft baking spices, dry herbs, dry top soil, dry volcanic powder, tea leaves, some tarriness, rich, dark forest floor w/ dry leaves dark, dry brush, fine, powdery spices, tobacco w/ ash, lead pencil, leather, back licorice, dark, red, withering flowers framed in violets. Perfect acidity and a round, plush, well balanced/knitted, beautiful structure, nicely tensioned finish w/ length that lasts two-minutes falling on to nice earthiness. Las Piedras for minerality always.

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky who’s resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands.

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky who’s resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands. — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Flight #1 of our 1997 Retrospective. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. On the nose, this shared similar characteristics to wine #3. The most striking of which was a powerful note of finely ground cumin on the nose. Fruit is mostly desiccated at this point; the structure keeping everything together, but just. I called this to be “Rubicon”. While clearly in the sunset of its life, this showed slightly less energy than the Dalla Valle but no less charm. Drink now.
— 2 years ago

Tom Garland

9.2

Inspired by @Eric 94 Dalla Valle tonight.

Decanted for sediment (some fine/cloudy sediment). A sensational tawny ruby red color. On the nose: Very aromatic nose of black cherry, currants, barnyard, earth, leather, and smoked meat. Taste: Damn, must have added some water from the fountain of youth. A smooth, still bright, juicy medium body wine with black currants, leather, hint of red berries, musky earth, and a minty espresso medium finish. Nice classic aged Cali cab! — 4 years ago

with Brenda

Tom Garland

9.5

Inspire Napa welcome dinner
at Gamble Estates

VINTNER co-hosts
Dalla Valle ...2012 Maya
Harlan...2019 Harlan estate
Futo...2022 estate cab
Opus...2018 Opus
Screaming Eagle...2023 The Flight
Tench Vineyards...2023 estate cab franc
Vine Hill Ranch...2023 cab
Gamble estates...2022 reserve cab

FOOD
Hog Island oysters
Spring salad
Flannery beef striploin
Mustards Grill Alaskin Halibut
Sugar snap peas
Yukon potato hash browns
Mt Shasta porcini mushrooms
Burnt Basque cheesecake — 2 months ago

with Brenda

John Van Trijp

9.8

Weekend with Friends and average wines…😎 — 6 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The nose has a dark core. Dark currants, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, baked strawberries, baked strawberries, mix of purple fruits, raspberries, dark chocolate cake to mousse, dark spice, dry tobacco, oak barrel powder, anise to black licorice, some dry herbs, baking spices, black tea, withering & candies, dark, red flowers framed in violets & lavender.

The palate still has a bit of astringency to it. The very M+ tannins are round and meaty. Very dark currants, wild blackberries, both plum, black raspberries, baked strawberries, mix of purple fruits, raspberries, dark chocolate cake to mousse, dark spice, dry tobacco, oak barrel powder to cedar tones, anise to black licorice, mid berry cola. Sweet tarriness, some dry herbs, mix of Asian & Indian spices, baking spices-leads with strong clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanilla, caramel tones, just a touch of ground black pepper, black tea, dry tree bark, black rich earth w/ leaves, dry top soil, withering & candies, dark, red flowers framed in violets & lavender, beautiful acidity, well; structured/tensioned, coming into full balance, showing an elegant near two-minute finish that lands on fruit and earthy minerals.

20 plus yrs here.

Its about the journey and not just the destination on EK226 — 9 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

I was given this tasting kit they sometimes send to customers on their list at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

The nose shows riper, slightly candied and perfumed floral fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, mulberries, dark, candied cherries, strawberries & blueberry hues & raspberries on the glass edge. Black licorice, mid berry cola, red licorice/cola, dark chocolate cake w/ frosting, steeped fruit tea, soft baking spices, fresh tobacco hues, new leather/pleather, limestone marl, river stone, dark, sweet, moist earth, candied florals; dark, blue, red set in liquid violets.

The mouth entry is juicy, lush, round elegance. What mouthfeel. It is already drinking gorgeously. Candied and slightly perfumed floral fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, mulberries, dark, candied cherries, strawberries & blueberry hues & raspberries. Mid berry cola, red licorice/cola, dark chocolate cake w/ frosting, steeped fruit tea, soft baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon powder, vanillin, caramel & mocha, dark spice w/ some palate heat, anise to black licorice, mix of fresh & dryish tobacco hues, new leather/pleather, cedar to softens to sandalwood, limestone marl, river stone, dry top soil, just a dash of dry herbs, dark, sweet, moist earth, candied florals; dark, blue, red set in liquid violets. Perfect acidity and another beautifully; balanced, structured, tensioned, elegant finish w/ great length that lands on dry rock powder and lasts minutes.

I really like this barrel selection & toast for their wines. Outstanding!

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky who’s resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I was given this tasting kit they sometimes send to customers on their list at this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

I would say this is good to very good, but not necessarily dynamic. One thing I do appreciate is that while this shows oak, it’s not over done. 93 and 94 with a bit of bottle age.

The nose shows, lemon, lime white peach, just ripe pineapple, green apple, touch of kiwi, candle wax, cream, notes of caramel, limestone powder, sea spray, yellow lilies, spring flowers & jasmine.

The palate entry is ripe, juicy, softly round & elegant. Nice viscosity. Fruits are; lemon, lime white peach, just ripe pineapple, green apple, some very ripe peach although it’s understated, tropical melons and touch of kiwi. Candle wax, cream, stronger presence notes of caramel, honeycomb, hint of light butterscotch, butter cream, dry limestone powder that seems to show some chalking, very light grassy notes, white spice, sea spray, yellow lilies, spring flowers & jasmine. Excellent round acidity and an elegant, well balanced, well knitted, nicely tensioned and smartly polished finish that last two-minutes and lands squarely on earthiness & spice.

There are a host of people involved in making Lithology wines; on the ground, Winemaker/Geologist, Matt Sands. Assistant Winemaker is Mark Pittman. Consulting; the world’s largest Wine Consultant-Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky who’s resume includes, vineyards in Israel to Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

Photos of; my tasting kit, one of their single Vineyard Cabernet garage, facility and on the ground Winemaker, Matt Sands. — 2 years ago

Daron Watson

9.5

aromatics begin with damson plum three quickly turn to black currant with waves of mocha, tapenade, and lavender on top

the palate is all about ripe and bright fruit, juicy and sometimes pastille-like, with the silkiest of tannins caressing the finish — 3 years ago

Todd Stone

9.0

Dark garnet with a jammy nose of dark plum and some oak and/or some light leather. Smooth in the mouth with medium tannins & acidity. Also a hint of fruit forwardness or more red fruit like plum and red berry. A very nice blend! Again thanks James- — 4 years ago

with Peggy