John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.4

Still killer! — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

First of all Kudos to Ant Hill love the wax seal over cork! Deep Ruby with aromas of dark Berry fruits with notes of herbs, citrus, floral and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry, tea, vanilla and herb tones, well balanced with acidity. Firm fine tannins on a long finish ending with fruit and floral herb character. Very nice! Will age well! — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

The colour is a quite pale Ruby. Red fruited (cherry) aromatics with Sous Bois. Light to medium bodied but with M plus intensity. As Bob Campbell MW said this wine has good vinosity (or Pinosity if you prefer). Pinots like this and Ata Rangi, both from Martinborough , challenge the Pinot dominance of Central Otago and Canterbury in New Zealand. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Nose of ripe red fruits plus black plum. Obvious whole bunch influence. Fruit influence has diminished a little since previous tasting but there was some fruit sweetness when tasting at the end of the.palate and the bottle. Kiwi expert Bob Campbell MW was very impressed and said “the best Ata Rangi I’ve tasted “ when he tasted it in June 2016. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

At the Downs Club Magnum dinner on Wednesday night. This was the mystery wine. Probably New Zealand’s most iconic wine according to Bob Campbell MW. A lovely nose of cassis, dark fruits and spice. M plus intensity of aroma. Elegant rather than a blockbuster - great balance with controlled power. Tempted to buy some and cellar it for 10 years plus. 98 points from Bob Campbell MW. — 3 years ago

"Odedi"

8.9

Pale lemon in color with a green hue.

On the nose citrus, vegetables, herbs, green apples, earth, minerals, and grapefruit juice.

Medium bodied with medium acidity. Crisp and refreshing with long legs.

Dry on the palate with limes, grapefruits, citrus, green apples, lemons, bitter herbs, earth and vegetables.

Tangy finish with limes and almonds.

This young Pinot Gris from Oregon is easy drinking and tangy, with a soft mouthfeel. Surprisingly good out of a can.

Earthier on the nose than on the palate. As it opens up, grapefruit notes show up on the nose, and nicer with some airtime, so be patient.

I had an older vintage of this wine, and it definitely is better with some age. I wonder how it would age in a can, though. For now, it is lemony and refreshing. A nice sipper by the pool.

Good by itself or with food. Will pair nicely with fresh seafood like oysters.

Aged in neutral French Oak barrels and stainless steel for 11 months.

13.3% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$8. — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 2017 showed what one might expect. Not Napa’s best. However, I do not think many quality 2017 producers deserved the early criticism. Most 2017’s are now showing better than they did young. The issue with this 2017 was its finish, not long and somewhat angular.

Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Large oak vats for fermentation. Pine Nut Honey Crostata. — 3 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.9

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is fabulous. At age ten, it remains quite youthful. Black cherry, gravel, menthol, licorice and spices all run through this potent Howell Mountain Cabernet. All the elements are so well balanced. The 2012 is a seriously beautiful wine, as it always has been. What a knockout! It is the clear standout in this tasting, but it is definitely a wine for readers who appreciate mountain structure and intensity. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2024)
— 7 months ago

"Odedi"

8.9

This is a nice and easy drinking Pinot Noir from Oregon. Showing fresh red fruits with wood, light earth, cocoa, spices, vegetables and peppercorn.

Medium bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate and good right out of the bottle.

Very nice with a slight chill.

Would be nice to revisit it in 3 years.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$36. — 4 years ago