Ellen Clifford

9.3

Bring on the bones and spices! Party on ripe fruit! Dance it out vanilla beans! This is a super fun Cali Cab capable of being sipped solo or standing up to supper — a year ago

S.S. Mandani

9.4

A sort of apricot forward, light frizzy marmalade herb, rosemary, mint bouquet. It’s subtle and almost graceful like a swan’s dance on the surface of water.

Love, love the unapologetic nature of the bubbles and effervescence. It’s the grand entrance to the ballroom. The backless gown that says I’m here because this party would not exist without me, or at least it would not be as great or fun or story-worthy. These are the jeans that are too tight, the pocket square that doesn’t match, the polka dot socks, the nose stud on the guy that’s got the best suit in the house, and just makes the whole damn thing work.

Drink it. Love it. Tell everyone.

Peach soda, light to medium body, umami and the tart sweetness of a ripe mango. Every magnetic sip bursting with pure discovery and, most of all, the thing people forget in high culture, regular old fun. — 4 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

An over-deliverer always, that Charles Smith. I suppose when your name is that close to Charles Shaw you had probably better show up on point. Smith’s wines though—dependably tasty, more complex than your average bear which is saying something because bears are in fact fascinating mammals. Anyway. You know what else? This is a rosé of Pinot Gris aka Grigio ooooh. Tropical and a bit of funk and stone. It’s a disco-themed dance party. Which is a great party. I stand behind this statement. — 6 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2016 vintage. Precious little baby fat left and already plenty of the aged Bordeaux stank in the nose. Supple but has the palate footprint of a pinot. Some blue fruit and cocoa powder on the delicate finish. So much finesse. Drink now or forget for a solid 15-spot…it matters not. Texturally gorgeous and definitely not your average Napa Cabbage-now or then. Ric Forman is the rare producer that straddles the verry old school and new school in Napa and, yet, his wines still remain classical and true vs the 2nd "cult" wave/post-1991 obscenely-scored/fruit bomb/über-extracted/distilled/dance party/reduction sauce-styled ridiculousness so in vogue for the last three damned decades. A welcome respite. 2.28.23. — 2 years ago

Jessica

9.4

The ultimate glou. Precursor to dad rock dance party... — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.7

A friend had a “reduction party” as he was needing to thin out his cellar. Definitely a party I’m happy to attend!

If picking, this was my wine of the night. One of those wines that just mesmerizes you and has you thinking about it days later. A perfect balance of classic Napa cab and new school style. I’d call this high toned in the way it shows such a gorgeous lift to the aromatics. So perfumed. Espresso, melted chocolate, ripe and candied black cherries, fresh squeezed blackberries, brown sugar and sandalwood. It’s impeccably balanced on the palate...decadent, yet restrained. Baking spices dance on the tongue, enveloped in dark red plum, bayleaf and the perfect marriage of acidity and tannin. Drop dead gorgeous now and for many years to come. — 5 years ago

with Mark and Weston

Kimberly Jamrozek

10

F$^#^ IT@!! Dance party. . . I think pepper flavor and my fam says citrus. I am clearly right but I am 3 bottles in so. . . — 3 years ago

Julie Johnson

9.9

A dance party for my mouth — 4 years ago

Leah Weissburg

9.3

During Jeremy’s COVID-19 virtual dance party — 5 years ago

Abby Postle

9.2

The costume of a white with the body of a red.
Think Pinot noir with a hint of Chardonnay. This is delicious with a great sea bass or oysters. I was surprised by the price for the value. Great deal for a fun and exciting wine. — 6 years ago