Amritha Surath

9.1

I drink a lot of chateauneuf. This one is stellar. Only a 2022 but those truffle and forest floor aromas blend perfectly in to the spice and dark berries. Smooth perfection. — 10 days ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.5

Girard’s 2022’s are in an amazing place. This is just insane. Juicy, so graceful, fine tannins, elegant. Just exceptional. — a month ago

JKT

9.1

Very nice balanced well aged complex blend. — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The aromatics are beautiful. The soft, mid dark spices are delicate, swooning and inviting. Slightly candied plum to pudding , blackberries, black cherries, baked strawberries, black raspberries, hint of charcoal, some of the most beautiful baking spices-gentle cinnamon, soft clove, dash of nutmeg, hint of vanillin, forest floor w/ some dry leaves, wafting, understated, dry herbs-sage, mocha powder, some caramel notes, slightly candied to withering; dark flowers, red roses framed in soft lavender & violets.

Beautifully lush entry with some powdery M dry yet velvety tannins. Slightly candied plum to pudding, blackberries, black cherries, baked strawberries, black raspberries, hint of charcoal, some of the most beautiful baking spices-gentle cinnamon, soft clove, dash of nutmeg, hint of vanillin, perhaps the most beautiful, delicately layered spices I’ve had in a red burgundy, dark chocolate baking bar to cake, moist clay with grey volcanic minerals, limestone powder, forest floor w/ some dry leaves, wafting, understated, dry herbs-sage, mocha powder, some caramel notes, slightly candied to withering; dark flowers, red roses framed in soft lavender & violets, round acidity, balance for days, gently structured/tensioned, elegantly polished finish that lasts minutes and lands on micro grained spices.

Hard not to give this a 93 but it is not quite there yet but will get there in another 3-5 yrs with a total 15 yrs plus of good drinking.

@AmbassadorHotel Split, Croatia. — 3 months ago

Mark Osmers

8.9

The 2020 vintage of Michael David Freak Show is a blend for everyday drinking. A blend of Syrah (appx 54%), Petite Sirah (appx 42%) and Souzao (appx 4%), it is a balanced, fruit-forward red wine with notes of dark berries and plum. Although it does not provide the complexity and tannic structure of a Napa or Sonoma Cabernet, neither does it come with the same price tag.

I recommend this wine, but just find the circus-themed bottle label a little freaky. — 15 days ago

Andrew H

9.2

Love it so much — a month ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.3

22’s are having a moment now. Ripping their shirts off like a WWF wrestler. Man the fruit on the nose is pungent. Dark cherry, black cherry, black plum skin, just amazing. And classic Girard sous bois. Mint, tree bark and more. Palate is decadent and juicy with lovely amplitude and richness but also sappy density and purity. Really elegant and just raring to go out of the bottle. Great energy and let’s see what air does. — 2 months ago

Mark Osmers

8.9

I didn’t have expectations when I opened this bottle, but Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon proved to be a nice discovery. This 2021 Lodi cab delivers beyond its modest price point, opening with an assertive nose that hints at the intensity to come.

The first taste reveals bold, concentrated dark fruit that dominates the palate—ripe blackberry takes center stage, supported by layers of black cherry that add depth and complexity. There’s a jammy richness here that speaks to Lodi’s warm climate and the wine’s full ripeness at harvest. What genuinely surprised me was the balance. Despite the fruit-forward intensity, there’s nothing cloying or one-dimensional about this Cabernet.

The oak integration is particularly well-handled, providing a smooth, vanilla-tinged backdrop that rounds out the wine’s edges without overwhelming the fruit. The finish lingers pleasantly, carrying those dark berry notes through with a silky texture that makes this remarkably easy to drink.

Rating: recommend for every day drinking  — 21 days ago

with Justin, Daniel and 1 other

Ron Kyle

9.0

Always reliable. — a month ago

Bonnie Kissler

9.5

Melting Pot 11/22/2025 — 2 months ago