Double T Ranch Vineyards
Sean Thackrey
Andromeda Devil's Gulch Ranch Pinot Noir 2016
Hard to pin this down, very Thackrey in that regard. No new oak, rustic and earthy on the nose, with some minerality, subsided black and red fruit, a touch of mushrooms, herbs and also funk, which all together makes you think of stem inclusion and low SO2, all coming out in a pleasant way. All in balance except perhaps a touch too much alcohol at 13.8. Very interesting experience, a complex and intellectual wine because I keep thinking about it and changing my mind as I sip, though not an elegant one. Tasting blind I’d be totally puzzled but would probably not call it California Pinot — 2 years ago
Paolo Bea
Pagliaro Secco Montefalco Sagrantino 2012
Initially served to me double-blind from a decanter. In the glass, the wine appeared a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core. There was significant sediment but other than that, there were no other potential indications of age since the color was so ruddy. There was moderate staining and viscosity was medium+/high. The nose was fascinating: bright, powerful ripe cherries, plums, dark chocolate, old leather-bound books, earth, anise, exotic spices and tobacco. The leather, color and sediment had me leaning pretty hard towards a Right Bank Bordeaux from an excellent producer, showing 15-20 age. But I wasn’t yet convinced and then, the palate told a different story. It was fresh and full-bodied. Absolutely packed with fruit and spices. It was bone dry with monumental tannin and acid was easily in the medium+ category. The wine was impeccably balance with elevated alcohol and a forever finish. I was now leaning Italy but where? This was not from Piemonte and I couldn’t think of a wine in Tuscany that would be made quite like this. I was stumped…all I knew is that I was in love whatever this was. Then my buddy said it wasn’t fair because the wine wasn’t technically testable…so he revealed the bottle. Of course it’s “Pagliaro” from Paolo Bea. Swoon! This wine has so 👏🏽 much 👏🏽 soul 👏🏽. My first time enjoying the 2012 in many years and this is in a beautiful spot. A wow wine that will continue to deliver well last 2032. Paired with Morgan Ranch Wagyu burgers and bolognese. Bottle No. 3512/9971. Merry Christmas! — a year ago
Burgess Cellars
Vintage Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
It’s been a long time since I’ve had an OG, Bill Sorenson made Burgess Cabernet. I’ve always appreciated their classic California sensibility. This double-magnum of the 1998 vintage was generously provided by a buddy to accompany our lunch of Morgan Ranch Wagyu burgers. Initially a bit musty and for a second, I thought it might be slightly corked. However, the bouquet freshened up after about 30min of air the palate was ripe and delicious, no signs of TCA taint at all. Dark berries, black plum, dark cherry, tobacco, leather and loads of damp earth. The structure is still there however the tannins have completely integrated. This was a lovely showing for a wine in the twilight of its life. — a year ago
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Double T Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
Paul really liked this one! — 2 years ago
Ahlgren
Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 1991
In formidable shape, wrapping up its third decade. The nose is striking. Smooth on the palate, tannins resolved, tertiary characteristics. Still enough fruit and acidity to keep it fresh. Cork was impeccable. Double decanted, modest amount of sediment. Winemaker’s comments: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, Bates’ Ranch. Dusty, earthy, aromatic cedar, berry bouquet. Elegant, rich, bright fruit flavor balanced with soft tannins. Unfined and unfiltered. 774 cases produced. Bottled November, 1993 — 3 years ago
Craig S
This one aged well! — 4 months ago