Mark Ross

9.3

Shocked at how well this has held up. — 3 days ago

Brandon T

9.1

Ferren Silver Eagle easily surpassed this offering, IMO. — 2 months ago

leon egozi

9.1

2012 night at the 305 — 3 months ago

Shay A

9.2

After having the 2016 Silver Eagle last year, and the 2016 Summa last month (both of which were drinking fantastic) I wanted to take the Bearwallow for a spin.

I ended up having a small glass of this at pop to make sure it was sound, then poured about half out for some peoppe to try before corking and taking the remaining home to consume about an hour and a half later (so it got a decent amount of air).

This is my first experience with the Bearwallow offering, and it came across as somewhat ripe OR Pinot in profile. The fruit certainly isn’t big or in your face…much more restrained. Underripe black cherry and dark plums on the nose, but mostly in the background behind herbs, spice and dark floral notes. On the palate it is rich (as far as AV fruit goes) but there is a lot of earthy/mineral components, as well as black tea. The last glass was a touch more expressive, but with it being Anderson Valley, I'm not sure the fruit ever bulks up. I wonder if this wine is either meant to hold 7-10yrs, or is just meant for those who want a bridge to OR Pinot. — 4 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Spoto Wines Tasting Dinner

APPETIZERS:
Truffled Trout Roe, Brioche Soldiers
Sterling Caviar, Brick Pastry, Cauliflower
Fresh Shucked Oysters, Ponzu Mignonette
Champagne

DINNER:
Series of Small Bites to Excite Your Palate..
2018 Spoto Russian River Pinot Noir

Artichoke in Various Forms, Fennel, Barigoule
2018 Spoto Oakville Godfather Red

Acquerello Aged Carnaroli Risotto, Morel
2018 Spoto Oakville Cuvee Christiane

Wagyu Rib Eye, Black Truffle, Butter Potatoes
2002 Spoto Family Reserve Cab (Father &Son)

Dark and Milk Chocolate, Cocoa Nib, Berry
2007 Spoto Syrah Port

ADDITIONAL WINES:
2009 colgin estate
2013 Sine Qua Non le supplement syrah
2005 kongsgaard syrah
2007 screaming eagle 2nd flight
1999 spottswood cabernet — a day ago

with Brenda

Bryan Kesting

9.5

This was more integrated than the Ferren Silver Eagle. I would like to try this one again in a year or so. Fantastic. — 2 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

Aging well. — 4 months ago

Shay A

9.3

My 2016 Rivers Marie Pinots are about gone…SummaOV is left. Occidental, Silver Eagle and SummaOV are always my favorites. I’m between a 93-94 here.

Great example of a Pinot that has a lot of power but plenty of balance. Deep black cherry colored in the glass but the aromatics are much more savory than expected. There’s an animalistic/feral quality to this initially (that I love) showing a smoked meat flair alongside dark blood orange and ripe black cherries. Commanding mouthfeel and great acidity. Continual back and forth of dark berry fruit and savory/herbal notes. The use of whole cluster is noticeable but it does a good job complimenting the wine (more high toned) and not taking center stage (as in, not overly stemmy/green). Wonderful lengthy finish. More brooding and savory than Silver Eagle but certainly not in the vein of a “cab lovers pinot” style. This was delicious and likely hangs in this window for at least 5+yrs. — 6 days ago

Bryan Kesting

9.4

A year too early IMO. It was very good but will get better. — 2 months ago

Charles Garrison

9.4

Dark, rich purple on pour; dark, intense black and purple fruit aromatics that remain intense and vibrant throughout evening; bold, mouth filling blue and black fruit flavors with a pleasing tartness; each glass more rewarding as the evening progressed; lingering finish. If you have any in your cellar, enjoy one in the near future. — 4 months ago