Randy Fuller

9.5

This Cabernet Franc wine is dark in color, as well as in smell and taste. The aromas are in the red fruit area, but a bit on the dark side. Cherry, black cherry, raspberry and black pepper come forth persistently. On the palate, the darkness continues. Cherry and cassis are joined by herbs and spices and a firm tannic structure. This is a wine that was made to pair with lamb, or so it seems, anyway. By the way, it was vinified and aged completely in stainless steel. — a year ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine pours up with a nice, white froth on top of the salmon pink juice. The nose comes forth with a healthy whiff of cherries. On the palate, the red berries come up alongside the nice yeasty bread flavor. It's a fizzy drink with a great acidity and a lovely finish. — 2 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.0

Pulled this out when I got home. Darker, concerning medium gold color. Has a nose that puts forth some nice sweet fruit, but is one dimensional in its delivery… the acidity is lacking, the structure is messy and the overall quality of the wine is disappointing. I love this producer and this vineyard, but the hot 2006 vintage clearly affected the quality and ageability of this wine. — 4 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

When was the last time you had a 100% Petit Verdot? Or have you ever? It’s a grape that can stand on its own. If done right. Deep dark inky black, maybe the darkest wine I can recall, with quite a sheen to it and a purple rim. A nice mix of soft and more muscular notes on the nose. Dried cherries and cedar burst forth with violets, warm spices, and lavender along for the ride. The floral aspects balance out some of the rougher edges.

It goes without saying that this needs plenty of air and time in the decanter. You certainly feel that 15.0 but it blows away after a while. Full bodied and girthy, the delicate balance of huge yet elegant is played well here. Chewy and juicy, very velvety on the tongue. Hefty tannins and a rich streak of tobacco throughout.

On the palate, there’s an initial shout of smoked meat and more cedar. Stewed plums and blackberries abound. There’s a touch of vanilla and cigar there, as well. Spice on the medium to long finish. Yes this a big wine but it ain’t too big. Beautiful fruit and craftsmanship. Outstanding stuff. — 4 years ago

David Kline

9.2

2013 hoists this producer stratospherically. Great wine with integrated tannins. Meaty nose of cured and sliced roast beef and black pepper; tinged brown-brick from its 10 year slumber; cigar wrap, and roulade, graphite and smoke, and just barely, dried, black mushroom and rose petal. The palate is lush. Cherry soft, raspberry reduction, shows round but pronounced tannic dunes. Our tar is integrated, chicory peeks forth, the pepper submerged in a perfect expression of varietal and vintage. Solid work Arpatin (winks at Mother Nature)!

#2013 #barolo #piemonte #piedmont #barolo #nebbiolo #docg #alba #cuneo — a year ago

Brad Jensen

9.3

Wow, this was really special, unexpected and unique. A Nebbiolo and Cab sav blend from Mexico that started off very delicate, with a refined acidity, and evolved into something smooth, silky and velvety. Bold notes of plums burst forth followed by notes of vanilla, leather and smooth tannins, with a bold nose of velvet, dates, VERY light roses and cigar smoke. The body was medium, but man did this evolve into something unique. — 3 years ago

Shay A

9.4

My contribution for a massive Grenache theme wine tasting (being as socially distanced as possible). This was alongside Cayuse God Only Knows, a 2011 No Girls Grenache, SQN Female, Saxum Terry Hogue, Lillian Grenache, 06 and 07 Beaucastel, and others.

Broken record, I know, but these wines are insanely delicious and so well crafted. Very much in the “love it or hate it” style, as typical with Cayuse wines. Much more spice and herbal lift here compared to the 2011. Stemmy, black peppercorn dusted rhubarb, olive, and smoked cherry jerky aromatics. Vibrant, almost nervy, on the palate with beautiful acidity. On the palate, it’s a back and forth between saline, iron driven savory notes and underripe fleshy red fruits. Compared to their Syrah, this is always a bit lighter and more bright. Seems to be drinking at peak. — 4 years ago

Joe Fischer

9.3

Gorgeous golden color with floral aromas of orange blossom. On the bud, it brings forth candied apricot and a beautiful minerality. Rich and full body. — a year ago

Craig Becraft

9.1

This is light on its feet with light body surprising so forth 14.5% alcohol but nice concentration of raspberry cherry herbaceous notes really drinkable with a paprika garlic Aleppo pepper dry rub pork roast — 2 years ago

Shay A

9.4

A producer I’ve had a handful of times, and really find myself wondering why I’m not putting more focus/attention on Paul Lato wines.

Gorgeous translucent ruby color in the glass sporting 13.9ABV. I followed this out of the bottle over the course of a few hours and it showed well from pop all the way to the end. Profile here is restrained richness. I didn’t pick up any whole cluster/stem inclusion spice or greenness. Aromatically it is filled with cranberries, black raspberries, bright floral tones, and cracked peppercorns. Beautifully balanced on the palate with vibrant acidity. A back and forth between dark red spiced fruits and herbal/crunchy flair. Black tea and even some savory iron notes too. Still young and will improve, but this is already excellent. — 3 years ago