Ceccherini Cristiano

9.2

Giorgio is the son of the founder of the Grattamacco
Supertuscan in a mid weight style
All about the elegance — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Cobb is another solid producer of CA Pinot Noir. A 14 acre parcel bought in 1988 by Ross Cobb and began making wine in 1989.

The nose reveals ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; poached strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, hints of blueberries, uncooked rhubarb, tree bark w/sap, hints of eucalyptus, smoky characteristics, lightly grilled meats, black pepper, red licorice/cola, understated baking spices, dry top soil w/ crushed rocks, light, fresh tobacco, volcanic ash and fresh; dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets.

The palate is ripe, juicy and very elegant. Fruits are; ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; poached strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, plum, raspberries, hues of blueberries, uncooked rhubarb and pomegranate juice. Tree bark w/sap, hints of eucalyptus, smoky characteristics, lightly grilled meats, black pepper, red licorice/cola, understated baking spices, dark, moist spice, very, dry, dusty top soil w/ crushed rocks, crumbled volcanics, dry, grey clay, light, fresh tobacco, cigar & volcanic ash and fresh; dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets. The excellent acidity runs like a cool mountain river with a well knitted, structured, balanced, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts over a minute landing on soft minerality & spice.

This 14 has another 4-5 years of good drinking before it starts its gentle decline.

Photos of the Jack Hill Vineyard, winery gate and founder Ross Cobb. — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep roots of Beaulieu were first planted back in 1900, when founder Georges de Latour noticed similarities with his native Bordeaux and declared the Napa Valley ideal for winemaking. A blend of 78% Cab Sauv, 11% Merlot, 3% of Cab Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Aromas of dark berry fruit and earthy spice scents. On the palate blackberry and currants, spicy notes on full soft ripe tannins, nice mouthfeel, long finish ending with fruit, oak and earthy mineral character. — 3 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I bought this as Sofia & I visited the property in September of 2015 when this was being birthed. I meant to enjoy it on her birthday a while back but ended up in the ER from food poisoning I had at a restaurant. Ugly for a week.

Franciacorta is Italy’s sparkling region much like Champagne is to France. It is very near to the Italian summer hot spot, Lake Garda.

The body on this is beautiful, rich, almost fluffy with tiny beads. Starts with lemon chiffons, green apple, grapefruit, yellow melons, some lime notes, white cream, dry herbs, white spice, slightly moist, powdery to crushed chalkiness, saline, yellow & white flowers, perfect acidity and a well made, knitted, beautiful balanced & tensioned, elegant finished that lasts two-minute that falls on minerality.

Annamaria Clementi Reserve is tribute to the founder, Maurizio Zanella’s mother and made in only the very best of years.

It is a blend of; 82% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Nero & 3% Pinot Bianco. 6 months is small oak casks, 63 mg of sulfur dioxide per L. Zero dosage and 13% alcohol.

Happy belated birthday honey! — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Giovanni Allegrini was the founder of the new generation and revolutionized changes to accepted practices. A blend of Corvina Veronese 45%, Corvinone 45%, Rondinella 5% & Oseleta 5%, deep Ruby with aromas of dried dark fruits, spice and herb, about 120 days of appassimento. Palate shows ripe cherry & raspberry flavors with fig, cacao, flint and mineral tones. Soft smooth tannins well balanced with acidity on a long spicy finish. Will continued to get better with age. Sustainable. — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Developed by Winery founder, Giuseppe Tasca to honor his wife on their golden wedding anniversary. Primarily Inzolia with a bit of Sauvignon Tasca blended in. Beautiful straw gold color. Aromas and flavors of yellow apple, peaches, white flowers and honey. Quite expressive with a bit of heft which allows it to stand up to many different foods. Touch of wet stones on the long finish. Excellent balance. Thank You Ron B! Revisited in October 2024. Starting to show its age. Tasted a bit more oxidized but still quite pleasant. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

A proprietary blend, made by Founder and Winemaker Dave Phinney, from Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, and Vermentino from California. Golden yellow color with aromas of tropical and citrus fruit and melons, aged, 25% in new oak, 60% neutral & 15% stainless for 10 months. On the palate flavors of melons, citrus, and pears, hints of cinnamon spice and toasty oak. Long finish, lively acidity, good balance ending with fruit and mineral character. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2020 vintage. First wine I’ve had from Qupé since founder Bob Lindquist no longer with this winery. This effort is a little sweeter and less earthy than 5-6 CC-designated syrahs I tasted under his Rhône Ranger hand over the last three decades. For the price, it’s pretty delicious tho. The single vineyard Qupé syrahs really set the benchmark for what was possible in the Central Coast area for syrah…and grenache…and marsanne…and viognier…and…Part of Bob’s legacy is raising the overall quality of (esp Rhône) varietals in the various CC areas, even with an entry-level effort such as this. For that, we should all be eternally grateful. Thank you, Bob Lindquist. 11.24.23 — a year ago

Ming L

9.1

Name after the nickname of the winery founder, the ‘19 is a blend of 65/35 Nebbiolo/Barbera that spent 12 months in French oak barrel, 20% new.

Very attractive nose of raspberry, strawberry, warm spices, thyme, and brambles. The palate is a slightly earthier than the nose suggests and quite dense even for a Nebbiolo, but with good intensity. Juicy tannins has a firm grip.
— 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Nothing to add to my extensive notes from January 2021. To reiterate this was the last vintage for the founder, Dr Bailey Carrodus before his passing. Just an excellent aged Yarra Valley Cabernet. — 4 years ago