Bruce Dunbar

9.1

A wine with a profile as complex as the eight or so field blend grapes that comprise it. Leading with Gewürtztraminer and Riesling, it has honeysuckle and pear on the nose, along with lots of fleshy white fruit, florals and a beautiful oily/petrol counterpoint. Four years in the cellar served it well and I think it has a few more. — a year ago

Ericsson

9.6

Highlight wine at Old Rioja Wine Dinner. Little history on the bottle: it's part of a special lot that was to be released on the 100th anniversary of La Rioja Alta and a blend of 85% Tempranillo with some Mazuelo, Graciano and Viura. It was aged for twenty four months in large oak vats, then for ten years in 18-20 year old barriques and finally bottled in 1986 to be released in 1990 in commemoration of the Wineries Centenary Anniversary… Forty eight years after harvest the wine is pure pleasure. Beautiful brownish/reddish color with scents of rose petals, boysenberry, musk, forest floor, mushroom and old leather on the nose. On the pallet, the oak, tannings and fruit are completely integrated; very docile yet seductive. A true gem and one of the most interesting wines I've ever tasted. — 5 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

A lineup of eight Grenache and Grenache blends exploring how long can they age? All from 1994-1999, four countries represented. Group’s #4, my #2 - quite elegant. — 5 years ago

Some Dude

9.1

This is such a great wine: I’m sorry I rushed it and had it after eight years. It could have aged another 10–15 years. Decanted it four hours before serving and it was still tight, although it opened in the glass. Served it with sous vide leg of lamb (finished on the grill) and roasted potatoes, and it was a match made in heaven. — 2 years ago

Randy Fillingim

9.0

A decent Burgundy from a good year. not outstanding but if it was - you’d be paying four times the price. Still holding its own after eight years.  — 4 years ago

Eric Urbani

8.9

A lineup of eight Grenache and Grenache blends exploring how long can they age? All from 1994-1999, four countries represented. A bit too lean for my taste. — 5 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.5

A lineup of eight Grenache and Grenache blends exploring how long can they age? All from 1994-1999, four countries represented. I loved this wine, my #1 — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The Hendricks Pinot from the Doctors Vineyard in Santa Lucia. 11 barrels made. 22 months in French oak. I don’t know what everyone is used to but a Pinot 22 months in French oak is far more rare than common. This is my first look from the four bottles I’ve stored. Roughly eight years is the timing for first look.

This may be the best CA Pinot I have consistently yr over yr. The fruit is ripe, dry-ish, slightly tart; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, plum, notes of blueberries, raspberries, dry cranberries & strawberries. Beautiful mid spices, nutmeg, cinnamon-cinnamon stick, vanillin, mid to dark berry cola, dry brush, dry clay, loamy, limestone volcanics, dark, dry soil, dark chocolate baking bar, crushed dry rocks, notes of not quite eucalyptus, tree bark w/ sap, fresh & slightly withering, dark, red, blue florals framed in subtle violets, near perfect acidity with a nicely structured, well balanced, velvety/silky, consistent wire to wire finish that lasts a minute and half. Simply amazing palate.

Good first look but better things ahead for my next bottle(s). Another 15 plus years of half drinking ahead.

Happy Labor Day weekend. — 3 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

A lineup of eight Grenache and Grenache blends exploring how long can they age? All from 1994-1999, four countries represented. Came in last dor the group but I ranked it much higher - found it elegant — 5 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

A lineup of eight Grenache and Grenache blends exploring how long can they age? All from 1994-1999, four countries represented. #6 — 5 years ago