Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

What were you doing in 1970? It’s what I always think of when I have a very elderly wine. It also is the question I ask friends I share older wine.

Some 1970 highlights. The number one song was Simon & Garfunkel’s, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The President of the United States was Richard M Nixon and one of the kindest friends I have known was born. Last but not least, the Napa Valley was just beginning to rise. Louis Martini was one of those pioneers!

This bottle has survived & flourished over those 55 years and is a fine piece of history.

Many would say this is past its prime and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But I am one who appreciates wine on its still solid downslope. While on its decent, this bottling still shows nice fruit, complexity and elegance that just can’t be mistaken for good young wine w/ a long decant.

The nose shows a fig & date quality. Older, brambly; blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries, that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dry soil & crushed limestone, vanillin, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, reminisce of dark spices, tomato leaf, sun tea, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri.

The palate is still fresh & ripe; older, brambly, blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries, figs & dates. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dusty top soil & limestone gravel, dry river stone, crumbled, grey volcanics, cherry cola, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, clove, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, dark spices still w/ soft but impactful palate backbone, tomato leaf, sweetened sun tea w/ a spritz of lemon, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, round, balanced, well knitted, still tensioned, polished finish that falls on sandalwood, earth and spice that lasts 90 seconds.

12% ABV which I have said many times is my strong preference like w/ all amazing Clarets. I wish it had never changed. 92 on the wine, but a perfect 10 on the history scale. — a month ago

Christian Bronstein

9.0

On the creamier, fuller textural side of SB with more lemon compote/tropical notes.... nice change of pace to higher acidity and citrus dominance. Good bridge as weather turned cooler — 9 years ago

James Scurlock

9.0

Went great with steak. — a year ago

Courteny Morehouse

9.5

Date drank: August 2021
Year: NV
Producer: Quinta das Arcas
Grape(s): Albariño blend
Region: Vinho Verde
Purchased from: River Valley Coop
Distributor/Importer: Wine Bridge Imports
Natty: mmm, probably not
Notes: good lime and lemon notes. Excellent with Indian food. Off dry and very easy to drink — 4 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.2

Cabin Fever Crusher #1. A mighty fine Pinot to accompany us through a home viewing of "The Revenant" whilst Hurricane Harvey continues to barrage our beloved city. — 8 years ago

with Krystal

Kim C.

9.0

Nova Scotia terroir. Zesty lemon on the nose. Crisp, slightly off-dry with subtle minerality. — 8 years ago

Jim Vo

9.4

Our favourite and go to white. — 3 years ago

Jane Folske

9.0

Nice enough. Heavier than cupcake. A peppery finish. — 5 years ago

Ravi Subramanian

9.2

Light, Savory, low tanins, medium acidity — 6 years ago

P A

9.3

After a day trying to keep up with a 7 year old biking along the Elk River my wife and I decided to stop at the Bridge Bistro and have a sandwich and adult beverage. This IPA"Fat Tug" from Drift Wood Brewery in Victoria, BC. Is in my humble opinion the "Gold Standard" for BC IPAs. 🇨🇦🍻 — 8 years ago