Doug Powers

9.2

Lovely red cherry fruit aromas and flavors, this is a very polished Priorat, even at 14%+ ABV, balanced, lingering finish, well-done!! — a month ago

with Jim

Richard Siddall-Jones

9.0

Easy drinking. Dark berries, little oak, smooth tannins — 8 months ago

Lauren Young

9.0

Solid medium dry sercial; fine predinner — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founded in 1970 and considered one of the "first growths" of Napa Valley, SLWC produces renowned Wines from its historic Stags Leap District estate vineyards. Pale lemon with green edges, aromas of citrus and earthy herb. On the palate orange and grapefruit flavors with grassy tones, crisp and fresh. Good mouthfeel medium finish ending with lively acidity. Nice, consistent quality! — 4 years ago

Paul J

8.9

So so….30+ minute decant. Dark red color. Seemed like a lot of alcohol. No real fruit or distinctive characteristics. Was fine. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Michael Chelus

9.2

Cherry, cranberry, rhubarb, blackberry, mossy earth and oak. Light-bodied and moderate tannins. — 5 years ago

Justin Lintz

9.2

Good everyday — 5 years ago

Niall Huffman

9.4

Brioche, peach, lemon, vanilla — 6 years ago

Chris MacLean

9.2

Thanks Mr. Nardi! This was a treat. — 2 months ago

with Alessandro and

Irina Georgieva

9.4

Fruity and well-balanced — 5 months ago

Jenks

9.2

Paired with nothing. Madeira is the desert. — 3 years ago

Hawk Bear

9.0

Smooth and not too oaked. Got in wine club shipment — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

10

Estate is the Napa Valley property of Bordeaux producer Christian Moueix; wine is bottled at historic Napanook Vineyard. A blend of 89% Cab Sauv, 6% Cab Franc & 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 40% new French oak, dark Ruby with aromas of dark currant-like berries, tobacco and cedar. On the palate layers of ripe blackberry, black cherry and cassis with vanilla, cacao and espresso. Well balanced, fine soft integrated tannins, long finish ending with floral, fruit, mineral and slight earthy character. Needs a half dozen years in the bottle but will last 20+ years! As good as Cab gets! — 4 years ago

Wes Aguas

10

Best Madeira I’ve had yet. Can’t wait to try the others in the series — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Dates back to the late 1800s, & have been owned by Solari family since 1948. The historic Estate has 145 acres. Deep Ruby with complex aromas of fruit, sweet cacao & spice for this Bordeaux blend of 42% Merlot, 35% Cab Sauv, 13% Malbec. 5% Petit Verdot & 5% Cab Franc. On the palate well structured with big fruit flavors of blackberry, raspberry & sweet cherry with espresso & cacao notes adding a bit of leather. Fine tannins, big finish, pops out of the glass ending with beautiful fruit & a bit of sweet oak. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Castellani — St. Giorgio Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2024, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG — Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview:
100% Vernaccia. A fresh and vibrant follow-up to the Vintage 2023,(also reviewed) maintaining the classic Tuscan profile while leaning into greater precision and energy. This vintage 24 highlights freshness and length over the more almond-driven character of the prior year.

Aromas & Flavors:
Lemon zest, green apple, and crisp pear take the lead. Subtle floral notes and a delicate mineral edge add lift, with less emphasis on the traditional almond note and more focus on citrus-driven clarity.

Mouthfeel:
Light to medium-bodied with brighter acidity than the v.2023. Clean, lively, and more linear in structure, finishing longer with a slightly savory edge that lingers elegantly.

Food Pairings:
Seafood, grilled fish, light pasta, fresh salads, or simple Mediterranean dishes. Excellent as a refreshing aperitif.

Verdict:
A more energetic and refined expression of Vernaccia. While the v.2023 leans slightly rounder with its almond touch, the v.2024 shines with freshness, precision, and a longer, more savory finish.

Did You Know?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966, marking its place as one of Italy’s most historic white wines.

🍷 Personal Pick Insight:
V.2024 edges ahead for its freshness and extended finish, more vibrant and food-driven, while still honoring the classic style. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic vineyards and cellars in 1965. Today, their son Hugh, continues their mission. 100% Chardonnay pale straw color with aromas of stone fruits, floral and citrus notes. A terrific crisp sparkler with crisp apple, peach and lemon flavors, fine mousse with tiny bubbles. Tangy acidity on a long finish ending with a yeasty creamy character. Nice! — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Mid 20th century fashionable country resort, popular with Hollywood due to 1892 stone Manor House & historic gardens. Blend of 81% Cab Sauv, 11% Merlot, 4% Malbec, rest other Rhone varieties, aged 20 months in 37% new French oak. Dark Ruby, aromas of ripe berry fruits, herbs & spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry & black currant with vanilla oak and earthy notes. Well balanced, fine tannins long finish ending with fruit, espresso notes and sweet spice! Nice now and will drink well over next decade. — 4 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.7

Tasted & immediately looked up what I had bought, $50.00 but so worth it.
K&L notes,

This is no cheap rosé, it's true. But consider, for a minute, that this is no simple quaffer of a pink wine. It hails from Palette, one of the smallest appellations in all of France. It is, in a sense, a sort of Provençal monopole, since Château Palette owns nearly all the acreage in this tiny 23-hectare zone. Their vines are old, too. In some cases, more than 100 years old. The red grapes are the usual suspects for this part of France: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah with small amounts of Cinsault, Carignane, and other local varieties. But at Simone, they translate into a rosé unlike any other. We're talking power here, and a certain something serious. The rosé is fermented in small foudres and is then racked into barriques and left on the lees until the following spring. Rich with raspberries and herbs, this mouth-filling rosé holds onto its natural acidity, as it does not undergo malolactic fermentation thanks to the very cool cellars of this historic chateau. This wine costs as much as many reds. Fortunately, it has the concentration and complexity to go along with the price. Serve it with serious food and be prepared to broaden your appreciation of what rosé can be.
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— 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.3

Following up wine with the good friends (who are becoming my best friends if they keep this up). This time from the north end of Napa Valley, which always confuses me how the north end is warmer than the south end of the valley. (Bay breezes). Famous winery with historic past does not disappoint with their deep purple, dark blueberry and soft tannin wine. — 6 years ago