Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2003 vintage. Just enuff acidity to lord over the proceedings. Initially, “cheesy.” That dissipates somewhat and gets very harmonious very quickly. Cleans up a bit on the finish. Should be able to glide hither and yon for another 5-7 years at this level. 1.10.24. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2016 vintage. Dark and dense with blackberry, lavender and cassis in the flavor profile. Mysterious, come-hither nose. Medium body. Silky tannins on a slightly earthy finish that just casually skates past at first but then looks back with a smile. Unimpressive at first but starts to gain your trust by the third sip. — 2 years ago

Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.6

There’s this expression that has arisen in the wine industry in the past decade - “crushable” or “smashable” wines, wines that All but demand you drink another glass and another until you realize sadly that you’ve drunk the entire bottle and you desperately want another. I’ve had my share of such wines, but this is my new favorite “gimme the whole bottle” font of deliciousness. @ownrooted has hit it out of the park with this mixed-black field blend of 1920’s-planted vines in decomposed granite sand. Berries, herbs, earth and an incredible saline kick gives this wine mouthwatering “come hither” appeal. I wish I had 24 more bottles. — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

1992 vintage. Very, very close to Japanese auction market quality with fill, cork, capsule and label nearly immaculate. Decanted and tasted immediately and over the course of 3 hours. Expected amount of sed. What a ride! Having tasted this back in the day when first released, recalled an unusual (for this property) amount of richness in the frontal palate. Wasn't there initially but rolled in for a cameo approx 45 mins after decant. Then...vanished at the 1 hour open mark. First whiff of the nose was fresh, clay kitty litter. This morphed into graphite after 15-20 mins. Body was surprisingly light early on, then fattened up after 30-40 mins to medium status. Impressions were of a leaner effort, then things got positively jammy with unexpected fruit hither and yon. This remained for approx 1.25 hours, then the entire performance, body included, thinned out with their old-school, estate-expected, aged leather punch combined with dark-skinned fruit, mountain grip and a little touch of grey sea salt. No food involved during the experience. The 1991 Montelena Estate Cab is nearest and dearest but this following vintage was an absolute, palate-bending acid(ity) trip. Looking forward to the next trip...er...show. 11.25.23. — 5 months ago

MaJ CappS

9.1

This nose needs a lot of air to come hither!

Rustic - and classic morello cherries, tangerine,, a dab of tamarind. Some very light chamomile, amd answering Pinot noirs like acidity. Absolutely delicious!
I really like this producer. — 3 years ago

Chris Kandel

9.0

Yankee Spirits — 6 years ago

Tom Kohli

8.9

Excellent Bordeaux! Drinks without decanting but also excellent 2 days later! Would buy again. Cornerstone pasta dinner. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2015 vintage. Last tasted November 2021. FFN (fantastic effing nose). Still dry as hell. Still gigantic blueberries in the nose and flavors. Yes, the toffee and the (black) coffee hither and yon. A year and a half makes a difference as this drinks a tad more unified now. Looking for best drinking result? Dü it after 2028 till 2035. 4.10.23. — a year ago

Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.2

About tine to open this up and drink it, having picked it up on my visit to the estate about 7 years ago. Starting to go to that place that Grüner goes with time, putting on heft and a touch of sweetness as butterscotch pudding and creme anglaise meet candied lemon peel, roiboos and jackfruit (flavor, not smell) in a creamy silky package that says, “come hither.” — 3 years ago

Naoko Shibusawa

9.2

Dry, drinkable red — 6 years ago