Bob McDonald

9.5

Beechworth is in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and is fast becoming one of the premier districts for Chardonnay in Australia thanks to the burgeoning success of Giaconda (and also Savaterre). The Rodda Smiths Vineyard is a neighbour to these 2 Icons. Aromatics of grapefruit, white flowers and grilled nuts. On the medium bodied palate Peach, citrus and ripe grapefruit of medium plus intensity. Ticks all the boxes. 2021 was an excellent vintage in Beechworth as it was for most of Australia. Excellent wine and good value. — a month ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.1

No formal notes . Medium deep lemon yellow . Quite deep rich fruited nose , with citrus peel , yellow plum and brioche . Quite round and rich on the palate , again the brioche , yellow fruits and orange peel . Good length and balance , but probably needs a bit of food. At Vinous Icons NY, Pier 60, Feb 2025 — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.3

Medium ruby garnet , quite thin garnet rim . Quite open and inviting tobacco , red plum , cassis , earthy hints . On the palate this has good balance and a mineral , herbal hints, along with the mix of red and dark fruits . This has good fresh acidity and grippy but polished tannin . Good length and is showing quite well . Better in 5 or so years and will last well a further 10 . At Vinous Icons NY , Pier 60 , Feb 2025 — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Gibbs – Cabernet Sauvignon “Three Clones” 2022
St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Gibbs Vineyards, a family-run estate in St. Helena, has carved a niche for producing small-lot, limited-production wines that often fly under the radar compared to Napa’s bigger names. The “Three Clones” bottling brings together Cabernet Sauvignon from three distinct clonal selections across their estate vineyards, creating a wine that is both powerful and finessed.

📌 Educational Note: St. Helena AVA is one of Napa’s most prized subregions, known for its warmer climate that produces plush, fruit-driven Cabs with round tannins, rich concentration, and a signature balance of power and elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum lead the way, accented by violet, baking spice, and subtle cedar. On the palate, juicy dark cherry, mulberry, and cocoa powder intertwine with graphite and a touch of vanilla oak.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and polished, with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, balanced, and fruit-driven, lingering with spice and dark chocolate.

Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from three clonal selections, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (about 30% new). The clonal mix adds both power and nuance, making the wine more layered and expressive.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or lamb chops with rosemary. For a cheese match, aged Gouda or Manchego highlight its rich fruit and structure.

Verdict
A Napa Cab that overdelivers—structured yet approachable, with depth from its clonal blend and a polished finish. Gibbs proves that small-lot Napa producers can deliver as much excitement as the icons, often at a friendlier price. — 2 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Light ruby , bright pink rim . Little more reserved on the nose , with some spiced cherry , wild strawberry and herbal elements , touch of earthiness also . On the palate this has a bit more richness to it , and a little more tannin , slightly darker fruits , red cherry and some strawberry notes . Good balanced acidity and ok length . Touch of pepper , mineral hint on the finish . Drink from now over the next few years . At Vinous Icons NY, Pier 60 , Feb 2025 — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.3

This is a bit more dense and complex on the nose , denser fruits perhaps with some cedar , herbal hints along side the slightly bitter cherries . This fills out more on the palate , is longer and more intense , touch of herbal bitter cherries and pine sap. Really long and fresh . Needs time but has all the qualities to age well over the next 10 years . At Vinous Icons NY , Pier 60 , Feb 2025. — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

8.9

Medium light ruby , quite wide garnet ruby rim . Touch of pot pouri , with some spiced cherry , wild strawberry and raspberry . Sweet red cherry notes on the palate , some light herbal notes and a saline streak . Touch of black pepper and perhaps a hint of warmth . Ok length and balance . Not as fresh as some of the others. Drink now and over the next few years . Vinous Icons NY , Pier 60, Feb 2025 — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Medium ruby . Quite reserved , spiced red fruits and mineral hints . On the palate this is really concentrated and mineral but really quite young and intense . Lots of high acidity and grippy tannins , very saline and mineral on the long vibrating finish . Come back in 5-10 years and will last well a further 10 . At Vinous Icons NY , Pier 60 , Feb 2025 — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.3

Quite medium pale ruby rim, wide garnet rim . Spiced red cherries , quite reserved , and some herbal balsamic , saline hints. On the palate more of the slightly herbal , earthy red cherry , strawberry . Fine and refined , quite fresh acidity and gritty tannins . Good length Needs time but shows good promise and excellent balance . Come back in 5 years , will drink well for a further 5-10. At Vinous Icons NY, Pier 60 , Feb 2025 — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Pretty deep ruby , thin ruby rim . This is quite closed at first , but very focused mineral and grafite , oyster shell notes with dark blackcurrant and blackberry notes , spicy touches too . On the palate this is really focused and reserved , lots of mineral tinged black fruits , tobacco , oyster shell . Quite rich yet very good balance, fresh acidity . Ripe but gritty tannins , saline and really long finish . Accessible now , but really destined for the long term. Wait another 5-10 years , will drink well a further 20 . At Vinous Icons, Pier 60 NY, Feb 2025 — 3 months ago