The 2020 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is fabulous. In fact, the appellation wine is my favorite Pinot in this range. The combination of the sites, and a bit less stem influence than the vineyard designates, works so well. There's a bit more fruit, more mid-palate sweetness and better balance overall, in my view. All the elements are so well put together. All of this fruit is from Machado and Hapgood. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Fruit comes from the coolest coastal parts of this appellation, linked by the influence of the Pacific’s cool marine air, which delays ripening. Ruby with rich berry fruit, citrus and floral spice. On the palate, strawberry and cherry, tangy, with cedar notes and earthy tones. Bright acidity, soft expressive tannins, long finish ending with mineral and cedar spice. Very nice, drink now & over next 5 years. — 4 years ago
2021s showing solid — 4 months ago
1998 vintage. Cork a little dry near the bottom so called out the Durand for a rescue. Less meniscus than expected. Dusty, earthy nose. Medium body. Heaps of allspice/sandalwood, prunes and baking chocolate hovering about in the medicinal/oily nose and (mostly) in the flavor profile. Ridiculously reminiscent of an aged (‘80’s-‘90’s) Branaire-Ducru St. Julien BDX. So much so that, if blind tasting, that is the guess. This is gliding along. No highs or lows to navigate currently. Not a showstopper by any means but one helluva ringer in a blind tasting. Some bretty influences here and there but nothing warranting a red card/dq. Picked up slightly more body and a noticeable cinnamon/clove note on the finish after being open for an hour. Also...some muddiness along with a sudden frontal-palate richness (at the 1.5 hours open mark) reminiscent of Petit Verdot involvement/influence. WTF?!?! Bring it! 4.21.24. — 9 months ago
This 2022 was correct and energetic, but the 2016 was maderized. — 9 months ago
Sweet dark fruits, leather, smoke with some roasted meat. — 4 years ago
Zach D
Could this be the best value I’ve ever tasted? It’s right up there. Sweet purple fruits, mineral backbone, grilled meat. A lovely lavender note; both dried and fresh, excellent length on the finish. I love lower ABV Syrah that is not underripe; 12.5%. Does have some tannin; I’m interested to revisit in 3-5 years. From Fass selections — 2 months ago