Ted Holland

9.4

This wine has aged like a queen! Balanced, matured dark red fruit, spices intermingle to deliver an excellent wine. There is fresh fruit that is unexpected and velvety tannins that say enjoy!! I would say this wine is at its peak. Fruit is still there and tannins and acidity are well balanced. Enjoy!!! — 4 months ago

David Kline

9.4

Dried cherry and cranberry with bresaola notes, bay leaf, brown bread, peppercorn. Dried violets, black and bing cherry and dried blueberry intermingle with elderberry and plum skin.
Magnum was better on day two, showing acute complexities unrealized initially.
Great single vineyard wine with depth.

#sojournwines #sojourn #sojourncellars #wohlervineyard #sv #russianrivervalley #russianriver #sonomawine #sonomapinot #pinotnoir #pn #pinotvino #svs #rrv — 2 years ago

with Courtney

Kurt Schuster

8.9

Fresh and plump, feels youthful and vibrant. Blue and red fruits intermingle and give a variety of fresh flavors that don’t come across as acidic but instead ripe and luscious. — 5 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.6

100% Viognier. Brightly pitched aromas of white peach, orange peel, flint and yellow rose make a bold introduction to this complex white wine. Flavors of Casaba melon, kaffir lime, and shortbread intermingle on the rich and creamy mid-palate. Bright acidity quickly balances the intensity of the flavors, providing a zippy, long, and refreshing finish. — 5 years ago

Roger Ray

9.1

"intense cherry color and with purple glints. Complex nose, with supple oak notes that intermingle with ripe fruit. Long and remarkably toasty finish. Best decanted" — 6 years ago

Ian Staub

9.0

Undeniably delicious and juicy, but still has plenty going on beneath the surface. Throughout the course of the bottle, secondary aromas of stem and herbs intermingle with sweet florals, funky mineral and dusty earth. Ridiculous value at $20 and an absolute standard bearer for Bay Area natty juice. I wish this was just available everywhere, any time. — 8 years ago

Cory Fierro

9.3

Just ripe, if not slightly over, red berries and cherries leap out of the bowl along with earthy elements of potting and damp leaves. Hibiscus flower, black tea leaves and baking spice round out the nose. On the palate, sweet bell pepper notes intermingle with more florality for a layered mouth feel that goes perfectly with charred meats. A very special cab franc from a damn fine Yakima winery. — 8 years ago

with Liz

TVF

9.0

Perfect for bolognese! — 6 months ago

Drake Mekkers

9.1

Very tasty cab — 2 years ago

Myles Keyt

9.3

col d'orcia 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is an alluring creation with 14.5% alcohol content, boasting a medium body that dances gracefully on the palate. Its mesmerizing hue of medium purple enchants the eyes, while its vibrant high acidity adds a delightful zing to the overall experience, accentuating the flavors.

As the wine meets the nose, a captivating bouquet unfolds, reminiscent of a Tuscan spring garden. Notes of balsamic, basil, and sundried tomatoes intermingle with the freshness of thyme, creating a harmonious symphony of aromas. The scent of ripe red cherry adds a touch of fruity allure to the ensemble.

Upon the first sip, one is immediately greeted by the invigorating burst of sour cherry, a defining characteristic that lingers tantalizingly. The wine's exceptional quality shines through, making it an excellent choice to accompany a fine meal. It effortlessly complements a variety of dishes, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

With a rating of 96, col d'orcia 2018 Brunello di Montalcino stands as a testament to the mastery of winemaking. This wine is not merely a beverage but an invitation to indulge in the artistry and craftsmanship of Italian viticulture. It is the perfect companion for cherished moments shared with great friends at an authentic Italian restaurant, where the ambiance matches the wine's essence. Cheers to unforgettable memories and the pleasure of savoring this remarkable wine! — 3 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2016 Kongsgaard Chardonnay is a sensational wine that is showing its full-throttle decadence now at the four year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layers of vanilla Creme brûlée and butterscotch woven together with mango and pineapple upside down cake that all meld together in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and wonderfully viscous. Ripe banana and roasted pineapple intermingle with baking spice infused challah bread, and Meyer lemon creme brûlée flavors. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful Chardonnay will cellar well for more than a decade to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95 — 6 years ago

David Kline

9.2

Pine-lined pond and glass factory notes intermingle with spearmint, red plum, and blackberry-grape that injects itself into the forest and emerges black currant, while pulling all the aforementioned behind her. Natural and clean aromatics here with cinnamon the only oak influence. Smooth but dense opening, bringing dark chocolate, black Darjeeling, intense graphite behind cassis, mint-pencil, vanilla infused tobacco, burnt raisin, walnut, and black sesame. Liquid, astral beauty in a bottle. Magnificent. #cornerstonecellars #napavalley2012 #Napa #wine #cab #cabernetsauvignon #cabsauv4life #cawine #2012vintage — 8 years ago

with Courtney

Nicholas Franklin

9.0

Manly comes to mind first, with incense smoke, palo santo, and sandalwood up front. Toasty dusty earth notes, graphite and sage intermingle too, while some rose petal pokes out as the only thing feminine in a very masculine wine. Tannins are firm and fine, giving clench and virility throughout a moderately long finish. Could use a bit more color but I'm not complaining... — 9 years ago

Crystal Anne

9.8

Amazing. (The following is taken from website and it's so perfectly worded that I copied and pasted). "A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours that are framed by sleek and succulent acid architecture." My new favorite Sauvignon Blanc. — 9 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Sanguis “Optimist” Proprietary Red Blend
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A charismatic and versatile red from Sanguis, the “Optimist” is a harmonious yet expressive blend of Grenache, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and a touch of Roussanne. It’s designed to bring early pleasure—rich yet balanced, and perfect for both casual sipping and food pairing. 

Composition (2020 Vintage)
• 70% Grenache
• 12% Petit Verdot
• 10% Syrah
• 8% Roussanne
This composition delivers a lush, aromatic, and layered profile, with Grenache providing fruitiness, Petit Verdot structure, Syrah spice, and Roussanne a subtle aromatic lift. 

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry and lush berry fruit intermingle with floral perfume and savory spice. There’s a nuanced herbal undertone—think dried herbs or garrigue—and a hint of minerality that adds intrigue and finesse.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and supple, the wine is smooth and elegantly textured, with vibrant acidity and a balanced finish that leaves a satisfying freshness.

Winemaking Notes
Sourced from diverse vineyard sites across the Santa Ynez Valley, it’s crafted with care to allow both fruit and structure to shine. Roussanne adds a graceful aromatic lift to the backbone of Grenache and Petit Verdot.  

Food Pairing
Terrific with grilled meats, hearty vegetable dishes, or charcuterie. Also plays beautifully with tomato-based pasta or lighter fare, thanks to its savory, fruit-forward personality.

Verdict
A genuine crowd-pleaser with depth and nuance—Sanguis “Optimist” is joyfully bold yet approachable, offering plenty of charm and vibrant energy. A masterclass in balance and flavor, perfect for both everyday meals and mindful sipping. Cheers — 10 months ago

Kristen Grimes

10

Tobacco and tart cherry aromas, a good amount of acid for a 2009, cherries come through first and then the tannins come in. Paired with a coffee-spiced steak with burnt kachumber salad.

Winemaker Notes
Medium-intensity, dark cherry-red; clean and bright. To the nose it stands out for its fresh, spicy character, with hints of sweet cherries and blackcurrant chocolate, assembled with notes of black pepper, tobacco, nutmeg, coffee, mocha and cinnamon. Pleasant and well-balanced in the mouth. Tasty, with a soft freshness, nice structure, and delicately elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a lovely aftertaste, where liqueur-like notes of cherries and blackcurrants intermingle with toasty notes and sweet spices turning this especial edition of Viña Ardanza into a fine, elegant wine. — 5 years ago

David Lee

9.3

Magic in the glass. So aromatic and complex. Lemon, orange, caramel, vanilla, toasted pecans intermingle and go on for ages. — 6 years ago

Leslie

9.5

I shared this amazing gem with my friend on her birthday in front of the vino Bello at the onset of Covid isolation. This wine delivered (as it should for the price) on all fronts. Med + body and acid. Tannins were so smooth and integrated they just wrapped your tongue in velvet. Ripe berries on the nose and palate intermingle with soft lilac and a hint of herbaceousness. Nice long finish. The only thing wrong was we didn't have a second bottle because the one went down so easy. — 6 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.2

One of the outstanding values in grower champagne. Tasted from 375 ml, disgorged 6/4/17. Excellent balance between richness and linearity. Floral and chalk elements intermingle wonderfully with brioche and hazelnut. — 8 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.3

Serious and gorgeous Syrah from Eric Texier. Silky black fruits, bacon fat and bursting with fresh violets sense and elegance you might associate with far more famous appellations, but in fact this is from a rather rare and under appreciated corner of the Ardéche 30 miles from Hermitage. Very soft, low alcohol, great purity of fruit. Black pepper and minerals intermingle with very fine tannins. This is actually made from the ancient Vieille Serine varietal, generally recognized as Syrah. Zero sulfur added before bottling, so it is on the natural side- some bottles will show some brett influence. My favorite Texier wine thus far. Unique and lovely wine. — 8 years ago