Jim Neal Wines

Jim Barry

Clare Valley Assyrtiko 2021

One of my favorite wines and has stayed good over a number of years — 7 days ago

Neal Family Vineyards

Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Opened sometime prior service; enjoy over the course of an hour. The 2021 Howell Mountain pours a deep garnet/purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black fruits: blackberries, currants, plum, mixed flowers, tobacco, rocky earth and a pleasant mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Very similar to the standard Napa bottling but there’s a touch more depth and power. Drink now through 2046. — 3 months ago

Daniel, Jan and 8 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

Excellent punch for the pricing.

Vieux Château Certan

Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

Delectable Wine
9.4

The 2014 Vieux Château Certan comes from two bottles, the first out of condition. The second has a potent Cabernet Franc-driven nose, which is no surprise, as it comprises 30% of the blend: bell pepper and black pepper infusing the black fruit. There is almost a Loire-like scent. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins, fine acidity and grip with truffle and raspberry. It's earthy with just a touch of dark chocolate on the finish. This Pomerol is surfeit with character and is just about to enter its drinking window. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
— a year ago

Neal Family Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Paul J
9.5

Twin’s 8th Birthday Party! Awesome as always! Age really shows through. Rustic and complex. — 22 days ago

Brooke Weaver Jakubowski
with Brooke
Jan, Tom and 6 others liked this

Neal Family Vineyards

Rutherford Dust Vineyards Zinfandel 2022

Opened some time prior to service; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2022 Zinfandel pours a ruby color with a nearly transparent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of Bing cherry, black plum, red and purple flowers, tobacco and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. To my palate, this needs some years on its side to gain some complexity but the components are there. Drink now to experience its fruit dominated youth; best from 2027-2042. — 4 months ago

Lyle, Tom and 7 others liked this

Jim Barry

The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2017

Mary H
9.0

Got that cheerful New World round red fruit and chocolate thang. — 8 months ago

Arterberry Maresh

Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023

Third generation grower Jim Maresh launched his own brand in 2007. Maresh Vineyard was first planted in 1970 by grandparents Jim & Loie. Medium Ruby color with aromas of aa array of red berry fruits with a touch of cooling mint. On the palate cherry and berry fruits, well structured, with a touch of rustic spice. Fine dusty tannins, balanced with acidity, medium-bodied, long finish ending with earthy mineral character. Very Nice! — 7 days ago

ESF, Paul and 1 other liked this

Hugh Hamilton

Jim Jim The Down-Underdog Shiraz 2019

Always suspect of ‘cute’ labels. But this is pretty tasty for an inexpensive Aussie Shiraz. Lots of fruit- strawberry- a bit of white pepper- light tannins- 14%. Would be a nice cook out wine. Hard to dislike. — 8 months ago

Tom liked this

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

Delectable Wine
9.6

The 2016 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is consistent with previous bottles. It soars from the glass with those (to use a word I used last time) disarming array of blackberry, iris and fig aromas, but displaying a little more blue fruit than I recall. The palate is very well balanced with a velvety texture, pure with just a hint of black pepper. Interestingly, the 65% whole bunches are barely noticeable, just a guiding hand that shapes the finish. Sapid yet tender, this is an outstanding Pessac-Léognan. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 2 years ago