John Martin's (john Martin Sa)

Clos du Val Wine Co.

Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1976

Delectable Wine
9.6

The 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Clos du Val is the most interesting of all the wines. The estate was founded by John and Henrietta Goelet in the early Seventies when the couple challenged recently graduated winemaker Bernard Portet to create a Bordeaux-inspired estate in Napa. Clos du Val attained global recognition when its inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the wines poured blind by Steven Spurrier at the epochal The Judgement of Paris, so this bottle of 1976 was one of their earliest bottlings that, incidentally, came directly from Clos de Val’s apparently meager reserves. It is very elegant and perfumed on the nose, typical old school, classic Napa Cabernet in all its unfettered glory, beautifully defined with wilted rose petals and a light fish scale element. Supple, very pliant tannins define the palate. There remains ample freshness and poise, a fine silver thread of acidity and a clove-tinged, rounded, exquisitely balanced finish that would surpass practically every other Bordeaux from this vintage. Outstanding. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 23 days ago

Ceritas

Peter Martin Ray Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

@John Raytek makes Chard like no one else in CA — 7 years ago

Daniel liked this

Backsberg

John Martin Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Delicious Sauvignon Blanc from WBJ Mystery Box, drank with chicken tacos. — 8 years ago

John Martin

Gordon Xmas Ale

Thick, spicy, chocolat cake — 8 years ago

Pazzu liked this

Fleur de Scène

Grand vin de Bordeaux Blend 2015

From ETS Martin in late 2019. (Laura Christmas gift to John, after 2017. Had 2015 on 4/24/2021. Very dark opaque at center, magenta at edge. Forest berries. Bubble gum. Overripe banana/butterscotch/pecan bread. Tannins strong, overpowering front and middle mouthfeel and taste. Glorious lasting finish, breathing out for minutes (would that be alcohol?). All Merlot or some Cab franc? Velvety like right bank. — 3 years ago

Te Kairanga

John Martin Martinborough Chardonnay 2017

Newly released so very fresh and a touch raw. Nothing that can’t be resolved with a little time in bottle. Elegant fruit, nicely handled, great acidity, subtle tannins, it will sell out very quickly I expect. — 6 years ago

Daniel P., Keith and 1 other liked this

Thorne & Daughters

Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Delectable Wine
9.0

The 2019 Snakes & Ladders consists of Sauvignon Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains. It has a potent bell pepper and gooseberry nose that maybe lacks the complexity of John Seccombe’s Chenins. The palate is well balanced with good weight. Bitter lemon, orange peel and light saline notes define the finish. This is a fine Sauvignon Blanc that should drink well for 3–6 years. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2021)
— 3 years ago

Boich Family Cellar

Wall Road Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Greg Ballington
9.6

This estate was a spectacular find this trip! @John Boich was an amazing host and so was Jnani!
@Shay Aldriedge @Martin G Rivard @David L @Ron R @Carl Fischer this is an estate you guys need to check out, especially if you love the Rudius Wines. This is the same winemaker, Jeff Ames, same as TOR too.


Deep and dark ruby red. Dark purple floral attack with lavender and lilacs, followed with tons of savory notes. Nose finished off with some black and blue berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) and tighter than the rest of the Cabernet Sauvignons. A bit savory with dried red berries and black cherries. A little floral too. Full bodied and lingering finish. Drink from 2019 till 2040.
— 7 years ago

Sean BallingtonIndia Okoh
with Sean and India
Shay, Eric and 20 others liked this
Greg Ballington

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@Paul T tagged you in the tasting note on the Mt Veeder Syrah
Greg Ballington

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@David L I'm glad they are delicious!
Greg Ballington

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@Eric S they are only sold in three packs so each cab is 150 a bottle and the Syrah is 100

Te Kairanga

John Martin Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013

A well made pinot that's definitely better on its second day open, but the best still lies ahead of it. A bit tight and closed currently - give it several years. — 8 years ago

Sam Marshmallow
with Sam