John Ryan

Foxen

John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

So good. And I don't normally drink Pinot. — 19 days ago

Laura liked this

John Duval Wines

Plexus Barossa Valley Shiraz Blend 2010

Rich and full bodied. I decanted it for 4 hours and it was a lot better than the last bottle. Amazing structure after 16 years. Would get more in the future. Nutty and spicy. — 3 months ago

Storm Wines

John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Cherry. Earthy. Touch smokey. Touch bitter. Spice. Good but not a burgh like wine despite the low%. but a good effort. A little rough around the edges. — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister and Tom liked this

John Duval Wines

Entity Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017

A perfect balance between oak and fruit (blackberry) from this Barossa Shiraz. Great winemaking from John Duval who has quite the CV. John was Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 until 2002 being only the 3rd custodian of Penfolds Grange after Max Schubert (creator of Grange) and Don Ditter. In 2020 this wine received Shiraz of the Year and 99 points from the James Halliday Wine Companion. The product of old vines in the Barossa. Luscious but in balance and overall - delicious. — 7 months ago

Aravind, Shay and 19 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

John is a very nice guy and an excellent Winemaker. Tasted with him at Taste of Barossa in 2018.

The Ojai Vineyard

John Sebastiano Vineyard Grenache 2023

2023 vintage. Pretty sure this vineyard was dealing with a replanting. Dunno where this offering falls on either side of that. Medium body. Bright cherry and cola right off the bat. Some earthy, durty tones hanging out underneath the bleachers. Some oak influence. Full disclosure: fan of this producer and particular vineyard but not of singled-out Grenache. Likely better in a year or two. 3.16.25. — 2 months ago

Tom, Andrew and 10 others liked this

Nickel & Nickel

John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Black cherry & blackberry with dark fruit, soft tannins and dark cherries in the palate. Paired well with a smoked cheese and spicy ham. — 5 months ago

DuMOL

Ryan Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

2023 vintage. Medium-medium heavy body. Old-school RRV swill that eschews the sweetness that crept into the area during the Williams-Selyem heyday/culty scores of the mid-80's to mid-90's. Big tea, earth, light mud, restrained cherry and plum. Structure. Fruit. Balance. No sizzle, all steak. Blind tasting this, you'd be hella pressed to call this as being from RRV. Tastes like it's got 8-10 years of age on it already as a new release. You could sock this away for an easy 15-spot if you're that disciplined, unorganized or behind on opening other stuff. One of the best new domestic pinots tasted in the last few years. P.S...tasted the 2023 MacIntyre (the one that gets all the scores/pub) right after this. It was nice. A new school nice at 9.3. I'll take this any day that ends in "y" instead. You can have my MacIntyre allocation. 3.25.26. — 2 months ago

Neil, Somm and 12 others liked this

Cullen Wines

Kevin John Margaret River Chardonnay 2022

Ming L
9.3

The gentle nose shows bright citrus, yellow peach, dried pear, and hint of crush nuts. On the palate it’s concentrated yet vibrant, with round acidity, spice and orange blossom, balanced by lively mineral drive and a long, lingering finish that meshes power with poise.

It’s bold and expressive, with a dynamic tension and savoury complexity that feels both immediate and age-worthy. At this young age, I like it better than the Art Series.
— 4 months ago

Ira, Bob and 1 other liked this