Judge & Jury
Christopher Tynan Wines
Judge Family Vineyard Bennett Valley Syrah 2016
It’s getting into the zone now.
Jeb 98, not sure any Myriad Syrah received that high of rating, but it is Jeb🤷🏼♂️
According to Jeb, Along with the 2013, the 2016 Syrah Judge Family Vineyard is up with the greats, and I’d put this up against any Syrah in California or France. Offering incredible purity of fruit as well as notes of blueberries, blackberries, crushed flowers, gamey meats, and pepper, it’s more forward and opulent than the 2015 yet has fabulous depth and concentration, ripe tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. Hats off to Tynan for another insanely good Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 20 years or more. — 3 years ago
Kongsgaard
The Judge Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014
With Yung on our 40th
— 4 months ago
Novy Family Winery
Judge Family Vineyard Syrah 2007
Blind tasting of six pinots - or pinot “impostors”. @delectable, this is the Grenache, not the Syrah. — 3 years ago
Bellwether
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
See previous notes. Classic Coonawarra mint, black fruits, dark chocolate and cigar box. Singing at 11 years but will go for another decade at least. Barb and I are flying to Adelaide today. Hire Car tomorrow for the 4 1/2 hours drive south to Coonawarra where we will be doing vintage at Bellwether for a week. Should be illuminating, hard work and rewarding with a great tutor in Sue Bell, owner and winemaker. Sue was lucky enough to be one of 12 in the annual Len Evans Tutorial a few years ago where they taste wines most of us can only dream of including flights of DRC, Rousseau etc. Sue was the Dux of her year and is in demand around Australia as a Show Judge. Should be a great week. — 4 years ago
Judge Palmer
Beckstoffer Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
10 years young, feels like another 5 years would have done it a service. But today, rich, complete, and steady throughout! — 5 months ago
Mas de Boislauzon
Tintot Special Cuvée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015
We pulled this from our cellar and brought it to V. Mertz for dinner. We enjoyed a couple of other wines as aperitifs and then ultimately did what anyone given the opportunity should do: pair it with lamb chops. We poured it into a decanter while we enjoyed the conversation and opening courses. Given the setting, there were no formal notes however, I can confidently report that the 2015 “Tintot” absolutely slaps. From the first sip to the last, it was all balance, power and class. It was also a spectacular showcase for Mourvèdre. It was hard to fully judge color because the lighting was so low but it appeared to be nearly opaque. A touch feral with a slightly gamey element to it but there’s a great big ol’ basket of black and blue fruits with red and purple flowers, garrigue, some black pepper and cedar chest. Structure is still quite firm but totally enjoyable. While this is an unusual assemblage for the region, it still comes across as a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was my first “Tintot” and it has left quite the impression. Drink now with an hour decant or over the next 7-10 years. P.S. it probably goes without saying, but the pairing with lamb chops was sublime. — 2 years ago
Burt Street Cellars
Judge Vineyard Grenache 2015
Juicy and bight with some good depth. Pairs well with dessert, fruit and pirates booty! — 3 years ago
Jay Kline
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent both days though more of the typical Syrah characteristics seemed to be more pronounced on Day 2. The 2017 “Judge Family Vineyard” pours a deep, ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady notes of black and blue fruits: blackberries, mulberries, Marion berries, blueberries, and plums along with black pepper, olive brine, incense, new leather and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and immensely satisfying. This continues to be an utterly delicious example of Syrah from the New World with unmistakeable nods to the Old World. At this point, it still continues to benefit greatly from a few hours of air. Drink now with lots of patience and through 2037. — 2 months ago