Knee Deep Brewing Co.

La Jota Vineyard Co.

Howell Mountain Merlot 2018

Blend of mostly Merlot with a little Petit Verdot, deep Ruby with aromas of ripe dark fruits, sweet spice and espresso notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, plum and black cherry with toasty oak, cacao and espresso. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and sweet pepper spice. Still has room to age, but nice now! — a month ago

Jake, Paul and 1 other liked this

Heidsieck & Co.

Monopole Extra Dry Champagne Blend

Deep straw color. Elegant full body. A bit fizzy perhaps. Very enjoyable. — 2 years ago

Vicki Sliwa
with Vicki

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Founded 1972, Tom & Sally Jordan, from CO, went to CA’s wine country & produced inaugural vintage in 1976. A Fav of mine with a steak, and the ‘17 hits the mark! Blend of mostly Cab Sauv with Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruit, floral & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and fig with oak, sweet spice, leather & cacao notes. Rich tannins, well balanced and integrated with fruit & oak. Very Nice! — 2 years ago

Jason, Josh and 4 others liked this

Intrinsic Wine Co.

Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2020

Deep ruby color.
Aromas of cassis, vanilla, licorice.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, vanilla, black pepper, licorice, eucalyptus. Medium-rich, velvety tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
— 3 months ago

Intrinsic Wine Co.

Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Deep ruby in color; black cherries, baking spices, and leather on the nose; medium acidity; high tannins; tastes like black plums, blackberries, and boysenberries with a long finish. Chewy, good mouth feel. Nellie says it ok. I love it. I bet it would have been great with a steak, if I hadn't reverse seared them. The oak in the wine is intensified by the smoke on the steak. Still a really good wine. — 8 months ago

Nellie Bauman
with Nellie

Matchbook Wine Co.

The Arsonist California Petit Verdot Blend 2018

Blend 52% Petit Verdot, 26% Malbec & 22% Cab Sauv, deep Ruby with aromas of red and black fruits with notes of black pepper. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum with cacao, leather and pepper. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with cedar, vanilla and black fruits. Good value. — 2 years ago

Daniel P. and Paul liked this

Bedrock Wine Co.

Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel Blend 2022

The 2022 Evangelho Heritage blend by Bedrock is very light on its feet with a streak of bracing acidity — almost effervescence — along with light tannins. It’s a deep hazy purple in its youth with a nose of tart berry compote and leather. Seems like it will mature nicely. — 5 months ago

Bedrock Wine Co.

Nervo Ranch Heritage Alexander Valley Red Blend 2021

Yes I know this is way too early but I really wanted to see where this was. From a very old “mixed black” vineyard on a hill of decomposing slate loam. With an hour of air it’s showing deep, low-toned berry fruit, cracked stones, and a little warm gravel. Structured and very old world on the palate, it’s got a youthful wall of tannin guarding it right now, but there’s nice flavor density underneath and no hint of jamminess or residual sugar. Stow it for 3-5 years at least. But it will be really good. 9.2+ — 9 months ago

Sharon, Dawn and 18 others liked this

Hobo Wine Company

Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2019

Deep purple. Aromas of black cherry, black currant, raspberry and earthy tones. Juicy, black fruit and black tea finish. My favorite of the Hobo Wine Co. tasting. — 2 years ago

Sharon, Tom and 11 others liked this

Clos du Val Wine Co.

Napa Valley Zinfandel 1981

A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50. — 3 years ago

Andrew, Daniel and 14 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

I was saddened to learn that Clos du Val decided a few years ago to stop making Zin. I always liked their elegant style.
M. Christopher Roebuck

M. Christopher Roebuck Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Wow! And here I am wondering if we can still drink 1994 Zins- perhaps my favorite of all time. Congrats on the birthday @Jay Kline.