She’ll never let you down… I don’t think I’ve ever had a better or more complex wine. Each vintage is just another surprise in taste. — 4 months ago
Hudson ranch & vineyard wine tasting
2013 estate syrah
2014 old master (60%cab franc & merlot)
2016 Phoenix (60% merlot, and cab franc)
2011 estate chardonnay
2016 little bit chardonnay
2021 estate cabernet (1st release)
2021 estate grenache
Fun tasting and tour around this classic 2,000 acre Carneros property(200 acres in vines). Grapes sold to more than 25 different wineries like Aubert, Kongsgaard, Kistler, Ramey,etc. — a year ago
2013 vintage. Medium-medium heavy body. Sage and anise on the nose. In that perfect spot between youth and maturity where the spring is partially unwound, yet still measurably coiled. Dropped the baby fat and aggressive fruit overtures but toned. Ain't no rush to crush. What I would do to roll through a vertical tasting of Araujo Eisele Vineyard Syrah might end up on the police blotter. There are more demonstrative Syrahs in California such as SQN, Saxum and Kongsgaard (and they are all top-notch phenomenal in their own way) but this deserves to be in the conversation amongst the best the region has to offer. 05.05.25. — 2 days ago
Sav blanc nose, dry mineral body and finish. Really great with scallops! — 4 months ago
Outstanding example of Cali Pinot. Even more so since this is 2012 vintage. Overripe cherries and coffee notes explode on the nose. The palate displays crunchy black fruits along with syrop de cassis. Superb grainy tannins combine with bright acidity. A reference point in Sonoma/Cali.
Here are my top 2023 tastings by type. Let me know what your favorites are…
2023 Wines of my Year
Sauvignon Blanc - Modus Operandi (2021) - $45
Chablis - Domaine Genot-Boulanger Puligny Montrachet (2020) - $85
Chardonnay - Kongsgaard (2020) - $120
Pinot - Aston Estate (2012) - $70
Cabernet - Sinegal (2019) - $75 &
Cabernet - Lewelling (2019) - $59 — a year ago
Jarvis is a winery I will always have fond memories of due to visiting it many times so early in my wine journey. While I enjoyed the reds (especially the cab franc and merlot), their Finch Hollow Chardonnay (both the filtered and unfiltered) were standouts. My last bottle!
A youthful bright yellow in the glass. Rich and integrated aromatics of salted popcorn, lemon cream and honey roasted cashews. Tidal wave of flavor on the palate that borders on hedonistic but pulls back just before. Oak is in-play with some baking spices and honey helping round the profile. Acidity has faded a bit but these have always had good phenolic grip, an almond skin-like finish. This reminds me of a blend of Aubert’s SugarShack (Napa warmth) with Kongsgaard (texture and grip). Not getting any better, this is a window that I have to imagine the winery was working towards. Delicious. — a month ago
Norman Gennaro
Could have been a little cooler but the flavors shine — 8 days ago