David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I get why people who generally always review this producer as just good consuming it young. This is ten years from birth, eight years in bottle and it is still not at its peak. it has ten years and perhaps more properly stored. Very good tonight but better things ahead. It takes this long and longer for WS Pinots to shine.

The palate is, juicy, ripe, rich, a bit lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, hues of blueberries, plum and ripe to dry strawberries with a pomegranate overlay. Then, dry earthiness, top soil, crushed rocks & powdery limestone & chalkiness, dark spices, some black pepper, dry brush, eucalyptus, tree sap, sun tea, black and red cola/licorice, drier tobacco, barrel dust to shavings, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, touch of dry herbs-bay leaves & sage, bright red, pink, blue, purple florals framed in dark slightly withering florals, rain shower acidity, the finish is; well structured & balanced in fruit, earth & flowers, some more tension than I like but will soften & fade nicely in 3-5 years. But, wire to wire really even and stunning. Evolution & integration is good but needs 3-5 years to be its best. Coravin glass.

IMHO, one of the outstanding CA Pinot producers. Walter Hansel gives them a run for the money at their fantastic price point. — 8 months ago

Brandon T

9.3

Light on its feet, with loads of cherries. Started out a bit dusty, but the fruit began to shine after an hour decant. — 3 years ago

Edo Wachters

9.2

The Tenuta di Castellaro - Nero Ossidiana originates from a very beautiful spot in the world - the island of Lipari, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, near Sicily. This is a warm wine, full of red fruits, cherry, cassis, blackberry and some spice. Made of a blend of 60% Corinto, 25% Nero D’Avola, and 15% local grapes. It is very smooth and velvety, with a long after taste, as the slowly setting sun leaving a purple orange shine over the gentle waves. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

This is their "Field Blend " which seems like a blend of bits and pieces left over at the end of vintage. This is 75% Pinot Noir and then an eclectic blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Riesling- unlikely bedfellows! This wine was fresh and clean with bright acid and spice. The red fruits of the Pinot shine through but even the small % of Gewurtztraminer is there with its lychee qualities- such an aromatic grape. Perfect Match with Thai Red Duck Curry. — 7 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins are maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 9 months ago

Willie Carter

9.0

Enjoying the always lovely Hebrart rosé. It’s unfair to say this is perfect for the summer because really, it’s always the right time to open this.

Sleek, sensual, and sexy. Just like the sophisticated older lady you met in college while visiting the city that taught all the things you should know. Summer berries and fresh herbs. Spice takes over and guides you on an aromatic journey. Toasty with a just a hint of yeast. Mint and vanilla.

Unmistakably Chardonnay dominant though the Pinot Noir shows well. Wonderful tension and balance with pleasing acidity. The trademark Hebrart harmony and finesse really shine through. Charming and lovely from the first sip to the last. Very pure, very focused. Beautiful rosé. Drink with good company. — 3 years ago

Becky Mowat

9.7

We love this white on a hot day! Opens with aromas of gooseberry and herbs, its intense flavors shine like New Zealand Sun, with grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon and meadow grass, ending with a mouthwatering acidity! Refreshing and full bodied flavour! — 6 years ago

Bill Bender

9.2

Made the sun shine through the clouds. Verve and freshness. — 8 years ago

Vanessa

8.9

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand. — a year ago

Vanessa

9.2

Today we visited the peaceful, tranquil vineyard and winery of @quintessawinery where years ago Augustin and Valeria Huneeus, of Chile 🇨🇱, set their sights on one of Rutherford’s gem properties, offering diverse soils, aspects, and four distinct microclimates all on the same property😍 🍇

Valeria, the viticulturist of the family, chose to farm this land organically and biodynamically. Quintessa more recently pursued and obtained formal certification. While the Huneeuses remain intimately involved, albeit to a lesser degree, the excellence of these wines and winemaking practices are carried forward under currrent winemaker Rebekah Wineburg. @postandvine

Here we have a flight that includes two Illumination white blends comprised of Sauvignon Blanc Musque, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semilllon varieties.

These blends are reminiscent of a Bordeaux Blanc from Pessac-Leognan region. These wines were fermented for various periods of time in a combination of concrete, stainless steel, acacia wood, and neutral oak vessels, lending dimension and complexity. These wines also underwent lees stirring, lending richness, weight, and creaminess. Just one year difference between these two wines and the result is noteworthy.

The 2018 is elegant, more restrained, and integrated, where as the 2019 is highly aromatic with florals 🌸 and tropical fruits such as melon, papaya, tart pineapple 🍍 . Both wines are approx 14% ABV and have bright acidity.

The name Illumination came from time spent in the vineyard, watching the sun illuminate the vines. The beautiful work on the label was inspired by the Book of Kells and stained glass, known to glow and shine with the luminescent sun. ☀️ — 3 years ago

with Deked1