Laird & Company
Laird & Company
Single Cask Selection Apple Brandy
Top shelf! — 2 years ago
Torbreck Vintners
Woodcutter's Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013
Our marinaded tri-trip wine.
Good things happen when you take a good producer’s entry level wine and lay it down for 4-5 years. Then, pair with the right food.
Torbreck makes in descending quality order that I have had; The Laird ($400-$700), RunRig ($175-$200+), The Descendant & The Factor (around $90-$100 ish), their Struie (around $50) and the Woodcutter’s ($16-$24 depending on where you buy it).
The Woodcutter’s shows itself to be a close relative but, lacks some of the structure, depth and quality of fruit from its other siblings. However, the QPR is undeniable!
There are two things I am trying to convey. You don’t always need to spend $100 to $100’s for a really good quality wine. Second, even if you lay down a good entry level wine from a good producer in at least in a good vintage, very good things come through.
This shows, dark currants, ruby, candied; purple fruit mix, blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, black plum & blue fruits. Sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, limestone, dry, crushed rocks, mixed berry cola, soft leather, wood shavings, dry herbaceous notes, dark spice, softly, layered baking spices; vanilla, clove, nutmeg, hints of cinnamon, understated mint/eucalyptus with dark, purple, blue flowers in a violet & lavender bouquet.
The body is; rich; ruby and full. The tannins are round, tarry, chewy and meaty. The structure, tension, length and balance are just a couple steps short of its peak. Dark currants, ruby, candied; purple fruit mix, blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, black plum & blue fruits. Sweet tarriness, dark, used, expresso grounds, anise to black licorice, limestone, black pepper, dry, crushed rocks, mixed berry cola, soft leather, wood shavings, dry herbaceous notes, dark spice with palate heat, more pronounced & layered baking spices; vanilla, clove, nutmeg, hints of cinnamon stick, dark, rich turned earth, dark top soils, understated mint/eucalyptus with dark, purple, blue flowers in a violet & lavender bouquet. The acidity is round and nicely done. The long finish is, juicy to dry earthy, well balanced, elegant and persists without end.
The 2013 Woodcutter’s has another 10-15 years of good drinking ahead.
Photos of; their new tasting bar, Sofia during our private tasting with their International Brand Manager and that famous Barossa red clay soil structure with Estate vines. — 6 years ago
Laird Family Estate
Red Hen Ranch Chardonnay 2018
This underwent 100% malolactic and spent 10 months in 30% new French oak, so it has a creamy palate ripe with stone fruits. Yet it does not feel heavy or cloying. Oak is well managed and acidity manages to be fresh. Quite enjoyable.
The Laird family holds about 2000 acres of vineyards in Napa Valley, including Suscol and Linda Vista. Red Hen is the home estate. — 2 years ago
Laird Family Estate
Brut Rose
Strawberries and bready yeast on the nose. A beautiful rosey salmon color with fine fine perlage making the mouth literally sparkle alive. I just wish there was more to the palate. — 5 years ago
Laird Family Estate
Jillian's Blend Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Purchased at Laird in NAPA 2024 — 9 months ago
Laird Family Estate
Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir 2016
Overpowering and overwhelming cherry flavor. This wine got better after breathing but is too strong at this time. Perhaps it will improve in another three years. The nose is classic Pinot Noir and lovely. — 10 months ago
Brett Francis
No bitterness or any minerality. Just crisp, clean, and flavors of white grape, lemon and lychee hint. Long lasting finish. Longer than I’d expect. — 8 months ago