Better than my last bottle. Really drank well tonight with big fruit and a solid structure. — 3 years ago
Very dark purple color, very closed initially, rich dark fruits, still quite primary, while very structured, the enormous fruit really balances it, very long, lingering finish, outstanding mountain Syrah, should last easily for another 10-15 years, or more!! — 7 months ago
Since 2020 wild yeast fermentation with at least 20% whole cluster (layering in fermenter). They’ve been using whole cluster since 2010 hovering around 10-15% gradually increasing. 1992-1995 vintages not destemmed completely either. Sweet cola nut, cranberry, red juicy cherry, sweet baking spices. High acidity, medium soft tannins. 2018 meatier and weightier locking in at 13.6%. In 2020 they separated the native yeast vs non native yeast ferments. According to Tim, native yeast led to better alcohol conversion, richer wine at same alcohol compared to without.
Precious old vines and newly replanted vines. Completely dry farmed no drip lines at all! Some of which are suffering from Pierce’s disease and leafroll virus.
I was told back in 2016 Kelli White and her husband had a deal with John and Nancy to lease their vineyards but they backed off at the last minute… I for one memorized every little detail about School House from Kelli’s tome Napa Valley Then and Now
— 3 years ago
Fantastic. Enjoyed our last bottle of a case of 2013 on Christmas Eve. Sad it's gone. — 4 months ago
After 35 years I was not expecting much. Especially when the cork disintegrated on opening. Aureated on decanting and was happily surprised. After about 20 minutes opened to dark chocolate, leather but so smooth. The last glass was pure delight. Howell Mountain at its best! — 5 months ago
A top flight of Cimarossa while visiting the winery last month, all were great but the 2018 Rian really struck me. Purity, elegance, structure, allied with density, complexity and length. Black currants, blackberry, cherry, graphite, and spice. I have been a long time admirer of their wines, especially the best ever from outside Italy nebbiolo they make called Foglet. Mia Klein makes these beauties and you can't get them anywhere except from the winery. — 2 years ago
Nishith Jobanputra
Whoa. It’s been years since my last Schweiger taste….fantastic. Time has been good for this bottle. Big, jammy, well-rounded tannins. — 8 days ago