Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.6

Among the BEST cab francs I’ve ever tasted. — 5 days ago

Michael Younkins

9.4

Pale lemon color, lots of bubbles, brut dry, clean taste, light brioche taste. Lovely!! — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Delectable-this is a new cuvée for Giant Steps called Bastard Hill. It acquired its name from the vineyard workers planting it out. Viticultural legend, Ray Guerin was sent from McLaren Vale by the original investors to bring the Bastard to life. He was there 26 years, raised a family on that hill, and established a career that had him universally acknowledged as the most significant viticultural figure in Australian wine’s push into cool climate regions. Ray also planted the Applejack vineyard held by Giant Steps - a fabulous site for Pinot Noir. This Chardonnay was Halliday’s Chardonnay of the year awarded a few weeks ago and possibly sold out by now. This Chardonnay flinty with struck match sulphidic aromas with ripe pink grapefruit and mineral. Barb saw notes of honeysuckle. This is a good example of a modern Australian Chardonnay. Philip Rich thought it was reminiscent of a good Corton-Charlemagne and gave it 98 points. This is the first of 6 for me. I’ll be fascinated to see how this develops. — 10 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

They might want to rename this bottling to, “Everything Including the Kitchen Sink”. It is a blend of mostly; Zinfandel 65%, Syrah, Petite Syrah. Tempranillo, Trousseau, Castets, Cabernet, Merlot, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Lenoir and more. 🤯

It’s aged in 25% new oak for 10 month and the rest in used oak.

It drinks like a Zinfandel that you might think has a couple other varieties, not that long list.

It is pleasant at pop & pour. But full disclosure, I don’t embrace much in the way of Zin’s. When I do it’s primarily Ridge’s blend.

This is juicy, red, purple & blue fruity fruits. Some dry top soil, some used leather, light pepper, moist clays, some herbaceous notes, dark chocolate to mousse, mid berry cola, lots of fresh, red, blue and purple flowers, pleasant, round acidity, a nicely balanced, lush, elegant, polished finish that lands on earthiness & wood powder.

It is not bad but at $54.95, there are Ridge’s I buy first for under this price point. — 8 days ago

Erika Turner

8.9

Troppo especially the pineapple - burnt — 6 months ago

with Rubychick and See

Bridget Meagher

8.9

Josh excellent orange wine -depth, structure, not bitter — a year ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Medium pink color. Smells like strawberries and pomegranates on the nose. Tastes like cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Intense, but balanced acidity with a long finish. Nellie likes it too! — 2 years ago

with Nellie

Lena Valentine

9.5

Easy to drink, nice slightly chilled — 3 months ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Actually the “Norma’s Block” bottling - apparently made from a small parcel within Pagini Ranch still owned by a grandmother. Delicious. Dense and fruit forward, with excellent acid keeping things balanced throughout. Quite enjoyable. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of Grenache dominated wine with Syrah and Mourvèdre added in the blend, Ruby with aromas of red fruits, floral and spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and plum with licorice, black pepper, herbs and tobacco notes. Long finish, fine tannins ending with fruit, cacao and earthy spice. Pair with beef or game meats, a big wine just starting to drink well. — 2 years ago