Little John Lane

Kapcsándy Family Winery

Estate Cuvée State Lane Vineyard Merlot Blend 2019

Relative to when I had this a year ago, the wine has developed slightly, perhaps gaining a little more density and body while shedding some of the crazy floral / violet aromas - while not heavy it’s certainly is medium body leaning toward full body. On the nose lovely casis and herbs (leaning toward the savory side but very well layered and fragrant). While this wine has no hard edges I believe it needs a few more years in bottle to really come together - it’s got great stuffing and just needs more time — 21 days ago

Ira liked this

Nickel & Nickel

John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Still quite inky with just a little lightening at the edges. Starts a little tart and astringent but then presents cassis, plum, chocolate and black tea. Finish is quite long with a hint of bell pepper and lingering tannins. — 3 years ago

Walter Hansel Winery

Cahill Lane Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Tons of apricot. Bit of honey and honeysuckle. Some grassy notes. Very little oak. Delish. — 4 years ago

Ira, Raul and 10 others liked this

Orchard Lane

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET
9.3

Best in show blind. believe me I had low hopes for this wine and it is killer. It is really good even debunked one of my favorites just to really well-balanced really delicate not too much but not too little smooth fun. — a month ago

"Odedi" and Doug liked this

School House Vineyard

Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir 2018

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
— 2 years ago

Douglas, Shay and 2 others liked this

Whitehall Lane

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Deeply extracted, purple. Vegetal-dominant nose. Not much else. Palate adds a little vanilla, wood, and some bitter cherries. Quite serrated. Not well-integrated. Disappointed, considering past experiences with this producer.

89+ points
— 4 years ago

Shay, David and 6 others liked this
Ron R

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They swapped out the wine maker about 5 years ago… no bueno.
M. Christopher Roebuck

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@Ron R precisely why I need more friends in my life.

Benton-Lane

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Ample mouthfeel, tart red fruit, dried herbs, a little funky. V good — 10 months ago

Paul Hobbs

Ellen Lane Estate Chardonnay 2017

Good depth. Solid oak. More apple and stone fruit in this one. Little ox too as it was a deeper golden color. — 2 years ago

Eric, Tom and 1 other liked this

Domaine Lucien Lardy

Les Roches Fleurie Gamay 2015

All about the fruit with this wine. Bright aromas and flavors of red berry/cherry. Beautifully balanced acidity. Time has been very good to this vintage. Just a light floral note on the nose. Soft texture and little tannin and a touch of mushroom on the finish. Great with food especially our Thanksgiving Meal! Thank You John P. — 3 years ago

Paul, Bob and 5 others liked this

KEO

St. John Commandaria Xynistéri-Mavro Blend

Caramel, cashews, figs of all types. Sweet, tawny. Enjoyable, but this bottle is a little old. — 4 years ago

Jason and David liked this