Doug Powers

9.2

128-year-old Mataro vines grown in the sand in Contra Costa County, stunning redfruits, great freshness and lift from the lovely acidity, good balance, excellent depth, long finish, terrific Mataro!! — 10 days ago

with Jim

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2022 Contra Costa County pours, a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with bright notes of fresh and tart, brambles and plums with licorice, flowers, and hot tarmac. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, enhanced with a touch of black pepper. The finish is medium+; grippy and zippy. Yet another very lovely Mataro from Sandlands. Drink now to enjoy the freshness of youth and through 2037. Only 5 barrels produced. — 4 months ago

Troy Dupuis

8.9

I probably sat on this too long. Bought at the winery years ago. — 6 months ago

Chris MacLean

9.2

No dissatisfaction here — 22 days ago

with Sarah

Henry Fuseler

9.0

8/2024. Nice medium bodied Grenache blend. Good flavor and nice on the palate. Paired well with the blackened sea bass at Hall’s Chophouse. — 4 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Pale ruby in color; cherries, strawberries, and dried herbs on the nose; high acidity; low tannins; tastes like stewed strawberries, hibiscus, and eucalyptus with a long finish. Nellie and I like it. — 5 months ago

with Nellie

Bob McDonald

9.2

At the Henschke tasting weekend with Stephen and Pru. Amazing how good this was for its youth. You could happily drink this now although the winery says you could cellar this 15 plus years (from vintage). In chatting with Stephen I think this was what he was trying to achieve. Excellent vintage he said. Red and blue fruits - touches of anise and white pepper. 81% Shiraz, 11% Grenache, 6% Mataro and 2% Viognier (for aromatics). An affordable Henschke red at $40. — 7 months ago

Dylan Thomas

9.1

Wifey making Brazilian caldo verde — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

A bright ruby red. Black and blue fruits, Five spice and a tarry note. My last of 6 - and possibly the best. See my Delectable note in April 2022 for the first of 6. I am always in admiration of Andrew Caillard MW and his multiple talents when I look at this label which he painted. A beautiful expression of old vine Barossa Mataro (Mourvèdre). — 2 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.

UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.

Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability. — 7 months ago