Tom Barras

9.0

The 2023 Presqu’ile Pinot Noir displays a Bing cherry appearance, that is backed up by red cherry aromatics and flavors.

Definitely more Burgundian than New World Pinots, it is light >medium bodied, quite savory, very well balanced with juicy acidity, and light dusty tannins at the finish which definitely clear the palate.

I think the 2023 is a great example of not overpowering the fruit with manipulations from the winemaker’s tool box. It Clearly punches above its price point.

— 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Ridge – Monte Bello 2017
Santa Cruz Mountains – California, USA 🇺🇸
Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc

Overview
One of California’s most legendary wines, Ridge Monte Bello has been estate-grown, produced, and bottled entirely in-house since the 1960s. The 2017 vintage reflects a Bordeaux-inspired blend from the cool Santa Cruz Mountains, offering both structure and elegance. (Educational note: Monte Bello’s higher-altitude vineyards give cooler temperatures, yielding more restrained, ageworthy wines compared to Napa Valley powerhouses.)

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and red plum at the core, accented by cedar, graphite, and cocoa. Hints of tobacco, dried herbs, and floral notes bring depth and complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and refreshing acidity. A graceful, layered wine that “dances on the palate,” finishing long and harmonious with both power and finesse.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled lamb, prime rib, or braised short ribs. Also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A benchmark California classic — Bordeaux in inspiration, but with a Santa Cruz identity all its own. The 2017 Monte Bello is elegant, expressive, and deeply satisfying. 🍷

Did You Know?
Ridge’s Monte Bello gained international fame in the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, where it ranked among the world’s top Cabernets, cementing California’s place on the fine wine map.

Collector’s Rarity 📌
Highly allocated and cellared by collectors worldwide, Ridge Monte Bello is a vertical-worthy wine with decades of aging potential. — a month ago

Joe Fischer

9.1

Very nice Chardonnay! Yellowish with pear, apple, white floral, and piney aromas. Nice body with a long finish. A little bit of butter and tartness. Great with our Salmon and Risotto! — 22 days ago

Nick Jouras

9.4

Double magnum still has a lot of life left we sure enjoyed it with the crowd!! — 11 days ago

jochen rueckert

9.0

Nice. Old school not very funky but nice — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Caretaker – Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A mature Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, an AVA celebrated for its ocean-influenced breezes and long growing season. Even with nearly a decade of age, this bottle still shows charm and balance, proving the longevity potential of well-made Central Coast Pinot.

Aromas & Flavors
Notes of baked raisins, dried figs, and black cherry dominate, with subtle hints of spice and earthiness adding depth. Secondary characteristics from age bring a soft, dried fruit sweetness, leaning more toward warmth and roundness than fresh vibrancy.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with softened tannins and a silky, mellow texture. The acidity has relaxed over time, but enough freshness remains to keep the wine affable and enjoyable to the very last drop.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted duck, mushroom risotto, or a simple charcuterie spread. Its aged character also makes it a fine companion to semi-hard cheeses.

Verdict
A pleasant surprise — still approachable, rounded, and enjoyable despite its maturity. While the prime window has passed, this 2016 Pinot shows that Santa Maria fruit holds up gracefully and rewards those who hold on just a little longer. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.2

The 2022 release is a hit!
Deep purple color. Aromas of black cherry, cola, dried herbs and cedar. Black and blue fruit on the palate, herbs and oak on the finish.

🏅97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
🏅94 Points - @Dr. Owen Bargreen — 22 days ago

Sam Friedland

9.0

Very good, still a lot of tannins. Should be better I three to five years. — 3 days ago

Kland Aida

9.2

A very good Valle de Guadalupe wine. Smooth, chocolate, leather, and earthy. Great with steaks. May 2024 — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

One of those surprisingly good wines. — 2 months ago