Jay Kline

9.2

Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a dull purple/garnet color with a translucent core and significant rim variation, moving towards a rust color. The wine has medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of cassis, dried blackberries, dried red and purple flowers, old leather bound books, tobacco, a touch of menthol, some earth, old wood and a sprinkle of warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Super high quality but a touch thin.

Initial conclusions: Due to the observable characteristics of color, rim variation, sediment, smell and flavor, I think this wine has significant age; 30+ years. However, this is still very alive and showing more than enough markers to give an indication of place. Subsequently, this could be a Cabernet-based blend or a Tempranillo-based blend from the United States, France, or Spain. For me, I’m getting new French oak vibes instead of American so I’m eliminating Spain. I also think this leans more towards its fruit than its structure and since this comes across a little on the thin side, I’m going to say this comes from a tougher vintage. My final conclusion is this is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from the USA, Napa, 1981. Wow! This showed really well.

It never ceases to amaze me how analogous the 1981 vintage was in both Napa and Bordeaux. I find it equally amazing how well that vintage has held up; particularly when considering its poor reputation, mostly based on the prevailing thought at the time. From my perspective, well stored examples are not going to fall off of a cliff but I would drink now through 2031. — 9 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Muirwood – Chardonnay 2023
Arroyo Seco, Monterey – Central Coast, California 🇺🇸

Overview
Made from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from certified sustainable vineyards in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. This sub-region of the Central Coast is known for its cool winds and gravelly soils, providing ideal conditions for crisp, balanced Chardonnay.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, melon) with notes of citrus zest and green apple. Subtle floral lift, with just a faint hint of oak spice in the background.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, crisp, and fruit-driven. No heavy butter or overpowering oak — instead, clean acidity and bright fruit define the palate. Smooth and refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
Great with grilled shrimp, sushi rolls, roast chicken, or summer salads. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with lighter fare.

Verdict
A balanced, refreshing Central Coast Chardonnay — tropical and crisp, sustainable, and delightfully easy to drink. Not a “buttery bomb,” but a modern, clean style that shines with food. 🌿🍍cheers!

Did You Know?
Arroyo Seco (meaning “dry creek”) is one of California’s coolest AVAs, where maritime breezes from Monterey Bay help Chardonnay ripen slowly, preserving acidity and freshness. — 4 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.5

Unicorn. Even the estate doesn’t know the vineyard makeup of this. — 2 months ago

David White

9.0

A good value Bordeaux blend which has s a good cellar defender mid week and you not ready open something with some age,
It’s made to drink young and doesn’t pretend to be competing with top Cabernet from Margaret River — 3 months ago

David White

9.4

This 2011 is drinking very nicely and is worthy of its accolades, lovely crimson rim to deep ruby centre, nice tobacco flavours on nose and mouth filling with integrated tannins.
Smooth and long lasting aftertaste
— 4 months ago

William Womack

10

Willamette Valley does it again on the pinot — 4 months ago

Doug Griffin

9.0

Not sure, I think it’s a bit maderized. However still giving some grippy tannins, rich cherry, vanilla and wood…375 ml. Kind of played out — a month ago

Wulf Losee

9.3

Floral notes on the nose — roses, hibiscus, plus mint, and the dry fragrance of sun-bleached wood. Strawberries on the front. Medium tannic structure. Black tea high notes with hint mint on the mid palate. Citrusy finish with long acidic afterburn. My description fails in that it makes it sound like a light and floral wine. But taken altogether, this is wine is rock solid, and it hasn’t even begun to develop. — 2 months ago

John Bratincevic

9.2

NOSE: muted, red fruit, oaky vanilla, graphite

TASTE: super smooth, the fruit is candied and dried (cherry and maybe some fig?), mild spices and earth and fragrant wood — still enough acidity to keep it balanced. I like more fruit and oomph, but it is good. 92. — 3 months ago

David Koenen

9.5

Birth year tastings, evening 4. Concentrated, deep and dark mysterious color. Blackcurrant, creamy, moisty potting soil, oriental spices, fleshy notes, firm tannins, chalky, obvious but also nicely balanced use of wood, powerful and impressive. Still a baby, or rather, a toddler, with plenty years ahead of it. — 4 months ago