Jay Kline

8.9

Splash decanted prior to service and presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core, moving towards a light orange garnet rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly dried red and black fruits: plum, blackberry, raspberry, dried flowers, leather, cocoa, earth and some 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.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend or a Merlot-based blend from the United States or France. Due to the appearance and secondary characteristics, I think this has 15+ years of age. And, because this was leaning heavily towards its fruit, rather than its structure, I’m calling this being from the United States. Final conclusion, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Napa, valley floor, from a warm vintage like 2009. Dammit, I should have clued into the softer tannins from Alexander Valley. Scoring significant points though. Drink now through 2029. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Often the Grosset Polish Hill doesn’t live up to its billing as perhaps Australia’s finest dry Riesling but with this 2017 it probably exceeds expectations. It is simply fabulous. Some ripe lusciousness to the mid palate amid lime and lemon notes, but finishes bone dry. My first of 4 bottles so I will enjoy the journey over the next 5+ years if I can keep my hands off it. HH said it is shaping up as one of the greatest Polish Hill Rieslings. — 4 months ago

Beth Novak

9.3

Delicate, a kiss of sweetness with an herbal note. Minerality, of the warm earth, a beauty and elegance, still very much alive. Texturally and structurally beautiful. For this vintage, he hit it out of the park! — 4 months ago

Dave

9.0

Solid Sonoma Cab that tastes like Left Bank Bordeaux. Supple feel, dark berries, cedar, graphite, tobacco. A little eucalyptus and a little espresso. Lengthy tannins. Drinkable now and will age for some time.
Listening to Radiohead — 4 months ago

Hiroshi Tominaga

9.0

2020 vintage. Balanced and pleasant. Bought at Enoteca for ¥5,015. — 4 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.5

Mount Eden always hits — 4 months ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.1

Blend of 76 percent Zinfandel with 16 percent Carignane, 6 percent Petit Syrah, 2 percent Alicante Bouschet. Blackberry, plum and some earthiness on the palate. February 2026. — 3 months ago

Dave

9.0

This wine smells like it's late to the party, but it tastes like it's 1999. Pucker up! Bright, tart cherries. Blackberries and mint. Cedar and tea leaves. Tannins are mellow and this wine has a smooth lengthy finish. A great value Napa!
Listening to Rod Stewart. — 4 months ago

Paul K

9.3

Continuing my month of 2016s. This is outstanding! — 4 months ago

Beth Novak

10

Earthy, wild/native California herbs, touch of iron, beautiful, sense of the earth, stunning, salinity and depth and richness and complexity. Texturally beautiful, long, so complete, great balance. So good!! — 4 months ago