Nine Hills (seagram's)
Clarendon Hills
Brookman Syrah 2010
The 2010 ‘Brookman’ Shiraz is a sinfully good effort from this outstanding vintage in South Australia. Aromatically ripe and intense, the Shiraz unveils tar, mocha, blueberry compote and shades of Black Forest Cake that all meld together in the glass. The palate is chewy and plush, showing not only serious viscosity but a wonderful sense of tension that runs through the core of the wine. Ripe black and blue flavors combine with bright acidity to make this simply irresistible at the nine year mark. While a delight to savor now, the 2010 ‘Brookman’ Shiraz will cellar well for at least another eight to ten years. — 7 years ago
The Eyrie Vineyards
Original Vines Reserve Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2008
Pure apple and pear with a touch of vanilla. Good acidity and balance. Just lacks complexity. But at nine years, it is not likely to add complexity in years to come. Drink now! — 9 years ago
Trisaetum
Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir 2013
Trisaetum's 2013 Whichmann Dundee Estate Pinot Noir is sourced from the winery's smallest estate vineyard, at just under nine acres. It's also at high elevation and has classic Dundee Hills volcanic Jory soils. It's a bit masculine in expression, with robust notes of espresso and mocha followed by forest floor, underbrush and spry red berries. The palate is perhaps a bit more nimble, defined by both red and black fruit, bright acidity, clean lines and fine tannins. Really nice. Sample — 10 years ago
Siduri
Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
Nine Santa Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County) PNs, 2004-2010. Loved the smokiness on this one, my #1 — 2 years ago
Clarendon Hills
Sandown Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
This week our group tasted nine Cabs from arround the world, all from the 2001. Really interesting what 20 years of aging can do depending on the terroir. This had pronounced bell pepper which threw me off (Bordeaux? Aussie?) ranked it in the middle of the (amazing) pack. — 5 years ago
Clarendon Hills
Romas Grenache 2010
The 2010 ‘Romas’ is a dazzling effort at now nine years of age. Tannic and strangely backwards upon opening, this Grenache considerably benefits from a one hour decant. Once awoken, the wine shows a gorgeous array of aromatics from ripe rose petals to potpourri and exotic spices that meld with the deep red currants and red cherry compote that take shape in the glass. The soft, silky texture entices, as does the bright sense of minerality. Unveiling its plush mouthfeel, the ‘Romas’ plays with suggestions of kirsch cordial and boysenberry jam with minerals, orange zest and lovely earthy undertones. Complex and delightful at this stage, the 2010 ‘Romas’ will have at least another decade left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 93 — 7 years ago
Gainey Vineyard
Limited Selection Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2013
Gainey Limited Selection Chardonnay 2013. This wine uses fruit from Rancho Esperanza and Evan’s Ranch Vineyard, the Santa Ynez winery’s Sta. Rita Hills property. It is nearly fully barrel fermented - only 2% in steel - and aged in French oak for nine months, 25% of which is new oak. Alcohol hits 14.1% abv, and full malolactic and sur lie fermentation offer this wine a full and creamy feel in the mouth. It’s a big, fat chardonnay with lots of oak. coconut and tropical flavors. — 10 years ago
Celler De Capçanes
Mas Donís Barrica Old Vines Montsant Grenache Syrah 2010
Wine of choice for this evening: A 2010 Mas Donis Barrica . This wine is 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. "Aged in American and French oak barrels for nine months", South-west of Barcelona, in the Llaberia hills. Very good wine for the price point. Color- ruby with a purple background Bouquet- lively and fresh, with berries and dark fruit. Palate-velvety and smooth coated, with berries and a hint of spice on the back end. I could definitely pair this wine with an array of different meats. WA(Wine Advocate) 92 — 12 years ago
Melville
Estate Fox Block Nine Pinot Noir 2014
Tried a Sample and bought a bottle. In 1989, Melville Vineyards, was founded in Sonoma, where Ron Melville grew high quality, Chard, Merlot, and Cab Sauv. In 1996, Ron's desire to grow Pinot Noir brought Melville Vineyards to Lompoc's Sta. Rita Hills, in Santa Barbara County. Ruby with aromas of sweet red fruits and vivid spice. Flavors of raspberry and strawberry, currant like, adding cinnamon and leathery notes. Fine tannins, lingering ending with nice mouthfeel bringing back fruit and subtle spice. Nice! — 7 years ago
Long Shadows Vintners
Nine Hats Benches Vineyard Pinot Gris 2017
Very nice! — 7 years ago
Arkenstone
Estate Obsidian Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Even up against the other two Sam Kaplan powerhouse wines (Nine Suns and Memento Mori), the Obsidian was my personal favorite. Maybe because it is his home field (Howell Mountain) advantage, having been there making wine with Ron and Susan Krausz for over 10 years. This Bordeaux blend spends 22 months in French Oak and another year in the bottle. Deep and brooding, complex and yet approachable, dense and balanced,...all the things I look for in a wine (and myself 😬). Robert Parker gave it a 98. While many of us don't always credit RP's scores, and as such, I am also going to have to disagree with him. I'm going for one of my all time high scores of 9.9. Again, personally to me, this wine is everything that I look for in a big Napa Cab expression. Sam Kaplan is doing great things up there in the hills! — 9 years ago
Eric Urbani
Nine Santa Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County) PNs, 2004-2010. My #2, Group’s #1. Made by Ed Kurtzman @ Sandler. — 2 years ago