An “intermezzo” as we prepared for the reds flights. This was served blind. The 1978 shows really young for its age. Most at the table, including myself, were convinced that this was classified growth Bordeaux with maybe 20-30 years of age. However at least one of us thought it was Napa…and whoa. The color was dark and handsome though there was some sediment (to expected). The fruit was bright but I felt it was secondary to the dried leaf tobacco, earth and leather notes. There was good acid too. Tannins have integrated. Lots of wows when this was revealed while the Napa holdouts gave a smile. Bravo. This could easily live well for another 10 or so years. — 2 years ago
The 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Clos du Val is the most interesting of all the wines. The estate was founded by John and Henrietta Goelet in the early Seventies when the couple challenged recently graduated winemaker Bernard Portet to create a Bordeaux-inspired estate in Napa. Clos du Val attained global recognition when its inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the wines poured blind by Steven Spurrier at the epochal The Judgement of Paris, so this bottle of 1976 was one of their earliest bottlings that, incidentally, came directly from Clos de Val’s apparently meager reserves. It is very elegant and perfumed on the nose, typical old school, classic Napa Cabernet in all its unfettered glory, beautifully defined with wilted rose petals and a light fish scale element. Supple, very pliant tannins define the palate. There remains ample freshness and poise, a fine silver thread of acidity and a clove-tinged, rounded, exquisitely balanced finish that would surpass practically every other Bordeaux from this vintage. Outstanding. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 9 months ago
The 2021 Bedrock Heritage Wine is a great expression of this site. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather and tobacco are front and center. This dark, virile Zinfandel-based field blend packs a serious punch. There's plenty of detail and nuance behind all of that intensity. The 2021 is a big wine, but also less monolithic than some previous editions. There's a bit more whole cluster in the 2021 than in the past, so perhaps that explains the wine's nuance. The 2021 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from the Bedrock vineyard, and I say that as someone who is not yet fully convinced of the potential here. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — 2 years ago
This wine has a lovely golden tint. Aromas of apricot, apple, pear and a very light citrus note appear in the nose. The flavors are fairly remarkable, especially for a $7 wine. Tropical notes, peach, pear and lemon-lime come forward, along with a hint of sweet oak. The acidity is zippy enough to carry a salad, seafood dish or light pasta meal. The wine finishes long and full. It is definitely a bargain wine, one reminiscent of old-line Chardonnay. — 7 months ago
Good one #earthy and fruity, 22month anniversary — a year ago
What a good wine! — 2 years ago
Prob one of the top Cote Wine club picks. Had with I sodi takeout porkchop, pasta and pasta. — 2 years ago
Doug Powers
Love the raspberry fruit front and center in this lovely old vine (mostly Sonoma) Zinfandel, great acidity and balance, longish finish, really love this one!! — a month ago