Pinotman /// Andreas

9.3

13.2%. Dark cherries and blackberry nose. Apparently picked from young vines at the time. Very juicy. Fruit yes but quite burgh like in style. Deep cherry 🍒 flavors. Hint oregano some whole cluster? Lacks depth. Seems very little if any oak was used. Storm has a brother in South Africa who makes wine under the same name. I like the winery but it is not 100% my style. More complex and even better the next day. Now orange peel, touch bitter. I wonder if this was a one off or if this vineyard is special. Will go back and buy more from new vintages! Rating up 2 points from 9.1. — 2 months ago

Neal Gracey

8.9

Wow, what a surprise! Light and brisk. Honeysuckle big time. No after taste and a great finish like very faint citrus but no fruity. Wonderful in summertime with an ice cube. Lovely!! — 2 years ago

Anna Sangiacomo

9.5

San Benito County~ notes of plum and berry mix with vanilla & wood spices. Hints of purple flowers combined with orange rind are offset by elements of chalk and flint.  minerals and earthiness round out the finish in this elegant wine.  — 3 years ago

Severn Goodwin

9.1

Capitol Region Wine Collectors Club (WCC), USA West Coast Pinot Noir; 26 October 2023 at Fort Orange Club, Albany, NY — 6 months ago

Brad Jensen

9.4

A beautifully balanced nose, with an almost like, Starburst like aroma on one end, currents of florals on the other, and a pale orange color. The bubbles and not overly aggressive, and the palate has amazing balance and energy, with many more rose-like notes, with hints of peach, candied strawberries and silky floral, nectar like textures. Perfect brunch choice! — 10 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.3

The 2019 Grenache (Santa Barbara County) is a blend from various sites in the appellation. Bright and effusive, the Santa Barbara Grenache is particularly expressive. All the elements are so complementary. Blood orange, mint, spice and star anise lend gorgeous nuance. Bright acids and a spine of tannin make this far more than an entry-level offering. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2021)
— 2 years ago

Vanessa

9.1

Sandhi, Sanford & Benedict, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, 2016, ABV 13.5%.

This Pinot Noir comes from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County in the Central Coast region of California. Despite California having generally a Mediterranean climate, due to its westerly location, Sta. Rita Hills AVA receives cooling maritime and fog influences from the Pacific Ocean, aiding in the preservation of acidity, lending balance, finesse, and elegance to the resulting wine.

This wine is medium ruby with a medium(+) intensity of youthful aromas. The aromas include primary notes of candied cherry, strawberry rhubarb, orange peel, violet, tulip, mint, wet stone, white pepper, secondary notes of nutmeg, and tertiary notes of earth and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with medium(+) acidity, a medium body, medium alcohol, delicate tannin, and medium(+) intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. This wine has a medium(+) finish.

This is a beautiful wine with a strong fruit character and expression. It is well-balanced and offers concentrated aromatics and flavors and nice complexity. — 3 years ago

with Deked1

Ron from VA

9.1

Rich but not overstated. Pleasant oak dances with rendered orchard fruit. Acid is balanced - an elegant, find food viognier — 8 months ago

Michael

8.9

A very Californian orange — 2 years ago

ESF

8.9

Man I just love Norton - it is such a fun, expressive wine. It’s loud & boisterous and downright unruly, but it’s uniquely American. Inky and brimming with black fruit galore & then menthol, medicinal, licorice, forest floor, squirrely spice just pour out of the glass. So expressive. On the palate it is voluptuous w/plenty of acidity & tannins, it’s just a bit clumsy, but it means well. Black fruit compote with kitchen sink spices envelope the palate. Decent finish. Don’t know what the hell you’re supposed to eat with this stuff but it’s a lot of fun. — 2 years ago