Damn. Liaison....every year. 2019 is all about elegance and femininity. Grand Cru stuff. Burgundian by weight, Germanic in tone. Impossible expression crammed in the most dainty little box. Looks like it could be thin, but it's not. Murky, unfiltered, straddles the tradition and the wild. Bright red cherries and mossy forresty, earth...strawberries and rosemary on the periphery. What a bargain. — 4 years ago
Spottswoode’s 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from both Napa (36%) and Sonoma (64%) and was released this week. Three different methods of fermentation are employed with most occurring in either French oak or stainless steel barrels but a small amount apportioned to concrete eggs.
Noticeably perfumed and almost opulent in its intensity with layers of potent orange blossom, salted lime, ripe nectarine, and tangerine peel, with a distinctive mint oil that dances on the periphery. The vibrancy is dialed way up, but the lines are clean and the edges are smooth, ultimately yielding an extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc. — 8 years ago


Decanted for an hour or two. '06. Slightly transparent maroon with slight bricking on the periphery. Orange tinge when pouring into the decanter. Bouquet of freshly baked pie and spice. Strawberry, rhubarb, and nutmeg and cinnamon. A lot of heat initially that's abates quickly. Medium bodied and still decently tannic. Long spicy finish. 92 — 12 years ago
Beautiful maroon color with transparency around the periphery. The nose is most interesting; it has distinct Barossa Valley Shiraz characteristics, but it is also reminiscent of a big Napa cab without the chewiness. Big ripe red fruit, spice, vanilla and cedar. Not much alcohol on the nose. Great mouth feel but more medium bodied. The palate showing some chocolate, vanilla, and tobacco. Not nearly ad fruity as the nose but well balanced. Long even finish. Great value. Really stoked on this one. At $12 I should've gotten a case. 92 — 13 years ago
Periphery of typicity, but too sunkissed for my preference. — 4 years ago
The nose initially had an interesting restrained spiciness, which evolved slowly in the glass to be dominated by a fruit-tinged (strawberry?) earthiness. I was expecting a similarly restrained palate, and was very surprised when it burst forth with a pure and bright red fruitiness, supported by solid cherry notes on the periphery. Very unique, at least relative to the CA Pinots that I have tasted, and very enjoyable! — 8 years ago
2012. Dark maroon. Slightly transparent periphery. Licorice, anise, dominate a nose of bright red fruits with a lot of heat. Let it breath for a solid 3 hrs and it's still hot. Tobacco, black cherry, cassis, oaky tannins. Long finish. Nice. Needs 5 - 7 yrs. 89 — 11 years ago
Transparent maroon with slight bricking/rose periphery. Cherry cola, leather, blackberry, and cigar box. Medium bodied and and soft on the entry. Balanced and complex. Tannins come through on the finish. Cellar for 3+ years. I'd say it'd hold through 2027. Nice. 92 — 12 years ago
Dark maroon with just a hint of brick on the periphery. Fig with an overpowering nose of black cherry, fig, menthol, tobacco, and licorice. Soft velvety tannins and full bodied. Red currant and coffee. Balanced yet not overly complex,with a strong finish. Remarkable for table wine. A north coast of note. 91. — 13 years ago
Fantastic- this had some impressive density of flavors, thick & inky, immediately gave off red & black berried fruit, black cherry and some herbaceousness on the periphery. So polished, smooth & elegant on the palate, just very refined, very fruit driven tho - was hoping for a bit more personality & secondary flavors & aromas. Supple tannins and a nice long finish. — 3 years ago
Like a soapy tropical little German Pils from Scheurebe. Grapefruit scented mosaic hops and dank marijuana crystals. Hints of mango and papaya floating in the periphery. A body with some girth and buttercream to yang the ying of acid you couldn't complain about not even for a second. — 4 years ago
Before completed, this was purple with a brick halo. Something worth a good sniff. Chocolaty leather, tobacco, cedar, raisins, plum. Big, vibrant mouth with a plush texture and firm acid. Ripe strawberry and cherry core, spiced cola and minerals in the periphery.
Flavors in the raspberry spectrum linger for quite a bit. — 5 years ago
An unexpectedly delicate rendition of Hirsch, but none the worse for it - this is charming and elegant. Light ruby in color. The initial aromatics give jubilant red fruit, spice, and flowers, but this takes some unexpected meaty, herbal, earthy, and smoky turns at the periphery. In the mouth it is light but long-lasting, with some tart juiciness (slightly volatile) and very fine tannins. Coy in its intentions, but this is a knockout. — 12 years ago
Dark purple with slightly transparent periphery. Balanced ripe and dark fruits, cherry, blackberry, black currant, underlying green pepper, eucalyptus. Medium-full body. blackberry, cherry, tobacco, with hints of bitter chocolate. Dissipating velvety tannins with a medium finish. Great value and consistent. I've had at least 4 bottles and it always delivers. 89 — 13 years ago
Andrew H
Love it (mmh) — 6 months ago