Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured, enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent throughout. The 2018 Founder’s Reserve pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe, dark fruit: black currants, black plum, blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, some grilled poblano pepper, baking chocolate, vanilla, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with mediumt+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. This wine has developed nicely over the last several years and from my perspective, squarely in its prime. Drink now through 2030. — a month ago

Karl Heinmiller

9.2

Nom nom nom — 3 years ago

Michael Seely

9.2

Delightful wine. Worthy — 5 years ago

with Jeff and Joe

Michelle Hammond

9.0

$24 Nice balance between tannins and fruit, a little zing from alcohol at 14.5% so it’s a feel good wine — 5 years ago

Ed Chin

9.0

Drinking really nice for this recent vintage. A lot going on with this high acid bottle. A year or 2 wouldn’t be a bad thing though. — 5 months ago

JKT

9.0

Very nice! Just a hint of slight oxidation at first sniff but blew off quickly and the rest is that nice old Chablis drink. Dinner with Mary colleague Michael from FL. Surprisingly well matched to Rasa semi Malaysian dishes. — 2 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.6

This is the first year that Billo Naravane has made this incredible wine. The Grenache entirely aged in natural oak while the Syrah saw 20% new oak before bottling. The wine is a stunning blend of 71% Grenache with 29% Syrah which was entirely sourced from the ‘SJR Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Pretty red rose petals, red cherry candy and orange rind combine with shades of Hoisin sauce and Umami tones on this exotic nose. The palate is silky smooth with wonderful freshness and a great sense of elegance. The seamless effect on the mid-palate is nothing short of captivating, as is the exceedingly long finish that provides the crescendo. Vibrant and youthful, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade — but why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 96 — 4 years ago

Kiran K

9.2

Excellent Rhône blend from WA. Smoke earth nose dark fruit. Opened up 45 mins. — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; consumed over the course of an hour with friends. The Founder’s Reserve “V” is the 5th edition of the series. It pours a deep, ruby color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose the wine is developing with notes of black, red and blue fruits: blackberries, cherries, and blueberries with purple flowers, tobacco, black pepper and baking spices. On the palate, wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. A lovely quaffer and outstanding value. Drink now and through 2030+. My last bottle of the "V" and it was a great pairing with brisket. — 8 months ago

Ryan Guy

9.4

Open for about 5 hours, no decant... Masculine nose, yet pretty at the same time. Tobacco, plum, cassis, leather, dark chocolate, and espresso. Beautiful balance, with perfectly ripe, farmers market plum and blackberry. Layers of mocha and tobacco carry throughout. Tannins are integrated and show restraint. There is a creamy, milky chocolate midpalate which transitions to a rich, yet still ripe, dark fruit finish. Green pepper creeps through on the backend. Deep core of fruit, but don’t be misled this could easily pass for right bank, think Saint Estephe. Paired perfectly with cold smoked New York strip steak.. wish I had more of this one, drink or hold. 43% Cab Sav, 37% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc — 5 years ago