Ress Family Wineries
Long Shadows Vintners
Poet's Leap Columbia Valley Riesling 2017
Balthasar Ress
Von Unserm Rheingau Pinot Noir 2019
Dark transparent amethyst. Abundant nose of black cherry and wet stone. Medium palate confirms the nose adding a bit more black fruit supported by sturdy, medium acidity. Soft tannins assert toward back palate and on the lengthy finish. A solid intro to German PN with equally solid Rhein earmarks, this food-friendly red is a perfect companion to most fare and a great counterpart for Germany's universal white: Riesling. Drink now through 2026. — a year ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010
In many ways a baby Tondonia, this ‘Crianza’* from López de Heredia is a great entry point to the wines of one of Rioja’s oldest wineries, and in many ways mimics the styles of its more upmarket reds. Not dissimilar in style to Viña Tondonia, this medium-bodied red cuts a leaner profile with dried red fruit, bags of vanilla and characteristically fierce orange zest acidity. The aroma is intoxicating and packs the leathery, savoury punch that is the hallmark of classical Rioja. It lacks the purity and depth of fruit of its bigger brother, and finishes slightly shorter, but for the price (£17/btl) it’s an exceptional - and of course traditional - Rioja that any lover of the region should seek out, and one which should provide ample enjoyment over the coming decade or more.
*this wine spent enough time in barrel and bottle to easily qualify for Gran Reserva status, but of López de Heredia’s wines it is always the ‘youngest’. — 4 years ago
Continuum
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2009
Last week was a combo of 4th Friday and Open That Bottle Night on back to back nights. Needless to say, the lineup between both days was full of heavy hitters, so I’m only posting standout bottles.
One of my bottles. One of my favorite wineries and easily one of the top 5 winery visits I’ve ever done. To me, this is “classic” Continuum in that is has just a impeccable balance of both fruit and herbal/savory notes both aromatically and on the palate. I let this slow ox for a couple hours, checking in ever so often, and found this hit stride after about two hours of air. Lovely bouquet of potpourri, lavender, graphite, sage, currant, ripe blackberries, black cherries and mocha. On the palate, its profile is soft yet all encompassing. Mulberries, cassis, tobacco leaves, herbs de Provence, licorice, dark cocoa, baking spices and a touch savory toward the finish. Enjoyable now and not getting better. My thanks to @Bill Bender for this. — 4 years ago
Balthasar Ress
Von Unserm Trocken Rheingau Riesling 2020
fresh salty acidic trocken Riesling.
blind tasting i was lost and guessing very good entry level chablis, but it's too rich, probably.
chamomile, honeysuckle, whole lime, lemon juice and some green 🍎 with white pepper and sea salt sprinkled on it.
cold it's delicious, warming up complexity arrives.
long pleasant 🎯
drinks lovely on it's own chilling and watching the dead sea. salty enough... — 2 years ago
Finca de la Carrodilla
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Nice cab. I found it lacking a bit of refinement considering we were at one of the best wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe. But solid wine, and amazing winery. Syrah leading the way in this region I strongly believe. — 3 years ago
Eagle Ridge
Private Reserve Petite Sirah 2013
Eagle Ridge is one of my favorite boutique wineries in Livermore. They use all estate grapes and the Petite Sirah is their signature wine. This 6 year old PS has flavors of plum and brambleberries. — 5 years ago
Byron C Mayes
Bright pale gold with a wee bit of haze (unfiltered?). Strong mineral and green apple on the inviting nose. Brisk acidity leads the medium palate which yields layers of ripe green apple, grapefruit rind, wet stone, Melba toast, and others. Finish is stony and lingering. Amazing example of GG Riesling from a premium VDP producer. Ready for a wide range of foods from fish to pork. Upscale of course. Drink now through 2040. — a month ago