Ross Andrew Winery

Andrew Will

Two Blondes Vineyard Merlot Blend 2007

Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried, mixed fruits: brambles, plum, blueberry, purple flowers, leather, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich. Alcohol is medium+. Pretty tasty stuff.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Merlot (or blend thereof), Cabernet Franc (or blend), Cabernet Sauvignon (or blend), Shiraz (or blend) Tempranillo or Syrah from the United States, France, Australia or Spain. The fruit is the star here so I’m taking this to the “new world”. Plus, there is a generosity and elevated alcohol that gives me Aussie vibes (though I find the wine balanced). I also think this has 15-20 years of age. Final conclusion: this is a Shiraz blend from Australia, Barossa, 2005. Daaaaaang. Andrew Will! I don’t hate my call but I should have probably done better with this one since I’m very familiar with these wines. Still much to learn. Drink now through 2037.
— 17 hours ago

Lyle, Zach and 7 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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I miss the days where I lived in a city where I had fellow wine geek friends and had blind-tasting gatherings like this!
Jay Kline

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@Tom Casagrande In eastern Nebraska, the Somm community hosts one every Monday afternoon. It’s super chill, organized by one of my wine mentors, an Advanced Somm. Everyone brings a bottle in a bag. The only criteria is that the bottle is testable at the Advanced level by the CMS. Everyone gets an opportunity to run through the grid and then we discuss. The participants range from the serious collector, to the aspiring wine professional, to the Sommelier trying to advance in their certification(s). It’s pro…but we have fun and learn a lot because there is a lot of functional knowledge in our group.

Failla

Estate Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay 2024

Ming L
9.2

Aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and coastal wildflowers lead into a palate of pear, citrus oil, and crushed stone. The concrete egg and Austrian foudre lend purity and gentle roundness, while 15% new French oak adds subtle spice and toast. Bright acidity carries a saline, mineral-driven finish with impressive length and poise. — 3 months ago

Tom, Joel and 1 other liked this

Andrew Januik

Stone Cairn Cabernet Sauvignon

5/2026. Very nice Washington Cab. Good fruit, nice on the palate and lingers. Paired well with the various seafood appetizers at Mr. Friendly’s.

My 3rd vintage.
— 2 days ago

Dave, Ed and 2 others liked this

Fort Ross

Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay 2023

Ming L
9.2

All estate fruits aged 11 months in French barrel, 30% new. A taut, mineral-driven Chardonnay with chiseled structure and sharp acidity balanced by deft use of oak. The tension between brisk salinity and supple texture is lovely. Give it another 3-5 years in the bottle. — a month ago

Tom, Bob and 2 others liked this

Fort Ross

Sea Slopes Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Solid. Sharp flavor but has good depth and complexity. Good body for a Pinot. — 3 months ago

Peter Michael Winery

'Clos du Ciel' Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir 2011

A bit syrupy on the nose but the highish abv is surprisingly well balanced. Lot of blueberry. One of the better Pinots imo but not worth the extra wait and still boring — 5 months ago

Andrew Will

Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc 2020

nice value franc big fan. ready now. 👏 to the wine maker. — 7 days ago

Tom, Dave and 2 others liked this

Fort Ross

Sea Slopes Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Paul J
9.3

Only had a few sips. I’m not a big Pinot guy but this was solid. — a month ago

Brooke Weaver Jakubowski
with Brooke
Tom, Tom and 1 other liked this

Wayfarer

Fort Ross - Seaview Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2023

N: pink roses. Moderately intense.

P: young. Precise cherry fruit. Well balanced.

Grapevine 70

Grapevine
— 2 months ago

Dave, "Odedi" and 4 others liked this

Ramey Wine Cellars

Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay 2023

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits and blossom and spice, fruit from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, two miles in from the Pacific, aged for 12 months in 25% new oak. On the palate flavors of apple and pear with a touch of zesty lemon, crisp, with nitty vanilla notes. Nice mouthfeel, vivid acidity, medium+ finish ending with fruit, vanilla and citrus mineral character. Nice! — 4 months ago

Ira, Paul and 2 others liked this