Route 66 Cellars

Schramsberg Vineyards

North Coast Brut Rosé Blend 2017

A blend of about 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, light Salmon color with aromas of berry and citrus fruits with floral notes on soft mousse. On the palate flavors of strawberry and raspberry, creamy with lemon citrus texture. Youthful, lively acidity, long finish ending with yeasty spice and mineral notes. — a month ago

Rob, Juan and 2 others liked this

Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils)

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2018

Blend of 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, Medium Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits and earthy pepper spice. On the palate complex rich flavors of cherry and blackberry, with oak, leather, cacao and earthy spice. Full body, well balanced, fine tannins, long finish, perfect now but will last another decade. Outstanding! — 2 years ago

Jay, Anthony and 7 others liked this
Jay Kline

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I love the wines of Beaurenard

Spice Route

Swartland Pinotage 2018

Oak, chocolate and vanilla. And some fruity sweetness. — 2 years ago

Department 66

Others Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Red Blend 2019

Blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah & Mourvedre, deep Ruby with aromas black fruits and floral notes. On the palate flavors of plum and blackberry with notes of cacao, spice and earthy notes. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, great mouthfeel (15.2 ABV), ending with fruit and earthy spice, nice! — 6 months ago

Tom and Paul liked this

Anne Hubatch

Whoa Nelly! White Blend 2022

Cooler Shades of Pinot, 66/34 blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Willamette Valley. Pale golden, excellent clarity. Floral and citrus aromas, good acidity, rich mouthfeel, stone fruit, citrus flavors, lemon and lemon peel finish with length. Very well crafted — a year ago

Doug, Daniel P. and 1 other liked this

Spice Route

Swartland Chenin Blanc

Pio sa Kresom u Alegria. Odlicno! — 2 years ago

Morlet Family Vineyards

La Proportion Dorée Sonoma County Sémillon Blend 2015

Shay A
9.5

A library bottle I picked up when visiting the winery in Sept last year. The 2018 I had while there was absolutely astounding in how good it was, and jumped at a chance to try one with age. I truly believe this is easily a top-3 Bordeaux Blanc style coming out of Cali (and maybe my number one).

66 Semillon/33 SauvBlanc/2 muscadelle. The bright citrus notes started off faint (and were much more prominent at release) but soon gave way to beautiful honeyed tropical notes…honeysuckle, honeyed mango, ripe peach. The texture here has turned rich/creamy but not cloying. Notes of sweet spice, orange marmalade, lemon scone and finishes with a mineral-driven flair that had some serious length. Hard to believe this is 7-yr old white wine which seems to likely be at peak (and probably holds here for a few years). Fantastic!
— 3 years ago

Tom, Jonathan and 33 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

@Shay A Agreed on your top three and possibly number one assessment.
Bryan Kesting

Bryan Kesting Premium Badge

Nice! Would love to try someday.
Mike R

Mike R Influencer Badge

Shay agree with everything from as usual but send me a text with your top three Napa Bordeaux SB please - you know I have this one but want to try the others you like - Napa white Bordeaux that is - not just Napa SB

Department 66

D 66 Côtes Catalanes Grenache Blend

Dark fruit in the nose with blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries with a hint of vanilla in the palate. Very smooth and a wonderful Grenache blend. — 7 months ago

Spice Route

Chakalaka Red Blend 2016

Deep purple in color with a short reddish rim.

Pretty nose with cedar, vanilla, wild flowers, chocolates, coffee and black pepper.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black fruits with cedar, earth, herbs, black pepper, light vanilla, spices, dark chocolates and tobacco leaf.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This is a tasty red blend from South Africa. Soft and smooth with nice complexity. Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel.

Needed 4 hours to open up properly, so be patient.

A blend of 36% Mourvedre, 22% Shiraz, 13% Carignan, 11% Grenache, 9% tannant and 9% Petite Sirah.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.
— 9 months ago

Tom, Philip and 5 others liked this

Château Talbot

Saint-Julien Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

Blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot, deep Ruby with aromas of black fruit and floral aromas. On the palate blackberry, currant and plum flavors with cacao, tobacco and oak notes. Fine tannins, long finish, good balance ending with fruit, cacao, tobacco, earthy herbs and toasty cedar notes. Will age another 10 years! — 2 years ago

Juan, Paul and 9 others liked this