Santa Clara Valley, Central Coast
Dorothy Jean Wines
Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay 2016
Well made, from the Sta Maria valley. There is a touch of oak prevalent. — 5 days ago
Jonata Winery
Todos Santa Ynez Valley Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
I thought that this was going be much better than it was. A bit of a disappointment (a little bit of a rut here wine-wise here in the last few days). This wine has a great nose. Floral, herbs, hint of tobacco leaf, pepper, bacon, raspberry and kirsche. But the entry is a little bit metallic and flat, reminiscent of the nose. A little muted. The finish is a little bit tart and acidic and fades rather fast. Out of balance. Not really all that enjoyable and probably think this one would have done much better 1-2 years ago or perhaps maybe in a dumb phase? — 20 days ago
Saarloos & Sons
In Grateful Memory Of Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Thought this bottle made sense today 09/11. I was across the street from the WTC. Lost many dear friends I did business with, partied with, worked out with, and loved. Sad day. 🙏 — 8 days ago
Jonata Winery
El Desafio de Jonata Santa Ynez Valley Red Bordeaux Blend 2012
This wine is locked up. Initially this was displaying a lot of blueberry muffin influence on the nose with very stiff oak. Entry has a hint of vanilla, blackberry, blueberry, wildflowers. Middle is where this one starts to get a little dry. Oak splinters. Very guarded finish. The best years of this wine are ahead of it. After 2 hours in decanter, this one got quite a bit more savory. Some grilled ribeye notes, more blackberry character, pepper, but still quite a bit of astringent oak here. I really think this one will be close to a 95 at peak maturity, which is definitely not now. Give this one another five years. — 20 days ago
Au Bon Climat
Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay 2014
Clear pale gold color.
Clean nose, medium intensity. On the nose, primary aromas of elderflower and melon.
Off-dry, medium(+) acidity, low tannin, medium alcohol, medium(-) bodied, pronounced flavor intensity. On the palate, primary aromas of pear and pineapple. Long finish. — 2 days ago
Jason Stephens Winery
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Well balanced with smooth flavor. — 11 days ago
The Paring
Santa Ynez Valley Red Blend 2014
Apparently Jonata fruit that is baby or slightly off the value plot. Makes this a relative bargain. It was tight and not showing much at first. Tasted over 3 nights it got more expressive. — 17 days ago
Au Bon Climat
Le Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2017
Fresh red raspberries and strawberries jump out of the glass with red licorice, sweet baking spices, red flowers and with a pleasant minerality on the palate . Medium plus acid, medium plus body and low tannins. Enjoyable and complex Pinot for the price. Visited Au Bon Climat on a recent trip to Santa Barbara and was really impressed by their portfolio of wines. — 20 hours ago
Stephen Redenbaugh
Wow! Pure summer in a glass...who drinks rose..any rose..when this Chenin Blanc is available. Utterly crushable..lemon, lime, yuzu...capable of removing a couple coats of enamel with the electric acidity. Low ABV..no noticeable oak. Kicking myself that I only bought 2. In the running for bargain of the year! — 12 days ago