Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

From 375ml. @Lira Restaurant The Chef is the Gordon Ramsey winner.

Resolved, velvety M+ tannins. Ruby fruits of; blackberry pie, black raspberries, blueberries, both plums, dark cherries & raspberries. Dark chocolate bar, slightly moist tobacco, sandalwood to barrel shavings, dry top soil, dry crushed rocks, black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry herbs, light cinnamon, clove, vanillin, mocha, dry, volcanic clay, dark, withering flowers, some lavender framed in violets, excellent round acidity with incredible, balance, perfectly tensioned, softly structured, elegance finish that lasts a full minute. — 6 days ago

Stuart Pollack

9.7

Beautiful Syrah. Cranberry and leather and earth. So complex. Earth and red fruit nose. A paradigm of Syrah. — 22 days ago

Tracy Byrnes

9.2

A stunner. The way Zinfandel should be made. — 18 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent throughout. The 2023 “Contra Costa County” pours, a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe mixed bramble fruit: blackberries, Marionberries, raspberries, black pepper, orange zest, menthol, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the orange citrus notes show a bit more prominently. The finish is medium+, bright and refreshing. 9 barrels produced. Drink now through 2038.  — 4 days ago

Remington Remmel

9.8

Medium body, dark chocolate, light acidity, black plum — 7 days ago

Brandon Boesch

9.6

Garagiste mystery. Really happy about this one. Rhys, pax, Arnot roberts, and Jolie laide style. Olives, dark fruits, stewed tomato, rosemary. So freaking perfect with steak. Brightness of fruit and acidity seemed to improve with a few hours of air. Maybe blew off some reduction or funk? Love it. — a month ago

Eric L

9.6

Brian’s favorite. Very smooth, but not as much taste as you might want — 6 days ago

Janice in Livermore

8.9

2019. At Kuumbwa Jazz enjoying a Christian McBride concert — 3 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Balanced and vibrant. Yay Carignane! — 11 days ago

with Dan, Rebecca and 1 other

Dennis Hogenkamp

9.5

13.0% ABV Dark purple color. Nice oak . Very good wine. Paired w/ beef bourguignon. — a month ago