This is the Artazu Pasos de San Martin Navarra, a varietal Garnacha. A bit sleepy before it gets air, it gradually Benjamin Buttons and develops a terrifically pure nose of kirsch and raspberry ooze, along with crushed rock dust and sandalwood. In the mouth it’s got intense fruit, but is laser-focused and has excellent acids. Zero flab.
Just enough tannin to package it all. Really nice rendition of Grenache. — 2 years ago
The 2022 Chardonnay Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is a richer, more forward style of Chardonnay. A lovely hug of spicy French oak wraps around a sweet, ripe pear fruit core. Textural intensity is the order of the day—this wine spent much of its maturation period on the lees, which softened its edges in a really pleasant fashion. A forgivable tick of heat emerges on the finish, but this is attractive enough to look past that. (Billy Norris, Vinous, August 2024)
— 2 months ago
2019 The Optimist from Sanguis. A blend of Syrah, Cab Franc, Viognier and Roussanne, When you are seeking something different. This is Sine Qua Non for those of us waiting patiently on the list. Feels like a “damn the traditional” wine - we are artists here! Can easily go 5-10 more years in the bottle. Making me sleepy 🥱 — 2 years ago
We had the 2017 Vintage on 3/1-2-24. Medium Garnett in color. Black cherry and cinnamon on the bouquet. Black cherry, black raspberry and cardamom on the palate. Some oak and earth as well. Medium bodied. Unmistakable California Pinot Noir. Very good. — 8 months ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2021 vintage. First tasted this wine with the 1991 vintage when it was resto cost $240 a 12-pack case (which was pretty pricey for CA chard at the time). FF three decades where I'm pouring this btg and paying less than the 1991 pricing. Has always held a soft spot in my heart. Unique flavor profile that consistently upends a blind white Burgundy tasting as a ringer-regardless of the price range involved...and it do get pricey these daze. Still bringing the serious mineral hammer along with bracing acidity but a bit of lanolin and variety of citrus when things warm up a tad. Last tasted 5.5.23 (9.1). 10.27.24. — 7 days ago