J Greene

9.4

Classic. Treasure found at the local wine shop for a deal. Beautiful Napa cab nose full of blue/darkfruit. You notice the blend on the palate - cab franc, petit verdot, merlot and a bit of malbec. Just really well put together. Going to venture out and get more tomorrow. — 15 hours ago

with Paul

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Better than my last bottle. Really drank well tonight with big fruit and a solid structure. — 3 years ago

Scot Walker

8.9

Lots of red fruit, especially raspberries and cherries, hint of slate. Went well with sausage-zucchini soup — 3 years ago

Lawrence Bernstein

8.9

2/21 - 1999 This is a pleasure. Soft with firmness and well balanced. Strong marks. 89. — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.3

So, Barbara and Jim Richards (RIP) planted 5 acres back in 1991 (1990?) of Syrah on the northeast (downslope) corner of their Paloma vineyard on Spring Mountain in what visually looked like a “low spot” (partially shaded and also maybe an area that maybe occasionally got standing water back in the days when California got enough rain). The rest of the vineyard was of course Merlot and also some Cabernet Sauvignon used mostly for blending with their fantastic mountain Merlot. The vineyard is just east of Pride Mountain and across the road from what used to be (??) Schweiger Vineyards.

Anyway, Bob Foley, who was making the wines for Pride in those early days, was consulting for Barbara and Jim early on, but I have ZERO information as to what involvement he had with the Syrah, if I recall correctly, the first Syrah in 1995 was less than a barrel (12-15 cases), and was aged in a super OLD, neutral barrel. My Chicago friends, who knew the Richards, dragged me along to taste that fateful day. That 1995 Syrah, first wine they ever made from those young Syrah vines, was, frankly, eye-opening and FANTASTIC, as I told Jim Richards that day. After tasting the INCREDIBLE 1995 Syrah, which was so northern Rhône-like and so pure, I begged Jim to sell me a bottle or two, but he politely declined. Later that day, after tasting the rest of their great wines, as we were leaving, Jim GAVE me a 4-pack box of that 1995 Syrah, which he wouldn’t accept any $$$ for, and that 1995 Syrah still in my memory remains the GREATEST CA Syrah I’ve ever tasted!!

As you can probably tell, I adored Jim and Barbara Richards, amazing people and generous to a fault!! Amazing people!!! I don’t think I ever met their son, Sheldon, but from all accounts he is continuing the tradition of great Paloma wines, though that great Syrah vineyard was pulled out in the early 2000s — Sheldon, if you happen to see this post, I welcome any corrections if I got any details wrong!!

Oh, and this Syrah is pretty dang good as well!!! — 3 months ago

with Jim

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

SMV has been growing SB since 1993, as well as its stellar blends, visited not long ago, beautiful place not to be missed. Sur-lie aged for 6 months in neutral French oak, regular batonnage. Pale lemon with aromas of ripe stone and tropical fruits with citrus and floral notes, wonderful phenolics. On the palate fresh fruit flavors of melon, apricot and ripe apple with lemon citrus and vanilla wrapped in lively acidity, medium+ length ending with creamy citrus texture and slight yeasty notes. Wow! Very Nice! — 4 years ago

Henry Fuseler

9.2

8/2024. Sweet raisin flavor. Some chocolate. Sits well on the palate. — 6 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine has a burnished look, deep brown. The nose is a treat all on its own. There are aromas of brown sugar, coffee and orange zest which combine for an amazing olfactory experience. The palate is just as joyful, with caramel, raisin and mocha notes. The acidity is fresh and exhilarating. Although the wine is described on the label as “cream,” it does not strike me as creamy. The viscosity is nice, though. It will pair well with dessert, or serve as one by itself. — a year ago

Leo Gentile

9.3

Nearly opaque purple. Subdued jammy nose of black and blueberry. Tarry black raspberry with supple tannins. Drank over three days initially with St. Louis ribs and paired very well with the garlicky spicy rub. Delicious wine that could last a decade or more but why wait if you have several bottles? — 3 years ago

Rob Brobst III

10

The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years. — 4 years ago