Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

First up, this is made by Master Sommelier-Raj Parr & his business partner Sashi Moorman. I studied for my Sommeliers test one day with Raj.

Second, this is one of few Santa Rita Hills I like. Most are over extracted for me. IMHO, many taste like Cabernet-Pinot blends. This is not. It is more Burgundian in style.

The 2018 is starting to come around. It shows some nice evolution & integration.

Lush & ripe entry of; blackberries, dark cherries, both plums, strawberries, black raspberries, raspberries, cranberries, dry herbs are bountiful, mid, dark spice, a touch of smoke, grilled meats, moist clay, limestone, dry top soil, some menthol, eucalyptus w/ bark, mid berry cola, red, dark, blue & purple florals for days, excellent round acidity, nice; tension, structure, balance & elegant finish that lands on spice & softened earth that lasts nearly two-minutes. — a day ago

J Levenson

9.1

The quality for price is outstanding. In 1936 “Caillou’s owner had no desire to join the governing ranks of anything, let alone a wine appellation. This brazen act excluded the estate from the AOC and essentially carved out a chunk of Châteauneuf-du-Pape‘s border. Today it continues to be an ‘unclassified’ section in what is otherwise some of the most prized vineyard land in the area“-Ian Cauble, master sommelier — 4 years ago

Joshua Fisher

9.5

Master sommelier Gillian Ballence — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic vineyards and cellars in 1965. Today, their son Hugh, continues their mission. 100% Chardonnay pale straw color with aromas of stone fruits, floral and citrus notes. A terrific crisp sparkler with crisp apple, peach and lemon flavors, fine mousse with tiny bubbles. Tangy acidity on a long finish ending with a yeasty creamy character. Nice! — 3 months ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Remarkable Chianti Classico with some very nice bottle age. Quite primary on initial taste, with a bit of air the tannins recede a bit and some of the secondary notes come through. Delicious, very nice suggestion by the sommelier at The Grill. Lots of sediment so decanting for that reason alone makes sense. — 4 years ago

Lou Sab

9.1

Light but full fruit with dryness and unsweet, thanks to Bill Zacharkiw from Montreal Gazette and 40 West sommelier extraordinaire. — 5 years ago

Pon Gong

9.1

Toujours excellent. Le sommelier m à fait un prix — 5 years ago

Tim Cleveland

8.9

Good blend, easy to drink and enjoy — 3 years ago

Winton Sweum

8.9

Rich garnet; still somewhat reticent red-berry with cherry nose; medium-bodied red fruit in the mouth with the tannin still obvious, this wine is solid if uncomplicated. Reco’d by the Rezdôra sommelier. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Mid to bright gold in colour. A note of paraffin Notes of Orange marmalade, toast, apricot, mangoes and almonds. Intensity off the charts. How can you get this much flavour into a wine. A fitting finish to a marvellous dinner. Hats off to the Downs Club - Mark Kennedy the chef, and Peter Barbe the Sommelier. May there be many more such dinners, also Ramon the importer who spoke about each wine with great knowledge. — 5 years ago