Tara Wood

9.0

Wow. Big fruit bomb on the nose. Cherry, blackberry, raspberry. Hints of leather and vanilla. Cocoa and coffee. All of that came across the palate with smooth, supple tannins, and an extremely balanced acidity. Tasted more expensive than it was. — 9 months ago

Tiffany Sams Cox

8.9

We found this blast from the past at the Albertsons for about 8 bucks last time we were in Paso Robles. It's 2008 vintage and confirms my opinion that a couple of years on a big Zin is a beautiful thing. The "Monster" is toting around his 16% alcohol like a teensy Kate Spade clutch but he somehow stuffs more than just lipstick into that bag. We poured immediately after the cork pull and enjoyed black cherry black raspberry, sage, dried bay leaf, and cedar that all wrap up into fun zippy finish. It made me want a dark chocolate covered cherry cordial but....I had none, so I just poured another glass. And yes, I did just let on to the fact that I have indeed purchased wine from a grocery store before and yes, it was under $20. Gasp! While we do miss the value zins of Norman, we're absolutely giddy about what Brecon is doing with the property today. — 8 years ago

Jon White

8.9

I expected more pepper, less fruit, but this California producer stayed true to AVA style and went with fruit. A swing and a miss as homage to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape style. As the Cubs fans say... "Maybe next year..." or at least call a spade a spade... — 9 years ago

with Matt

Aaron Tan

9.2

I've been dying to try this domaine after all the positive chatter on IG, and I'm happy to report that it lived up to it. At the recommendation of AC at Blackhearts and Sparrows, I opted for their 17' village instead of their cru cuvees. Apparently, the latter are rather jammy this vintage 🤮 Don't you just love it when your favourite wine shop knows your taste well.

This Beaujolais-Villages was bright and complex. Red-fruited, spicy, black tea elements, with a granitic minerality, and fine acidity. There's some serious structure here, but it's so easy to drink.

NB: Domaine Chapel's Beaujolais-Villages is made from vines in Lantignié, next to Régnié and high up in the hills. The village is considered by many to be equal to or even better than some of the crus in the region (apparently, a prime candidate for the next cru Beaujolais). Good to learn! — 5 years ago

Chris Eddy

9.1

Picked up from Black Hearts & Sparrows. First sip is confusing because it tastes like juice- keep going. Amazing biodynamic Pinot for $30. Don't walk past the 2013 — 9 years ago

CYesh

9.7

In the immortal words of Sam Spade, "The stuff that dreams are made of." — 10 years ago

Enda Winters

9.0

Neutral on the nose with maybe some slight funk. Juicy, fresh and effervescent. — 5 years ago

Scott Taddeo

8.9

White pepper, herbal, tea leaves, pickled cherry and blackberry. — 8 years ago

Riccardo L.

9.0

The best Zinfandel I've ever tried. But a spade is a spade. And I can't get over the fact that it tastes a bit fake. Alcohol is too high, it's too sweet, it's lacking in acidity and structure. But hey, it's worth the $40. — 9 years ago