St. Stephan's Crown
Château Margaux
Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1990
This quartet, collectively DRC La Tâche, Richebourg and Romanée-St-Vivant all from the 1999 vintage, along with a 1990 Margaux were opened to celebrate my move from Carmel to Portland. These wines, all once-in-a-lifetime bottles, the stuff of fantasy, debate and obsession are perhaps the jewel in the crown of my year in Monterey. Yesterday afternoon, I arrived in Portland, tired in from the drive, with new story assignments and challenges awaiting me. The individual notes for these wines will be forthcoming. — 10 years ago
Fulcrum
Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
Found on a clearance rack at bourbon st. In phillipsburg — so good 👌🏼✨ wish there was more — 3 years ago
Amiral de Beychevelle
Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend
Outstanding from first taste to last. Enjoyed this with a crown roast of pork and it was a great pairing — 9 years ago
St. Stephan's Crown
Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos White Blend 2007
Good balance between sweet and dry, goes superbly with cheese — 10 years ago
Chateau St. Jean
Gap's Crown Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir
Very sought after vineyard. Plum, strawberry, sweet spice noted — 3 years ago
Chateau St. Jean
California Pinot Noir 2019
This is from Gap's Crown in the Petaluma Gap. Plum, strawberry and sweet spice notes — 3 years ago
St. Stephan's Crown
Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos White Blend 2008
Very nice nobel wine from Tokaji. 3 putts is less sweetness than 5 putts I have ever tried, high acidity. It's good if you want to have some sweetness but not too sweet. — 9 years ago
Weingut Berger
Niederosterreich Zweigelt 2011
Introducing a friend to the dark perfume of Zweogelt, in a 1 ltr crown cap closure. I enjoy the the black sun inside the fruits, the medium-light tannins, and the snap crackle pop of good acidity here. Versatile food wine that surprises rookies how very delightful a decent Zweogelt can be! (Which is why these crafty Austrians made the Z from a hybrid of St. Laurent & Blaufrankisch...) — 11 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
St. Supéry – Dollarhide Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
The Dollarhide Ranch, a 1,530-acre estate in the northeastern hills of Napa Valley, is St. Supéry’s crown jewel, with over 500 acres planted to vines at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet. The high-altitude soils and warm, sunny climate yield Cabernet Sauvignon of great concentration and structure. The 2019 Dollarhide is 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, a pure expression of this iconic vineyard.
Aromas & Flavors
Opens with powerful aromas of cassis, blackberry compote, and black cherry, intertwined with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and a subtle graphite edge. On the palate, layers of ripe black fruit meet notes of espresso, cedar, and dried herbs, all lifted by a touch of vanilla and spice from oak aging.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, dense, and powerful, with firm, fine-grained tannins and a solid backbone of acidity. The finish is long and persistent, echoing dark fruit, cocoa, and savory spice, promising longevity.
Winemaking Notes
Estate fruit is carefully hand-harvested, sorted, and fermented in stainless steel. The wine spends 18–20 months in French oak barrels (≈40% new), giving structure, polish, and subtle oak complexity without overpowering the fruit.
Food Pairing
Ideal with grilled ribeye, short ribs, or lamb chops. It also shines with braised meats or hearty dishes like beef bourguignon. For a vegetarian option, pair with mushroom risotto or lentil stew.
Verdict
A bold yet refined Napa Valley Cabernet, 2019 Dollarhide captures the essence of mountain-grown fruit: concentrated, structured, and age-worthy. Drink with decanting now, or cellar for 10–15 years to reveal its full complexity. Cheers! — a month ago