David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Thought it would be good timing to finally try Rajat’s 2013 Bloom’s Field.

The nose straight out of the decanter gave a strong presence of potpourri laced candle wax. That has subsided now. The fruits are ripe, ruby; blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, baked strawberries, some dry cranberries, raspberries with blackberries pulling up the rear. Nice evenly, soft, layered baking spices; clove, cinnamon, light nutmeg and gentle vanilla. Mixed dark berry cola, understated, black licorice, whiff of lightly grilled meats, black, fruit tea, limestone alluvial soils, dry crushed rocks, dark turned earth, dry herb blend, light, fresh tobacco notes, worn leather with a nice bouquet of; red, dark, purple and blue florals.

The body is, round, ruby and just full. Tannins still have adolescent teeth. The structure, tension could use some more time in bottle...length and balance have just hit their stride. Gorgeous mouthfeel. The fruits are ripe, ruby, a little gluey; blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, baked strawberries, some dry cranberries, raspberries with blackberries pulling up the rear. Nice evenly, soft, layered baking spices; clove, cinnamon, light nutmeg and gentle vanilla. Mixed dark berry cola, dark spices, understated, black licorice, lightly grilled meats, black, fruit tea, limestone alluvial soils, dry crushed rocks, dry pebbles, moist, dark turned earth, dry herb blend, light, fresh tobacco notes, worn leather with a nice bouquet of; red, dark, purple and blue florals with gentle lavender on the back end. The acidity is a gentle rain shower. The beautiful finish is straight up; elegant, well balanced, seamless and persists nicely for minutes.

Paired with Kentucky Bourbon Marinated Chicken Skewers and Wild Rice.

Photos of; Bloom’s Field Vineyard, The Sommeliers Altas of Taste that Rajat & Jordan Macrat wrote. Good read if you are so inclined & of course, Master Sommelier/Owner/Winemaker-Rajat Parr.

Additional notes; Rajat has always loved Pinot and its many expressions from all over the world. After becoming one of the better & more well known Master Somms, it was his dream to make world class Pinot Noir. He is succeeding as his last few vintages have gotten very high notoriety. It was his 2015 Bloom’s Field that Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson featured in Somm 3 in his recreation of the Judgment of Paris with some of the best palates in NYC and again separately with The Godfather of Master Somms-Fred Dame, Author-Jancis Robinson & Steven Spurrier. — 21 days ago

Felicia Balli

9.5

Lean and racy, mineral driven. Would call it Chablis in a blind tasting. Named White Hill after the diatomaceous earth of the Santa Rita hills. Low alcohol and zippy acidity. — 9 days ago

Matt Sterr

9.2

Dark-fruited and weighty for a PN. Lovely balance and elegant mouthfeel. — 9 days ago

Felicia Balli

10

This young beauty is full of depth and grace. Juicy raspberry, thyme, and deep earth flavors encompassed by mouth-watering acidity. Better than most single-vineyard pinots I’ve tasted in Sta. Rita Hill’s. Excellent value. Excited to see this after some time in bottle. — 9 days ago

Felicia Balli

10

What Jay McInerney calls the paradox of Sta. Rita Hill’s Chardonnay: lean and fleshy! Lemon cream, key lime, and candied ginger. Cool climate acidity masterfully balanced by gentle oak spice. — 9 days ago

Ken Venezio

9.1

Luscious Pinot from Walt. — 7 days ago

Deborah M

9.0

I just like this one. Sometimes wonderful is just simple. Grab what you can because they have apparently closed their doors. Wonderful PnP. Medium light red color. Floral bouquet on the nose. Cola and raspberries. Wonderful acidity brings everything into balance. Paired well with my grilled whole lemon chicken. — 19 days ago

Will Bean

9.2

I’ve heard good things about this wine for years. Didn’t want to open it too young, and it didn’t disappoint. Has many years ahead of it. Glad I have more in waiting. — 7 days ago

with Jack

Nicholas Haughton

9.1

Great Chardonnay from Santa Barbara. Lemon and white flowers. Textual and silky. Golden fruits. Resounding acidity. — 2 days ago

Felicia Balli

9.5

Deep, rich flavors of golden apple and citrus. Honeyed texture with balanced acid. 20% new French oak lends a spicy finish. — 9 days ago