Vanessa

9.1

Sandhi, Sanford & Benedict, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, 2016, ABV 13.5%.

This Pinot Noir comes from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County in the Central Coast region of California. Despite California having generally a Mediterranean climate, due to its westerly location, Sta. Rita Hills AVA receives cooling maritime and fog influences from the Pacific Ocean, aiding in the preservation of acidity, lending balance, finesse, and elegance to the resulting wine.

This wine is medium ruby with a medium(+) intensity of youthful aromas. The aromas include primary notes of candied cherry, strawberry rhubarb, orange peel, violet, tulip, mint, wet stone, white pepper, secondary notes of nutmeg, and tertiary notes of earth and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with medium(+) acidity, a medium body, medium alcohol, delicate tannin, and medium(+) intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. This wine has a medium(+) finish.

This is a beautiful wine with a strong fruit character and expression. It is well-balanced and offers concentrated aromatics and flavors and nice complexity. — 4 days ago

with Deked1

Jonathan Wall

9.4

The nose and palette smacks you in the face with a variety of dark purple flowers. You proceed to drink the rest just saying “WOW” with every sip. Great Syrah tasting line up. Melville was most versatile... great alone or with food, anytime, anywhere. Loved it! — 12 days ago

Jonathan Wall

9.2

Straight out delicious Syrah! Can’t wait for another. — 12 days ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.6

Paul Lato Atticus John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016: Bright elegance. Fine balance. Perfect structure. Nice primary fruit flavors of strawberry, cherry & blackberry, followed by some secondary flavors of vanilla & spice. The finish was soft & silky, leaving you with the desire for another sip! Overall, a high quality Pinot, leaving me beyond impressed. Hands down, the best California Pinot Noir I have tasted this year. Great weekend to all! Cheers🍷 — 8 days ago

Shay A

9.2

Ever since the Somm III movie, the wines of Domaine de la Cote have been intriguing. About 2-3yrs ago, I had their Bloom’s Field and really enjoyed it. I was able to pick up a few of their Memorious, and this was my first time opening one.

In comparison to Bloom’s Field, I’d say this has less depth and complexity, but it has its own fun flair and character. Upon opening, the use of 100% whole clusters is easily noticeable. Crunchy, herbal twang with fleshy black cherry skin and stemminess notes are very concentrated. Made in a more fresh style with lower ABV, the mid palate focuses more on mineral and floral notes like herbs de Provence, dark potpourri, savory and underripe red and black fruits with green peppercorn. High acidity. A hybrid of lean Sonoma Coast Pinot and Willamette Valley Pinot. — 13 days ago

Joe Roth

9.2

Dark purple in color. Great nose. Aging nicely. — 8 days ago

with Michael and Jeff

Joseph Barsky

9.8

2014 Vintage. 16% Alcohol. Needs a bit more time but extremely enjoyable. First time we’ve seen a white wax seal on any SQN. Part of Gail’s birthday celebration. With black truffles on house made fettuccine at Il Cortile in Paso Robles. First wine from that wooden six pack. After a day of tastings at Torrin, McPrice Meyers, Fulldraw, Booker and Benom, had to be a special bottle to stand out! Paso rocks! — 5 days ago

Dylan Thomas

9.1

Let’s see...gave it a 9.1 a year ago and an 8.9 two years ago...translucent ruby bbq’d strawberry savory spice slut lets loose after about an hour, upgrading to 9.1, Dylonmelier was spot on last year. Have with butter fried Brown Beech (Hon Shimeji) mushrooms 🍄 — 8 days ago

Turd Ferguson

9.1

Very California. On the riper, dark cherry, plush side of Pinot Noir. Nicely done if you like that style. Would be a great barbecue wine. +1 point for the screw cap — 4 days ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

Pairs well with my oysters, that’s for sure. — 11 days ago