Step Rd

Mark Ryan Winery

Monkey Wrench Merlot Blend 2018

I loved this one, step mom knows how to pick them. Bold, smooth, bold refectory after notes. Outstanding! — 4 years ago

Andrew Murray

Tous les Jours Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2017

Great value! Founder Andrew Murray’s Vineyards is a 200-acre site, about 1,500 feet above Foxen Canyon Rd, inland portion of the Santa Ynez Valley, making the vineyard the highest in the county. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, "Tous les Jours" means “every day,” shows dark red with black fruit aromas and complex spice notes. On the palate, blueberry and black cherry with spicy cedar notes and some oak, Soft tannins, long finish. Very nice, did I say great value! — 5 years ago

Daniel P., Jason and 4 others liked this

The Calling Wines

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2014

Recently went to tasting featuring bunch of “TheCalling” Wines. Tasted this ‘14 Pinot 2yrs ago-developed nicely. Sports commentator Jim Nantz & wine guru Peter Deutsch met by chance at CT restaurant, each having dinner w/friends. Jim had a passion for wine and was exploring the next step when Peter stopped by the table, that meeting started a collaboration. Ruby with berry fruit aromas and complex spice. On the palate cherry with vanilla oak and pepper spice. Lingering finish ending with cacao & oak notes. — 5 years ago

Dawn, Daniel P. and 1 other liked this

Pattes Loup (Thomas Pico)

Côte de Jouan Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2011

This is a step down from Butteaux. Never heard of this vineyard. Lovely wine, holding strong after 7 years. Just less precise and more aged feeling. — 6 years ago

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 1966

Perfectly stored btl of La Mission that is one of my favorite drinking vintages. This has been fully mature for more than 10 years & has not lost a step showing the classic La Mish character. An underrated vintage that has never disappointed. — 4 years ago

Severn, Ryan and 35 others liked this

Henriot

Brut Souverain Champagne Blend

A lovely Champagne that never tries to get beyond itself. Persistent small bubbles that never seem to stop with a fine mousse. Fresh brioche, apricots, and tart apples comprise the nose. Consistency is key here. This little sparkler is so solid and sturdy. Beautifully balanced, delivers at a high level that’s easily comparable to other big Champagne houses. Predominantly Chardonnay, there is a freshness and effervescence to these bubbles. Very bright and lively on the tongue, this is clearly a step above similar bottlings. Toasted almonds and toasted bread lead on the palate with vanilla and green apples bring up the rear. Such a solid, terrific Champagne, this should be your house bubbles. — 5 years ago

P, Ira and 5 others liked this
Trixie

Trixie

Very cozy photo setting! Great review and notes as per usual.

Pietracupa

Greco di Tufo DOCG Greco Bianco 2016

Nice wine - definitely a step up in complexity from a “normal” white. I would recommend this wine to anyone looking to understand what an ocean-like salinity really tastes like as that sensation is quite intense here. Loads of acid but still balanced. — 5 years ago

Jason and Amr liked this

Aluado

Reserva Alicante Bouschet 2017

A step up from the standard Aluado. More depth. Less soft. Really enjoyed — 4 years ago

Henriot

Millésime Brut Champagne Blend 2008

2008 Henriot Millésimé. Sharp nose of lemon and lime, crushed riverbed rocks and slight floral notes. Sharp and crisp on the palate, almost wishing for the acidity to take a step back for the wine to unfold. Long finish. Let’s see how this develop in a few years. — 4 years ago

Frankie Cohen
with Frankie
Ray, Stefan and 42 others liked this

Felton Road

Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2010

Well, it took me an extra day to fully enjoy it, also too in order to make vanish the clear sensations of the 2 pinots I drank just yesterday and the day before which were delicious
Unfortunately I keep comparing them
Day 1: Felton Rd was so much fleshier, even a little hot. I know it had to be different, but in the comparison it definitely lacked elegance, harmony and enjoyment. Though it had personality
Day 2:another wine, fully enjoyable, very defined, focus, pleasant. Not hot anymore. Still thousands of kms away from Burgandy, like it should be (but also so apart from others Central Otago pinots)
More than decent after taste
— 5 years ago

Bob, Byron and 5 others liked this