Tim Bausack

9.3

Paid $27 | Date: 2026-05-23 | From: Merchant’s GB | ABV: 14.5%

App: pale ruby, moderate transparency
N: strawberry, black cherry, caraway, white pepper, estuary, leather, flint, gunpowder
P: pomegranate, unripe strawberry, leather, black pepper
S: b med+ a high- t med alc integrated f med
V: enjoyable, complex nose, palate simpler, could stand some age
Window: 2025 - 2038 — a month ago

Ron from VA

9.2

Loved the maturation on this bottle at nine years old: Sturdy and structured. Concentration of ripe red fruit plus plenty of phenolic verve. A fantastic representation of a masculine Virginia CF — 9 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on September 29, 2024 at Home]

Wine is Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Cherry SweeTarts, red plum, tobacco, graphite, smoke and spice. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs. — 3 years ago

Chris Wheaton

9.4

I remember very much enjoying this wine on release though a bit too intense at that young age. Now calmed slightly but still sappy cool climate Central Coast Pinot Noir flavors. Deep ruby in color, lovely acidity and balance. Save the next one for at least five more years. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Light body and lean, soft extraction. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, bright cherries, soft understated vanilla, amazing bright red & blue florals. Beautiful acidity with a lean well polished fruity, finish.

Photos of; the Estate property, a nice sunset as seen from one of their sitting areas on their property, Owner/Winemaker, Steve Matthiasson having some vineyard fun amongst some of his very old gnarly vines and another shot of of a Matthiasson vineyard. — 7 years ago

Rich Bluth

9.1

Always a top tier wine. Thx. Steve and Susan!! — 8 years ago

Connor Kanen

9.0

Flinty, lemon zest aromas. Green apple on the palate. Crisp finish — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Probably the best example of a new world Nebbiolo from the Australian master of alternative varieties as in Steve Pannell. See previous more detailed notes on Delectable - 182 weeks ago. — 8 months ago

Andrew Eddy

9.0

Times change. Upping to 9. — a year ago

with Lisa

Frank Lin

9.0

Absolutely delicious! Perfect balance of fruit and acidity. And a wonderful body and richness. Definitely worth getting again. — 3 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.5

Another confirmation that Greg Brewer makes some of the best, age-worthy chards out there. This 2013 is awesome. My only regret is that I don’t have another bottle to see what it will be like in 3-4 years (I’m guessing even better). — 5 years ago

with Vanessa

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Had another bottle, aged well. Steve & Paula Black pursued a dream in 2003 and purchased a 110-acre vineyard located in the Red Hills of Dundee creating The Four Graces, named after their four daughters. Medium Ruby with surprisingly complex aromas of red fruits, herb and spice. On the palate cherry and raspberry flavors with tea and espresso notes adding a bit of pepper spice. Well balanced acidity with fine tannins, medium(+) length, ending with earthy notes. Nice value! Tasting Sample! — 6 years ago

Naoki Otani

9.1

Majo Azarashi — 8 years ago

Kerri

9.2

Outstanding! Great medium bodied, plum and earthy. Loved it — a month ago

J Greene

9.3

Beautiful nose on this, remembering why I bought this while in the tasting room in Sta. Rita Hills (nice little spot in Los Olivos, highly recommend). Med+ intensity on the nose with bright cherry and strawberry. A bit of cedar/vanilla, but not much. Floral notes that almost turn to candy or runts. Nice on the palate too with a big pop of red fruit, med+ acidity and nice fine, integrated tannins. Long finish that sort of turns from sweet to tart cherry. Just a really nice wine. I scored a 93 but guessing this will improve and become a bit more elegant with a few more years. — 8 months ago

Ericsson

9.2

Nice age on this red Bordeaux blend done in Steve Metthiasson’s signature old world bright acid style. Just beginning to show notes of pomegranate and plum. Cheers. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

After the recent straight entry level Giant Steps Pinot from 2017 which was fruit driven and quite delicious this is one of their individual paddock wines - Applejack which is made in a different style with whole bunch ferment to the fore. Notes of anise and white pepper to the red fruited nose and palate. Hint of clove. Oak is resolved to my palate. Impressive and showing Steve Flamsteed’s ability as a winemaker. Postscript: Jackson Family Wines from the USA has acquired Giant Steps as of a year ago I believe. I would expect Giant Steps to be more readily available in the US now. — 5 years ago

Miss Harvey

9.1

Steve does it again...this wine is fucking amazing. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Probably the most twiggy/stalky of Steve Flamsteed’s single vineyard cuvees. Perhaps overdid the whole bunch ferment aspect a little bit here. A good savoury intensity with fluid smooth tannins. Well made as always. From the very good 2015 vintage in the Yarra Valley. — 8 years ago