The 2022 Pinot Noir Machado is a pretty wine with understated density and terrific balance. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint, spice and blood orange fill out the layers. Machado is the most reticent of the vineyard designates. It will be interesting to see what time brings here. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 3 months ago
Amazing freshness balancing the emerging tertiary characteristics. True Mt Carmel acidity shining through. — 9 months ago
[Tasted on September 29, 2024 at Home]
Wine is Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Cherry SweeTarts, red plum, tobacco, graphite, smoke and spice. — a month ago
See 4 previous notes on Delectable for the 2015 Primavera. This is my last bottle. The whole bunch stalky elements have toned down in the last few years. More balanced with the red fruits. Perhaps that was Steve Flamsteed’s plan and it needed to be cellared for at least 9 years.? — 3 months ago
The 2022 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a fabulous introduction to the range. Served last in this series of Chardonnays, the appellation Chardonnay is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter in body, but other than that, it is in no way inferior to the vineyard designates. This is beautifully done. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 3 months ago
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! — 5 months ago
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. — a year ago
John Howard
Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries
Pretty and light. Great nose. Not very concentrated. Glycerin. — a month ago