The Black River

Twomey

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2033

Twomey's 25th anniversary RRV Pinot. Expressive florals both on taste and nose. Red cherry opener and I get a bit of smoke and dusty soil. Medium mouthfeel and mild tannins. The wine is well-balanced and quite expressive through the finish. — 4 days ago

Dawn, Daniel and 1 other liked this

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2013

My last bottle of 2013 Art Series Chardonnay. This remains one of the top Chardonnays in Australia together with Giaconda and Bindi Quartz Block for mine. As per previous note aromatics of white peach and cashew together with mealy notes. Not as full bodied as other Art Series but certainly doing well at 13 years of age. I often identify a dried pear character and this has hints of that. 98 points from James Halliday. — a month ago

Jeroen, Douglas and 15 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Lovely!!

Kistler

Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2017

Drinking wonderfully! — a month ago

Williams Selyem

Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir 2023

Drink now or cellar. This is an elegant, velvety, Pinot that never disappoints. — 2 months ago

Martinelli

"Giuseppe & Luisa" Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2022

Strawberry jam, high alcohol, red fruit compote. — 3 months ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1988

More of a suave & polished version of LB that is showing well at 38 yrs. Notes of red & black fruits, spice box, earth, cedar, floral, leather & tobacco — 3 months ago

Rob, Tom and 8 others liked this

Paul Hobbs

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Paul Hobbs – Pinot Noir / 2023
Russian River Valley AVA – Sonoma County / California / USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from select vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley. A refined, cool-climate expression that balances depth, structure, and elegance, showcasing Paul Hobbs’ precision-driven style.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and dark cherry, raspberry, and plum, layered with subtle baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of forest floor. Oak is present but beautifully restrained, more of a whisper than a statement.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ body with a silky, polished texture. Structured yet graceful, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine moves seamlessly across the palate, fluid, lifted, and balanced.

Food Pairings
Duck breast, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or earthy dishes with herbs.

Verdict
A Pinot Noir that bridges complexity and drinkability. Layered and structured, yet effortlessly elegant, this is Russian River precision at a high level.

🍷 Did You Know?
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir owes much of its finesse to diurnal shifts, warm days build ripeness, while cool, foggy nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is where Pinot becomes expressive without trying too hard. The oak is dialed in, the texture is silky, and the balance is spot on. It doesn’t shout, it truly danced in my palate! Cheers!
— 4 months ago

ESF, Andrew and 8 others liked this

Gary Farrell

Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2023

Reddish in color with medium intensity.

Fruity nose with cherries, fresh raspberries, light oak, spices, chocolates, earth, herbs and tobacco leaf.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with strawberries, raspberries, fresh cherries, light oak, chocolates, herbs, earth, light tobacco and black pepper.

Good length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy pomegranates.

This 3 year old Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is starting to drink very nicely now.

Fruit forward and easy drinking, elegant and nicely balanced. Tangy and refreshing, complex and entertaining.

Will continue to age nicely in 5 years.

I gave it a light chill and had it all by itself.

100% Pinot Noir grapes were aged in (35% new) French Oak barrels for 9 months.

13.9% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$45.
— a month ago

Ted, Jose and 9 others liked this

Merry Edwards

Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Such a great nose of fruit and flowers. Palate coating fruits and citrus and acidity. Outstanding — a month ago

Tom, Leo and 6 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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One of my favorite labels too

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2008

This was showing beautifully with good richness, balance, red & black fruits, earth, spice box, cedar, leather & tobacco notes — a month ago

Jean-Philip, Joel and 8 others liked this

Failla

Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Very nice and truly enjoyed. — 3 months ago

Kosta Browne

One Sixteen Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019

Oak, pear, citrus, mineral, and brioche. — 4 months ago

Merry Edwards

Meredith Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

2022 vintage. Medium-medium heavy body. Smooth. Subtle. Ruffly. Undulating. 3.25.26. — 4 months ago

Neil, Ted and 9 others liked this

Belle Glos

Dairyman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Had at Kavel's: Notes of dark cherry, cola, baking spice, a touch of vanilla oak, and soft tannins. — 17 days ago

Dave liked this

Williams Selyem

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2024

To much of a fruit bomb good wine just not for me. — a month ago

Tom, Shay and 2 others liked this

Kosta Browne

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Cherry, raspberry, blueberry, cinnamon, and oak. Maybe a touch young but still delightful. — 2 months ago

Robert Biale Vineyards

Black Chicken Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023

Tao Las Vegas — 2 months ago

Tommy HadleyJim Hadley
with Tommy and Jim
Shay, Neil and 3 others liked this

Aubert

Eastside Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023

Low acidity with a nice butter finish. — 2 months ago

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2022

Inky in color with a reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black currants, plums, licorice, light cedar, earth, cola, herbs, spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, black tea and light garigge notes.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with black plums, currants, oak, light licorice, spices, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, cola, herbs, peppercorn and light vegetables.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This young Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley is already drinking beautifully. Rich and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a smooth mouthfeel. Elegant and complex, spicy and tangy.

Delicious now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

The alcohol is nicely integrated already, although not as high as typically from this region.

Robert Parker 95 points. Wine Spectator 92 points.

I've had a few vintages of this wine and this is not my favorite, by far.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec.

14% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$450.
— 3 months ago

Jay, Stephen and 9 others liked this
Jay Kline

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These wines, to my palate, are not particularly interesting this young. After 15+ years from vintage? Way more interesting.
"Odedi"

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@Jay Kline not a great vintage too
Jay Kline

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Personally, I think many have overreacted regarding 2022. Yes, Mother Nature threw some challenges late in the harvest but some made outstanding wines and when you consider the fruit source for Opus One, I’m sure they were on the winning side.