saviw

9.5

While browsing the wine selection at Sam's this evening, I noticed mostly Cabs and Chardonnays, with maybe three Pinot Noirs. Since I’m not a fan of Cabs, I was disappointed to see the Pinot selection reduced to just a few pricier bottles. Then a Tempranillo caught my eye. I love tempranillos and was astonished to find their own brand featuring a Spanish one. I thought, “I’m going to be brave and try this $9.89 bottle of wine,” even though I usually spend $18 or more on my favorite temps without hesitation. I’m so glad I took the chance. it’s delightfully delicious. I’m not entirely convinced the ABV is 13.5%; it feels closer to 11.5%. It’s a bit jammy, but in a way I really enjoy with this wine. The grapes clearly had a great year, and the vineyard’s terroir comes through subtly, with hints of minerals from the soil enhancing the tannins to balance the jamminess perfectly. I enjoyed it with nothing more than the quiet of the evening after my kids went to bed, and it paired beautifully with that. I’ll definitely be buying it again. — 15 days ago

Jeremy.Buss

9.4

Big shout out to @Ron R for his selection and generosity. I got started on my wine journey later in life and didn’t have birth year wines for my boys. This wine and vintage marks 21 years for our first son. Thanks again @Ron R !! Let this wine decant for three hours and it got better and better over the three hours. Licorice smell to start, modest cherry, currant. More fruit smells developed over time. Incredibly soft tannins with earth tones coming out as well. Not a fruit bomb like some of the CA wines and enjoy having different choices for special events. — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.4

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

It was my first time trying Moone-Tsai wines aside from their widely distributed Napa Valley Cab, so some of these were totally brand new to me. Melka is the winemaker.

Out of the three cabs we tried, this was my favorite for long term. Howell Mountain is my favorite AVA so the fruit is undeniable fantastic, but Melka has made this very tight and compact and most certainly not a fruit forward cab. The fruit is underripe...blackberries, raspberries, black currant, sage, charcoal and graphite aromatics. It is dusty, herbal and powerful on the palate. Dark cocoa, chalky, baked mixed berry pie, dash of baking spices, and massive structure. Give this some time away and you’ll be rewarded. — 6 years ago

Norman

9.2

Sake World 2024 Had to judge given it’s the same glass throughout the tasting but this was nice. I liked all three of these they were pouring. This brand was the group favorite. — a year ago

David Shaw

8.9

Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, 14.5% alc/vol. Nose dominated by Merlot notes, cherry, then later strawberry, while flavors reflect a more balanced blend of the three varietals. Rounded mouthfeel. Peppery finish with some skin tannins. Old school West Coast red, but shifted by use of top Washington state red varietals. A second label offering under a groovy first label brand. Great value. — 3 years ago

Matt Hisamoto

9.0

$20. 1L format. Excellent standard dry riesling. More lime on day two or three. From Montecito. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Over 30 years ago, Tim Murphy, Dale Goode and Dave Ready founded their three-family partnership in 1985 & launched the brand with two wines: estate grown Fumé Blanc and Chardonnay. Crisp aromas of citrus fruits, Blend of 96% Sauvignon Blanc & 4% Semillon. Palate crisp fresh furry fruit flavors with some peach & melon. Medium finish, lively acidity ending with citrus tones. Nice value. — 6 years ago

Finnie

9.6

find this again — crunchy red — like grand ordinaire — 2 years ago

Big Wave Dave

8.9

Essence of strawberry and rasberry with notes of sandalwood and spice. Very Giant Steps but with a bit more tannin. Not great p/q. Stick to your amazing shiraz boys! — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

It’s pretty rare that a House’s entry level bottle can challenge other House’s more prestigious offerings. A pale gold hue with truly a plethora of lively bubbles. Impressive perlage. The nose is powerful and engaging. Strong notes of honey and green apples with butterscotch and lemon peels. A smorgasbord of delightful citrus aromas and brioche bread really elevate this.

Almost equal parts of the three Champenois grapes with a dosage of 7 g/l. Disgorged on 7/20 and using 35% of reserve wines, there is a depth to the champagne that many others simply can not compare with. It starts off a bit angular but soon develops nicely in the glass. The acidity is bright, the body full, and the mouthfeel rich. Biodynamic without certification.

The palate is the definition of precise with crisp fruit and beautiful chalky minerality. Pears, grapefruits, and light red cherries shine. Toasted bread, nuts, and more autolytic touches. Marzipan and a little oak just for kicks. This is outstanding wine and can stand proudly next to some of the bigger boys out there. — 5 years ago