Rob van Kalmthout

9.4

Still very much potential. Very much a burgundy mise, Candied lemon, hints of subtle tropical fruit like pineapple. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Splash decanted; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2017 “Tip Top Vineyard” pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe black and red fruits: brambles, plums, cherry lozenges, black pepper, warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This worked really well with a variety of grilled fare though I suspect a few more years in the cellar would help add some complexity. Drink now with patience through 2032. — a year ago

Lisa Bilz

9.5

Luscious with a tri tip. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Ruby color with aromas of red fruit, herb spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of raspberry and cherry with dried herb notes, vanilla and toasty oak. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fresh fruit, spice and earthy tones. — 4 months ago

Gladys Xiques

9.3

A classic Pinot with bright red fruit supported by earthiness in the background. It was more than a warming note to our Santa Maria tri trip. — 2 years ago

Joe Estrada

9.7

Introduction of Saarloos to our new neighbors…..perfect pairing with Santa Maria Tri-Tip — 3 years ago

Martijn

9.3

Decanted 8 hours!
My tip that is a minimum. Now at 12 hours and a palate that is influenced by meat and cheese the wine starts to blossom. Cherry, cinnamon, vanilla and some almond paste. Nice rioja this is. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have wanted to do this producer side by side with Alban with well seasoned Tri-tip. Tonight is the night.

The crowd that leans California liked the French better.

I have always thought Alban in the new world mimicked Rostaing’s style.

Both phenomenal and I enjoyed both for slightly different climate & soil reasons.

These two producers do Syrah without the heavy smoked meats & bacon fat of say Cayuse. — 4 months ago

Gladys Xiques

9.2

Exquisite. Ripened dark fruit with herbaceous notes. Paired with tri trip — 2 years ago

Joseph LaPanna

9.0

Dark purple with gobs of fruit billowing from the glass. Blueberry, blackberry and currant with hints of coffee and leather. Full bodied with silky smooth tannins, the mouthfeel is soft and juicy. The mid palate is round and full of black cherry, currant, plum black olive and toast. The finish is long and lush with hints of smoke and nutmeg. Paired with grilled Tri-Tip! — 4 years ago