Shay A

9.4

This was given a short 30min decant before being consumed over the next two days.

My note is likely going to be reminiscent of my experience with the 2015 Panek I opened 3yrs ago. Out of the RM Cabernet lineup, Panek is the pleasure bomb. One of the signature traits I get from some of TRBs cabs is his ability to pull the entire fruit spectrum (entry of bright red fruits, mid palate of fresh and sweet blue fruits before a commanding and juicy black fruit finish). From the start, this was uber concentrated, but in an elegant way (not brawny). 2hrs later, this smoothed out and channeled a silky profile. This leans to a more floral, dark cherry, mocha fruit flavor profile up front before an inky, juicy, dark chocolate covered black cherry with mint and savory notes. Still on the upswing. Decant 2hrs or hold another 2-3yrs. However, it’s in a hedonistic stage now with minimal air. — 4 months ago

Bogdan Todoran

9.0

My first contact with new zealand. I’m impressed by the fruitiness of this wine. Passion fruit, ananas, mango and a white pepper finish. Fruit explosion — 2 years ago

Shay A

9.5

WNH “TRB” tasting.

I let this bottle decant for three hours and then fully decant for 3hrs (pulling from the decanter the last two hours). The bulk of that time I was hit with really pure and ripe fruits but ending with a wall of tannin. Gorgeously aromatic with layers of the entire fruit spectrum…red, blue and black berries, sandalwood, and espresso. The mid palate here is quite fantastic in how deep it is while still having good acidity to keep it vibrant. Violets, dark chocolate, mixed Berry compote and baking spices all surrounded by a savory graphite type note. I saved two glasses for the following day and it turned very silky and seemed to be a very beautiful expression of Oakville.

If opening now, decant 4-6hrs, or hold another 3+yrs. — 3 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Last bottle of my 2018 SC.

Followed over two days. Juicy, ripe and balanced. Astounding value at $30. Haven’t found the signature TRB blood orange profile in these RM SCs, but that’s a small nitpick. Loads of red and black berry fruit upfront, boysenberry, red currant and dark florals. Mid palate was much better on day two as it bulked up and showed the nervy side of SC Pinot. It has a high toned/elegant profile while retaining weight. Stylistically it sits in between RRV and cool climate SC. Banging value, as always. Drink now or in the next 3-5yrs. — 8 months ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.3

Nicely balanced for Thomas Rivers -Browne….14.5 ABV. Dark ripe berry notes, touch of tobacco/leather, and not a hint of over-sweet jam. Perfect foil for two-inch medium rare prime rib. I don’t think there’s much left to resolve for this simple Napa bottling, but decent tipple for the price. — 2 years ago

Brad Swick

9.4

Nice full flavor. Balance of grapefruit and oak. Crisp, dry fruit. Tasted 3 March 2022. Tasted even better day two! — 2 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Even though I’m a big fan of Ferren’s Frei Rd Chardonnay, this was my first Frei Rd Pinot.

Not sure of normal experiences here, but the richness here seems to fall in between Rivers Marie (love) and Aubert (just so so for me). Darker color in the glass…bit of a purple tinge to it. Aromatically it sports potpourri, violets, underripe black cherries, underripe blue fruit and some cedar. Initially, the front palate seems like it will be heavy based on all of the flavors but it turns really elegant. Dark chocolate, a slight roasted character, and spicy fruits. With RM, I get that orange zest note, and with Aubert, I get more alcohol and kirsch. My in between note here is more ripe pomegranate than either of the others. These probably need 5-7yrs from vintage to be in a good spot. Followed over two days and stayed consistent. — 3 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This pale wine shows mineral and herbal qualities on the nose. The wine smells much grassier than the previous two New Zealand SBs I sampled (Babich and Greywacke). The palate shows a boatload of citrus minerality, too, with a racy acidity. Crustaceans and mollosks are welcome here. — 8 months ago

Frank Kuo

9.4

Color of dilute tea. Nose of two nice tropical ripe fruits, like mango, lychees, pineapple. Nose is powerful and packed with notes. Taste is on the light side with right trio of sweetness, acidity, and grapefruit ripe. Very clean and flavorful. Aftertaste is medium long. Gem. — a year ago

Delectable Wine

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9.3

Back after two years of absence (the quality was not judged good enough to create Te Koko in 2017 and 2018), the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Te Koko reflects the more precise viticulture and pared-back winemaking now going on at Cloudy Bay. From full malo and heaps of new oak, there's now just 8% new, 52% malo and 11 months on lees in the 2019, finishing in more reductive environment of tanks and cuves rather than bottles, which creates a more defined wine. The result is a savory, plush expression that expands in the mouth. It has a delightful creamy texture yet finishes with fine tension. Gone are the days of blowsy Te Koko. This has delightful acidity, smoky notes, hazelnut, pear and nougat on the long finish. (Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, March 2022)
— 2 years ago