Doug Powers

9.2

Beautiful Syrah from Spring Mountain, savoury aromas and flavors, very French-like if served blind, still has lots of primary redfruits showing, tannins have largely receded, from a partially-shaded 5-acre portion at the bottom of the Paloma vineyard, long finish, I believe the Syrah vines were planted in 1992 and pulled out after the 2001/2002(?) vintage, Barbara and Jim Richards said the farming was more difficult than the Merlot (and smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon) that Paloma is known for and thus they elected to replant (graft? Not sure) more of the other varieties into that plot. While the first vintage of the Syrah (1995) was never commercially released (12 cases produced from 3 year old vines), Jim was kind enough to send me home with 4 bottles, that wine was the best Syrah to EVER come off that vineyard, I was forever in his debt, it was AMAZING. I miss Barbara and Jim, some of the nicest people I’ve ever met in the wine business (I’m NOT in the business myself)!! — 2 months ago

with Jim

Samuel Sabori

9.1

Juice bomb. — 7 months ago

Mario Zillner

9.5

June 2024 disgorgement; would’ve preferred to pop this +12 months (vs. 6), as it would certainly benefit from some time. A grower BdB favorite; of course made from 100% Chardonnay, coming from several Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs. The Cuvée de Réserve is a blend of more than twenty vintages, dating back to 1988 (via the solera method)! Peters considers this their “flagship” champ, even at the NV price point.

Firm upfront with a rather long finish. Sharp acidity; strong lemon, pale stone fruit, orange zest, and young tangerine notes. Medium body with pillows to carry you through. Steel vs. wood. 12% ABV. Simply delicious. — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

One of my favourite Italian whites - this is made from the Falanghina grape which is the main grape of Campania. Harvested at full ripeness. Fermentation takes place as 70% in stainless steel and 30% in Barrique. See previous note here in April 2025. Not designed for long cellaring. Previous notes still apply. An ideal winter white wine. White flowers, herbal notes with unctuous ripe fruits on the palate. Impossible not to enjoy this. Sadly my last bottle. — 2 months ago

Mo

9.1

Concur with the WS review below, although I dropped my score one point and would add that the wine presently requires hours of natural aeration—no less than four in the bottle! We tested the use of a Vinturi, which produced unsatisfactory results. Perhaps decanting would take less time. Paired with pistachio crusted rack of lamb.

WS: 92. A fragrant and elegant red, delivering tuberose, strawberry, cherry and grassy aromas and flavors. Taut and balanced, with bright floral and red fruit notes gracing the lingering finish. Best from 2024 through 2038. 375 cases made, 150 cases imported. — 3 months ago

heidi schlegel

10

Rich and creamy. Could finish a bottle or two. — 10 months ago

Gene Buonviri

8.9

This Vineyard is located on land confiscated from the Mafia.
A hint of blackberries and an aroma of black pepper. A touch of minerals with balanced acidity. Taste of blackberry and a hint of coconut.
— 3 months ago

with Justinian

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Weisse blüten, geschmeidig, leicht buttrig, pfirsich, akazie, buchsbaum, leicht mitschi. Grosser wein! — 3 months ago

Doug Scott

9.2

Black cherry, figs, dried fruit, chocolate, leather. Toast and tobacco. Medium- tannins. Very nice Merlot. — 7 months ago

David Shaw

9.1

The perfect accompaniment to an archived broadcast of the Oakland Athletics last game at the Coliseum. Come home, Reggie Jackson; all is forgiven. — a year ago