Hirsch Vineyards

San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2021

9.2

One of the rare Cali Pinots which is not a fruit bomb. Mostly raspberry intermixed with cherry, touch chalk well balanced with good acidity and length. 13.5%. These used to be relatively reasonable priced now north of 70$. It’s a shame really. — 4 days ago

Daniel, Zach and 12 others liked this

Paul Hobbs

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

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! — 3 days ago

ESF, Andrew and 8 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

East Bench Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2023

Ericsson

9.0

Ridge Vineyards Wine Mixer at Thyme Restaurant — 2 months ago

Tom, Peter and 5 others liked this

Marcassin

Marcassin Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2008 vintage. Yeah, some wackoid(s) gave this 100 points. Whatevs. Arrived at 70-72 degrees. Zero chill. Immediately plunged into an ice bath. Used a Durand to open but the über-dry cork just laughed at it and decided to pixelate into small, broken safety glass-styled fragments. Not the sign I was looking for. Here comes the funnel + screen + decanter to save the day. That screen needs a raise come review time. Put the decanter atop the ice bath with a protective serviette between and gave it another 5-6 mins in the chill. Color not quite yellow Chartreuse but pretty close. Tasted at approx 58-59 degrees. Like a trip to the confectionery + bakery. Whoa! Medium/medium-heavy body and this was popping. Splashes and suggestions of fruits, bread products and baking spices without an overriding, final boss. Phenomenal. Can’t give it a Wilt but it did not suck and should drink as such for at least another half-decade. Have had plenty of Marcassin whites and reds and this was the best of the lot. Transcendent. For all that…? 9.6. Soviet…er…Russian judge mode deployed. 3.6.25. — 21 days ago

David, Zach and 15 others liked this

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Brett Vanderbrook

8.9

On the nose I get black currant, cedar, leather, anise. Elegant and lighter than you might expect from California Cab. A long, lingering finish with toothy tannins and noticeable oak. I’m drinking it on its own but it would be fantastic with meat or cheese. — 3 days ago