Wine Lover 12 Pack

Paloma

Napa Valley Syrah 1997

So, Barbara and Jim Richards (RIP) planted 5 acres back in 1991 (1990?) of Syrah on the northeast (downslope) corner of their Paloma vineyard on Spring Mountain in what visually looked like a “low spot” (partially shaded and also maybe an area that maybe occasionally got standing water back in the days when California got enough rain). The rest of the vineyard was of course Merlot and also some Cabernet Sauvignon used mostly for blending with their fantastic mountain Merlot. The vineyard is just east of Pride Mountain and across the road from what used to be (??) Schweiger Vineyards.

Anyway, Bob Foley, who was making the wines for Pride in those early days, was consulting for Barbara and Jim early on, but I have ZERO information as to what involvement he had with the Syrah, if I recall correctly, the first Syrah in 1995 was less than a barrel (12-15 cases), and was aged in a super OLD, neutral barrel. My Chicago friends, who knew the Richards, dragged me along to taste that fateful day. That 1995 Syrah, first wine they ever made from those young Syrah vines, was, frankly, eye-opening and FANTASTIC, as I told Jim Richards that day. After tasting the INCREDIBLE 1995 Syrah, which was so northern Rhône-like and so pure, I begged Jim to sell me a bottle or two, but he politely declined. Later that day, after tasting the rest of their great wines, as we were leaving, Jim GAVE me a 4-pack box of that 1995 Syrah, which he wouldn’t accept any $$$ for, and that 1995 Syrah still in my memory remains the GREATEST CA Syrah I’ve ever tasted!!

As you can probably tell, I adored Jim and Barbara Richards, amazing people and generous to a fault!! Amazing people!!! I don’t think I ever met their son, Sheldon, but from all accounts he is continuing the tradition of great Paloma wines, though that great Syrah vineyard was pulled out in the early 2000s — Sheldon, if you happen to see this post, I welcome any corrections if I got any details wrong!!

Oh, and this Syrah is pretty dang good as well!!!
— 2 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Scott@Mister, John and 7 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

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@Doug Powers so enjoyed! Thanks
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Love the story!
Aravind A

Aravind A Premium Badge

This is what great wine is all about.

Wyndham Estate

George Wyndham Shiraz 2018

Love this! I am a lover of Pepperjack but at between $8.50-$12 it is by far our budget friendly version. Really fantastic for the price (even for wines double the price) — 5 years ago

Talbott

Estate Grown Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

2021 vintage. First tasted this wine with the 1991 vintage when it was resto cost $240 a 12-pack case (which was pretty pricey for CA chard at the time). FF three decades where I'm pouring this btg and paying less than the 1991 pricing. Has always held a soft spot in my heart. Unique flavor profile that consistently upends a blind white Burgundy tasting as a ringer-regardless of the price range involved...and it do get pricey these daze. Still bringing the serious mineral hammer along with bracing acidity but a bit of lanolin and variety of citrus when things warm up a tad. Last tasted 5.5.23 (9.1). 10.27.24. — 2 months ago

Ted, Ron and 9 others liked this
Ron R

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I agree, Talbott is a strong producer and represents outstanding value.

Soquel Fermentation Project

Golden Sour A With Apricot

Golden sour A. Aged with apricots. Best beer of the 12 pack so far. Just outstanding wild grassy flavors with subtle ripe apricot mixed with tart skins. Hugely floral with lemongrass. — 4 years ago

Duckhorn Vineyards

Napa Valley Merlot 2015

January 12, 2020. Tucson. This was TTW Wine of the month, Dec 2019. Brought to AZ for the holidays and to share with my favorite wine critic and fellow old world wine lover. We are, BTW left bank Bordeaux fans. In blind tasting my fav critic says “Tastes like a California wine.” We did, nonetheless, enjoy it. Not bad for a right bank imitation Bordeaux. Will still spend my money in the old world. Hope my cellar outlasts the tariffs...😬 — 5 years ago

P liked this

Penfolds

Koonunga Hill Seventy Six Shiraz Cabernet 2017

Bought a six-pack of this wine from Penfolds for $12 each, then paid generally an equal or greater amount for screw-age. This is our last bottle as we have been taking a bottle each night to our restaurant dinners. Pleasant and reliable enough wine to enjoy with our Australian dinners and not having to suffer from some overpriced and uninteresting wine from the “list” — 6 years ago

Leconfield

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Have you grabbed your $60 wine subscription sampler from Wine Selectors yet?

This pack includes 12 mini bottles of Aussie wine. Head to the blog to read all about it: travellingcorkscrew.com.au/blog/wine-subscription-sampler/

This Leconfield 2020 Cab Sauv came in the sample pack I was sent and it went down a treat! Definitely a nice taster.

In the glass it’s a juicy plum red colour. On the nose it’s rather earthy/forest like alongside having notes of blackberries, and vanilla oak. On the palate it’s fruity and fresh with plentiful black cherries and berry flavours. Nice full flavour without being overpowering. Balanced and delish!

All opinions are my own. Drink what you enjoy!
— 3 years ago

Bob, Paul and 3 others liked this

Federico Curtaz

Gamma Etna Bianco Carricante 2016

A perfect example of a low alcohol (12%) wine that can pack a punch. A variety of citrus scents that transition effortlessly to the palate. Mandarin orange, grapefruit, lemon all draped in a robe of saline and smoke. To top it off, an extended and lingering finish. — 3 years ago

Shawn, Severn and 28 others liked this
Lyle Fass

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Great stuff. We sell his Tuscan wines, Montepepe.

Rabbit & Spaghetti

Barossa Shiraz 2017

A twist of ripe black cherry in the taste.
One of a pack of 12 from nakedwines.
— 5 years ago

Trixie and P liked this

Full Rack

Special Red Blend

Part of a 12 pack gift from my b-inlaw. Mellows out with some time, a nice fruit forward taste of blackberries. I enjoyed this with chicken and a nice spicy peach sauce. Too bad there isn't a second btl in the box... oh, lucky me, there is! Going to have with smoked/grilled tomahawk ribeye. — 6 years ago