With Goat Cheese

Donkey & Goat

Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay 2014

What a wine at 11 years! So much lemon, seagrass, peaches, a bit of stone, some lemon curd. It coats the palate. Interestingly it opened up with more fruit over 2 hours. It is so freaking good. It’s really like a fresh lemon tart with a tiny bit of cream and the crust with some orchard fruit and the at the ocean. Unbelievable. I loved this wine 8 years ago and love it more now. — a month ago

Raul and Tom liked this

Moulin Touchais

Coteaux du Layon Chenin Blanc 1996

Accompanied a cheese course this evening, delivering just the right level of sweetness. Holding its own, with some quite prominent apple and touch of honey. — 9 months ago

La Rioja Alta

Reserva Viña Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha 2009

2020 fall. This might be my favorite (at least for immediate enjoyment) among the wines guzzled on our recent Rioja binge. It’s open-knot, with lots of red fruit and spices like mace, but also has typical mature notes - that mushroom and cheese thing. At the same time, it doesn’t feel overly developed - it’s just layered. — 5 years ago

Rombauer Vineyards

Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023

Strawberries, blackberries & berry jam in the nose with strawberries, blackberries, plums, raspberries and jam in the palate. A real fruit bomb. Paired well with both Parmesan & cheddar, ham & prosciutto and a cheese flavored cracker. Went well if drank prior to dark chocolate or a double chocolate brownie, but not as good as drank after. — 2 months ago

Joel Gott Wines

815 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

JFP
9.2

Very pleasant with cheese and pate. Nice sipping wine as well with good body. — 9 months ago

Donkey & Goat

Twinkle California Red Blend 2019

Ripe black fruit aromas, a definite texture with the medium body, tart fruit and light acidity with some soft lingering spices. Deliciously drinkable. Happy Valentine's Day 💗 — 4 years ago

Laura liked this

Bread & Butter Wines

California Chardonnay

Strong diacetyl notes and rich, smooth oak flavor. Full bodied. Creamy with vanilla highlights. Goes well with a heavier cream pasta dish, soft cheese, poultry, pork, or simply on its own! — 5 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A legendary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted only in exceptional vintages. The 2012 vintage is remembered as one of Napa’s “dream years” — consistent weather, long hang time, and perfectly ripened fruit. Special Selection remains Caymus’ flagship and is always made in small, meticulous quantities.

Aromas & Flavors
Nose: explosive notes of overripe black cherry, baked blueberries, leather, oak, and subtle spice.
Palate: full-bodied and multi-layered, offering rich, cooked dark berries, bitter dark chocolate, and hints of espresso, with leathery depth.

Mouthfeel
Velvety and concentrated, yet showing the beginnings of age. Silky tannins, soft structure, and a lingering, dry finish. Decadent and still powerful, but now entering its mature phase.

Winemaking & Style
Aged extensively in French oak, this bottling represents Caymus’ fruit-forward, opulent signature style, while 2012 gave extra ripeness and intensity. It’s an iconic Napa Cab that manages both power and elegance.

Food Pairing
Pair with dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or truffle-infused mushroom dishes. Also excellent with a hard, aged cheese like Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
An over-the-top, show-stopping vintage of Caymus Special Selection. Still bold, rich, and luxurious, but beautifully softened with age. Drink now for peak pleasure, though it can hold for another few years.
— 2 months ago

Ted and Dave liked this

Donkey & Goat

Testa Vineyard Carignane 2022

2022. We loved the 2019 Martha Stoumen Carignan we had this afternoon, so we wanted to try this D&G when we went looking for another bottle. A bit darker fruit flavor and earthier, and took ~15 minutes to open up. A little more tannic bite but paired equally well with leftover kebabs. — a year ago

Josh and ESF liked this

Campo Viejo

Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2013

Delicious and complex, but not overwhelming. Easy to drink. 85% tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% mazuela. Good with strong cheese or beef. Dry. — 5 years ago