Shay A

9.4

I’ve been on the lookout for Mayer wines here in the US and happened to find a bottle in a retail shop while out of state visiting some family. I’m shocked much makes it to the states with roughly 160 cases of this wine produced.

100% whole cluster; 13.5%ABV

My immediate thought after popping and pouring was that if Cayuse made a Pinot, it would smell like this. So much stemmy/herbal/savory aromatics with peppered rhubarb and red berries. Translucent ruby in the glass (closer to darker-style rosé’s in color). The funk continues on the palate (in a delicious way) with more stemmy and savory spice, cranberries, and black tea. The stems give this nice tannin structure while the acidity here is vibrant…keeps you going back for another sip. I followed over two days and it stayed pretty consistent.

This is 100% up my alley and a wine I’d love to acquire more of. Very curious how these age (because it seems like they would hold wonderfully). — 2 days ago

Chris Albin

Winemaker, Azari Vineyards Winemaker, Corskcrew Wines

9.2

Everything I love about Syrah, but a bit softer and fruitier — 3 months ago

Ross Bathgate

9.2

On the downward side of its life and a little thin but still so delightful — 6 months ago

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

8.9

Mega earthy — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Sweet black fruits - plums. Only medium weight - restrained. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. 2012 was a cooler more moderate growing season, more claret style says Sam Middleton. This is not one of the great Quintets IMO. At its best Quintets is one of the best Cabernet blends in Australia. It still reinforces the fact that the Yarra Valley is one of the better terroirs for Bordeaux blends in Australia. Not for long cellaring. This is first of 3 of the 2012 vintage I have in my cellar. — 3 months ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.5

A bit closed in but really pretty. Lots of white flower and soft stone fruit. Not as much oak/lees influence as other vintages on tasting. — 4 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

Lovely dark purple color, the Shiraz is black pepper and spice, with a quite tannic profile, the Viognier provides some lovely floral notes and acidity, longish finish, should easily improve for 2-4 more years. — 6 months ago

with Jim

Seth Masterson

8.9

Opening up - this one is really is getting interesting as it opens. Would need to come back to a bottle and let it breathe for a good half hour — 2 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.1

Clear, deep ruby in color; on the nose, it's clean with medium intensity primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, cassis, and graphite; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of black cherries, blueberries, black cardamom and bell pepper with a long finish. This wine is complex and intense. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — 3 months ago

with Nellie

Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid to pale crimson - actually transparent. The pale colour belies the aromatic and palate intensity. Aromatics of cherry and raspberry transforming on to the medium bodied sweet red fruited palate. A touch of Sous Bois. An excellent Pinot as always from the Applejack Vineyard from Giant Steps. — 6 months ago