Winegrower, Santa Cruz Mountains, organic farmer, happy husband, one dog lover, spey fisherman, surfer.
This review is not for the Merlot 2016 Clivi Brazan Friulano Best example of this varietal I have ever tried(from over 20 examples)...clean aromas, rich and complex but not at all reduced/earthy, so well made. Begs for dinner! Very fine texture without strong Almond bitterness in the finish. Not cheap for me at least it sets a benchmark for Friulano BRAVO! — 4 years ago
Showing that alluring richness of bottle aged GS. Must have been intensely austere in its youth. Steely (S02??) aromas with minerals, fusal notes and mature lemon. Some complex creamy notes in the nose. Perfect mouthfeel, lithe but rich... fresh citrus acidity, great oily mouth coating texture and a long finish with nutty nuisances. Bravo! — 5 years ago
Everything I would want from a Brunelo Espresso, mushrooms, Santa Rosa plums, some grandmother‘s kitchen. Freshness and ripeness and lightness at the same time. Yes Sir, world class Sangiovese. Worth the price and the patience. Bravo!! — 3 years ago
Awesome wine. As usual, If you think you don’t like a category or variety, just go spend $80/bottle then come back and talk to me. This wine shows what Friulano can be. Polished, mildly enriched by oak barrels, very complex fruit, minerals and Unami and super stylish texture...Like the first time you saw a car designed by Karmen Ghia — 4 years ago
Short review - 2018 vintage DEAD ON PERFECT. This is in the top three wines of the year for me... it doesn’t have to be a impressive Napa Valley or Bordeaux Cabernet to win this distinction from me. So nice to have a imported wine with no noticeable Brett. This still gives deep earthy and black cherry CF flavors as well as a medium body and enough tannins to call for service at the table. Bravo. Great blend of 3 grapes . Captures the middle Loire red blend style to a T. — 4 years ago
Dense slightly rich aromas show yeast influence to the tropical under ripe white peach and lime aromas... true to type; this wine invites seaside foods...in the mouth it’s again denser than most, but well made and delivering well. Shrimp ceviche anyone? — 5 years ago
Set aside that this is THE ONLY SERIOUS SYLVANER FROM CA that I know of; this is just a plain excellent wine. I mean the Winemaker’s were skilled. To take a variety known for its “neutral character” and walk that fine line and bring out a purely pleasurable expression says a lot about this historic Sonoma estate. Controlled aromas reflect its Alpine heritage. never reduced nor overly fruity; The nose on this wine simply invites you to put it in your mouth. Light to medium full in texture it’s perfectly balanced on the edge of richness and acidity, with flavors of lemon citrus light herbs and a faint creamy finish. Bravo. I’m impressed. — 4 years ago
Finally a restrained example of Mencia. This is light wine which is what attracts me. Rose water aromas and light Pinot like aromas. Gentle texture with controlled tannins. A relief from the overly astringent mouthfeels of most Mencia — 4 years ago
NOT THE GRUNER... this review is for their Gemiscter Satz With so many disappointing example on the mass market, it was so reassuring to find this genuine example of high quality winemaking. Clean well made and true to form. Fresh, citrus and mineral aromas lead to a tight and precise mouthfeel with lemon, complexities and light creamy notes. Brava and Bravo!! Sehr gut!👏👏👏 — 4 years ago
Marty Mathis
2019 Cote du Py By far the best Gamay Noir I have tasted in several years. Such a precise expression of Morgon. This aroma shows the perfect combination of deep and inviting cherry plum fruitiness along with the slightest brush pepperiness and subtle meaty/earthy hints. There is no funky Brett in this wine that I can find. Not squeaky clean commercial either. There is no mistaking the pedigree of this vineyard site as well as the deft hand of this legendary producer. The texture is pure pleasure, almost nil tannins (The way I like it), and major length. Woody, brushy (rotundones) are combined with perfectly ripe tree fruit and alluring minerality . For anyone confused about the distinction between Burgundy and Beaujolais this should stand as a model example. Bravo bravo bravo!!! — 3 years ago