Edmond Bordelon

9.5

Had two bottles hidden in inventory because it came from their other location that shut down. I love Howell Mountain. I Iove Howell Mountain Zinfandel (think Outpost). And I love it when Turley brings it all together! While not as deep and dark as most Howell Zins, this one is much more delicate...almost Pinot Noir in style. Our Mad Scientist Sommelier really ‘got me’ with this one. — 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.4

When they hand you the massive wine list and say “pick something interesting...within reason”. Pretty easy with Gargiulo on the list. Had the pleasure of meeting winemaker Kristof Anderson 2 years ago and toured the GV facility to see him in action. Amazing winery and some of the best grapes in the valley...what could go wrong? (Had them decant for an hour while the other guests roasted me on my second departure from Hard Rock Internaional on my way back to Darden for a second tour there...restaurant world is small.) Once poured out, it danced firmly across the palet. Still a little tight, but the dark fruits and medium tannins balanced out and went with the wagyu nicely. — 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.5

A Thanksgiving miracle! Was so worried that this bottle corked by the staining on the cork, but is all ended well! The fruit is barely there on this bottle from my favorite vineyard (Volcanic Hill) from Diamond Creek. Still an immense presence and complexity after decanting for 4 hours. Time had made this bottle a little more delicate than the others, but unmistakable Diamond Creek. Glasses were raised to Al and Boots as the vineyard has now been bought by Roederer. I believe it is in food hands. — 4 years ago

with Katherine and Lauren

Edmond Bordelon

9.3

Since we were not able to go to Ridge this year do to the California Covid travel restrictions, we decided it was only appropriate to pop one (okay 2) bottles for dinner. They say chalky tannins, but I didn’t get that. Instead I got the Dry Creek Zinfandel (best in the world) deep dark fruits and some of that black pepper. We will shoot for a trip once this is all over. Restaurants and wineries all need our support during this pandemic and afterwards. — 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.7

Wow!! Thanksgiving miracle #2! Been holding on to this Martinelli for a few years, and glad I took it out this year. It could still go for several more years, but knowing how good it is allows the search for more! 15.9% alcohol is steep, but it does not overpower Martenelli’s brilliant handling of their Zinfandel grapes. Almost like a fine Pinot Noir from the Bourgogne region. The nose is more perfume than fruit. Herbs, spices and a bit of pepper. It was truly the wine of the night. — 4 years ago

with Lauren and Katherine

Edmond Bordelon

9.6

This is what good friends serve when you come over unexpectedly. Lewis has consistently been one of my favorite go to prime examples of a solid Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. They just kill it every year. Good to have friends like that...🍷😃 — 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.3

Seafood tower pick. Amazing wine from an amazing vineyard and outstanding house. I had the pleasure of walking the vineyards and visiting the winery, partaking of multiple upon multiple wines that would be part of their final product. So this one is special to me. While lower in minerality and not as acidic as many French Chards can be, the smoothness of this liquid gold touched off the brine of the seafood nicely. Great cheese paring. — 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.4

Even though it says ‘Obsidian’ it is no longer called that. It is the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon...and it is enormously enjoyable, even though the 2016 can handle a lot more time in the bottle. Love what Susan and Ron Krausz have done up on Howell Mountain. Everything from this estate (and winemaker Sam Kaplan) have been memorable. So we opened a bottle to celebrate turning the never-used dining room into a tasting room with this memorable bottle from Arkenstone. — 4 years ago

with Lauren and Katherine

Edmond Bordelon

9.3

Following up wine with the good friends (who are becoming my best friends if they keep this up). This time from the north end of Napa Valley, which always confuses me how the north end is warmer than the south end of the valley. (Bay breezes). Famous winery with historic past does not disappoint with their deep purple, dark blueberry and soft tannin wine. — 4 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.0

Homemade sushi with tuna caught that morning by my daughter requires a nice clean, slight fruit and floral saki! This one was perfect, and so was the sushi! — 4 years ago

with Lauren