John Bratincevic

9.1

Old faithful. When I want good wine and don’t want the burden of choice - this is old reliable. Nose: smells like good American wine! Dark fruits, cassis (I suppose), a little black pepper, blackberry. A little grilled meat in there too. Taste: the tannins hit you, I think it’s a little young. Tastes basically as it smells, plus a little bitter coffee and cocoa. Not overly soft/lush. Not a “value”, but always enjoyable. 91-92. — 2 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Wow 98 is good. Mesmerizing aromatics of saffron, allspice and honeycomb with a silky liquid cashmere texture, dazzling length and racy acids. The whole package. As they say, liquid gold, and all that was needed for dessert. Great to be able to enjoy more than just a glass. 👑 — 2 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.7

Easter splurge… very young, but amazing potential. Impressive balance, nice acidity, long finish. Hang on to these and drink your ‘08’s and ‘12’s… you’ll be glad you did. More expressive fruit than anticipated, but the brioche and lemon curd notes emerge as it warms. Happy Easter, Vinous! — 2 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.2

Fresh, elegant, and pure. Just what the doctor ordered to energise the mid-week slump! Unfurls in the glass with aromas of cherry liqueur, mint, dusty florals, and a tincture of meatiness. The palate’s silky and airy, with juicy acidity and fine sandy tannins felt on the gums (more specifically at the base of the teeth). Subtle finish that’s actually quite long, as it lingers with notes of cherry and earthy accents. With air, the mid-to-back palate gained some mineral notes which I wanted more of, but alas the bottle was finished! Such is the danger of a great wine - an empty bottle comes far too soon, without you even realising it. — 2 years ago

Leo Gentile

9.1

Second bottle from purchase last fall. Pale garnet with a hint of brick red. Jammy raspberry on the nose. Bright red raspberry delicate tannins delicious wine with Easter ham. Color is a little concerning — 2 years ago

Roy Goble

9.5

My score might be a bit high, but I loved drinking a more affordable version of VHR! Still up there at $125 but it’s half the price of their flagship wine and still has all the charm. — 2 years ago

Jody Wycech

9.5

Loved this wine. Very tannic and full bodied. Dark fruits on the nose with subtle herbal (rosemary?) and leather notes. Blackberry and dark cherry on the palette. Stood up well to a Moroccan chicken dinner. Would love to have again — 2 years ago

with Peter, Diane and 1 other

Adam Beasley

9.4

One of the best California Chardonnays I’ve ever encountered, and the first time I’ve had a Hansel white wine. There’s a lot going on here, and everything is so just delicately balanced. Salty lemon, blood orange, marmalade, pear, fresh herbs, vanilla bean, crushed rocks, mint, etc. The oak treatment here is uniquely impressive, and the wine just keeps giving. Would love to revisit in a few years, because it will improve. — 2 years ago

Bill Donaldson

9.1

Got this at a steal for $25 after a taste test and adult Easter egg hunt discount! Absolutely love it. Full bodied with medium tannins, jam and dark berries. Will save the bottle for a special occasion steak night. — 2 years ago