DuMOL
Lia Russian River Valley Viognier 2013
Fresh cut grass, Meyer lemon and a bit of saline are prominent on the nose. Light gold color. Nice viscosity and weight with a tropical profile of pineapple and mango with some almond paste. Fairly high acidity comes through on the finish balancing out the fruit. In a great place right now and perfect on a hot summer night. DuMol makes great wines that generally reward patience. — 12 days ago
Jonata Winery
La Sangre de Jonata Ballard Canyon Syrah
After an hour decant, notes of hoisin, grilled meats and framboise. Color is a beautiful dark ruby red. Palate explodes with cocoa, plum and blackberry. Finish is fairly long with a little bell pepper, milk chocolate (?) and black tea. Definitely in a great place to drink now. — 20 days ago
Littorai
The Haven Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2014
An near perfect summer wine. Pale gold in color with fresh grass, wax and lemon notes emerging from the glass. Beautiful heft on the palate lifted by bright acid. Well balanced wine with lychee, slate and saline. Finish is long and is tart and crisp. — 5 days ago
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Napa County Cabernet Franc 2011
Fragrant blackberries and currants explode from the glass even at 10 years old. A bit more muted on the palate but presents a nice balance of black and blue fruits, milk chocolate and a bit of bell pepper. Finish has some tannic grip but finishes on a savory note. Drink up if you have any left. Pride makes some of the best Cab Franc in Napa (though the CF is technically from the Sonoma side of the property). — 13 days ago
Viader
Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend
2 hour decant. Blueberry pie and a hint of eucalyptus on the nose. Fruit is still fresh and vibrant with good acidity. Graphite, black tea and blackberry dominate the palate. Finish is fairly long with some tannins and ends with a hint of red and black licorice. — 21 days ago
Turley
Heminway Vineyard Zinfandel 2011
Pretty purple with the edges starting to lighten up to ruby red. More restrained style - plenty of depth without being really jammy. Blue fruit gives way to chambord, grilled meat and cocoa with black tea on the long finish. Amazingly balanced for 15.7% alcohol. Turley continues to make some of the best Zinfandel around. — 10 days ago
Radio-Coteau
La Neblina Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Beautiful after a 2 hour decant. Still fresh with good acidity. Finish is quite long and savory. Fruit forward (primarily cranberry and plum) with really nice secondary notes of lavender, white pepper and sour cherries. Visually just a bit thin on the edges so likely will decline from here. — 15 days ago
William Feinstein
Good but certainly not great Brunello. The elements are all there but it just misses the mark with a thin mid-palate. Finished nicely with lots of black tea notes and tannins. Wish it had a bit more fruit to balance out the tannins. — 4 days ago