Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

History begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor in San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is 100% Zin! Deep red almost purple. Aromas of cherry fruit and unmistakable Zin spice! In the palate, blackberry and cherry flavors with peppery herb spice integrated with dusty tannins. Lively acidity shows up in the medium finish ending with a big fruit finish. Nice! — 6 years ago

Michael Genn

9.6

First vintage on 100% new oak. Very excited to see this one age! — 6 years ago

suresh venkatesan

10

Absolutely fantastic value. Drinks like a $100 wine. Drank in 2017. — 6 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.2

SBRAGIA!! This was opened tonight. Cork bleed through about 20% of the cork. Initially the nose was quite amazing, and really showed signs of herb and mature black fruit. The palate didn't match the nose. On the palate, initially there was a LOT of smoke, green herb and bitter tobacco, pungent finish which was rather "shroomy." But, the structure of this wine was rather good, with tannin just about 100% resolved. This wine improved SUBSTANTIALLY over the next hour. Front was blackberry, herb, black tea and fig. The middle still showed some tobacco and a bit of green pepper, but it was in check, and allowed the blackberry and black pepper to finish the job. — 7 years ago

Vinous Favorites

Delicious wines for less than $25 chosen by Vinous critics

8.9

The pale-colored 2014 Rosé Elke Home Ranch, 100% whole-cluster Pinot Noir, is an absolutely delicious wine to drink now and over the next few years. Bright, perfumed and silky on the palate, the 2014 offers up plenty of bright cranberry and raspberry notes in an appealing crisp, bone-dry style. (AG)
— 7 years ago

Randy P

9.2

Bangin' with a year and half in bottle after 22 months in 100% neutral wood. Fresh cracked black pepper, floral bing cherry and a juicy king drawn out finish. I'm going to drink more of this. — 7 years ago

Keith Eddleman

9.9

Night number 2 on this one. This is the de facto standard for what people mean by "Big Napa Cab" it's rich, it's velvety, it's 100% Cabernet. Would love to cellar this for years but irresistible. — 8 years ago

with Jill

Tom Johnson

9.7

This is my first exposure to this wine, but definitely won't be the last.....ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!! Rich dark fruit, very lush and complex. From back label, "Along the western slopes of Napa Valley in Calistoga, lie 125 acres of premium vineyard. Dr. Kenefick, retired neurosurgeon has farmed these red rock filled soils for over three decades. Kenefick Ranch wines speak of the place, the man, and his vision. 100% estate grown and sustainably farmed. Aged 18 months in French barrique."

The nose was so wonderful, I had to taste before letting it breathe....it was marvelous. It continued to improve in complexity for three hours before it made the best compliment to braised lamb chops. — 8 years ago

Christian Sparks

9.0

Smoke. Tar. First time having a 100% Petit Verdot. Looking forward to a few years from now. — 9 years ago

Patrick Cranley

9.2

A very complex GB (10% neutral oak). Only 100% GB bottled in Napa. 2013 is 7th vintage. Full mouth feel, good acidity. Lovely with sauced chicken, roasted peppers, smoked cheeses. Only $20 retail. — 9 years ago

Courtney Humiston

Sommelier Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen, Freelance Wine Writer

9.3

From a biodynamic vineyard, 100 percent whole cluster. Beautifully balanced in all ways, fruit, tannin, earth, acidity. Nicolas nails it. Tasted in his cellar in Santenay. — 10 years ago

Chad Bowman

Sales LDF Sales

9.7

So awesome. 100% stems, 12% ABV, lean and trim. As close to N. Rhone as it's going to get in Cali. Long life ahead. — 11 years ago

Boxer Briefs

9.8

Planted in 2007, big wine in a big vintage. Cooler site, on the west side of the AVA out by elk cove and BTF. Another stunner, 15’s have fruit for days, maybe years. This wine is 100% whole cluster, the only in the lineup, all of the wines are ticking up in percentage every year but this one tops the chart and is distinctly different on the nose and has a silkier texture than the other bottlings — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

A wine I’ve enjoyed mostly upon release or near it. I vowed to wait six years and nearly made it. At least it is 2018...just! It’s worth waiting this/that long for it to develop. On the nose; sweetly, baked fruits of; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, and notes of blue fruits. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium, beautiful spice, black fruit tea, limestone minerals, loamy, dry, brown top soil, fresh dark florals and violets. The mouthfeel is full, rich & lush. The tannins are round, still have some teeth and possess velvety round edges. It’s fruit driven but not a bomb and showing elegance & grace. Fruits are perfectly ripe; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, notes of blue fruits and dry cranberries dip in and out. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium beautiful spice that is more pronounced on the palate, black fruit tea, touch of melted brown sugar/molasses, limestone minerals, touch of rich dark sweet turned soil, loamy dry brown top soil, soft understated eucalyptus/mint, dry fresh florals and violets. The round acidity is just right, just a slight very small alcohol burn, the length, structure, tension and beautifully balanced finish are in a very good place. Even better in 2-3 more years in bottle; which is when I’ll have my next one. Photos of; the winemaking duo of Gary Franscioni (left) and Gary Pisoni, Rosella’s Vineyard on the right. As well as, Garys’ Vineyard at the bottom. Producer notes and history...The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is known for its rich, vibrant Pinot Noirs. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first Pinot was planted in 1973, but results weren’t all that great. Chardonnay was the appellation’s early star. Much of the area’s current fame for Pinot Noir arguably can be traced to Gary Pisoni, a free-spirited wine enthusiast who grew up in a Salinas Valley vegetable farming family. Pisoni decided to plant a few acres of Pinot Noir in 1982 on his family’s horse ranch, at the southern end of what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation but his horses started eating the grapes. So, they had to go. His initial planting were limited by a lack of water until he dug a well on the property. Pisoni started planting even more Pinot Noir. The vineyard is now around 45 acres and nearly all of it Pinot. By the late 1990s, word had spread about the success of his vineyard, and a number of Pinot specialists from around California had started lining up to buy his grapes. He started producing his own wine in 1998. Pisoni isn’t the only Gary who has become a force in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary Franscioni, a childhood friend, followed Pisoni’s lead by planting grapes and started Roar Wines in 2001. The two of them now have five vineyards between them...all farmed meticulously with the same crew. They are best of friends...sort of a Mutt & Jeff. They have become a formidable presence in the Highlands, attracting interest from top winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers from all over. Franscioni is also from a vegetable farming family; Pisoni figures they’ve known each other since they were 3 or 4. Franscioni saw his friend’s success and once he got some money together, decided to plant grapes of his own. Franscioni’s property is farther north and cooler as it’s closer to the Monterey Bay. He was going to plant Chardonnay. He woke up and Franscioni recalls imitating Pisoni, and shouted, “plant Pinot!” Franscioni planted what became Rosella’s Vineyard, named for his wife, in 1996. He took Pisoni’s advice and planted four acres of Pinot Noir, although he still planted 12 acres of Chardonnay. It’s now a total of around 50 acres with three-quarters of it Pinot Noir. The next year, they decided to become partners and planted Garys’ Vineyard, a 50 acre parcel where they grow Pinot and a little Syrah. Since then, Franscioni has developed Sierra Mar, 38 acres of Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah and a tiny amount of Viognier. The two teamed up again to establish Soberanes Vineyard, 35 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, with a little bit of Chardonnay and Syrah. That last vineyard was developed by Pisoni’s son Mark. The Garys might seem an unlikely pair. Pisoni is colorful character to say the least and has an outspoken manner. Franscioni comes across as more serious- minded. However, the collaboration between the two, who often address each other as “partner,” clearly works well. The two are good on their own, but better together. Pisoni being more gregarious acts as the frontman. He is the Ambassador. He’s a check on the rest to keep the quality high. Franscioni and Mark Pisoni run the farming on their own vineyards and work together on the joint ventures. The family involvement doesn’t stop there. Jeff Pisoni makes his family’s wines, which are under the Pisoni and Lucia brands. Franscioni’s son, Adam, joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. He handles sales for Roar and helps his father manage the vineyards. The grapes from all five vineyards are in huge demand, because the two families are such careful farmers, constantly tweaking and improving. Prominent customers include; Testarossa, Siduri, Kosta Browne, Copain and Bernardus. When a new vintner approaches them about buying grapes, the partners examine the winery’s track record and the Winemaker. If they like what they see, the winery is put on a waiting list. There’s not very much movement in their vineyards. When Franscioni planted Sierra Mar, he and Pisoni had 62 wineries waiting to buy fruit. Soberanes was developed with the idea of working with some new winemakers. There was some concern, even among the two families, that quality might suffer as the vineyard operations grew. However, there’s no indication that’s the case. In fact, with each new venture, they build on what they’ve learned in their older vineyards. Eventually, there will be even more vineyards. The Pisonis and Franscionis have purchased a 100 acre cactus farm in the Santa Lucia Highlands. There’s still a lease on the property. So, prickly pear cactus will continue to be grown for five more years. But at some point, the land will be planted with vines. Both families understand the importance of continuing to build for the future. The Garys looking back tell a story of being in the same spot some years ago and looking at a field of broccoli out back. He told Franscioni that the field would look a lot better with Pinot Noir vines. Now that parcel is part of Rosella’s Vineyard, and it’s planted with Pinot. Everybody thought he was crazy...most people usually think that when someone makes a bold decision. He’s a person who has always had vision and creativeness. He also has tremendous passion. Good things only happen when a person possesses all three of these qualities. Their wines are primarily available by mailing list. However, Nepenthe in Big Sur, CA acts as a quasi tasting room for some of their wines. — 6 years ago

Mason Balistreri

Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits

9.4

Valentines day wine! 1999 Mazoni Home Ranch from ridge. Field blend of Zin, Carignane and Petite Sirah from 100 year+ old vines, the kind typical of Italian farmers in the nineteenth century north coast. It's pretty delicious today: extremely clean black cherry with a touch of peppery spice. The oak has faded into the fruit and gave it enough structure to keep this long... the nose was a touch old, but blew off after an hour. — 8 years ago

with Kate

Don Litho

9.5

Great 100% cabernet sauv wine. Smooth, very velvety on the palate, easy drinking. Great drinking wine by itself (no food pairing). Had it with hearty pasta dish and absolutely loved it. — 9 years ago

Ian Doody

9.0

Great recco by Michael. 100% Syrah. Very big fruit. Nice. — 9 years ago

with Lindsay

Christine Havens

9.8

Yesterday I gave the 2002 Abreu Thorevilos five stars, if I could give the Madrona Ranch 5.5 stars, I would. Like the Thorevilos, Madrona Ranch Cabernet is limited production wine, only 500 cases were made, and it, too received a perfect 100 points from Parker. Thankfully, I tasted this before knowing anything about the producer. Utterly seductive and elegant. Black raspberry, blueberry, graphite and lilacs. Opulent, silky and expansive on the palate. Glides to a finish with tobacco, clove and cocoa powder. — 9 years ago

William Allen - Two Shepherds

Owner/Winemaker Two Shepherds

10

CA first labelled 100% Grenache Gris from 80 year old vines. Carbonic, skin & neutral barrel. Off the charts savory, wonderful. 12.6 — 11 years ago

with Sam

Henrik Poulsen

9.1

@Delectable Wine
Redding Ranch, Brut Marin County.
12.5% alc.
100% Pinot Noir (42% barrel fermented). — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Bottle number two of the night. Don’t think I’ve ever had anything from St Suprey, though I’ve seen their bottles around/passed by the winery. Dark chocolate covered strawberries and nutmeg on the nose, also some smoke. The palate was smooth, but not overly complex. Cherry liqueur, blackberry pie on the finish. A nice wine, but not sure it’s worth the $100 price tag. — 6 years ago

Rhonely Boy

9.1

Dried strawberries, baked cranberries, baked red apple skins, used tea bag, Med+ acidity, tannin and soil in the finish. Nice autumn wine. 100% Counoise 13% ABV. Fun to see it go from bright red fruit and aggressive, to more mature, in about one year of holding. — 7 years ago

Matt Trader

9.6

First off, delectable has no rating frome anyone on this specific skew, and I forgot to take a picture. This was the Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 100 case production. This was wine of the night. So much flavor, aroma, and most importantly balance. One of the best Oakville Cabs I've had in some time. I need more wine like this in my life! — 7 years ago

Martin G Rivard

9.5

This was our second wine of the night Monday evening. I am a huge fan of this winery. They are simply incredible. Everything I love in a California Cabernet. 100% cab. Full lush mount feel with globs of dark fruit perfectly integrated on the palate. Bravo! I highly highly recommend this to everyone. — 8 years ago

with Ted and Christine

Dave Kim

8.9

A dry Riesling from the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley. 100%Main Ranch Estate Vineyard with 12.5% alcohol. Medium straw in appearance with scents of orange blossoms, citrus and dried apricots. Stainless Steel fermented. Would be outstanding with seafood, Thai, Japanese, Korean, etc. — 8 years ago

Jerae Knutson

DuMOL Member Services

9.6

Insanely good. I'm so excited for my fall shipment, I took mostly whites. ACIDITY!!! Incredible, from 100 year old vines. I'm enjoying this wine with chicken that I baked in a mushroom sauce. — 8 years ago

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.0

American Chasselas from 100 year-old Pagani Ranch vines? Sign me up! This is light, crisp and refreshing. Leaning to the pear and melon side of the fruit spectrum. Perfect on a hot day. — 9 years ago

Marcus Edmonds

9.1

Appearance: plush, rich velvet. Clear.
Nose:
Taste: great structure. Velvet, smooth, raspberry, cherry, dry
Finish: nice long smooth finish. Enjoy
Overall: merry edwards produces fabulous wines at a very competitive price. Must try as a Cali pinot. If liked join the list and buy single vineyards

Drink: Now (2015) - 2025
Food/Solo: either works.

WE: 96 (#36 top 100 wines 2011)
CG: 92
WS: 89 — 9 years ago

Craig Haarmeyer

9.8

This is actually made by me @ Rev Wines now and is 100% Chenin Blanc from the old vine Sutter Ranch vineyard. — 11 years ago

Scott Hill

10

Wine Spectator Top 100 — 12 years ago