Zachary Price

9.0

Holiday vino! This little beauty came in my last shipment from Foxen, one of my favorite producers in Santa Barbara county. The Guillermo Grasso is Foxen’s take on a new world Tuscan - a 50:50 Sangiovese (Faith Vineyard)-Cabernet Sauvignon (Vogelzang Vineyard). 22 months in French Oak - 40% new - gives this wine a hefty punch of tannin and body. While the Vogelzang Vineyard is well known for producing wonderfully complex Cabernet, I’m not as familiar with Faith Vineyard - however a quick Google search shows that the Vineyard, located in Santa Ynez, specializes in Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc on a 7 acre plot. Though Foxen recommends cellaring this one for a few years to mellow out - I’m drinking it early. Paired with fish tacos. ~$35 | #foxen #santaynezvalley #supertuscan

On the eyes: Deep, concentrated blood red, bright - but hazy (unfined and unfiltered), med+ stain, med+ tears, no gas.

On the nose: Strawberry, cherry, rose hips, pencil shavings, tobacco, and a bit of earthy funk. Med+ alcohol.

On the tongue: Med+ acid, med+ tannin, med+ alcohol, full body, firm and tight. Red currants, raspberry, floral high notes, cigar box, and worn leather. A bit cloying and rambunctious - it would benefit from a year or two in the cellar, but still very yummy! Decant it and enjoy! Merry Christmas! — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This wine seriously has more bacon fat and pork than I've experienced in a bottle. The fruit is one of the last things I will have in this description. It's why there is a pig in the picture collage! I had to do it because right now that is the dominating flavor of the wine. I am going to come back to this in a bit. Let's see what happens after some time in the decanter. This starting to calm down a bit. On the nose, bacon fat, pork, grilled meats, BBQ sauce, olive, loads of milk chocolate, brine, brown sugar, dried blood, pepper, black plum, dark cherries, blackberries, faint strawberries, dry stones, loamy clay soil, scorched earth, soy sauce and decayed dark florals. The mouthfeel is thick and brooding. Everything on the nose is on the palate. The acidity is round. The finish is thick, rich with intense flavors that stick to the palate and linger endlessly. If I had more bottles of the 06 En Chamberlin, I'd wait another 8-10 years to open them. It's still a monster. Photos of; the front of their tasting room in downtown Walla Walla that is generally always closed, the stone vineyard of Cayuse that needs to be horse plowed, Christophe Baron (owner), ready to pick grapes and a field pig...just because their is so much pork in this wine. Producer notes and history...while visiting the Walla Walla Valley in 1996, Christophe Baron spotted a plot of land that had been plowed up to reveal acres of softball-sized stones. He became ridiculously excited. This stony soil, this terroir, reminded him of vineyards he had visited in France (Rhone Valley) and Spain. The difficult ground would stress the grapevines, making them produce more mature, concentrated fruit. Christophe Baron had found a new home. He named his vineyard after the Cayuse, a Native American tribe whose name was taken from the French cailloux–which means, of course, rocks. Hours of back-breaking work later, Cayuse Vineyards has become five vineyards encompassing 50 acres: Armada, Cailloux, Coccinelle (Ladybug), En Cerise (Cherry), and En Chamberlin. The majority of the vineyards are planted with Syrah, and the rest dedicated to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Tempranillo and Viognier. All of the vineyards are planted in rocky earth within the Walla Walla Valley appellation. Cayuse was also the first winery in Walla Walla to farm using biodynamic methods. These highly stressed vineyards average a yield of only two tons or less per acre (30 hectolitres per hectare), resulting in wines true to each vineyard’s unique terroir. Cayuse specializes in four estate-vineyard Syrahs, along with Bionic Frog Syrah, Impulsivo Tempranillo, Widowmaker Cabernet-Sauvignon, two Bordeaux blends named Camaspelo & Flying Pig and Viognier. Look for their other partnership wines; Horsepower & No Girls if you haven't already. Nearly 100% all mailing list, restaurants and secondary markets. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The yield of fruit per acre is only 1.5 tons. Ridiculously, low considering that most growers are above 3 tons an acre in many regions of the world. 50% of this is done in stainless and the other 50% in used oak. On the nose, lemon, lime, herbaceous notes and yellow florals. The body is crazy lean, soft & delicate. White peach, mint, lemon, lime, cream, yellow florals, a life of soft spice on the long finish. Impressive and different from most new world Chardonnay's. Also, this producer does acidity perfectly. — 8 years ago

Ruth Kalinka

9.2

I really liked, clearance $40 from $50. Very nice Pinot Noir. Fruit and smooth, not earthy — 8 years ago

Martin Redmond

9.1

Dark ruby color with brambly mixed black and red fruit and spice aromas. On the palate it's medium-bodied, and focused with creme de mure, black and red currant, black cherry, and spice with a very appealing minerality. Long finish. A field blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet, Grand Noir, Teroldego, Syrah, Black Muscat and Golden Chasselas. From 4.5 acres of wizened, stumplike, dry-farmed, head-trained red vines, which, planted in 1910, produce only half a ton per acre. — 9 years ago

Christine Havens

9.3

Soter's 2012 Mineral Springs 'White Label' Pinot Noir has a rather unique story in that it is crafted from an unidentified "heirloom" clone. Who cares what the clone is, the results are spectacular. The perfect combination of concentration and finesse, the nose is a romp through a damp and earthy forest glen, fields of lavender, and then to the market, to find juicy blackberries and blueberries at their peak. Equally lush, almost brooding on the palate, with underlying layers of minerality and spice. Pinot reserved for the white label is aged 12 months on 50% new French oak, with 30 days extended maceration and minimal racking. 14.0% ABV — 9 years ago

Uli Klumpp

9.1

Another fine SCM Cab Franc specimen - liked it as much as the 1993. Tasted on two occasions almost two years apart, no signs of exhaustion yet.
Winemaker's Comments: 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, Bates Ranch. Raspberry fruit bouquet with black pepper undertones. Rich, elegant, complex. Round balance, lingering finish. Aged in 50 gal. American oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Only 56 cases produced. Bottled March 1994. — 10 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.1

Only 292 cases produced very dark berry fruit blueberry pretty floral notes dark spices with a chewy texture ripe and round tannins same block every year 1 acre that is it for this wine they have 50 acres they sell 90^ of fruit most excellent — 11 years ago

Benjamin Silver

9.7

Old Vine Carignane planted in the 30's, 40's & 50's - Buchignani Ranch. House Block. — 12 years ago

Daniel Pariser

9.0

Label says it all. Loads of ripe cherry. Some spice. Silky. Crowd pleaser. Great buy for 30 bucks but can do better for 50. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Alban Vineyards as they state in their label "The first American winery & vineyard established exclusively for Rhone varieties." This Syrah has settled in nicely after 10 years in bottle. I would say it's peaking. On the nose; scorched earth, sweet & slowly baked; blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, plum, huckleberries and dark cherries. Mint, eucalyptus, milk chocolate, black olive, notes of liqueur, crushed rocks, loamy top soil and lilacs, violets and lavender. The palate is rich and nicely resolved. The body medium-medium plus. The fruits are ripe, creamy and juicy; blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, plum, huckleberries, dark cherries and strawberries haunt the long fruit set. Mint, eucalyptus, sage, smoked meat, milk chocolate, black olive, notes of liqueur, crushed dry rocks, gritty volcanic minerals, scorched earth, a little bacon fat, underbrush, a whiff of black pepper, lilacs, violets and lavender, great rich, round, fresh acidity with a very good, long, balanced, well structured, finish with length and staying power. I prefer this over the Cayuse I had a couple of weeks ago. Much better balance of fruit, earth, etc.. photos of their Edna Valley vineyard, fruit that needs netting to protect it from the birds, John Alban and the Alban barrel room. Producer notes and history...In 1985, John Alban planted grapes for other people until he bought an estate in 1989. He focused on wines made from Rhône Valley varietals. Alban is one of the pioneers of the Rhone Rangers movement. They are considered to one of the more influential American Rhone producers. In beginning to grow Viognier, Alban said, "I almost single-handedly doubled the world's acreage," referring to a time when its cultivation was reduced to 50 acres or 20 ha in two areas of the Rhône Valley, Condrieu and Château-Grillet. Alban's work, along with that of Josh Jensen of Calera Wine Company (just sold to Duckhorn, ugh!) in San Benito County, helped to significantly expand plantings of Viognier in California at a time when the variety was near extinction. Alban has 250-acre or 100 ha under vine. Their vineyard area extends 60 acres or 24 ha, planted with Syrah, Viognier and Roussanne. The Alban wines produced are; Lorraine Vineyard, Reva Vineyard Syrah, Seymour's Vineyard Syrah, Patrina Alban Estate Syrah and Pandora, a blend of Grenache and Syrah. They also used to produce a dessert wine from 5% botrytis grapes and aged in 50% new oak, called Rotten Luck. You can still find past vintages on Wine-Searcher. — 8 years ago

Ryan Key

9.0

50 Petit Verdot, 30 Malbec, 20 Cab Sauv. Strong cedar and vanilla aroma. Eucalyptus dances on your tongue with a long, strong finish. Huge. Great. — 8 years ago

Shawn R

9.4

Drank this a year ago and man has it changed. Coming from the Chenoweth Vineyard which is know for its PN. Once it comes down to room temp it flashes pineapple, peach and brioche. Hints of orange blossom and green fig. Ultra rich and lush. — 8 years ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.0

50 Zin / 50 Syrah. At Family Winemakers of California Tasting in Del Mar. 3/5/2017. — 8 years ago

Henrik Poulsen

9.0

14.9% alc.
50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah from Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffins Lair, Alder Springs and Bedrock Vineyards.
Unfined/unfiltered.
228 cases produced. — 9 years ago

Ryan Carey

Founder Wine Confidential

9.2

Finally trying Cherry Pie (from Hundred Acre). 3 different single vineyard Pinots from 2012. Stanly Ranch is dynamite (and a vineyard to keep an eye on). Reminiscent of Kosta Browne. Next up is Rodgers Creek. Darker fruit. Less explosive, but a nice wine. Third up is Carinalli. Way lighter, though some spice to it. It's fine, but doesn't hold a candle to the other two. (Thanks Mastro's in Scottsdale for hosting me!) — 9 years ago

John Kemper

9.4

An opaque red/purple, the '00 Ojai Syrah '50% Roll Ranch 50% Bien Nacido' is richly scented with black raspberry, ground pepper and dark cherry notes. Powerful mouth-coating flavors of ripe black fruits with spicy cracked peppercorn accents then flood the palate. The fully-rounded and well-integrated tannins make the lingering finish lip-smackingly delicious. — 10 years ago

Jim Daunais

9.0

For under $30 drinks like a $50+ NAPA Cab - amazing consistency across vintages, the folks at Halter are only getting better and better. — 10 years ago

R Mara

9.6

Dry, full body, need to open 1/2 hour before to really be ready. Smooth no burn or acid. Deep color, more fruit/ berry not so much chocolate. It is a 50 to 60 dollar value IMO — 11 years ago

Beth Rodi

9.5

Only 50 cases a year. Just stayed there too and was so blown away by this wine! — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Fresh, ripe nose of; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum, mocha/milk chocolate, caramel, baking spices, sweet rich clay soils, very light presence of herbs and fresh red flowers with violets. The body is full, rich and nicely resolved with round M+ tannins. The fruits are big and ripe; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum with strawberries dancing in the background. Caramel, mocha/milk chocolate, chocolate pudding, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, hints of clove, sweet rich clay soils, darker spices, crumbled volcanic minerals, touch of dry herbs, suede/velvety leather, mouthwatering, fresh round acidity and a long, rich, elegant, smooth as silk, balanced finish that lasts over a minute. Photos of; the the tasting room/bar, the fresh vegetable honor stand in front of the winery, picnic area and the view onto the valley floor from their terrace. Producer notes and history...born near the Italian-Swiss border, Gaetano Regusci journeyed to the Napa Valley in 1891 working at a dairy along today's Silverado Trail. In 1932, Gaetano cashed in his entire life insurance policy and purchased a foreclosed property across the road, known today as Regusci Ranch. For the next 30 years, Gaetano lived off the land, farming; corn, hay, walnuts, plums and grapes. He ranched cattle, ran a dairy and opened a retail market. They survived prohibition and the great depression. Gaetano held onto the Ranch, passing along the historic Stags Leap District property to his son Angelo in the 1960s. Regusci long before making wine were excellent farmers...a nice resume for growing grapes. Through five generations, they were commited to agriculture. Gaetano Regusci purchased a 289-acre estate in the Stags Leap District; which included one of the preeminent wineries of its time, the Grigsby-Occidental Winery established in 1878. At that time, the wine industry was not what it is today. Aside, from growing and making homemade wine and selling grapes. When Gaetano's son Angelo took over the family Ranch in the 1960s, he began planting Bordeaux varieties on the estate. His decision would prove to be visionary within a few decades. As the wine industry flourished so did their vineyards. They planted a 160 acres of grapes that reside on the estate today. Angelo's (Angelo's Vineyard, is perhaps their best bottling) son Jim became a farmer as well, taking over Ranch duties in the 1990's. Having farmed for many of Napa Valley's most notable vineyards, Jim decided to establish Regusci in 1996. Their first crush amounted to 1,900 cases. Today, they produce 6,500 total cases spilt under several different wines designations. It's a fun place to visit and taste. Behind the tasting bar, they have a two foot piece of the cable that was used to make the Golden Gate Bridge. Ask them to see it. However, it's as heavy as a large dumbbell. When you make an appointment, see about reserving one of their picnic tables after the tasting. If you get a table purchase your lunch before you get to the winery as they do not sell prepared food. However, during the growing season, they have a honor system cart for the fruits and vegetables they still grow as shown in the photos. It's a must stop along the Silverado Trail...a beautiful setting with amazing vistas. — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Located just South of Forest Grove, Oregon on a 585-acre wine estate overlooked by a grand Victorian mansion. Light Ruby with aromas of sweet red fruits and gentle floral notes, aged 10 months in 50% French & 50% Hungarian oak (12% new). On the palate strawberry and ripe cherry flavors with pepper and cedar spice. Sweet savory tannins, nicely balanced with good structure, medium finish ending with mineral tones. Great value! — 8 years ago

Ryan Whalen

9.5

Had with beef at Jonah and Bara's! — 8 years ago

with Erin

Steve Conrad

9.4

With Leo and cousin Cheryl at the avocado ranch north of Santa Barbara. You can see both the Pacific and the edge of heaven from the top of this 3600-acre ranch — 8 years ago

with Cathie

Jeff Shapiro

8.9

Pinot with a Syrah/Zin feeling. Earth, pepper and stone with cranberry, strawberry and tart pomegranate seed.

Honestly I expected more from Martinelli but this is still a solid bottle.
Decanted for 50 minutes. — 9 years ago

Justin Hansohn

9.3

I told someone recently that this is the best American wine in the $50 price range. I wasn't kidding. — 9 years ago

Fabien Lainé

Blogger VinDeling.com

9.6

One of those bottles that you remember all your life, a fair 50€, I need to get more, that was an awesome treat for #winelover - unique Clos La Néore Sancerre, one of the purest Sauvignon Blanc, complex and it still so young - very charming, pure chalky soil a 3.6-acre parcel within the cru of Mont Damnés — 9 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.2

A very juicy merlot with lots of plum and cherry fruit they own three vineyards Stanley ranch 60 acres they purchase 50% of their fruit they use. A good amount of ripe berry and plum fruit with notes of herbs and peppery spice a good amount of fruit for a 2011. Excellent! — 10 years ago

Diedra West

9.1

Diedra had this 10 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.4

50-100 years old 3500kg per liter very small under2tons per acre 100% new barrels better for barrel fermentation deep dark earth soy espresso dark berry and plum fruit meaty dark and wild animal very aromatic black licorice 2010 the best vintage ever2008amaxing next to 2005and of course 2004 very rich and well endowed on the palate very round and silky tannins a big but well balanced wine lots of dark spices and fresh on the finish dark spices and some wild animal like but has lots of fruit earth and dark earth with layers of everything here and in balance. Finish 50+ most excellent — 12 years ago