Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Thought it would be good timing to finally try Rajat’s 2013 Bloom’s Field.

The nose straight out of the decanter gave a strong presence of potpourri laced candle wax. That has subsided now. The fruits are ripe, ruby; blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, baked strawberries, some dry cranberries, raspberries with blackberries pulling up the rear. Nice evenly, soft, layered baking spices; clove, cinnamon, light nutmeg and gentle vanilla. Mixed dark berry cola, understated, black licorice, whiff of lightly grilled meats, black, fruit tea, limestone alluvial soils, dry crushed rocks, dark turned earth, dry herb blend, light, fresh tobacco notes, worn leather with a nice bouquet of; red, dark, purple and blue florals.

The body is, round, ruby and just full. Tannins still have adolescent teeth. The structure, tension could use some more time in bottle...length and balance have just hit their stride. Gorgeous mouthfeel. The fruits are ripe, ruby, a little gluey; blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, baked strawberries, some dry cranberries, raspberries with blackberries pulling up the rear. Nice evenly, soft, layered baking spices; clove, cinnamon, light nutmeg and gentle vanilla. Mixed dark berry cola, dark spices, understated, black licorice, lightly grilled meats, black, fruit tea, limestone alluvial soils, dry crushed rocks, dry pebbles, moist, dark turned earth, dry herb blend, light, fresh tobacco notes, worn leather with a nice bouquet of; red, dark, purple and blue florals with gentle lavender on the back end. The acidity is a gentle rain shower. The beautiful finish is straight up; elegant, well balanced, seamless and persists nicely for minutes.

Paired with Kentucky Bourbon Marinated Chicken Skewers and Wild Rice.

Photos of; Bloom’s Field Vineyard, The Sommeliers Altas of Taste that Rajat & Jordan Macrat wrote. Good read if you are so inclined & of course, Master Sommelier/Owner/Winemaker-Rajat Parr.

Additional notes; Rajat has always loved Pinot and its many expressions from all over the world. After becoming one of the better & more well known Master Somms, it was his dream to make world class Pinot Noir. He is succeeding as his last few vintages have gotten very high notoriety. It was his 2015 Bloom’s Field that Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson featured in Somm 3 in his recreation of the Judgment of Paris with some of the best palates in NYC and again separately with The Godfather of Master Somms-Fred Dame, Author-Jancis Robinson & Steven Spurrier. — 6 years ago

Shawn R

9.4

Drank side by side with the Heritage offering. Fruit not as prevalent in comparison. Earthy and herbaceous (not bell pepper) smoke and slightly crunchy tannins. — 7 years ago

Andy80218

8.9

Biodynamic, alluvial soil, ?terracota — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

This is an elegant, feminine beauty. It's a back to back night of 2003. On the nose, liqueured black cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, warm, slightly chard toast, anise, black cherry licorice, baking spices and dark fresh & dry florals. The mouthfeel is resolved, rich and elegant. Fruits of; black cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, a blend of black raspberries & raspberries. Bright vanillin, cinnamon, medium spice, toast, bright red florals, violets, dark & milk chocolate, rich, moist loamy soils, touch of crushed rocks, delicate volcanic minerals, mouthwatering acidity and a polished, rich finish that lasts & lasts. This is somewhere around it's peak. It's incredibly delicious! Photos of; their beautiful vineyards, amazing Italian style villa estate and front entrance. Producer history and notes...Blankiet was started by Claude & Katherine Blankiet in 1996 with 46 acres ranging over several volcanic hills above the town of Yountville. I believe Claude made his first big money as the creator of Stone Washed Jeans. David Abreu was hired to develop the land and Helen Turley made their first eight vintages. The winery is connected to a deep underground network of caves and were designed by architect John Lail. Blankiet’s current winemaker is Bordelais Denis Malbec, the former cellar master at Chateau Latour. Blankiet is located in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted in volcanic soils while the Merlot is planted in gravelly-clay alluvial soils. Blankiet has great Terrior locations and have spared no expense in their winemaking facilities. If you haven't had their wines, they are definitely worth acquiring. — 9 years ago

David Kline

9.6

Stunning entry exhibits alluvial floral expansiveness with a delicate earth and black currant profile. Tastes of cassis and black cherry with baked plum, silky smooth violet and blackberry. Refined tannins, effortlessly become mocha and currants. — 10 years ago

with Courtney

Erik Nordman

9.0

Pours ever so slightly brownish-tinged deep ruby garnet. Blackberry and plum preserves, dusty leather, wet alluvial earth, bit of clove and nutmeg spice, green bell pepper, bit of barnyard-animal brett funk. Medium acid, tannins decently round, gently gripping. Would've liked juuust a bit more body/texture but honestly quite enjoyable, decent QPR for sure. First time I've had a red Bordeaux that is from a more specific appellation than just the general Bordeaux AOC. Will definitely have to explore right bank blends some more. — 11 years ago

Will Farley

8.9

Medium to full body. Cherry and strawberry. Alluvial soils. The whole cluster is present in the wine in a great way. The stem taste is present but not overbearing. — 11 years ago

SV

9.0

Very old vine zin - planted on its own roots in 1890, dry-farmed off the Delta in alluvial soil, and (I'm guessing) probably pretty crazy looking. The wine is really good. Smells like blue fruit and baking spices. Tastes unexpectedly springy and bright, like rhubarb jam, with a balanced flinty finish. Great story and a fun wine. — 11 years ago

Mark Lindzy

9.0

Yes this is the "basic" Dashe wine, and yes I'm their national schnook, but DAMN this is good (cellar temp sure helps.) Blackberry, currant, hint of bay leaf, alluvial minerality and that vibrant acidity that is so Dry Creek! — 12 years ago

Mike Lucia

Assistant Winemaker Copain Wines

9.6

100 % whole cluster Sangio. Alluvial soil. 2010. Great wine — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

The Joseph Phelps party. The 09 Backus from magnum.

Nose reveals, bright dark & mid red, candied/floral fruits of; blackberries, loads of dark cherries & strawberries, black plum, dry cranberries and hints of blue fruit on the high nose. Black licorice, dark fruit roll ups, bright red cola, dry crushed limestone minerals, Provence herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, light; fresh tobacco, leather volcanic minerals, alluvial soils with bright dark, red and blue florals.

The body is full with soft, sweet, round tannins. The tension, structure, length and balance are just hitting their groove. Bright dark & mid red, candied/floral fruits of; blackberries, loads of dark cherries & strawberries, black plum, dry cranberries, hints of blue fruit on the high nose. Black licorice, dark fruit roll ups, bright red cola, dry crushed limestone minerals, Provence herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, light; fresh tobacco, leather, cedar, volcanic minerals & alluvial soils. Bright dark, red, blue florals with violets and lavender. The acidity is round and nicely executed. The long finish is ripe, ruby, well balanced with a sort sham rag texture on the long set. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

If you didn’t know already, this is the second wine of Dominus.

The nose reveals; sour dark cherries, blackberries, baked strawberries, sugar style plum, black raspberries, sweetened, lean pomegranate, candied raspberries, blue fruits, vanilla, light clove, anise, steeped, black fruit tea, graphite, dark, rich, turned earth,sweet tarriness, limestone, alluvial soils, dry top soil, leathery notes, cedar, moist crushed rocks, dash of dry herbs with withering, dark, red flowers and old violets.

The body is medium full. The tannins nicely resolved but, still show a fair amount of firmness. The structure, tension, length and balance have hit a high point. Sour dark cherries, blackberries, baked strawberries, sugar style plum, black raspberries, sweetened, lean pomegranate, candied raspberries, a fair amount of blue fruits that hide on the nose, vanilla, light clove, dark spice anise, steeped, black fruit tea, graphite, dark, rich, turned earth, dark tar, limestone, alluvial soils, dry top soil, underbrush, tough shoe leather, cedar, moist crushed rocks, gritty volcanic minerals, dry clay, dash of dry herbs with fresh & withering, dark, red flowers and bright violets. The acidity is vibrant and fresh. The long finish starts ripe, bright candied fruits and slides into slightly dominate, dry earthiness and persists several minutes.

I would say this is still a hold for another 3-5 years. The 05 could show another point or two then. Just missing 92 now.

Photos of; Dominus and their estate vines, wine making legend, Christian Moueix, (been blessed to sit with him through a couple of dinners), their barrel room and the reverse view as you approach the winery. — 7 years ago

Flora Bokma

9.1

Very dark opaque red wine. Blackberry lavender and thyme on the nose. Medium tannins along with thick rich mouth feel. I taste the fruit. I taste the spice. I don't know exactly what alluvial soil is, but I think I taste it! There is a smooth minerality to the finish. Food friendly wine. We are enjoying it with creamy potato soup spiced up with pepper flakes. I imagine it would be spectacular with burger or steak or lamb. — 8 years ago

Lily Davis

French Wine Specialist at Ottorink Weinbar

9.2

85/15 Merlot CF on clay soils with some alluvial gravel. L'Evangile sits right between Petrus to the north and Chevalier Blanc to the south. The clay perfume on the nose reminded me of stepping out of the car in Bandol. Elegant blackberry and spice box. A wine to age. Lovely. — 9 years ago

Mark Lindzy

9.1

Almate 2015 firing on all cylinders, with the purity of red fruit layered over fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and alluvial minerality. #fourlayerdip — 9 years ago

Steph Anie

9.0

Ancient marine layers and alluvial soils are a result of the primordial sea and shallow coral beds over oceanic volcanic crust (back panel). Fresh with a hint of vanilla/oak. — 10 years ago

David Kline

9.2

The lightest pineapple wafts above lemon oils misting over light alluvial rock surfaces. There are hints of lemon pudding, but they are not the vandal scrawl of winemaking delinquency, but crowning accoutrements to this lady's natural form. Seamless. #thecalling #duttonranch #chardonnay — 10 years ago

with Courtney

Tom Kobylarz

9.4

Classic Meao that is intense but at the same time light on its feet. But that is what you get when you combine the great 3 main terroirs of the Meao property: schist, granite and riverside alluvial mounds. Power, grace and depth are achieved on the palate without trying hard. The wine delivers layer upon layer of flavor and complexity effortlessly. The wine is young, so the longer you can decant the better. A few hours is ideal, but open in the bottle for 1 day is better (how we had it). More black to dark red fruits, spice and the most intense depth and complexity of all the the Meao on the day.
Tasted at Quinta do Vale Meao 10/16/2015, bottle open 24 hours.
#meao #dourovalley — 11 years ago

Christine Havens

9.2

'Les Picasses' lies along a riverbank on a fairly steep slope that is primarily alluvial clay overlaying chalk and limestone. The vines are over 50 years old and the site is known to produce wines with fabulous purity and minerality. As such the Olga Raffault 'Les Picasses' Chinon 1989 has had time to mellow, the aromas are quite lovely—lavender, game, worn leather, a touch of barnyard, and cellar dust. There is a throaty, sensual wildness to this wine, punctuated by a vein of bright acidity and minerals. Everything I love in Loire Valley Cab Franc. — 11 years ago

Delectable Wine

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10

The recipe for greatness in this bottle, equal parts:
• Rutherford's stony, alluvial soil
• Cathy's sage-like light touch in the winery
• The patience for tannin, fruit & mineral characters to become perfectly in sync dance partners
• The generosity of friends to share
• Outstanding drinking companions — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I coravined a taste of this last night. As I was sipping it, I was thinking that if you didn’t have a trained, sharp palate, many would call this Napa or Mendoza Malbec. Largely because of its bountiful milk chocolate/Mocha qualities with bright blue-purple florals.

The nose is beautiful, deep, dark, ripe, currants/cassis, dark cherries, blackberries, blue & purple fruit mix, pomegranate with baked, strawberries on the glass edges. Sweet berry cola to light fruit liqueur, vanilla, alluvial soils, clay, dry crushed rocks, notes of root beer, malted milk balls, light caramel, mocha, milk chocolate, soft dry herbs, black licorice to the core of anise, underbrush, slightly used leather, dry tobacco, some dark spice, with fresh, bright dark & red florals.

The body is full and lush. Mouthfeel gorgeous. The tannins are round but, still have some tarry teethiness. The structure, tension are still sizable. The length and balance have hit a nice groove. Still 10-15 years of good drink ahead. Deep, dark, ripe, currants/cassis, dark cherries, blackberries, blue & purple fruit mix, pomegranate with baked, strawberries on the glass edges. Sweet berry cola to cherry kirsch fruit liqueur, vanilla, black licorice to anise, alluvial soils, clay, dark, rich, turned earth, dry crushed rocks, graphite, dry tobacco, underbrush, notes of root beer, malted milk balls, light caramel, mocha, milk chocolate, soft dry herbs, black licorice to the core of anise, underbrush, slightly used leather, dry tobacco, dark spice with rising palate heat, with fresh, bright dark, red florals with violets. The acidity is near perfect. The long, rich, lush, ripe well balanced finish persists endlessly.

Stoled this at the Benchmark Bin Sale.

Photos of, The Vineyardist Estate. — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 'Que Bonito Cacareaba’ by Bodega Contador is a stunning effort in this vintage. The wine is a compelling blend of 50% Garnacha Blanca, 35% Malvasía, 15% Viura all sourced from head-trained vines gown in a mix of alluvial and calcareous soil from the districts of San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Briones with Rioja Alta. Showing off a golden hue, this exudes a wide range of aromatics, from unripe nectarine to lychee to tangerine zest. The texture is polished and downright unctuous, yeilding flavors of bright pear, pink grapefruit zest, starfruit and lychee that all beautifully connect. This is bright yet highly rich and satisfying. A sensational effort by Benjamin Romeo. Drink 2019-2035- 94 — 7 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.3

@Delectable Wine this is more specifically the alluvial selection cabernet from 2015 . I did not see it in the database . This was a selection at the Gemstone tasting arranged graciously by Al Buis. My rating of this wine at the present time is a 93. I certainly think it is capable of more. TRB wine sourced from the upper blocks of the Gemstone Vineyard. I would say this wine is more medium to full-bodied. Red and black fruits are certainly present. There is a little bit of plum, hint of chocolate, lead pencil, flinty. Finishes with a red clay sort of note. Almost a touch metallic. Loads of tannin here. Not really sweet, just stiff. I look for that to take a decade to blow off. I took about 300 ml from a partially consumed bottle. Plan on trying this again in a couple of days, when I feel this one may be drinking very differently. Very nice wine. 20 years left at least. — 8 years ago

with Dan, Benjamin and 2 others

Bob McDonald

9.0

Situated in Waipara in the North Canterbury District. (Not to be confused with Wairarapa in Martinborough). Limestone rich clay and alluvial soils perfect for creating excellent Pinot Noir. Canterbury flies under the radar as an excellent source of Pinot Noir except for Pyramid Valley and the expensive Bell Hill. — 9 years ago

George Chen

9.0

02 vintage with John Upton who sold vineyard to Duckhorn recently. I always felt Three Palms was one of great alluvial fans in terroir as the Napa River tributes into this land. And the traditional vineyard management by John and Sloan was pure old world. No Abreu stuff here. But really the only age-worthy Merlot in CA. This bottle still tight but well made and can last 20 more years. — 10 years ago

Marshall Todd Herron DPM

10

Well here it is. Ive waited for the right moment and this is it. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars CASK 23 cab! This is a 2012 blend of two adjacent vineyards bringing volcanic soil and alluvial soil vines and their cabernet grapes into one amazing wine. The cork is perfectly preserved with a perfect absorption line. The color is opaque with a midnight purple rim on the surface. I did decant this wine for 1 hour. It was hard to wait. The bouquet reminds me of violets and pepper. The initial palate is blackberry, black currant, Vanilla- chocolate, and oak. The finish is mildly dry with spice and pepper yet it still maintains that late, late buttery finish. Talk about tying the beginning and finish together, this does it. No jam, no sour finish, and no aftertaste what so ever!!!! Absolute perfection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I could afford to drink this every day!!!!! WOW! Worth every penny. — 10 years ago

Gillian Robb

9.6

Zibibbo aka Muscat. Delightfully perfumed with a spine of funky alluvial minerality. Occhipinti party! — 11 years ago

Gillian Robb

9.4

Dry, and lovely. Unsweetened apple sauce, lemon, alluvial funk. Lees aging gives it a nice creaminess. Dynamite with La Caseria Valdeon blue cheese and quince paste. — 11 years ago

Kapyrick Wine

10

Well balanced , jammy dark cherry, black pepper, soft rounded edges. — 12 years ago

Russelton Handleberry

9.1

Waves of classic FAY aroma : cocoa, baking spices, and chocolate. Undertones of graphite & leather. Taste is rich with blueberry, cassis, underripe blackberry, and leather. Integrated, spicy oak and mineral characteristics distinguish the hillside from the more alluvial FAY. Good juice! — 12 years ago