Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

Just got back from our cruise but want to keep California Wine Month going strong. Decided to crack open our favorite bottling (ATM) from Aonair.

Dark ruby red. Layered nose with cinnamon, blackberries, black currants and dark gravel. Heavy tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Needed some air to fill up in the mid palate. Nice level of complexity with some solid minerality on the palate. A touch savory too and notes of blackberries, spices, dried herbs and a little bit of blue fruits. Long finish. Drink till 2028. — 7 years ago

with Sean and India

Shay A

9.4

Steve Distler, owner of Arnyca, is doing consulting for a few small labels out in Napa. As I've posted before, his Arnyca cab franc is my favorite out of Napa Valley. He was the former GM at O'Brien Estate and was able to add them to his portfolio, along with Cobden Wini (winemaker for Arnyca and winemaker at O'Brien), Frias Family and Jack Winery. Killer line-up of small production stuff. We hosted him for a wine dinner and all of it was stellar.

Jack Winery utilizes the talents of Aonair winemaker Grant Long Jr. Jack was started by Vernon Wells (former MLB player) and Chris Ianetta (current MLB player). This '14 cab is from Diamond mountain and drinking well at a young age. Not as monstrous as young Howell Mountain cabs. Red and black fruit dominant with a decent amount of espresso and pepper. Needs to rest for a few years but has very good potential to be extremely good. — 7 years ago

with Steve

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.2

One of our favorite Grenache slash Grenache Blends out of California. Especially because of how different it is to the usual wine made with this varietal. This blend is 88% Grenache and 12% Syrah. Deep ruby red core. Some Syrah characteristics on the nose, caramel, maple smoked bacon and bark as well as some perfume and floral notes from the Grenache. High tannins (8/10) and moderate body covered with a ton of dark fruits. Attack is so smooth leveled with a punch in the finish. Tannins carry through with long and lingering finish. Absolutely delicious and will definitely continue to purchase these wines from Grant! Drink till 2030. — 8 years ago

with Sean and India

Christy Ramos

9.4

Rare gem brought down from our local Napa friends. — 8 years ago

Beth Nelson

9.9

I appreciate the red wax. Have all the tips for opening. But it still gives me a bit of trouble. — 10 years ago

Adessa Eskridge

9.8

Aonair Super Tuscan 2009 Coombsville, bottle unlabeled. Enjoyed with amazing company and great memories. Napa 2013 — 11 years ago

Paul J

9.2

5 out of 10 last night for me....fruit forward, young, silky, spice, very enjoyable.... — 7 years ago

with Steve

Rich Maus

9.6

2 hour decant was helpful but can't wait to try this bottle in a few years. More complexity than the Aonair we opened already which makes this a perfect wine for a big meal. Kept getting better as we finished the bottle. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.4

Wow. I shouldn't be surprised that a wine made by Grant Long Jr is phenomenal, just like his Aonair Wines portfolio, but holy smokes this is so delicious. Beautiful royal purple color in the glass and it smells of boysenberry, licorice and blueberries. Lovely bit of vanilla, light oak and cassis on the tongue. For $55, not many out there can top this for the price. @Greg Ballington, you and I are in agreement about this wine...so good! — 7 years ago

David Schoonover

9.4

Great Solera method of 08'/09'/10' mountain Cab Sauv mixed with RMS /Remy Martin/Schramsberg JV) brandy. Only 3 barrel production. Excellent blend for those non port fans. Excellent — 8 years ago

with Weston, Colby and 1 other

Meredith Deaton

9.8

Really great wine! Light enough for summer but with enough backbone to be satisfying. Unique finish. — 9 years ago

Jay Jones

9.9

A beautiful pure cab
— 10 years ago

with Robert

Rich Maus

9.3

My favorite Aonair wine. Smooth and full of flavor. — 7 years ago

Mike R

9.3

Thank you @Shay Aldriedge for this trade - really great fruit bomb - finish is growing - color lighter than I expected but real deep down honest to God freaking off the hook taste - first time and will not be my last one - and man I can fly (wrong context) - I can smile — 7 years ago

Rich Maus

9.1

As Grant says these are ready to drink now. Very smooth for such a young cab. — 7 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

This is the only white produced by Grant at Aonair. Made entirely from Mount Veeder fruit. This blend is made up of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sauvignon Muscat (need to double check) and 5% Semillon. Crystal clear medium yellow. Thick nose with some spices on the attack, almost caramel and golden apples. Slightly sweet aroma. Moderate plus acidity (7.5/10) with a crisp and refreshing medium body. No sharpness, very balanced and structured. Some ginger and citrus notes on the palate. Long and lingering finish with a little honeysuckle. Beautiful white blend and excellent work by Grant. Drink till 2022. — 8 years ago

with India

Robert Gilman

9.3

Napa Trip 11/2015 — 8 years ago

Ray Sturm

9.0

Phenomenal after about thirty minutes of opening up. Great with spicy food. Dark fruit with a subtle finish. — 9 years ago

Seth Truman

9.2

This wine is great. Paired it with aged chipotle cheddar, aged Irish Gouda and gourmet salami. Bon appetit! — 11 years ago