Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Solid on the pop and pour but best on Day 2. The 2018 “Judge Family Vineyard” pours a deep ruby/purpleish color with medium+ viscosity and significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fresh, dark brambles, blueberries, lavender, black pepper, some herb encrusted salami, slate-like minerals, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, tart and full of love. There is that wonderful texture too; something that I have come to expect from Christopher Tynan. The 2018 is amongst the most elegant versions of the Judge Family Vineyard Syrahs that I can recall. A very pretty expression indeed. Drink now with patience and through 2035. — 6 months ago
Black cherries and black olives. Quite good — 8 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over an hour period. The 2017 “Judge Family Vineyard” leaps right out of the gate and stands with proud, unwavering confidence. It pours a deep ruby/purple with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, a lovely, powerful mix of ripe black and blue fruits: dark brambles, blueberries, deli-case, black pepper, lavender, new leather, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. There is deft balance here. The fruit is so beautiful, so pure and the structure plays the equitable supporting role, no pun intended. The finish is long and there is sublime texture. This is a statement wine from Tynan and consistent with my previous experience from 18 months ago. Drink now through 2037. — 4 months ago
Polished domestic Merlot. Very savory on the nose. Almost classic Bordeaux in style , green olive and olive tapenade. Oregano and thyme with just a hint of oak hut not overly in your face. Beautiful inky hue. Lots of great tannin and acidity on the backbone of this wine. Plenty of room to keep aging. Blackberries and blueberries upfront. Fantastic finish that lingers without feeling big heat. Very well balanced at 14.5% — 8 months ago
Peaches and passion fruit. Fruit forward — 9 months ago
From Bryce. Great! — 6 months ago
What a wonderful wine. Dark ink. David said he noticed a little brown edge on it. It has aged magnificently. Much fruit left after nearly 20 years. Good acidity and tannin. Still at or close to its peak. A privilege. — 8 months ago
Great spring and summer Chard, flavorful and not overpowering. Great with a meal. — 10 months ago
Christina Hunchard
2020 buy it — 20 days ago