At home eating leftovers tonight enjoying this surprise. I bought 6 bottles based on Russell Bevan being the winemaker. My experience with the first few bottles was disappointing, but tonight was special. I wish I could understand these differences; bottle variation???...dumb phase???...I just don’t know.
I’m generally not a Merlot drinker as a varietal but I also have fond memories of the 2008 Bevan Cellars Showket Vineyard Merlot...a wonderful wine. — 6 years ago
Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind.
I guessed this was French and that it was mid-2000s. Quite a bit of herbal notes, soft plum and stewed red and black fruits. Low acidity. Came across as over the hill a bit, which is surprising given the vintage. Still a nice merlot from Sonoma. — 6 years ago
Very dry, tannin , dark purple color - probably requires more time to air. Paired nicely with soft cheese — 7 years ago
Good earthy notes, heavier with more oak than expected — 7 years ago
Very very nice — 8 years ago
This wine is amazing. The acidity is still vibrant. The flavors explode on the palate. It's amazing how fresh it still tastes. Just found out these guys are starting back up and I can't wait to taste the new vintage. — 9 years ago
It’s getting into the zone now.
Jeb 98, not sure any Myriad Syrah received that high of rating, but it is Jeb🤷🏼♂️
According to Jeb, Along with the 2013, the 2016 Syrah Judge Family Vineyard is up with the greats, and I’d put this up against any Syrah in California or France. Offering incredible purity of fruit as well as notes of blueberries, blackberries, crushed flowers, gamey meats, and pepper, it’s more forward and opulent than the 2015 yet has fabulous depth and concentration, ripe tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. Hats off to Tynan for another insanely good Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 20 years or more. — 4 years ago
A creamy delightful Pinot — 6 years ago
Velvety smooth — 6 years ago
Slightly Fruitier and thinner than expected but didn't taste thin — 7 years ago
At the end of its storage life, but still a delicious choice. Nicely balanced fruit & fragrance, smooth tannins, good body. — 8 years ago
Sandy Earth, Forest, Leather — 4 years ago
Just in from Jersey, $22.00 no tax free shipping. Buy it by the case all day long. Skip the Bevan & buy this
Retail notes,
There’s a sweet-spot for domestic Sauvignon Blanc found in a special part of Bennett Valley that experiences a strong maritime influence as it flows through the Petaluma Gap to Sonoma Mountain. Within that funnel of cooling coastal air, the Dry Stack Vineyard is in a prime location at 550 feet elevation at the base of Mt. Taylor. I’m continually drawn to Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Stack and the vineyard produces fruit with detailed notes of fresh guava, rocky minerals, ripe tangerine and mineral infused citrus. You might be familiar with Russell Bevan’s version from Dry Stack, and Grey Stack has been a pillar on our tasting list in Yountville.
With Grey Stack, everything begins in the Vineyard with exceptional quality fruit, but from there, the wine is given a voice by winemaker Patrick Sullivan, whose experience includes making wine at Peter Michael, Paul Hobbs, Lewis Cellars and Rudd. This is absolutely one of the finest examples of California Sauvignon Blanc with its superior focus and incredibly vivid, distinctive flavors. If you love Sauvignon Blanc, or better yet, even if you don’t… Try this one and you’ll probably never look back. — 5 years ago
The first bottle of Christopher Tynan Judge Family Vineyard Syrah that I ever had an opportunity to drink met an untimely demise when it fell through the bottom of my brother’s cardboard wine carrier and shattered on the driveway. What I recall from that rather unfortunate mishap was how wonderful it smelled as it slowly streamed down the cracks of the concrete. So, I was elated to open this bottle of the most recent vintage. Decanted for two hours. From the first pour, the bouquet did not disappoint. Strong aromas of meat, lavender, dark berries, dates, figs, anise...it was a feast for the olfactory system. On the palate it was tightly wound and unwilling to fully express itself. This is a powerfully tannic wine with the stuffing and structure to last in the cellar for a long time. Make no mistake, this is delicious in its youth but an extended decant (full day) would be prudent at this stage to get the most out of it. Otherwise, let these sleep. — 6 years ago
Light, fruity. Great to drink on its own. — 8 years ago
Ton of body on this viognier. Like a chard — 9 years ago
Ming L
Tasted this about a year ago. This second bottle does not have the wow factor like the first one. The nose is less fragrant and more meaty, and the palate a bit more herbal and angular, which is probably true to the varietal. Still a very complex wine. Have 1 bottle left and hopefully I can keep my hands off for another 2-3 years.
250 cases, and I believe the wine maker for the vintage is Bevan. Bennett Valley is the smallest, and probably the least known Sonoma sub AVA. — 4 years ago