Scott Soren

9.5

As a long time lover of Pax Wines. These have changed with age. Once a powerhouse, it’s become more sublime. Aged Syrah is awesome, just different. Dry and elegant, with a dark fruit on the nose, the palate reveals blackberry and spicy and lots of black pepper. Rich mouthfeel and medium acidity. It’s all still there, but on it’s last leg. Still so good @Pax Mahle — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.5

Riverain is Steve Nordhoff and Dean & Laurie Gray’s label that produces just a few hundred cases from some select vineyards in Northern California, including a Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Gamble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.

According to Dean Gray, Riverain is a historically French term meaning “local & friendly people who reside near the river.” @Greg Ballington deserves credit for the reco, and while I’ve had a handful of Syrahs from the Cardiac Hill Vineyard in Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley, this is my first that’s made by Thomas Rivers Brown.

Screams old world, particularly Northern Rhône. Loved it from the get-go, but the acceleration at 90 minutes open is significant. Campfire grilled meat, finely ground pepper, black olive, and creosote, with a core of savory black fruit, and a beautiful secondary combination of cedar and lavender. There’s a distinctive combination of balance, purity of fruit, and savory structure that’s hard not to recognize. — 8 years ago

Lewis Chester

9.6

2010 vintage. Deep ruby hue. Amazing nose of white pepper, Chinese spice, black fruits and cocoa beans. Complex despite its youth. On the palate, medium acidity, medium plus body and alcohol, medium ripe silky tannins, full concentration and long finish. Extremely promising. Drink 2022 until 2040. — 10 years ago

Lee Hamilton

8.9

Smooth, suited maybe more to Winter rather than Summer? — 10 years ago

Ron R

9.4

I consider this a "first growth" in Cali, and after tasting this near 20 year old example, the evidence is palpable.
The nose shows a touch of gray, but visually, the wine has stood relatively firm. On the palette, it has shed its plump mouthfeel and presents an ethereal weight and texture. Fruit is still vibrant with black cherries and raspberries. A touch of cinnamon and barrel toast complete the ensemble. Don't leave this 97 any longer. Excellence in a glass. — 10 years ago

with Anne-marie

Robert Szulc

8.9

Full of fruit low acidity on finish. Tannins medium and pleasant — 11 years ago

Jimmy Smith

Director, West and North London Wine School

9.1

Softened out quite nicely now, with good deep black fruit, only gentle black pepper now, exotic spice, clove and smoke. Good depth behind wine — 11 years ago

Jeremy Bacchus

9.6

This is what big bold California Cabernet is all about. Pronounced black plum and blackberries with new leather and eucalyptus on the nose. This is followed by powerful tannins, though silky smooth, and generous dollops of ripe, but sleek portions of both cassis and blueberry. Bill Hill has outdone himself again with Prime Solum, I rate it 96 points. — 12 years ago

Kellie Dolan

9.4

Deep black cheery and blackberry with pepper and oak. Nice tannins and a bold finish. — 13 years ago

James Park

9.1

Clean fresh black fruit. Ink at the end. Smooth. Dry fruit in the scent but not in taste. Light for cab but full of flavor. — 7 years ago

Shari Margheim

9.0

Bold and an explosion of flavor that I wasn’t expecting. Really would be wonderful with a steak dinner. Full body with hints of blackberry and black pepper . I’m enjoying this and would buy again. — 7 years ago

Dave Schneider

9.2

Very dark purple. Nice balance between oak and black fruit. Probably at its prime but has some gas left in the tank. — 8 years ago

Matt Trader

9.4

Absolutely stunning.. Titus, you dog! Yummm! Congrats on your engagement! I wish you a happy journey ahead! Cheers! — 9 years ago

with Tais

Michael Amoruso

9.3

Lovely balance, acid and power. Black olives, cocoa and some coffee along with black cherry. — 10 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

8.9

Lots of black fruit - cherry, plum, blackberry. Violet and spice. M+ acid and tannin. M body. — 10 years ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Black cherry, raspberry sauce, bay leaf, pine sol, wet earth, toast. Yummm. — 10 years ago

Geoff Manley

9.0

Strong finish, good overall wine — 10 years ago

with Brendan

Andrew Stogran

9.2

Very tasty. — 11 years ago

Jimmy Smith

Director, West and North London Wine School

9.3

2012: old label but beautiful new fresh style of TH. Exceedingly aromatic, fresh ground black pepper, granite, and smoke. Not as fruity as the 2013 (to be expected) but ticking all the boxes of great Hawkes Bay Syrah. Palate is very spicy; cloves, cardamon, black pepper, blackberry, meaty with a softening edge after 2 years in bottle. Long length. Jubbly lovely. — 11 years ago

Sean Crosbie

9.5

Rediscovered in the pantry.... Left behind by my father, who always enjoys a good bourbon. — 12 years ago

Al Shikoh

8.9

plum, black cherry, violets, allspice; light to medium body, juicy, good acidity, dry tannins provide pleasant texture, only 11.5% ABV; sourced from Fox Hill Vineyard in Mendocino County — 7 years ago

P A

9.3

A full bodied, smooth big red. Fruit aromas, layered with taste of currants, black wild cherries, hint of oak and tobacco leafs long muted tannins legs. One of the Okanagan’s best. Cheers 🍷🇨🇦 — 8 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Dark ruby in color with a purplish rim.

Great fruity nose with black currants, blackberries, figs, cooked cherries, smoke, licorice, cedar, vanilla, alcohol, spices, cinnamon, chocolates, coffee, peppercorn and licorice.

Full bodied and big, yet smooth, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, sweet plums, cherry pie, dried figs, tobacco, spices, wood, herbs, earth, leather and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a great Napa Bordeaux blend. Well balanced and enjoyable by itself or with food. Showing good complexity with a great mouthfeel.

The tangy finish makes it interesting, with a teeth staining color.

This 3 year old is drinking very nicely now. Good right out of the bottle and better as it opens up (one hour).

Rich and extracted. Delightful and delicious.

I paired it with a big piece of steak and grilled asparagus.

15% alcohol by volume.



$30. — 9 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.2

Fully opaque violet hue. Very aromatic with blueberry, blackberry, oak, and hints of violets on the nose as well as savory, bloody, gamey notes. Full bodied on the palate with rich, dark fruit, spice, and nice tannic structure with black pepper finish of medium length. — 10 years ago

with Drew, Lisa and 1 other

Rebecca Fletcher

9.4

Red fruit and black fruit-all berries. Soy and umami. M acid, body, tannin and finish. Light and refreshing. — 10 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

9.6

Red cherry, savory, baking spice, ripe black plum. Wet rock and balsamic. M acid, body. M/m+ tannin. Still young but balanced and elegant. Long finish. Very unique in a good way. Beautiful wine. — 10 years ago

Ryan Mullins

9.6

Better than I remember — 11 years ago

Jason M

9.1

Jammy black fruit, black pepper, tar, dried flowers. Moderate tannins. Great concentration. Acids are medium plus, finish is long. — 11 years ago

Jenny Hemmer

9.3

Delicious balance of blackberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, cigars. Big & bold but with smooth tannins. — 12 years ago

with Brad

Scott Spangler

9.7

Deep black cherry, touch of licorice, light cedar on the nose. Medium tannins. — 14 years ago