California Cult Classics

Daou Vineyards

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Nice drinker with The Long Night episode. Blackberry, black current, graphite, little vanilla. Good wine for the price. — a month ago

Orin Swift

Papillon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Oak, sawdust, coco nibs, tobacco, black currant and blackberries. This is rich, deep and dark. Mostly secondary and tertiary flavors at this point, not a ton of fruit left. — 2 months ago

Dave and Joel liked this

Merry Edwards

Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Such a great nose of fruit and flowers. Palate coating fruits and citrus and acidity. Outstanding — 2 months ago

Tom, Leo and 8 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

One of my favorite labels too

Ridge Vineyards

Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Blend

Ridge Three Valleys 2023
Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A classic Sonoma field blend composed of 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Crafted in Ridge’s signature transparent style, this vintage leans toward a riper and more fruit-driven expression than many of the winery’s other bottlings.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry preserves, ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry compote dominate, supported by touches of black pepper and baking spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a broad, generous texture. The fruit lingers across the palate with a warm, persistent finish.

Food Pairings
A natural companion for barbecue, smoked meats, burgers, and hearty pizza.

Verdict
While impeccably made, this is one of the few Ridge wines that didn’t quite resonate with my palate. It leans a bit too jammy and overripe for my preference, though lovers of rich, fruit-forward California reds will likely find plenty to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Ridge has long been one of California’s pioneers of ingredient transparency, listing the exact grape composition directly on the label.

🍷 Personal Pick
I truly love Ridge wines, but I’d still reach for Lytton Springs or Geyserville before this bottling. If bold, juicy Zinfandel blends are your style, however, this one could easily become a favorite.
— 3 months ago

Ted, ESF and 1 other liked this

Belle Glos

Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Big ol’ Pinot… if by name only

Heavy body….. deep ruby color.
Musty, earthy nose
Powerful Friit - maybe black cherry
A touch earth / bitter lingers. A touch of oak.
Zin / Cab vibes
Nice glass of wine…
(Remedy 21)
With Sue and Riley
— 4 months ago

Dave and Ted liked this

Rombauer Vineyards

Carneros Chardonnay 2024

Founded in 1982 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer and sits on a tree covered knoll overlooking the Napa Valley, with caves that extend for over a mile. Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and tropical fruit, sweet oak, spice and floral scents. On the palate flavors of ripe peach, melon and apple, with vanilla spice, creamy texture. Medium+ finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with mineral notes. — 6 months ago

Paul, Andrew and 2 others liked this

Joel Gott Wines

815 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Great with Longhorn on Mom and Dad’s Anniversary! — 8 months ago

Michael David Winery

Petite Petit Lodi Petite Sirah Petit Verdot

Dark fruits, intense colour, great legs. A real bargain. — 9 years ago

Austin Hope

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Fabulous! Love 100ml format. — 23 days ago

Dave and David liked this
Dave

Dave

It is good, but boy! The price on this has really shot up the last 3 years.

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend

Mo
9.2

A superb Zinfandel blend that tastes great now and possesses the requisite structure to age. Ridge sets the standard in American winemaking. Their corpus of high quality wines is unmatched in America and challenges the entire industry worldwide. — a month ago

Kosta Browne

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

At Bouchon (Venetian/Vegas). First time trying this; paired with vegetable gnocchi that had more of a tomato based sauce. Smooth. — 2 months ago

Justin Vineyards & Winery

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Gibson’s Chicago outdoor bar — 2 months ago

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Dark fruit in the nose with plums, black cherries, leather and blackberries in the palate. Paired well with steak au poivre. Drank in 2026, could use aeration to fully enjoy the wine. — 3 months ago

Joel, Somm and 7 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Their 2023 Artemis took a nice step up in quality. Fruit now comes from the estate.

Belle Glos

Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir

My FAVORITE. I have no helpful review. I just know what I like. — 7 months ago

Josh Cellars

Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

BT tasting wine. Really good for the price. — 9 months ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

Apothic

Winemaker's Blend California Zinfandel Blend 2013

Like drinking chocolate — 11 years ago

Galen liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Delicious @caymus with wife m. The bartender Steve let me know that this is what 90% of people come in for and it’s incredible. Super smooth. — a month ago

Corison Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Amazing how Cathy Corison can produce wine this good every year. — a month ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie
Ira liked this

Heitz Cellar

Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1986

40 years birthday crazy party. So many 1986’s. No formal notes. This was bright and surprisingly fresh. My favorite of the evening. — 2 months ago

Tom, Shay and 2 others liked this

Faust

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Perfectly fine. Nothing special. A lot of butter — 2 months ago

Kosta Browne

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Cherry, raspberry, blueberry, cinnamon, and oak. Maybe a touch young but still delightful. — 2 months ago

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Clarksburg Chenin Blanc + Viognier Blend 2022

Our distinctive white blend marries the crisp honeyed citrus fruit of Chenin Blanc (80%) with the plush body, soft floral and juicy peach notes of Voignier (20%) for a lush, versatile and delicious wine. — 3 months ago

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Deep ruby color. Aromas of dark cherry, plum, eucalyptus and baking spice. Blackberry on the palate, nutmeg/clove, earthy finish. — 6 months ago

Paul, Scott@Mister and 10 others liked this

Far Niente Winery

Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Al Biernat’s North
1/30/2026
Excellent
— 7 months ago

Carnivor

California Cabernet Sauvignon

It is complex. Sweet at times. Robust at times. I love it. — 8 years ago

Belle Glos

Meiomi Pinot Noir 2012

Amazing Pinot — 12 years ago

Haynes liked this