Jim McCusker

9.5

Awesome...and surprisingly approachable given that it’s in the early edge of the estimated driking window from a couple of different sources. 15min in that new decanter and it’s ready to go (althought it has years of evolution ahead of it). Just fantastic! — 5 years ago

with Vanessa

Thomas Brenner

9.2

There are some places in the world where they view present day America as a place where we expect to be happy. Should we feel bad they live in places where you should just expect hardship? We live in a time and place where we can focus on building our inner selves and have a chance at....When we're not constantly putting out fires we can really focus on...should that be a source of shame. When the desperate struggle to find food and shelter is finally behind us, we can turn our attention to other sources of pain and truth.
This is the kinda wine you feel bad about being able to enjoy. I feel privileged. — 7 years ago

Bryce Wiatrak

9.1

Nelson’s Green Brier sources the liquid for their Belle Meade Bourbon from Indiana, and now the ageing process is completed in Nashville. Each batch is a proprietary four-barrel blend with a 30% rye content. The rye shows itself on the finish, bringing earth tones and length alongside a red pepper flake spiciness. The palate is juicier, tasting of ripe nectarines, vanilla and butterscotch. — 7 years ago

Brian R

9.3

Reasonably priced older wine at mint wood place. Excellent and in great shape. — 7 years ago

Sean K McNeely

Viticulture and Viniculture Assistant at Viña Vik Vineyard, Winery and Hotel

9.5

This is as pure and crystalline as the alpine streams that flow past the centuries old apple, pear and quince trees from which Jacques sources all of his fruit. Labeled as an apple, pear and quince wine and for good reason. Elegant and floral and absolutely symphonic. — 8 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

Gardienne des Vignes sources Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes from family-owned vineyards in Napa Valley. This 100% Petite Sirah comes from 20-years old bush vines in the Oles vineyard in St. Helena. Owner Russ Oles selected cuttings from extremely old vine plantings to plant his vineyard. Hence the name "Ghost Clones". Dark red. Very attractive nose with blackberries, flowers and spices, slightly Vintage Port-like. Amazingly complex and elegant for this grape variety. Warm and full-bodied with layers of black fruit and a lovely acidity, making the high alcohol perfectly integrated. Long finish. A tremendous effort for Petite Sirah. 2013 vintage, abv 15,6%, 112 cases produced. — 9 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

A peppery note on the nose showing evidence of whole bunch in the ferment. Rich red fruits of cherry and raspberry on the palate showing more new world in the warm 2015 vintage with ripe tannins. Some new sources apparently in this year’s blend including declassified Beaune and Monthelie villages alongside the traditional Santenay villages and Santenay 1er cru Commes. Excellent quality for a Village wine and great QPR. — 5 years ago

James Forsyth

9.4

A delicious Chardonnay from Donelan. Certainly plenty of richness, apricot, white peach, floral elements too. But not remotely heavy. Nicely finessed and, goodness me, it's hard to resist a second or third glass.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Such fun being part of the community - thank you to everybody whose wines appear on my feed. I've learned so much from so many people and value the constant sources of inspiration from everyone. — 5 years ago

Donald Williams

9.3

Love all the ‘09 Roessler Pinot Noir. Too bad they sold the rights to most of their sources. — 7 years ago

with Bonnie

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.7

A model of finesse and understatement, the 2008 Barolo Le Vigne is every bit as thrilling as it has always been. At nearly 10 years of age, the 2008 is still bright, precise and very fresh. Sweet red cherry, rose petal and mint notes are beautifully sketched in a Barolo that is pure and total class. In 2008, vineyard sources are Vignane, Merli, Ceretta and Conterni. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 7 years ago

Paul T HB

9.5

From a Mag,
Second mag from different sources in the past year but both corks fell apart when opening. Use caution with their older vintages Wine held up. But Drink em if you got em not going much further — 8 years ago

Vidal Mathieu

8.9

Encore un peu jeune, très prometteur — 9 years ago

Katy S

9.5

Nice clean finish — 9 years ago

Chris B.

9.2

According to sources much more knowledgeable than me, 2016 was a fine year for the Southern Rhône. This was a sumptuous bottle and at $32, a bargain for the quality. Smells like a sandalwood candle and tastes like ripe stone fruit (cherries, plums) but there’s enough lingering herbs and tannins to give it staying power. Tastes a little more alcoholic than it actually is but this only adds to its luster as a wonderful dinner wine. — 5 years ago

Eric Stec

9.3

2015 on May 21, 2019
A very distinct, unique red with tannins and fruit, but an unexpected and nuanced presence of berry, slight cinnamon, nutmeg and stone. Amazing round of all the reasons wine is a treasure. Hunting this down again! Costco Christmas package. — 6 years ago

Bryce Wiatrak

9.2

Another winner from Greywacke, Kevin Judd sources his Pinot Noir from the more clay-dominant Southern Valleys. The wine finds a more exotic profile for Pinot - macerated blood orange peel and pomegranate meet a dizzying array of spices and herbs - curry, saffron, smoke, spearmint, and thyme. Savory, well structured, and long. — 7 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.0

Pillow Rd. Vineyard is situated to the southwest of Sebastopol, not far from the southern tip of the Russian River Valley, and planted to two acres of Chardonnay and seven acres of Pinot Noir. Clones 777, 115, and Pommard made up the first plantings in 2000, with Calera and Swan being added later (replacing Gravenstein apple trees). The vineyard has courted her fair share of suitors, originally being one of Duckhorn’s sources for its Goldeneye Pinot Noir. The first commercial vintage under the Pillow Rd. label was 2006. I’m not sure whether Ladera had entered the scene at that point, but it was definitely in time for their release of the 2009 vintage. In 2016 PlumpJack Group acquired Ladera’s Howell Mountain vineyard and winemaking facility, and while it appears the Pillow Rd. Vineyard wasn’t included in that sale, I haven’t seen anything that spells that out explicitly. Regardless, what is certain is that Napa Cab makers can’t quit this Russian River Pinot vineyard. It had some kinks to work out, but ultimately it’s built for pleasure and not complexity, and it eventually got there. Cherry cola, sassafras, baking spice, butterscotch, and just enough of a citrus edge to keep from losing its balance. — 7 years ago

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.1

Cotes de Castillon is one of my favorite sources of value in Bordeaux and this one is particularly nice, although it looks like this chateau exists only as a bed and breakfast after the 2008 vintage. The grapes from the 40 acre vineyard (70% merlot/30% cab franc) are now used for the Esprit de Pavie bottling from the owners of Chateau Pavie who also own this estate. — 8 years ago

John Hebert

10

Four Graces is one of favorite sources of Pinot Noir in Oregon. This particular one is a fave. 2010 was a good year at Yamhill. — 9 years ago

Sarah C

9.5

2007. Racy and delicious! — 9 years ago