Blend of mostly Tempranillo with about equal amounts of Garnacho, Graciano and Manzuelo, deep Ruby with a graceful bouquet of berry fruits, cigar box spice with fresh earthy tones, a traditional Rioja, still reticent. On the silky smooth palate, elegant with layers of flavors of ripe blackberry and cherry, tobacco, smoky cedar, dark fruit, vanilla spice, very well balanced with fine soft tannins and a clean structure ending with a nice long chalky earthy character. Delicious! — 9 months ago
2021. Drove to Omaha to attend an Arnot-Roberts wine class and tasting, and got there early to enjoy some delicious oysters with a bottle of fantastic Chardonnay that wasn’t on the tasting list. Unfortunately, Nathan Roberts flights were delayed and the class was cancelled, but we’re going home with a bunch of tasty wines instead! — a year ago
Still young for my tastes but checking in on a go-to producer. Killer with King Crab Salad sandwiches 🥪
This bottle was a bit slow out the gate and needed some air to reveal the magic inside. This bottle was a pick up from Corti Bros when passing through Sacramento via Tahoe.
Finesse, and beautifully prolific white wine structure all the way throughout.
Santa Cruz Mts represent! — 5 years ago
This wine is excellente! Deep silky dark fruit. This is a great sipping wine, yet it will sing with a thick steak or juicy grilled pork chop. This is a 2007, so good luck finding one. — 10 years ago
Dry and cherry. Yum! — 12 years ago
Initially thought cork fail. Capsule protruding. Wine residue. Surprised. great — 7 months ago
Herbaceous, hint of mint and lemon, paired beautifully with a basil infused white fish. — 9 months ago
Winemaker dinner at Nari. Fabulous and if not tied for WOTN it might win in some cases. — 10 months ago
Buttery. Heavy on your tongue. — 9 years ago
Paired well with a lamb, eggplant purée, fava beans, piquolo pepper. Would also pair with a medium rare magret duck or other game. — 11 years ago
Splash decanted directly before service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours out of red Solo cups. The 1981 Gran Reserva Blanco pours, a golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Khalas dates, dried apricot, black lemon, almonds, toasted coconut and marshmallow. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is waxy. A cerebral wine and just lovely stuff. Well stored bottles have a long life yet left ahead. Drink now with patience and plenty of air and through 2051. — 7 months ago
Well-made single varietal cabernet grown near Monte Bello. Smooth blackberry and graphite. Round and medium weight mouthfeel. Less complexity given the single varietal but made with finesse. — a year ago
An amazingly Burg-like CA Chard; aging wonderfully, layered and complex.... — 10 years ago
Neil Valenzuela
Deep ruby color. Aromas of blueberry, leather and eucalyptus. Solid wine! Flavors of cherry, raspberry, cedar and pencil lead. Great vintage!
🏅94+ points - Wine Spectrum Rating — 6 months ago