Popped and poured; enjoyed out of red Solo cups over the course of a few hours. The 1993 “Gravelly Meadow” pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes o ripe and desiccate fruit: cassis, blackberries, dried red flowers, tobacco, eucalyptus, Poblano pepper, leather, cocoa, graphite, a mix of organic and inorganic earth along with some cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This was strong showing. Drink now through 2033. — 7 months ago
Really impressed.
St. Innocent’s consistency of style lets terroir shine through their single vineyard series. Like a controlled experiment. 2021 Temperance Hill shows incredible levels of complexity and spice, while maintaining a great degree of balance and approachability. Put simply, it tastes great.
I haven’t had a chance to taste 2021 Momtazi, but this wine has similar levels of depth to prior vintages if memory serves, while being more easily appealing. I’ve tired 2021 Shea, but not side-by-side with this. While the Shea is an excellent wine, for my taste this is more expressive and interesting. — 8 months ago
Excellent qpr! Upon opening, it’s somewhat subdued but half an hour later, wow! What happened?! And with food, roasted red meats, hard cheeses, grilled vegetables, it really comes alive! This is as good or better than cabs costing 2-3 times as much. Great daily drinker!! — 9 months ago
Staple. Always great. — 2 years ago
Balanced. Flavorful — 5 months ago
Very vibrant drink. Could age a bit longer — 6 months ago
The Rutherford Hill Napa Merlot (2021) reveals a deep ruby core with subtle garnet reflections, suggesting youthful vibrancy with potential for short-term development. The nose is precise and layered, offering blackberry and raspberry fruit interwoven with cedar nuances, indicative of measured oak influence.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with light acidity that enlivens the fruit profile while maintaining balance.
Tannins are fine-grained and unobtrusive, supporting a bright structural framework that lends clarity and poise.
The finish is clean and persistent, marked by freshness rather than weight, making this a versatile companion to dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or semi-hard cheeses. — 7 months ago
Lovely wine but could pass for a hearty sauv blanc — 9 months ago
05.28.25
Scandalous! — a year ago
2008 vintage. Had never come across the "Little Hill" until today. Light-medium body. Decanted and was fairly musty for 2-3 minutes before it started to blossom. Some blue fruit/menthol/eucalyptus throughout the experience. Demonstrative spice component on the back end. Could really only ding this on being slightly "watery" on the front palate. Otherwise, this is kicking now and has plenty of life and love to give. 5.27.23 — 3 years ago
Barrel aged 10 months sur lie! Medium lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of warm baking spice. On the palate ripe apple and lemon flavors with vanilla and nutty toasty oak. Well balanced on medium finish ending, a bit buttery with slight oak and mineral notes. Drink now! — 6 months ago
A Fav! Medium+ lemon color with aromas of stone fruits, spice, floral, cedar, biscuits and citrus. On the palate flavors of apple, pear & ripe apricot with citrus zest, honeysuckle and nutty toasty oak notes, rich with creamy tones. Smooth, long finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with fruit and integrated creamy oak. Nice! — 6 months ago
Needs a little air, great recommendation from @Somm David T
First mag of two — 8 months ago
Classic Napa cab. Constrained fruit, mellow tannins, good structure. Beautiful cassis notes. This bottle was a gift. After looking up the prices I was pretty shocked. Totally not worth North of $150. — a year ago
Beautiful after ten years — 2 years ago
1hr plus decant. Dark red color. Cassis and dark fruit on the palate. Very sweet, like candy in a glass. Huge depth. Different style than most Napa Cabs but who doesn’t like candy! — 4 years ago
Matt Nason
Tag team, back again…. — 5 months ago