Ming L

9.0

Drinking alongside the Sliver, the ‘21 Chalk Hill comes across as richer and more extracted, offering dense layers of blackcurrant, blackberry paste, dark chocolate, and roasted herbs. The palate is deep and mouth-coating, showing ample oak sweetness and firm tannins, but the concentration slightly outweighs its sense of balance. Power and ripeness dominate, giving a bold, muscular Bordeaux style expression. — 4 months ago

Roger Ray

9.1

" A traditional Australian blend combining the expressiveness of Shiraz with a defined structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied wine shows ripe dark fruit aromas, voluminous richness and plentiful tannins." — 5 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

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! — 5 months ago

Mark Osmers

9.2

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

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.5

Needs a little air, great recommendation from @Somm David T
First mag of two — 8 months ago

Paul J

9.4

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

with Brooke and Geoff

Bob McDonald

9.6

Often the Grosset Polish Hill doesn’t live up to its billing as perhaps Australia’s finest dry Riesling but with this 2017 it probably exceeds expectations. It is simply fabulous. Some ripe lusciousness to the mid palate amid lime and lemon notes, but finishes bone dry. My first of 4 bottles so I will enjoy the journey over the next 5+ years if I can keep my hands off it. HH said it is shaping up as one of the greatest Polish Hill Rieslings. — 4 months ago

romo

9.2

Some lift on mid-palate with acid on finish. I’ll allow it. — 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

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

Ed Chin

9.4

It is so open for business right now. A prime example of Napa old school. Dark fruit and resolved tannins. — 6 months ago

DCH

9.4

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

K L

9.2

Staple. Always great. — 2 years ago

with Matt

Kelley Raymond

9.1

A little jammy - needs air and time — 5 months ago

Ed Chin

9.3

Solid bottle. Juicy dark fruit that didn’t cross the line. Meaning not over extracted and not old school either. — 5 months ago

Chad Puckett

9.0

Balanced. Flavorful — 5 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

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

Jeffrey Howell

9.1

Delicious, well balanced — 6 months ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.7

California’s version of White Burgundy. Great older bottle from recent auction. — 9 months ago

Ronald LaMascus

8.9

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

Mary C

9.3

2018… delicious — 4 years ago