Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

We all know that the 2013 Napa vintage was excellent and this is a fine example of that.

The nose shows; a dark currant core, blackberries, dark, cherries, black raspberries and blueberries, dark, red, blue perfumed florals, settlement, moist clay, softly and layered baking spices.

The palate shows; gently polished, velvety, dusty, round, soft tannins. Gorgeous & perfectly ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries & both plums. baking soda, cinnamon, clove, vanillin, soft, leather, cedar notes, tobacco w/ ash, dry soils, beautiful, blue, dark, red florals framed in violets, grand acidity, wire to wire perfectly well balanced w/even tension/structure, excellently knitted structure and a long two-minute finish and long sets on beautiful, soft earthiness.

If there is one thing I learned tasting 6 Harlan’s is Bob Levy is one of the very best, if not thee best at managing Cabernet/Bordeaux blend tannins.

Tasting with Winemaker- Bob Levy & Managing Director-Don Weaver. — 13 days ago

Tegan Marriott

9.2

Vin de table. Corsican vermentino calling for a seafood medley= coupled with lighter seafood fare. Luminous, light, lychee & slight kirsch notes on the side. Acidity med.low, went well with our simple but elevated caprese salad! — 9 months ago

Louis Martin

8.9

Solid rich and dark Bordeaux, plum and leather with a bit of acidity. Paired well with smoked meats but did not fare well with chocolate. Would suggest decanting before serving to let it smooth out and balance. — 2 years ago

Louis Martin

9.1

Sweet, light, burst of cherry, with slightly bitter aftertaste. Goes well with classic Italian fare (we paired with spaghetti and Turkey meatballs). — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Trader Joe’s — Reserve Lot #258 Pinot Gris 2025 — Willamette Valley, Oregon. United States 🇺🇸

Overview
A lively and expressive 100% Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, crafted in a fresh, approachable style that overdelivers at its price point. Compared to the previous vintage, the 2025 shows a more savory edge and greater vibrancy right from the first pour.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, ripe pear, green apple, and subtle orchard fruit layered with a lightly savory touch and clean citrus lift.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with bright, energetic acidity. The wine feels more alive and immediately expressive, with a crisp, refreshing texture and a clean, polished finish.

Food Pairings
Light seafood, grilled chicken, salads, picnic fare, or simply on its own as an easy, everyday sipper.

Verdict
A standout value that hits the mark effortlessly. Fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced, this vintage elevates the experience with added liveliness and savory nuance.

Did You Know?
Pinot Gris from cooler climates like Willamette Valley often shows a balance of fresh acidity and subtle savory tones, especially in vintages where ripening conditions preserve both fruit and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick
This vintage really hit the spot, more alive, more savory, and incredibly satisfying from the first sip. At this price, it’s hard to beat.
— a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2011 vintage. Difficult vintage for Napa and environs to be sure. Usual mountain suspects seemed to fare better than valley floor stuff. All that said, more than a few properties re-releasing 2011's out into the wild and they are, generally, drinking very well. Not improving but reaching the top of their respective bell curves. This is one such story. No baby fat left. Serious mineral/earth influences throughout. The nose takes this into hello! territory. The finish signs the deed to the property. Hit this in the next 3-4 years for maximum enjoyment. 02.26.25. — a year ago

Doug Cranmer

9.2

Inky, deep and brooding Syrah that’s smoothly old-world refined. Paired well with French bistro fare — 3 years ago

with Mary

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Cantemerle 2023 – Haut-Médoc, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully expressive Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 7%, and Cabernet Franc 4% that delivers immediate charm while retaining classic Haut-Médoc structure and aging potential. The wine shows vibrant fruit purity, polished tannins, and a well-judged touch of oak, making it approachable young yet capable of evolving gracefully over the coming decade.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with subtle cedar, vanilla spice, graphite, and a gentle floral lift. Fresh berry brightness carries through the palate, framed by light savory notes and a refined oak accent that enhances rather than dominates.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple texture and finely integrated tannins. Juicy, energetic entry with excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness. Smooth mid-palate flow and a clean, persistent finish that stays lively and inviting.

Food Pairings
Grilled steak, roast chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, aged Gruyère or Comté, and classic bistro fare. A versatile table wine that shines across a wide range of savory dishes.

🍷 Personal Pick
Cantemerle never disappoints, this is pure drinking pleasure wrapped in Bordeaux elegance. Juicy, polished, and instantly enjoyable, yet grounded with just enough structure to remind you why Haut-Médoc remains timeless. A perfect bottle when you want serious pedigree without serious effort.

Did You Know?
Château Cantemerle is classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is known for producing some of the most consistently approachable and age-worthy wines of the Médoc, often offering outstanding value relative to its pedigree. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Splash decanted; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2017 “Tip Top Vineyard” pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe black and red fruits: brambles, plums, cherry lozenges, black pepper, 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 worked really well with a variety of grilled fare though I suspect a few more years in the cellar would help add some complexity. Drink now with patience through 2032. — 2 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Star bright pale straw. Abundant nose of vanilla and quince. Palate is lighter than the nose portends, but still confirms adding a mineral note. Acidity is high and only tamped down a little bit by the barrel, but still well integrated into the whole. Moderate length finish continues the palate. As food friendly as any of its peers, but a good match for lighter fare than most. Salads, smaller crustaceans, and light fried chicken will be great, but your trout amandine won't be shortchanged. Drink now. — 3 years ago