Isaac Pirolo

9.3

The Fiddlestix Vineyard is located at mile marker 7.28 on Santa Rosa Road in Lompoc, California, which is situated in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. In the mid-90's Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars, along with the viticultural icon Taz Steinhauer, acquired the 133-acre, former flower farm, across Santa Rosa Road from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, and in 1998 they planted 100 acres of Pinot Noir. Aside from the small amount earmarked for Fiddlehead's own production, much of the vineyard is contracted to other producers, including Ampelos, Ancien, Anglim, Arcadian, Bonaccorsi, Dragonette, Jonata, Ken Brown, Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post, Gainey, Ortman, Pali, Paul Lato, Prodigal, RN Estate, Rusack, Summerland, Tyler, Vogelzang, Wedell , and TAZ, not to mention Etude.

Opens with an austere earth note in a tone reminiscent of Barbaresco, and in the words of Miles Raymond, it's "tighter than a nun's ass." 45 minutes later, though, and it's singing and juicy. Black cherry, but not overripe, leads this medium bodied, pungent thinker, while a virtual greenhouse of floral shades help twist and shape its direction. Secondary dusty earth and walnut skin reveal the source of its austerity. True to its terroir, there's a tertiary layer of spice and rocks that provides the depth needed to go from good to great. — 8 years ago

Katie Decker

9.5

Blueberry nose, tart jam with black strap molasses and leather. — 10 years ago

with Mark and Frank

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Established by Kathy Joseph in Santa Rita Hills the 728 is a bright Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits together with spicy and floral notes. On the palate blackberry and cherry flavors with pepper and cedar tones. Sharp acidity with firm gritty tannins carry this wine to a lingering finish ending with some earthy minerality. — 8 years ago

André Reid

9.5

Immense complexity: 2007 Dom Chevalier Blanc. Fiddlehead, honeycomb aromas. Racy, seashore acidity buffered w/ appley extract — 10 years ago

Gerry Schwartz

9.2

Citrus flavor very fresh — 10 years ago

Gregory Fulchiero

9.5

One of the top beers for me, all time, not just New England style ipa — 9 years ago

Matthew Steilen

9.0

Unfortunately my student bought me only one can. — 10 years ago

John scully

9.5

Excellent! — 10 years ago

John Beasley

8.9

Crisp cold sauv blanc from Santa Barbara area. Melon and pepper. Hmm. Really? Yep. — 11 years ago

with Maureen and Ludi