David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I did not get to write notes on the last three wines, just scores. We had to get to Russell Hamilton.

However, I wish I had been able to write them as these were the wines I was looking forward to spending some time on.

Peter & Andrew Allan of Crystallum are the third generation of winemakers and sons of the man who pioneered Pinot Noir winemaking in the Hemel-en-Aarde which; is what drew me to the region that is about another hour plus SE of Stellenbosch and a very good area to produce Pinot Noir.

Photos of; Gabrielskloof Cellar Door entrance, Estate vine, tasting lounge and their courtyard. — 5 years ago

Dario Scimeca

9.5

Love the smell of whiskey in the morning - happy birthday Dad — 6 years ago

with Heather

Frank Kuo

9.2

Color of dark amber. Nice nose of green apple, spice, mint, ripe banana, and aldehyde. Taste of condensed brown sugar, toffee, a bit spice, a bit minty, and very smooth. Nice green apple and black tea aftertaste on the tongue. A good bottle with decent mix of sweetness and spice. A bit lack in complexity but overall very enjoyable and easy to drink. — 7 years ago

Michael Meagher MS

Chairman/Founder Boston Sommelier Society, Beverage Director Cafe Escadrille

9.1

One of the handful of Viognier wines that I didn't push away after the first sip. Very strong floral and peachy-mango notes, but way more acid than I expected. Seriously. I won't call it typical because it's not often you see Viognier handled like this. — 8 years ago

Mark N Ricca Jr

9.3

When this wine is on, it's really on. — 8 years ago

Kim Stanbro

9.4

Ohhh, so good. I messed up dinner but this made up for it. I wonder if the dog is annoyed by being my wine model yet? — 9 years ago

with Dave

Riddley Walker

8.9

2011 vintage
Мутный, нефильтрованный цвет. В аромате дым, переспелая малина, эстрагон, каперсы, молотый перец, жёлтые специи, мокрый булыжник. Во вкусе кизил, сушеная клюква, вишневый сок, прелая хвоя. Высокая кислотность, мягкие танины. Комплексности, возможно, не хватает, но фактура хорошая и выраженная. Чуть мешают едва ощутимая уксусная летучая кислотность и лёгкий жар на финише. — 9 years ago

with Rin

Hannah Fyson

9.0

Lots of lime flavour, nice polish river style. — 5 years ago

Joseph Poduslo

9.8

A perfect Pinot Noir South African experience! — 6 years ago

Bert Robinson

9.0

This is number 5 and probably my favorite so far. — 7 years ago

Ryan E

9.0

Not a white drinker but this one was excellent. We cooked risotto with it and then drank it with dinner... crisp but not overpowering. — 7 years ago

with Ana

Kim Stanbro

9.7

Yeah, that's right. I killed her. The whole bottle. And I'd do it again. (Over several days, but yeah) — 8 years ago

with Dave

Nathan J. Martin

9.4

Sight: slight head. Dissipates quickly. Dark rose amber color. Smell: chocolate. Black cherry. Slight wood. Taste: smooth. Back pallet dark chocolate. Front Pallet extremely bright cherry. Not very bitter. Over all. Very very good. Aged 4 years in room temp. climate. — 8 years ago

Andrew Whittle

Co-Owner/Director Summit Estate Wines

9.1

Light body - unusual "meaty" taste - vaguely reminiscent of a lesser Pommard — 9 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. The last Rhone varietal red was the Walker Vine Hill Syrah. Sadly we were told that this was the last vintage that will be produced. This bottling is made up of 100% Syrah and is around 40-50% whole cluster fermented then aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak. 1,025 cases produced.

Insanely dark and inky purplish ruby red, completely coats the glass. Dark berries on the start of the nose followed up by cinnamon, cocoa, blueberries and some dustiness. Medium plus tannins (7/10) with a full body. Rich and layered palate with red currants, red plums, even a touch of blue fruits and some solid minerality. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028. (93+)

$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $75.00. — 6 years ago

with India

Patric Maloney

9.1

Nicely balanced Russian River — 7 years ago

Rick Ewing

9.7

Aged 3 years at 47 degrees, dark malt, chocolate, vanilla, spice, cherry and alcoholic. Beautiful, rich beer! — 7 years ago

Eri

9.1

One of the top Japanese sommeliers recommended me to bring to this home party with my best friends. BIO!! Goes well with either red or white meat. — 7 years ago

Angie Cockrum

9.0

Nice and Jam — 8 years ago

Alistair Conn

9.1

Yep fuck oath, drink this while listening to liquid swords will blow your f wording mind #wineteam — 9 years ago

with Alex and Chayse