Four In Hand
Hendricks Wines
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2008
Château Cos d'Estournel
Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1991
Is there any meal better than steak (Ribeye) and well aged Claret? This is another 1991 Bordeaux experiment of mine. 1991 was a vintage with horrible frosts and a less than favorable growing season, right? A vintage critically panned. This is my 3rd recent 91 from a good producer. And again, it didn’t disappoint. Like 97 and 07, it’s better with the right bottle age than young. Magic evolution happened in the bottle way down the road. This 91 is in great form with a fair amount of life ahead of it. On the nose; a little ripe fruit funk, wonderful dark & lighter red cassis, ripe blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, plums, hues of blueberries, black raspberries, dry cranberries, vanilla, light cinnamon, rich, black turned earth, cedar, soft leather, dry stones, dry top soil, notes of dry herbs and fresh & dry red flowers. The body/palate is medium, round, ripe & still fresh. The tannins nearly completely resolved. Ripe, floral fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, plums, hues of blueberries, black raspberries, dry cranberries & half cooked rhubarb. Vanilla, light cinnamon, touch of clove & nutmeg, rich, black turned earth, cedar, soft leather, dry stones, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, notes of dry herbs, a little band-aid and fresh & dry red flowers. The acidity drips over the palate and the long, well balanced, still structured, nice tension, good length finish lasts over a minute. Again, love & appreciate the 12.5% alcohol. What a beauty with and without the steak. Next time you’re in your fine wine retail shop and see a quality producers 91 that’s been well stored, buy it and have it with a Ribeye. Photos of; their exotic Estate, Chateau interior, newer barrel room and their vines as viewed from the front of the Chateau that are across the road. Producer notes and history...Cos d’Estournel has a long distinguished history in the St. Estephe. Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, gave his name to the estate after founding in 1811. It did not take long before Cos d’Estournel became famous with wine lovers and royalty all over the world. In those early days, Cos d’Estournel did not sell through Negociants. The owner preferred selling his wine directly to his customers. In fact, Cos d’Estournel was exported to numerous countries across the globe, with a large portion of the production being sold to India. It was that connection to India that inspired much of the unique, east Indian design we see at Cos d’Estournel today. Cos d’Estournel was one of the first Bordeaux Chateaux’s to bottle, label and sell their own wine. This practice continued until the death of Louis Gaspard d’Estournel in 1852. If you’re at the property, the statue on the bench in the front courtyard is of the founder, Louis Gaspard d’Estournel. The Estate was then purchased by an owner that sold their wines on the Place de Bordeaux using the negociant system. If the Chateau was not selling their wines through the negociant system, it would never have been included in the 1855 Classification. Imagine that! So, it turned out to be a fortuitous decision. Cos d’Estournel was sold to the Charmolue family owners of the neighboring Estate of Chateau Montrose. They continued to own the estate until 1917, when it was bought by Fernand Ginestet. This purchase was the beginning of the next major step in the development of Cos d’Estournel. Decades later, the grandchildren of Fernand Ginestet, Jean-Marie Prats, Yves Prats and Bruno Prats took over ownership and management of Cos d’Estournel. In 1995, Bruno Prats sold the property to the Merlaut family, owners of the Taillan Group. The next era in the development of Cos d’Estournel took place in 2000, when Cos d’Estournel was bought by the industrious and wealthy Michel Reybier, who earned his fortune in the food industry. Michel Reybier hired the son of Bruno Prats, Jean-Guillaume Prats to manage Cos d’Estournel. Things further improved with the efforts of Jean-Guillaume Prats who helped design the most modern wine making at that time. A complete renovation of Cos d’Estournel took place in not only the wine making facilities and cellars, but in parts of the Chateau as well. While the wine making facilities are completely modern with their 100% gravity design, the outward appearance retained the original design and feeling that has always been a part of Cos d’Estournel. On October 15, 2012, Jean Guillaume Prats announced he was leaving Cos d’Estournel to join LVMH (Pichon Baron). Jean Guillaume Prats was replaced by Aymeric de Gironde. Following the departure of Aymeric de Gironde in 2017, the owner, Michel Reybier took over managing the Estate. What makes the remodel special is that the cellars of Cos d’Estournel are entirely operated by gravity. There are no pumps of any kind to force the wine. The purpose is to allow a gentleness to the wine and improve its purity and allow for the expression of their terroir. It set a new benchmark for cellars not only in the Left Bank, but in all of Bordeaux. Perhaps, the most inventive part of the cellars is the four 100 hectoliter lift tanks or wine elevators that replace the pumps used in the traditional pumping over and the racking off processes, which introduce air and often destabilize the marc. From the moment the grapes arrive, everything travels by the flow of gravity. Jean Guillaume Prats called this process a “pumpless pump over.” The 91 hectare vineyard of Cos d’Estournel is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The vineyard is located extremely close to the border between Pauillac and Saint Estephe at the southern tip of the Saint Estephe. The Estate has very old Merlot vines as well, which date back more than 100 years. Part of the terroir is situated on the hill of Cos, which is at a high elevation for the Medoc at 20 meters. They also make a second wine called Pagodes de Cos. This is a great wine to buy in very good vintages. Especially, if your budget prohibits you from purchasing their first wine. — 8 years ago
Crowley
Four Winds Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014
Silky, spicy, texturally perfect. Tyson makes some of the best wine in Oregon, including a Pinot and Chardonnay from this site. Four winds is a horse farm, 8 miles northwest of McMinnville, about 6 acres of fruit (?), marine-sedimentary, dense on the palate, acid, fresh. Pretty much perfect. This wine is why you drink Pinot with pork and salmon. Going to be really good in 2020-2021, maybe longer — 8 years ago
Sleight Of Hand Cellars
The Illusionist Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
About as good as it gets for a Washington Cab. We opened the 2008 for New Year's Eve several hours in advance to let it oxidize, and the result was fantastic. — 9 years ago
Bird in Hand
Adelaide Hills Pinot Rosé 2015
Medium bodied, tiny touch on the sweeter side but still dry. It is a rosé. — 10 years ago
Four Roses
Yellow Label Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1917
1917 Four Roses Bourbon held in barrel until post-prohibition. In excellent condition and drank with notes of toasted wheat, caramel and long finish. The rarity added to the wow factor. Thanks for sharing Robbin — 10 years ago
Michel Guignier
Bio Tradition Morgon Gamay 2013
I can't put my hand in it but I love these delicate structured wines. A real revelation in what wine can and should deliver — 11 years ago
Sleight Of Hand Cellars
The Archimage Columbia Valley Red Bordeaux Blend 2011
A blend of 54 merlot 46 cf only 675 Cases produced a much cooler vintage in Washington raspberry coulis like fruit cheery and a nice touch of tobacco herbs coco this wine sees 23 months in French oak 34% new very complex bouquet of aromas. Rich and chewy on the tongue with a firm hand of tannins but also lots of acidity holding things together with a long layered finish lots of fresh earth and mineral notes. Finish 50+ most excellent — 11 years ago
Amuse Bouche
Vin Perdu Napa Valley Red Blend 2013
I bought this bottle of Vin Perdu (or ‘lost wine’) from the Costco in Humble a week before Hurricane Harvey. That Costco received four feet of water. The wine guy told me they threw out every single bottle of wine, even everything up in the steel. So happy I was able to save this lost wine from being lost. Blackberry preserves, chocolate, toast, menthol, and leather. Delicious. — 7 years ago
Hartford Court
Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay 2015
A step up in quality from the 2013&2014
Melon pears brioche lovely wine — 8 years ago
Bird in Hand
Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Great winery. Great wine. Lovely balance. — 8 years ago
Sleight Of Hand Cellars
The Psychedelic Stoney Vine Estate Vineyard Syrah 2014
Sleight of Hand Cellars gets it's name from Winemaker/Co-owner Trey Busch’s favorite Pearl Jam song, Sleight of Hand. He started the winery with partners Jerry and Sandy Solomon in 2007 after meeting at an auction. Since then, Sleight of Hand has become somewhat of a cult winery in Washington. The tasting room is decorated with an old jukebox and hipster inspired by rock albums. You only need to walk into the winery to see their love of Rock n' Roll. The winery also has a magic theme; which grew out of their name. All of their bottles have imagery of vintage magic posters that inspired their labels and names. It’s easy to see that the tasting room has great music and good vibe. While they make serious wines, the owners are fun, humble and only wish to make the best wine in Washington. They're on a good track. Photos of; a wide shot of the main tasting area, Trey Busch-Co-owner/Winemaker, the cover of the Pearl Jam album "Binaural"...the album that the song "Sleight of Hand" is on and the sitting area of their private tasting room. On the nose; a touch of funk, dark currants, tarry notes, savory grilled meats, pepper, iodine, blood, herbs & dark, candied, floral with violets. The palate has M+ body & tannins. Black currants, black plum, blackberries, blue fruits, dark cherries, black raspberries & raspberries. Pepper, blood, iodine, grilled meats, black licorice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, clove, black cherry cola, fresh, red florals & violets, crushed rocks, loamy soils and big, round acidity with a beautiful, rich, elegant finish.
— 8 years ago
Sleight Of Hand Cellars
The Conjurer Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015
Yup...that's Neil Patrick Harris on their Label. Sleight of Hand Cellars got involved in a charity that NPH was apart. They got to talking and found he not only had a love of Magic, but wine as well. The relationship evolved well enough, they asked him if he would be on one of their labels and Neil agreed. The "Sleight of Hand Cellars" label has been seen a few times on "How I Met Your Mother." NPH is also is a club member. The Conjurer is blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and a splash of Petit Verdot from the Columbia Valley. Nice, fresh nose of; ripe dark currants, blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, black licorice, dark chocolate, soft spice, wood shavings and fresh dark florals. The palate is M+ body & soft M+ tannins with a thick, round mouthfeel. Dark spice, eucalyptus, mint, herb notes, cinnamon, vanilla, clove, chocolate, caramel apple, black licorice, crushed rocks, soft leather, nice, round, acidity and a very well polish finish. This is very easy to drink young and will cellar 10 years. — 8 years ago
Rockwell Brown
Red Mountain Red Blend 2008
Third of the four year vertical we are trying out for #WAWineMonth. We had the 05, 07, 08 and 09.
Medium garnet red. Light baking spices on the nose with some tobacco but a bit muted overall. A bit younger characteristics to start on the nose but never really opened up. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) with a medium plus body. Layered palate with cherries, bitter dark cocoa powder, tobacco leaves, a touch of tomatoes, and damp earth. Solid minerality in the medium plus finish. Drink till 2018.
Made up of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. — 8 years ago
DeLille Cellars
Four Flags Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
In a word . . . Delicious!!! Such a wonderful Cab. Very well balanced with serious dark fruit presence and some mineral to add complexity. Enjoyed 5-19-17 — 8 years ago
Four Roses
Single Barrel Limited Edition Release Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good times in Nashville. — 9 years ago
Eighty Four Wines
Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2009
Huge in your face licorice high alcohol fruit bomb from Doug Shafer — 9 years ago
Produttori del Barbaresco
Barbaresco Nebbiolo 1964
1964: Fountain of youth. Brackish yet inviting nose. In the middle palate a pearl of sweet fruit. Had to pace myself to not drink as fast as my hand was drawn toward it. Grip on the finish, what else could you want? — 10 years ago
Left Hand Brewing Company
Nitro Milk Stout
Hi octane, nutty, a bit heady and coffee bitterness in the long finish. Pour hard or else this is a rough swallow. — 10 years ago
The Four Graces
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012
First time drank it Dominick's in Scottsdale. Delicious Pinot. — 11 years ago
Pessagno
Four Boys Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
Since the passing of Steve Pessagno in June 2013. future vintages will most likely never be the same. — 11 years ago
Hickory Hollow
Ol' Hickory Red Table Wine Red Blend
Great taste of summer, but great wine any meal. Try with a winning hand in poker or take to share on the top of a hill with a great view. Balanced , smooth — 13 years ago
Lucia Vineyards (Pisoni)
Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012
A wine I’ve enjoyed mostly upon release or near it. I vowed to wait six years and nearly made it. At least it is 2018...just! It’s worth waiting this/that long for it to develop. On the nose; sweetly, baked fruits of; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, and notes of blue fruits. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium, beautiful spice, black fruit tea, limestone minerals, loamy, dry, brown top soil, fresh dark florals and violets. The mouthfeel is full, rich & lush. The tannins are round, still have some teeth and possess velvety round edges. It’s fruit driven but not a bomb and showing elegance & grace. Fruits are perfectly ripe; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, notes of blue fruits and dry cranberries dip in and out. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium beautiful spice that is more pronounced on the palate, black fruit tea, touch of melted brown sugar/molasses, limestone minerals, touch of rich dark sweet turned soil, loamy dry brown top soil, soft understated eucalyptus/mint, dry fresh florals and violets. The round acidity is just right, just a slight very small alcohol burn, the length, structure, tension and beautifully balanced finish are in a very good place. Even better in 2-3 more years in bottle; which is when I’ll have my next one. Photos of; the winemaking duo of Gary Franscioni (left) and Gary Pisoni, Rosella’s Vineyard on the right. As well as, Garys’ Vineyard at the bottom. Producer notes and history...The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is known for its rich, vibrant Pinot Noirs. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first Pinot was planted in 1973, but results weren’t all that great. Chardonnay was the appellation’s early star. Much of the area’s current fame for Pinot Noir arguably can be traced to Gary Pisoni, a free-spirited wine enthusiast who grew up in a Salinas Valley vegetable farming family. Pisoni decided to plant a few acres of Pinot Noir in 1982 on his family’s horse ranch, at the southern end of what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation but his horses started eating the grapes. So, they had to go. His initial planting were limited by a lack of water until he dug a well on the property. Pisoni started planting even more Pinot Noir. The vineyard is now around 45 acres and nearly all of it Pinot. By the late 1990s, word had spread about the success of his vineyard, and a number of Pinot specialists from around California had started lining up to buy his grapes. He started producing his own wine in 1998. Pisoni isn’t the only Gary who has become a force in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary Franscioni, a childhood friend, followed Pisoni’s lead by planting grapes and started Roar Wines in 2001. The two of them now have five vineyards between them...all farmed meticulously with the same crew. They are best of friends...sort of a Mutt & Jeff. They have become a formidable presence in the Highlands, attracting interest from top winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers from all over. Franscioni is also from a vegetable farming family; Pisoni figures they’ve known each other since they were 3 or 4. Franscioni saw his friend’s success and once he got some money together, decided to plant grapes of his own. Franscioni’s property is farther north and cooler as it’s closer to the Monterey Bay. He was going to plant Chardonnay. He woke up and Franscioni recalls imitating Pisoni, and shouted, “plant Pinot!” Franscioni planted what became Rosella’s Vineyard, named for his wife, in 1996. He took Pisoni’s advice and planted four acres of Pinot Noir, although he still planted 12 acres of Chardonnay. It’s now a total of around 50 acres with three-quarters of it Pinot Noir. The next year, they decided to become partners and planted Garys’ Vineyard, a 50 acre parcel where they grow Pinot and a little Syrah. Since then, Franscioni has developed Sierra Mar, 38 acres of Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah and a tiny amount of Viognier. The two teamed up again to establish Soberanes Vineyard, 35 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, with a little bit of Chardonnay and Syrah. That last vineyard was developed by Pisoni’s son Mark. The Garys might seem an unlikely pair. Pisoni is colorful character to say the least and has an outspoken manner. Franscioni comes across as more serious- minded. However, the collaboration between the two, who often address each other as “partner,” clearly works well. The two are good on their own, but better together. Pisoni being more gregarious acts as the frontman. He is the Ambassador. He’s a check on the rest to keep the quality high. Franscioni and Mark Pisoni run the farming on their own vineyards and work together on the joint ventures. The family involvement doesn’t stop there. Jeff Pisoni makes his family’s wines, which are under the Pisoni and Lucia brands. Franscioni’s son, Adam, joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. He handles sales for Roar and helps his father manage the vineyards. The grapes from all five vineyards are in huge demand, because the two families are such careful farmers, constantly tweaking and improving. Prominent customers include; Testarossa, Siduri, Kosta Browne, Copain and Bernardus. When a new vintner approaches them about buying grapes, the partners examine the winery’s track record and the Winemaker. If they like what they see, the winery is put on a waiting list. There’s not very much movement in their vineyards. When Franscioni planted Sierra Mar, he and Pisoni had 62 wineries waiting to buy fruit. Soberanes was developed with the idea of working with some new winemakers. There was some concern, even among the two families, that quality might suffer as the vineyard operations grew. However, there’s no indication that’s the case. In fact, with each new venture, they build on what they’ve learned in their older vineyards. Eventually, there will be even more vineyards. The Pisonis and Franscionis have purchased a 100 acre cactus farm in the Santa Lucia Highlands. There’s still a lease on the property. So, prickly pear cactus will continue to be grown for five more years. But at some point, the land will be planted with vines. Both families understand the importance of continuing to build for the future. The Garys looking back tell a story of being in the same spot some years ago and looking at a field of broccoli out back. He told Franscioni that the field would look a lot better with Pinot Noir vines. Now that parcel is part of Rosella’s Vineyard, and it’s planted with Pinot. Everybody thought he was crazy...most people usually think that when someone makes a bold decision. He’s a person who has always had vision and creativeness. He also has tremendous passion. Good things only happen when a person possesses all three of these qualities. Their wines are primarily available by mailing list. However, Nepenthe in Big Sur, CA acts as a quasi tasting room for some of their wines. — 7 years ago
Long Shadows Vintners
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Feather is 100% Cabernet. This is made in coordination with Randy Dunn. On the nose, dark, lightly spiced currants. Black oil, loamy soils, black licorice and fresh floral bouquet. On the palate, the mouthfeel is thick & rich. There's a good presence of wood shaving. Rich, ripe blackberries, dark cherries, candied black plum, plum, black raspberries, loamy soils, dark rich moist earth, leather, tobacco, spice-box, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, black licorice, violets and fresh red florals. Acidity is round and mouthwatering. The structure is big. The tension perfect as is the balance of fruit and earth. This is definitely a Parker wine. It's so easy to drink young, yet will cellar 10-15 years nicely. Photos of the tasting rooms hand blown glass lighting...lit up. The Feather artwork and the famous Boushey vineyard in Yakima Valley — 8 years ago
The Four Graces
Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Love random purchases that are winners! Bought at the Navy Sub Base Exchange in Groton, CT. — 9 years ago
Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg
Les Chaignots Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Pinot Noir 1999
You can indicate a Côte Rotie of Jamet as 'Burgundian', but can you indicate a Georges Mugneret as 'Jametian' too? A real "iron hand in a velvet glove". Powerful elegance, spices/herbs and a little meaty. Great wine. — 9 years ago
Cigar Box
Reserve Hand Harvested Malbec 2013
This is my go-to brand for Malbec. I have loved this wine for several years now and every year the vintage is pretty much spot-on. Exactly what you want in a Malbec and at Kroger for $10 it fits the wallet perfectly. — 10 years ago
Château de Sales
Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2000
The largest property in Pomerol, this wine is composed of about 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. I found it to be very graceful for a Pomerol and the opposite of the big, oaky, heavy, high alcohol wines that have proliferated in the era of the big points wine critics. It had a pure plumy Merlot character with some new leather and basil like herbal elements. It was medium bodied and very easy to drink. Although it seemed to have time in hand, I think it might have been one of the most ready to drink wines of the night. — 10 years ago
Owen Roe
Sinister Hand Columbia Valley Red Rhone Blend
The MacIntosh in Charleston — 12 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Happy National Wine Day! 🍷🥂🎉🎊
I haven’t had this 08 in about 3-4 years. I had four bottles then and drank them faster than I imagined it was just that insanely delicious. This Hendricks 08 Santa Lucia Pinot Noir is in the top two CA Pinot’s I’ve enjoyed. I found two bottles recently on auction for a ridiculous $40. When it’s sold in futures at the Hope & Grace tasting room it’s $75 and $90 upon release.
The nose reveals slightly baked; dark cherries, blackberries, blue fruits, lots of plum, black plum, cherries, some black raspberries & strawberries. Some of the most beautiful spice on the nose mine has come across. It’s slightly sweet, dark with a touch of incense. Crushed powdery limestone, savoriness, cola/licorice, blue & red fresh florals with violets.
The body is medium and flat out gorgeous. Its flows & dances over the palate. It’s a sexy wine. Wire to wire this wine doesn’t disappoint. Ripe and slightly candied; dark cherries, blackberries, blue fruits, lots of plum, black plum, cherries, some black raspberries, pomegranate, dry cranberries & strawberries. Beautiful dark spice with heat that lifts off the palate, nicely soft baking spices, incense crushed dry rock & powdery limestone, some rich, moist, dark earth, savoy meats, dry stems, spice, cola/licorice, blue & red fresh florals with violets. The acidity is spectacular. The length, structure and balance have hit its peak. The finish is; rich, ripe, the definition of elegance, perfectly balanced and doesn’t end. It just goes on & on.
Photos of; Santa Lucia vines, Winemaker-Charles Hendricks doing the heavy lifting in the cellar l, grapes waiting to be crushed and the Hope & Grace tasting room in Yountville where this wine is sold. Charles is the Winemaker for Hope & Grace as well. — 7 years ago