Isaac Pirolo

9.4

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. — 6 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

8.9

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. — 7 years ago

with Sean and India

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

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 — 7 years ago

Jim Miller

9.0

Light, in Malbec terms. Long legs. Very good. — 7 years ago

Molly K

10

New fave when in #oz clean and crisp. — 7 years ago

Jonas Johansson

9.2

Good times in Nashville. — 8 years ago

Bill Forsyth

9.3

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. — 8 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.5

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? — 9 years ago

Celia Erickson

9.1

old world in style, elevated acidity, under ripe fruits, some use of oak — 9 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.3

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. — 9 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.7

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 — 10 years ago

Lindley Maglio

9.4

The MacIntosh in Charleston — 11 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

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. — 6 years ago

Jocelyn Mortero

10

Love random purchases that are winners! Bought at the Navy Sub Base Exchange in Groton, CT. — 8 years ago

Roel van der Burg

Sommelier at Restaurant Entrepot

9.4

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. — 8 years ago

with Théo, Alessandro and 1 other

Frank Forte

8.9

Light Brick red in color. Hints of black pepper. Aroma of bell peppers and American oak with vanilla and caramel. Fruit is cranberry. Decent mid palate. Little or no tannins. Don't think it will last another year or two. Drinkable now. — 9 years ago

with Frank

Bjørn Rostad

9.1

Great ~$25 whiskey. Better in a cocktail.

Mint Julep
• 2.5oz bourbon
• 0.5oz simple syrup
• crushed ice
• muddled mint and a bouquet for decoration — 10 years ago

Barbara Wiggs

9.6

Since the passing of Steve Pessagno in June 2013. future vintages will most likely never be the same. — 10 years ago

Julie Northshield

9.0

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 — 12 years ago

Michael Phillips

9.6

A step up in quality from the 2013&2014
Melon pears brioche lovely wine — 7 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

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. — 7 years ago

Adam Mills

9.5

Loved this - perfect with rare beef. A real smoothness to it. — 7 years ago

Dan Tiedeman

9.5

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 — 7 years ago

Boxer Briefs

10

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 — 7 years ago

Ted O

9.2

Very nice red blend from Jessup. Started a bit jammy but developed nicely in the glass. Could probably age even longer. — 8 years ago

John Schlechter

9.3

Huge in your face licorice high alcohol fruit bomb from Doug Shafer — 8 years ago

Liberty Cramer

8.9

Medium bodied, tiny touch on the sweeter side but still dry. It is a rosé. — 9 years ago

Sydney Coelho

9.7

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. — 9 years ago

John Davidson

9.1

Hi octane, nutty, a bit heady and coffee bitterness in the long finish. Pour hard or else this is a rough swallow. — 9 years ago

Brian McMahon

Sales Polaner Selections

9.2

Varietals: Gamay
Organic: Certified
Biodynamic: Practicing
Vineyard: From La Roche Pilée vineyard in the heart of the Morgon appellation at the base of the famed Cote du Py hillside (1.70 hectares).
Orientation: South facing with a slight slope.
Soil: "Decomposed granite and crumbly schist referred to regionally as "rotten rock"". Natural composting kick-starts bacterial activity in the soil that is very beneficial to the vines. "
Viticulture: 60-year-old vines with very low yields. Extensive pruning to further limit the yield; No chemical pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides used, giving a totally natural wine; all bunches are picked by hand and very carefully sorted to retain only the fully ripened whole bunches.
Vinification: No sulphur pitched for fermentation. Semi carbonic maceration for up to 12 days. Using an old vertical press, pressing is very slow and gentle, crushing only the fruit and not the seeds.
Aging: In barrels on fine lees between 5 and 13 months. The barrels are old as the aim is to allow the wine to breathe without giving it a woody taste. The end of alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels. Light sulphur is added after malo-lactic fermentation and at bottling to ensure the wine keeps well over time.
Notes: Bio-Vitis is the name Michel Guignier gave to this wine composed of 100% Agribio-certified fruit from La Roche Pilée, a site located at the base of the famed Cote du Py hillside in Morgon. The wine is a selection of old vines that are barrel fermented in neutral oak. It is the most structured wine in the Guignier lineup with classic red fruit character, sappiness and a seductive, round mouthfeel. — 10 years ago