Fruit Hills Winery

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

fruit party. Argentina beats Cape Verde in a nail biter — 2 months ago

Joe, Dave and 4 others liked this

Château Margaux

Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1995

Double decant and pour(some fine/cloudy sediment).  A striking still dark magenta color with bricking.   On the nose:  subtle perfumed notes of dark fruit, pencil shavings, smoked meat, worn leather, tobacco leaf, eucalyptus.  Taste:  silky, balanced wine with some dried dark fruit, currants, earth, asian spice, dried herbs, and a graphite/dried cherry/coffee ground medium plus finish...lacks some depth and some still there sharp tannins gonna knock the score down.  — 3 months ago

Tom, Paul and 15 others liked this
Dave

Dave

Nice wine! I suppose you paired it with Papa John's pizza? 😉
Tom Garland

Tom Garland

@Dave Yep..classic Margaux pairing of Papa John Tuscan 6 cheese cheesesticks and their Philly cheesesteak pizza. Cheers!
Dave

Dave

Sounds divine

Grgich Hills Estate

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023

2023 vintage. Crisp apricot and pear aromas on the nose, light oak taste on the palette, decent finish. Great afternoon wine with cheese, salami, and hummus. — 3 months ago

Château Cheval Blanc

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

The purity is great. Lovely clarified fruit. Glossy and perfectly balanced. Wonderful stuff. — 4 months ago

Walker StrangisDavid Schachter
with Walker and David
Bob, Juan and 7 others liked this
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Whoa.

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2020

Yet another outstanding vintage (2020) of this consistently excellent Co-Op produced Barbaresco. Aromas of red fruit, dried rose petals and anise. Flavors of bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, mint, Asian spices, minerals and orange zest. Long and earthy/smoky finish. Fantastic balance, structure and depth. Fine grained tannins and a silky texture yet still firm and powerful. So delicious now, but built to age for at least another decade. The quality consistency of this wine vintage to vintage is incredible. Outstanding value! Thanks so much for opening this one, Keith S! Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn! — 4 months ago

Tom and Dave liked this
Dave

Dave

Yes!

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005

1 hour decant(decent chunky sediment). A striking medium purplish garnet color with bricking. On the nose: Inviting notes of dried red fruit, currants, pencil shavings, floral, stewed meat, milk chocolate. Taste: fully mature, savory, silky wine with dried plum, ground coffee, earth, minerals, tobacco, and a sour cherry/green bell pepper/graphite long finish. YUM!! Drink em if you got em. — 6 months ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Sharon and 10 others liked this

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Somm David T
9.4

I remember when the 2005 Pichon Lalande was reviewed by RP, 89. I saw that & said, you would have to get in the way of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage to be that sad. I still bought 6 at a bargain basement price. A very good idea post 20 yrs+. Both Pichon’s don’t have a modern day history of getting in the way of a good vintage.

I also bought this one. 18 yrs in bottle and still acending. This will hold 5 more yrs and will last another 10 yrs properly stored.

I have visited Bordeaux 11 times. This chateau visually is still my favorite. It was showing a picture of this chateau to Sofia that launched our first visit. Sofia loved it and we have stared at it multiple times on every visit.

It was in our visit in 2007, I stood in the estate vineyard, looked & tasted their soils. After doing so, I said, “I get it.” I understood everything about what I was tasting in Left Bank Bordeaux’s early in my wine journey.

Sofia and I had dinner w/ Christian Moueix not long after the 2005 vintage was hyped/released. She asked him, when did you know you had something special?” He said, “as soon as I tasted the fruit at harvest.”

Tonight, it shows that it is a close relative, a sibling to Pichon Longueville. Cork, perfect.

The nose shows; classic left bank traits. Ripe, dark, brooding fruits, bright, mid berries, red cola, leather, tobacco, sandalwood, leather, led pencil, dark rich earth, limestone, dry river stone, hint of mushrooms, dark, red, fresh & withering florals.

The fruits on the palate show everything outstanding from the 2005 growing season. Ripe, juicy, brilliant; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, baked/poached strawberries & some hovering raspberries. Dark chocolate bar to pudding, red cola, anise, dark spices w/ palate heat, dark, rich earth w/ dry leaves, pronounced graphite, dry tobacco, leather, limestone, dry twig, dry river stone, moist clays, moist herbs, cedar to sandalwood, withering & dry, dark flowers, red roses, some lavender & violets, beautiful rainfall acidity, excellent; balance, tension, structure, length w/ an elegant finish that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earth.

13.4 ABV. Nice.

#TheTwoHourRibcap

This held up vacuumed sealed the same night, refrigerated & enjoyed exactly a week later.
— 7 months ago

Peter, Scott@Mister and 16 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Somm David T A wonderful story David and I can see how you could fall in love with that photo of the Chateau.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Bob McDonald Thank you. Cheers! 🍷

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1991

Outrageously delicious. Fruit still holding up and loaded with green leaf tobacco and cigar ash. — 6 years ago

David Barker
with David
Daniel P. and Guy liked this

Melville

Estate Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Probably my fave Pinot for the price so far. Very drinkable, not too fruity. — 8 years ago

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

Somm David T
9.5

There are a number of things I can say about Leoville Barton. For me, it is a storied property and experience.

To this point, I have had quite a few 2000 Bordeaux’s, none of them ready as this one. Given what I know about Anthony & his legacy, most of his good vintages were made for your children. So, color me surprised.

While this 2000 is drinking well, it is far from its precipice. There is another 20 yrs plus of road here.

Sofia and I have had the pleasure of dining at the same table with Anthony Barton and his wife in the early teens of 2000. He was a salt of the earth gentleman. His wife, lovely. At dinner that night, he told us a story I will not forget. A story prompted by a question from my wife. He and his wife drove from France to Switzerland. They were stopped at the border and asked to get out of the car as they had a case of wine with them. At that time and maybe still now, you can’t take wine over the border into Switzerland. The border guard called the powers to be and recanted the story of them trying to bring wine into Switzerland. He told them their name. The person on the other end of the phone said, who? They said, Anthony Barton. The reply, was let him through. That’s respect!!!

His daughter Lilian has taken the helm. She is also salt of the earth and a great Bordeaux Ambassador. May Anthony RIP.

This 2000 is classic Bordeaux in every way.

The nose shows steeped & candied fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, purple & blue fruit hues (classic Barton). Graphite, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dark Asian spices, dry herbs, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and violets.

The palate shows, M+ rounded, fine grain tannins. The nose mirrors the palate in many ways. Steeped, candied, ripe, juicy fruits that are; brambly blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, raspberries, purple & blue fruit hues. Leoville Barton shows purple & blue fruits more than most other left bank producers. Graphite, dry tobacco, cedar, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dry top soils, saline, caramel, mocha powder, German chocolate cake, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark Asian spices w/ some heat, dry herbs, touch of black pepper, grilled meats, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, black tarriness, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and framed in liquid violets, acidity is grand, well balanced/structured, highly toned, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts minutes and settles on earth & dark spice.

Decanted 90 minutes and enjoyed over nearly three hours.

Appreciated the 12.5% ABV. Many would say that is not possible in the modern wine era. Anthony says otherwise w/ his 2000.

95-96.
— 2 months ago

Tom, ESF and 12 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Love the story

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

And now a Bordeaux blend expression from… well Bordeaux! Left bank that is. Our favorite left bank Bordeaux fantastic quality for reasonable price. This wine was intense, still rather edgy tannins but already great complexity of waves of dark and red fruit laced in subtle pipe tobacco and spiced oak. — 3 months ago

RoAnne de WeerdTammy de Weerd
with RoAnne, Tammy and 2 others
Edo, Jan and 4 others liked this
Jan de Weerd

Jan de Weerd

And now a Bordeaux blend expression from… well Bordeaux! Left bank that is. Our favorite left bank Bordeaux fantastic quality for reasonable price. This wine was intense, still rather edgy tannins but already great complexity of waves of dark and red fruit laced in subtle pipe tobacco and spiced oak.

Evening Land Vineyards

Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Good Oregon Pinot. Bright fruit, earth, and herbal tea. — 5 months ago

Brandon Boesch

Brandon Boesch

Good Oregon Pinot. Bright fruit, earth, and herbal tea.

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2023

Very nice and layered CDP, nose is a nice combination of red fruit, flowers and graphite. On the palate, the fruit hits first and then somewhat quickly gives way to the graphite/mineraly flavors, which last and develop on your palate in an interesting and pleasant way that avoids making me think I just licked a rock. Tannins aren't too powerful but what's there is grippy, could easily lay down for a few years and really develop. Overall this strikes a nice balance between approachable and interesting, easy to like for anyone who's into Rhone reds! — 5 months ago

Tom, Joel and 8 others liked this
Dave

Dave

Legendary

Domaine du Pegau

Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2020

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Both days outstanding but slightly different experiences. Day 1 was about power. Day 2 was about balance. The 2020 “Cuvée Réservée” pours a brilliant garnet with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady, slightly funky notes of ripe brambles, garrigue, red & purple flowers, bacon fat, licorice, and dry rocky earth. On Day 2, everything was more open nit and the fruit showed more bruised with a slightly stewed profile. Lavender was the predominate floral profile too. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is textbook Pégau and I love it. Drink now through 2045+ — 7 months ago

Joel, Tom and 5 others liked this

Sandhi Wines

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022

Ruby red slightly with violet. raspberry blueberry clove nutmeg red tea. Red flower. Meaty black berry cherry
Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M Acidity M++ Tannin M Body M Finish M 13.5% Sonoma
22 @10450, AD, 251210
— 9 months ago

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

1984, surprisingly tanic, acidic, and Heavy dried fruit, prunes and dried figs. over oxidized tasting at first but interesting. From producer to cellar at breakers in palm beach. Small leak out the bottle on one side of the cork. Over time it settles and the dried fruit subsides and then the lighter acidic flavors of fresh berries comes forward. — 4 years ago

Columbia Crest

H3 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Full of body and flavor for the price. Great Friday night steak wine! — 11 years ago

Marchesi Antinori

Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2016

2016 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 15 minutes and one hour. Mostly front and mid-palate push. Medium body. Some spice. Some chunk. Some fruit. Fairly balanced. Needs to sort out some issues and will likely show better in 3-5 years. 6.12.26. — 3 months ago

Tom, Dave and 7 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Damn, sounds great!!

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Smooth and rich with pronounced berry fruit. I prefer a bit more earthy and forest floor but still a nice accompaniment to rack of lamb. — 3 months ago

Naveen Chopra
with Naveen

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1990

A big brooding breast. Intense and slightly feral. Powerful deep fruit, ferrous notes, pepper and a hint of band aid. Really present and powerful but still refined. A great wine — 3 months ago

Paul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Paul and Ara
Shay, Jay and 4 others liked this

Domaine de la Côte

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021

Deep Ruby color with aromas of black fruits, cedar, citrus, herbs and floral spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, cranberry and blackberry with floral and sweet herb spice notes. Full-bodied, fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, slight oak, herbs and a savory earthy mineral character. Nice, will age but Decant now! — 5 months ago

Paul, Andrew and 1 other liked this

Jean Foillard

Côte du Py Morgon Gamay 2023

Very nice choice by the Sommelier at Pastis in Nashville to pair with both grilled Branzino and Boeuf Bourguignon. (I know.). Bright, a bit astringent, fruit forward, with some structure but not too much. — 5 months ago

Domaine Drouhin

Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023

John Howard
9.2

Delicious. Changes in the glass a lot. Touch too much new oak for us. — 7 months ago

Michael, Rob and 24 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2007

Dry(ish) January now over, time to get back to business!
Leathery, earthy, yet smooth and well balanced black fruit concentration. Not a bad start to 2026….
— 7 months ago

Neville Weston
with Neville
Andrew, Bob and 9 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah

Rod
9.4

Opened up very well; earthy from age but still some complexity and fruit. — 8 months ago

Brent and Thomas liked this

Grgich Hills Estate

Fumé Blanc Napa Valley Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Star bright straw gold. Abundant funky nose of burning citrus and funghi. Medium palate is much cleaner than the nose yielding toasted lemon, white guava, and white pepper with a bit of birch on the finish. Medium plus acidity. Medium finish. A fine example of California Fumé style SB. Okay as a sipper, but built for a meal. Swordfish and scallops come racing to mind, but any white fleshed fish or shellfish should pair wonderfully. Or just upscale your fried chicken. It’s good for that, too. Drink now through 2024. — 5 years ago

Ron, Daniel and 5 others liked this

Clos Pepe Estate

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2014

Ruby colored liquid in my glass. Hints of cherry pie on the nose. Flavors of tart cherries, red plums and baking spices. Beautiful acidity. A very balanced wine. This is my last regular bottle of CP wine. I do have a VS Pinot which I will sit on for a while. Glad other wineries are making really good wines from the Clos Pepe vineyard. — 7 years ago

Lisa Mayer
with Lisa
Lisa, Sharon and 6 others liked this