Big Wave Dave

9.4

Such a contrast to 2016! 2014 was warmer and with 2 more years of bottle age, the wine is more fruit forward, more opulent and more balanced against the brooding, spicy character of Gibbston. Fabulous! — 6 years ago

with Rocket

Bob McDonald

9.7

Probably the WOTN for me as I didn’t subscribe to the Exceptional category this time. This is in the Outstanding category. From ancient pre phylloxera Shiraz vines dating back to 1860. Medium bodied with incredible intensity and length. Marvellous. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

This is from the Waipara Valley in Canterbury just north of Christchurch and not to be confused with Wairarapa just north of Wellington in Martinborough. Must try more Pinots from this region. Not as full bodied as Otago being more minerally from the Gravel soils. — 8 years ago

David Madison

9.0

Delightful with Mediterranean food — 9 years ago

Eric

9.0

Funky mountain nose. Nicely concentrated blackberry palate, with plenty of spice and tannin left. Good QPR at 50 bones. Probably even better in a few years. — 9 years ago

Rob Moose

9.0

A much improved wine on day 2. This Pinot seems to have staying power, nice structure with a delicate blessing of red fruit. Would like to revisit with food, as opposed to a hotel room tipple in OKC — 9 years ago

Flip Lower

9.8

Still young, needs a few years of bottle time — 9 years ago

David Brewer

9.2

It was a Scherrer kind of night. Rich and savory with a chocolate essence that sticks with you long after the wine is gone. — 10 years ago

James Corley

9.4

This is my favorite pinot. — 10 years ago

Lauren Brooke

9.3

I likely. A 70 year old man w a 1/4 acre property still doing hand punch downs. Cheers, my man! Minerals and spice... A a true Cali PN — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

The 2015 Napa has a much more expressive nose than previous vintages. The mid red fruits are brighter and more dominant. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dark turned, rich earth, light dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals.

The body is also much lighter in the 15 than other vintages. It’s still very fresh. At this stage, it’s like a well extracted Pinot. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dry clay, stems, mint, Provence fresh herbs, dark turned, rich earth, dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The acidity is light a waterfall. The finish is bright fruit that is well balanced with earth. However, as it cellars, I predict this wine with flush out, put on weight and gain complexity. Much better palate experiences 10-15 years plus down the road for this 15 Napa.

Photos of, the terrace view from JPV’s visitors center, the JPV annual members party small bites, the lounge area in their visitor center and estate vineyard off their terrace.
— 7 years ago

Stephen Howell

Cellarbrations at Cottesloe Western Australia, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)

9.2

I'm loving Victorian shiraz these days! Medium bodied, earthy and really well balanced! Mouthfeel is terrific, so much more interesting than your typical Barossa/McLaren vale shiraz.
But also not too challenging.
Great value. — 8 years ago

Carol Kellett

9.1

better than OK :) — 8 years ago

Julie Stahl

9.1

Enjoyed this while on the North Shore with family. Loved by all! — 9 years ago

Tristan Hovey

9.1

Very tasty with family — 9 years ago

Christopher Bates

Master Sommelier, Owner/Winemaker Element Winery

9.3

This is stunning. Poured 3 years ago via @coravin and drinking amazing now — 9 years ago

Eric Hwang

9.4

Rich complex aromas of mushroom and cola. Spicy, earthy, zippy red fruit, and a soft mellow finish. — 9 years ago

Adam M. Rammel

9.6

Oak. Huge blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors. Just right. Giggity. — 10 years ago

Austin Beeman

8.9

A solid adult professional Zin. On a big frame. $37.99 — 11 years ago

with David, Kristie and 2 others

Trudy Murray

9.1

Really enjoy and now I know why. PG is from a red grape. Thank you Alan! — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Chardonnay pairing with Saffron Fettucine with Saffron Cream, Pancetta,
Summer Corn, Parsley and Pecorino Romano.

Green apple, juicy pineapple flesh, green melon, cream, butter, light honey notes, some lime candy, rich, waxy and well polished. One of a handful of CA Chardonnay’s I enjoy because of their light wood influence. At steal at $36 member price.

Not the best pair I’ve had but, it worked ok.

Photos of, their terrace view, Saffron Fettucine with Saffron Cream, Pancetta, Summer Corn, Parsley and Pecorino Romano, the rotating ball waterfall and hand blown glass that decorated their cellar halls.
— 7 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.1

Made an impromptu stop at Stonestreet the last time we were in Napa/Sonoma. Had a little unexpected time between tastings. Man it was sure HOT when we were there in September. I remember the estate was in great condition. Beautiful scenery and some of the views from eastern Healdsburg and Geyserville are hard to beat. It was about 95 degrees AT THE WINERY in the middle of a Napa heat wave. This wine hit the spot. A nice, crisp, lighter bodied wine with a crisp side to it, yet didn't feel as though your tongue was burning. Edges on this one were rounded even from the start. More of a lemon curd, but also some lime and honeysuckle. Middle had good weight, a little silkier than I had anticipated. The finish is lighter, mostly lemon and lime. Not a powerhouse, but was really nice on that 95 degree September "summer" day in Healdsburg, and pretty darn good tonight. — 7 years ago

Charlie Tapp

9.2

Really nice. Bigger than the Gravelly meadow and Red Rock Terrace, without the acidity. But still better than 90% of the bottles in Napa. — 8 years ago

Keith Crump

9.0

Good well made Martinborough Pinot — 9 years ago

Jorge Henriquez

Zachys Wine Auctions

9.1

Deliciously refreshing yet savory. Lighter on its feet than the blend would suggest. Very pretty. — 9 years ago

Rick Phillips

9.3

Excellent Flavor. Smooth! — 9 years ago

with Letha

Luke Longney

9.0

More full bodied than most from central otago. Very nice — 9 years ago

David Kline

9.3

Soon good. — 10 years ago

Rich Friedland

9.2

Pear on the nose. Just slightly tart. Apple and honey on the tongue. Pairs well with pork belly. — 10 years ago

Ray Voigt

9.8

Excellent Washington Cab Sav — 12 years ago