Pale ruby in color; cherries, raspberries, and baking spices on the nose; medium plus acidity; low tannins; tastes like strawberries, black cherries, crushed gravel, and a hint of vanilla with a long finish. Nellie says it's ok. I like it. Better after decanting for 30 minutes. Tastes a little sweet. I think there's some residual sugar, but it may just be the fruit flavors. It's definitely a fruit bomb. — 10 days ago
Elegant Ruby color with red fruit aromas and gentle floral spice, aged for about 12 months in French oak, signature blend of grapes from Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, and Yamhill-Carlton AVA's. On the palate flavors of cherry and black raspberry with notes of herb, licorice and wet stone notes. Soft dusty tannins on a long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy notes. Very Nice! Drinking well now! — 19 days ago
Medium Ruby with aromas red fruits, black tea and ample floral spice, aged in 20% new French oak for about 10 months. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum with notes of tobacco, cedar, black pepper, tea and vanilla spice. Fine tannins, long finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with fruit, herb, spice and wet stone character. Very Nice! Aging well! — 25 days ago
From magnum, the 1996 Grande Année pours a brilliant pale gold color with a persistent mousse. Initially, the wine showed more oxidative notes but it freshened up considerably with air (in fact, a tiny amount was leftover for the next morning and it remained brilliant, racy even!). On the nose, notes of almond, citrus, honey, chalky minerals and brioche. On the palate, wine is developing with absolutely brilliant acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy. The 1996 vintage is simply amazing. Here we are, 28 years past vintage and this bright and full of life! Granted, it’s a magnum, but still. Drink now with patience or enjoy through 2046+. — 12 days ago
Medium ruby color with a garnet rim. Aromas of red currants, rose petals and wet soil. Sour red and black cherries on the palate with notes of ripe strawberry, bramble berries, black tea and sweet spices. Bristling acidity and nice tension on the finish. Medium-plus body. — 7 days ago
Sipping Fine Wine
History dates back to 1995 when on a lark, David Swift Phinney took a friend up on an offer & went to Florence, Italy to spend a semester “studying”. During that time, he was introduced to wine, how it was made, & got hooked. A Grenache, Syrah & Petite Sirah blend. Aromas of fresh ripe red fruits with floral & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry & raspberry with cacao & espresso notes on sweet savory soft tannins, well balanced, lingering finish ending with fruit & toasty oak. Nice! Consistent Quality! — 8 days ago