Hames Valley, Central Coast

Jonata Winery

Todos Ballard Canyon Red Bordeaux Blend 2019

Great blend with literally the kitchen sink of varietals (10!). Haven’t had their more pricy cuvées but if this is any indication, they knock it out of the park! Side note, gorgeous tasting room. @Ryan Colthorp came visit for a wine trip! — 4 months ago

Natasha Bray
with Natasha

Alban Vineyards

Seymour's Vineyard Syrah 2014

Seymours is my favorite Alban. Never disappoints.This needs another 5 years at least, but will last much longer

Jebs 98 point review The 2014 Seymour's comes from a higher elevation site that’s hammered by the winds off the Pacific Ocean. Classic Seymour’s all the way with its huge nose of black fruits, tobacco, ground pepper, crushed rocks, and ample meatiness, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. While the Seymour’s is always the most backward and austere of the three single-vineyard Syrahs, the forward nature of the 2014 vintage shows in the wine’s texture and slightly more charming, forward character. Nevertheless, this brilliant Syrah will cruise for 20+ years in cold cellars.
@Somm David T
— 7 months ago

Ron R
with Ron
Betsy, Ron and 23 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

👀
HNY bro 🥳
9.9
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

We have started our “dry month.” One week in and will restart over thanksgiving. If I didn’t have so much wine, would probably give it up. I’m more productive without alcohol…

Edna Valley Vineyard

Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Medium ruby color.
Aromas of red fruit, licorice.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, soft vanilla, licorice, blackberry leaf. Rich, velvety tannins. Juicy!

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
— 3 years ago

Au Bon Climat

Knox Alexander Estate Bottled Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2018

Schoolbook pinot with warm strawberry and sloeberry fruit. Cranberries on the finish. Some oak and spices on the finish. Simply very enjoyable! — 4 years ago

Two Shepherds

Saarloos Vineyard Grenache Blanc 2030

Every time I drink a Two Shepherds wine I wish I had more in my cellar. A true “Rhône ranger” producing some of the best rhône-style wines in California. We all need to drink more Two Shepherds and support innovative winemakers who think about product quality before profit and ratings. Thanks to my dear friend Bruce for introducing me to Two Shepherds and supplying me! — 6 years ago

Tom, Peter and 1 other liked this

Stolpman Vineyards

La Cuadrilla Ballard Canyon Red Blend

Very delicious. Smooth, fruit forward, so freaking good. — 6 years ago

Cambria Estate Winery

Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

This 21 was better than expected. Was gifted to me and went perfectly with some casual carry out Chinese appetizers. Soft and spicy with gorgeous fruits not too tart and not flabby. — 7 months ago

Zaca Mesa

Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2010

13.5% abv. Little viognier. Label says “ savor it over the next ten years”. We sure did. Even more tasty in 2025. — 7 months ago

Lieu Dit

Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Lemon, fresh herbs. Clean and crisp. — 8 months ago

Tom and Joe liked this

Au Bon Climat

Hildegard Estate Bottled Santa Maria Valley White Blend 2018

Apple, lemon candy, dried apricot, oak and hints of peach. Great acidity and balance. — 3 years ago

Milissa liked this

Foxen

Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Strawberry, black cherry jolly rancher, nutmeg, and earth aromas. Strawberry and cherry palate with great acidity and juicy palate. — 4 years ago

Jamie, Ira and 12 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

Thought I was a Foxen, Sea Smoke and Patz & Hall fan. Guess again...generally, pretty delicious juice.

Stolpman Vineyards

Estate Grown Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2007

Andrew Holod
9.2

Wish I had more of these in my cellar. Drinking great w an impeccable balance of black fruit, savory and mildly spicy elements. Fully resolved texture, and vibrantly alive, this could take more time in cellar. — 6 years ago

ESF liked this

Qupé

Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Syrah 1995

Stunning, raspberry, leather, and white pepper more reminiscent of Cote Rotie than California. Great depth, I’m crushed that this is my last bottle. — 5 months ago

Shay and Anthony liked this

Jonata Winery

El Alma de Jonata Ballard Canyon Cabernet Franc Blend 2011

Dark peppery fruit. Lush with black cherry. Good balance. Delicious — 7 months ago

Peter NelsonGregg GRick K
with Peter, Gregg and 1 other
Matt, Jan and 4 others liked this

Cambria Estate Winery

Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

Very nice Chardonnay! Yellowish with pear, apple, white floral, and piney aromas. Nice body with a long finish. A little bit of butter and tartness. Great with our Salmon and Risotto! — 8 months ago

Beckmen Vineyards

Cuvée Le Bec Santa Ynez Valley Syrah Blend 2021

Great value for a Southern Rhône style blend — 10 months ago

Lieu Dit

Santa Ynez Valley Cabernet Franc 2020

A great Californian Cab Franc with notes of bell pepper, red currant and hint of dried leaves. Had this one in New York and just didn’t get around to adding it until now. — 3 years ago

Ira, Serge and 6 others liked this

Alban Vineyards

Lorraine Syrah 2005

Had this last weekend. Absolutely stunning - probably in my Top 10 ever. — 5 years ago

Vanessa McCaffrey
with Vanessa
Shay, Paul and 8 others liked this
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Got another 2002 standing up for next weeks consumption.
Jim McCusker

Jim McCusker

Nice, @Paul T- Huntington Beach! I’m all out of those, but still have one 2001 Seymour’s in the cellar…

Alban Vineyards

Alban Estate Vineyard Grenache 2008

Wow has this aged nicely. The fruits is settling down and the terror is really coming thru. The depth and complexity are quite beautiful. As to the 15%+ alcohol it is not noted on the nose or palate. Surprisingly no heat at all.
Delicious
— 6 years ago

Euna, Gordon and 11 others liked this