Doug Powers

9.3

Excellent GSM blend (42% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre) from the Grampians in Western Victoria (Oz), blue and black-fruited Syrah and tree bark Mourvèdre aromas and flavors, less red-fruited Grenache in this subtly higher acid 2021 vs. the 2022 that is also open, finish is a little cleaner and less tannic, long, lingering finish, my preference of this 2021 vs. 2022 showdown. — 7 months ago

with Jim

Ryan Taylor

9.3

A wonderful wine, blackberry. Integrated tannins — 3 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.7

Second bottle was outstanding. Olive brine, blackberries, crushed dried flowers, plum, more forest/woodsy flavors. Lingering finish. To me this is better than pax Sonoma hillside 2018. It has more fruit but still this awesome herbal, flower, olive component. Less game. — 3 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.2

From Russell From of Herman Story. Love his wines. This is one we probably should have had a year or two ago. Still really good, but a lot of the vibrancy that makes grenache so spectacular has largely fallen away. — 5 years ago

with Vanessa

Frank Heinz

9.4

Linda Rudolph brought this to us from South Africa — 6 years ago

Kirk F

9.2

A richly textured wine aging gracefully. A slathering of almond, honeysuckle and tropical flavors coat the palate entirely. Still so delicious! — 7 years ago

Edward Nelson

9.1

51st birthday bottle #2. — 7 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

This is a layered narrative of dark fruits, a dash of black pepper, and that unmistakable hint of smoky earth. And undeniably funky. It’s not just about boldness; it’s about a refined grit, a raw elegance that speaks of rugged vineyards and uncompromising craftsmanship. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2020 vintage. 100% Grenache. Ripe, spicy biggie in need of a decade's worth of time or a serious decant. 4.19.23. — 3 years ago

Greg Schuler

8.9

Gift from D&S. Delish!
— 4 years ago

Turd Ferguson

8.9

Considerably better with a few years on it. Spatlese level sugar with nice acid and decent complexity. Green apples. — 6 years ago

Parker Campanella

9.7

Light gold color. Best viognier I’ve ever had. Strong nectarine, honey, and buttered toast on the scent. Taste is tangy melon, followed by floral and earthy mineral notes, with a surprisingly spicy finish. So complicated. — 6 years ago

Tobin Trevarthen

9.3

Goldenrod in color. Honeyed cantaloupe. Velvety. Big bold flavors. Oh my. — 7 years ago

Andrew Blazic

9.2

Interesting Pinot, dark and deep up front yet also light on the palate. — 9 months ago

Rich Raleigh

9.4

Very nice. — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.1

The 2021 Smash City is bright and floral with a wild blend of crushed strawberries, dusty rose, citrus and spice. This is juicy and fruit-focused, with crisp red berries elevated by traces of citrus under an air of violet inner florals. The Smash City cleans up beautifully, full of energy and perfumed, leaving the palate nicely refreshed. This lively Pinot Noir is produced with all Bien Nacido fruit. (Eric Guido, Vinous, May 2023) — 3 years ago

J Chechik

9.3

Besides having a great, cool label - Herman Story wines are so spectacular. This is not your standard “red blend” & the Tempranillo/Petit Verdot give a great complexity. Easily paired w/ a huge range of food. — 5 years ago

Allison Lyzenga

9.2

Medium pink; medium plus intensity aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberry, red currant, mushroom, forest floor, limestone mineral; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, full body, medium plus intensity flavors consistent with aromas; long finish, ripe red fruit and funky earthy perfume fills palate, big wine but well balanced, outstanding — 6 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.1

100% pure bred Mouvedre — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Today was my annual hosting of the Wednesday Wine Committee. There was 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert, all provided by me. Tasted blind, as always.

I served this blind as the first red out of four in a flight of all cab francs. Every person in the room guessed Pinot based on color, and it’s hard to disagree. Certainly more translucent in color compared to most dark Cab francs. Chinon like and as far as the style of the wine itself, I think it’s also Chinon at its core with just a touch of new world flare. Not sure I’ve had such a floral cab franc. Lavender and rhubarb and the finish did a great job of requiring you to get another sip to analyze. Nice complexity. Nothing vegetal or green about this. One of the lightest cab francs I’ve had, and pairs well with lighter style meats. — 7 years ago

with Dan, Andrew and 3 others