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

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

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

Frank Heinz

9.4

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

Eric Urbani

9.1

100% pure bred Mouvedre — 6 years ago

Tobin Trevarthen

9.3

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

Eric Urbani

9.0

Oh my give it 5 more years y’all — 7 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

Simply one of the best domestic Syrahs, from the storied Bien Nacido vineyard. — 2 years ago

Greg Schuler

8.9

Gift from D&S. Delish!
— 4 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

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

Miriam De Lyon

9.0

Needed to open up a bit, but finished nicely. — 6 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

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.0

Clearly more weight than the 2016 Helluva. 14%. Drinkable right now too. I don’t think these wines need to be aged. More purple than the Helluva. Quite rich and spicy. More CA in style. Mostly dark fruit. — 7 years ago

Ryan Taylor

9.3

A wonderful wine, blackberry. Integrated tannins — 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

Scott Soren

9.4

Inky purple. Deep rich blackberry. Full and rich mouthfeel. Tannins integrated from the maceration. Absolutely spectacular . — 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

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! — 6 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.4

A powerhouse - always delivers. Open/decant well in advance. — 7 years ago