Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

From one of their highest plots. Pale lemon color with stone fruits, citrus and floral spice aromas, On the palate fresh apple and pear flavors with lemon citrus. Long finish, bright mineral notes come through on the ending. Nice! Consistent! Tried twice. — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.6

Full, bright ruby-red. Initially reserved, youthful nose opened slowly to reveal aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, graphite, tobacco and spices. Wonderfully ripe, almost liqueur-like on entry, then plush and thick but vibrant in the middle, with highly concentrated black fruit, bitter chocolate, tobacco and mineral flavors framed by perfectly integrated acidity. A wonderfully complete, sweet, youthful wine with the added creaminess--but no loss of energy--from a strong dollop of Merlot. This was the 40th anniversary bottling for this California classic, and its listed alcohol of 14.2% was the highest to date. Finishes with big, ripe tannins and outstanding persistence. In the context of Monte Bello, this wine is remarkably ripe, sweet and rich, and it should still go on in a cool cellar for at least another couple decades. (the 40th anniversary bottling for this wine) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, June 2020)
— 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Great value! Founder Andrew Murray’s Vineyards is a 200-acre site, about 1,500 feet above Foxen Canyon Rd, inland portion of the Santa Ynez Valley, making the vineyard the highest in the county. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, "Tous les Jours" means “every day,” shows dark red with black fruit aromas and complex spice notes. On the palate, blueberry and black cherry with spicy cedar notes and some oak, Soft tannins, long finish. Very nice, did I say great value! — 6 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

10

The 2016 Screaming Eagle is a positively stunning wine. An intense bouquet gives way to a wine of explosive energy and huge textural depth. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, sage and dark spice open up gradually in this reticent, brooding Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 is a towering, statuesque wine of the very highest level. That is the good news. The slightly less good news is that it will need a number of years in bottle to be at its very best. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2016 literally does scream, with tons of varietal Cabernet aromatics, flavors and structural drive. In a word: magnificent! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2018) — 7 years ago

Al Shikoh

8.9

Pale yellow in color with aromas of lemon, green apple, and honey. Tart and mineral on the palate with slightly waxy texture and 12.5% alcohol. Made from the Golden Aligoté grape which finds its highest expression in Bouzeron where it is championed by Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of DRC. Imported by Kermit Lynch. Paired nicely with oysters. — 7 years ago

with Kelly

Kelly

10

Bought from total wine because it was highest rated cab Sav of 2017 there. Drank for 30th birthday. Smooth and delicious — 8 years ago

Shawn R

9.4

In honor of the release. So approachable. — 8 years ago

Vanessa

9.3

In my mind, there’s no better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with loved ones, watching the sunset, while sharing a delicious meal and wine pairing. This evening hits the mark!

This wine is a 2nd growth Saint-Julien from the Médoc, left bank, region of Bordeaux, France. When I say 2nd growth, that means the Château from which this wine hails received the second highest quality designation as of part of the “1855 Classification” that took place during the Universal Expedition in Paris in 1855. This quality designation remains intact today despite the centuries that have passed.

This wine is clear with a deep ruby hue and garnet rim variation. On the nose this wine has medium intensity(+) of developing aromas with a large focus on blackberry, fig, cassis, prune, potpourri, incense, anise, cedar, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, earth, leather, and tobacco. On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium acidity, a medium(+) body, medium alcohol, high tannins, and medium intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long.

Interestingly, the fermentation took place in various vessels, including those made from oak, steel, and concrete and then this wine aged in oak barriques (small oak vessels) until it was ready for bottling.

It was also cellared at the Château from harvest until shipping in 2015.

Château Léonville, Grand Vin de Léonville du Marquis de Las Cases, Saint-Julien, Médoc. Vintage 2005. ABV 13%.

This wine has complexity, balance, structure, and length. It’s outstanding. I’m not surprised to see a 100-point rating from Wine Spectator. Thank you @Deke for the amazing Birthday selection! — 5 years ago

with Deked1

John B

9.5

I am a big fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and every bottle I’ve enjoyed from Beaucastel has been a wonderful representation. However, this is my first time trying the Hommage as they can be hard to find and come at a significantly higher price-point. The Hommage, as the name states, is made in honor of Jacques Perrin and comes from the best vines on the property.

Our wine today is opaque medium ruby in color with pale ruby variation toward the edges of the glass. Slightly tight on the nose, we let this decant while my friend and I enjoyed a different bottle. Once the wine opened, the nose offered aromas of dusty pomegranate, graphite, sous bois, wet gravel, mushroom, and cigar ash. This is another wine I could smell all day. Since that’s not the main point of wine, the palate showcases notes of chewy cherry, red licorice, tobacco, soggy earth, and green underbrush. A beautiful bottle with plenty of gas left in the tank, this is full-bodied with moderately high acidity, fully integrated mild tannins, and a long finish that really made me wish we had more with my last sip. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.4

Another Wednesday Wine Committee for the books, this one in honor of a former WWC member, with the wines donates from his cellar by his family. A wonderful tribute. Wines tasted blind as usual.

Hello gorgeous! Hard not to call this Bordeaux from a reputable producer. I called it early ‘80s. Tart cherry, a streak of green/vegetal notes down the middle but it wasn’t detracting at all. Herbs and underripe black fruit finish. This powered through 2hours in the glass easily. Beautiful. — 7 years ago

with Dan, Will and 2 others

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Tasted ‘13 & ‘14 together. Wine bears the vineyard named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices. Bright yellow with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. Aged for 14 months, 75% in new French oak and 25% in stainless. On the palate sweet melon, pineapple and peach flavors and citrus notes, subtle yet complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and toasty oak. Consistent. Outstanding! — 8 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.3

This wine is dry! There is not a touch of sweetness. But the tannins took us on a great ride from as soon as it touched your mouth to the lingering finish. Deep dark chocolate, pipe tobacco, dark, dried tart prune and date fruit providing a symphony with low baritone, echoing notes, giving this Malbec more structure than I have ever experienced. Harvested from one of the highest elevation vineyards on earth! — 9 years ago

with Tammy

Joe Estrada

9.5

A bid bold juicy wine!! — 5 years ago

Lyndsey Wegner

9.0

Charcuterie brings out all the notes of fruit and flavors...opened again in honor of my Mom ❤ — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from a family with farming and winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across, almost looks like a Cab). Rich berry flavors with cedar, spice and vanilla. Lingering ending with sweet oak notes. Consistent quality Nice! A Fav! — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Last ‘15, aged well! In the autumn of 1989, Jess Jackson acquired the Zellerbach winery and renamed it in honor of his late father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson. From higher elevation vineyards, golden straw with stone fruit aromas & floral tones. On the palate apple and pear flavors, buttery with layered spice, goid acidity balance supporting the French oak aging. Medium finish ending with citrus mineral chatacteristics. Very nice, drinking well now. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.5

Another Wednesday Wine Committee for the books, this one in honor of a former WWC member, with the wines donates from his cellar by his family. A wonderful tribute. Wines tasted blind as usual.

Just incredible. I guessed early ‘70s vintage port. So much life ahead. Baked blackberry pie, old graham cracker & cherry liqueur with a finish that hardly ends. Fantastic! — 7 years ago

with Dan, Will and 2 others

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

In a restaurant last night and saw this on the wine list. In 1989, Jess Jackson acquired the Zellerbach winery and renamed it in honor of his late father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson. Aromas of red/black fruits with citrus notes and gentle spice. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors, vanilla spice with currant tones. Fine soft tannins, great balance on lingering finish ending with oak and cacao. Great value, good now and will cellar well. Opened up nicely in about 45 minutes. — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Had this at a Tapas Bar! The pillars on which the 5 founding families erected a winery in 1890 built a way of living, feeling and producing wines of the highest quality that continue to evolve. Not released until 2015, bright Ruby, complex aromas of fruit, spice and oak. 90% Tempranillo from 3 villages & 10% Graciano from 2 villages. Cherry & blackberry flavors, with a feel of currants around the core, espresso & spicy notes on mouthwatering tannins. Wow! Lingering finish. Will get better over next 15 years — 8 years ago

Shay A

9.2

A visit from ol reliable while out and about tonight. When Frank Family is on, it's delicious, just like this '13. Drinking really nice at a young age. Epitomizes Napa Cabs currently with bold and fruit driven flavors. A lot of red fruits on the nose like raspberries, but the darker blueberries came through on the tongue. The fruit seems a bit extracted...medium oak presence. This is a crowd pleaser when needing to satisfy a large group.

Happiest of New Years to my DL family. 2016 was my first DL year, and it's been a great experience getting to share great wines with y'all. Thank you for your insights...it's been an honor. Cheers to 2017!
@Bill Bender @Greg Ballington @TheSkip @Kimberly Anderson @Mike Rowe @Ron R @Martin G Rivard @Jason Oliver @Anthony Lombardi @Edmond Bordelon @Katherine Bordelon @David L @Eric Shanks @Shawn G. Rose @Hugh O'Riordan @Howard Greenfield @Jim Trobaugh @Jeff Shapiro @Carl Fischer @"Odedi" @Paul T @Roy Goble @Jody Scharf @Joe Lucca @Ryan Mitchell — 9 years ago