Eric Urbani

9.3

We had fun coming up with the descriptors of the nose on this one. Twizzler, cherry cough drops, you get the idea. typical of very ripe picking that Roar is known for. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Charles strikes again.

I said weeks ago, I’d rather drink Charles Hendricks Pinot in futures @ $75 vs. the 09 Marcassin we had two weeks back @ $150+ winery or $225+ on the secondary market. This 14, while still young, proves that point and will only continue to get better.

It’s about as luxurious as Ca Pinot gets. Just supple, soft & elegant as body gets. Candied, floral fruits of ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, lean purple fruits, dry cranberries, strawberries, plums, delicate but darks spices, cinnamon stick, vanillin, nutmeg & touch clove, salted caramel, mocha powder, limestone & grey volcanics, dry crushed rocks hints of peppered grilled meats, fresh & dry tobacco, dry stems/twigs, sage dominated dry Provence herbs, splash of mint/eucalyptus, tree sap with bright candied, fresh & slightly withering florals of; dark, red, purple, blue set in a field of violets & some lavender. The acidity is perfect. The long finish is; extremely well balanced & polished, elegant, fresh, just the right amount of candied with a long, dark spice finish in the long set.

The 14 really started to excel after an hour plus in the decanter.

Photos of; the outside of the Hope & Grace tasting room in downtown Yountville where you will find Charles Hendricks wines. He makes Hope & Grace wines as well. One of my favorite paintings that used to sit behind their tasting bar but, is now in Charles house. It is very Pollock like! Winemaker/Co-owner Charles Hendricks and a vineyard in region of the Santa Lucia Highlands. — 5 years ago

Paul H

9.1

It is funny how things work. Some people have comfort foods, I have comfort wines. This Lucia Syrah just makes me happy. I love the spice, leather and dark berries in this wine. It is one of things in life you need to get you through some times. — 8 years ago

JJ Lumia

9.1

TJs strikes again. Rich and velvety, full of bing cherry and spice, with hints of dark chocolate. Massive QPR. Just picked up, on the recommendation of one Steve Haro. There were boxes of it but this won’t last long, especially with Turkey Day upon us so stock up pronto. No doubt this would finish high in the pack in a Pinot blind. — 8 years ago

Erik Brown

10

One of our favorite Testatossa wines. This one is from the Gary Pisoni vineyard in Santa Lucia. Consistently good year after year. — 9 years ago

Colin Cahoon

9.2

If you like an oaky Chardonnay, this Morgan SLH fits the bill. Straw colored with oak and a little charcoal in the nose. More oak, minerals and spice on the palate, but well balanced and smooth, not like it's trying to hide anything. Moderate acid finish with some citrus. SLH does two wines exceptionally well, and this is a great example of the white one. — 9 years ago

with Susan

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

‘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 family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe on a trip to CT, my last autographed bottle! Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry, floral and sweet spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long ending with sweet oak notes. Nice! A Fav! — 5 years ago

Erik Helms

Sommelier/Wine & Beer Buyer Whole Foods Oakland

9.2

Quite exceptional CA rose. Just a gorgeous iridescent salmon color, this one has everything you want in a rose. Delightful and worth seeking out. — 5 years ago

John

10

One of my all time favorites. — 7 years ago

Steve Medbery

9.4

The most approachable early of the non single vineyard 2016 Kosta Brownes. Stunning wine. Cherry bark, cinnamon, anise, touch of vanilla. I decanted for one hour. — 7 years ago

Scott Stewart

9.2

One of the best bottles of domestic Syrah I’ve had in some time. Beautiful savory peppery quality. Bright and everything I love about Syrah. Would love to compare this next to Alain Graillot and may do so next round. — 8 years ago

Mark Zwagerman

9.0

Nice one - velvety. — 9 years ago

Frank

8.9

Perfect match with Bree and cranberry. Rich color and nice on the palate needs one more year to blossom — 9 years ago

Colleen Sichko

9.3

One of my favorite pinots. — 5 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.4

High toned. Cranberry & pomegranate lead to some richer raspberry notes. The nose shows similar character, but adds a spiciness as it takes on air. She is truly a Grenache whisperer. Love it in every vintage and this one delivers beautifully. — 5 years ago

JeremyC

9.2

First thought was if the color "purple " had a flavor this would be it. Got a bit more complex as we went further. Some delicate mineral type notes. Label says 13.6 alc and at first I LOVED the balance but the alc crept up later so now I wonder if a little BS on the alc . I like this wine and I'll also say its the first syr I've dug in a looooong time and makes me want to hv another. This is one of my last btls from the first bottling run at Roar in 2014. — 6 years ago

Patrick Derdeyn

9.2

Not as open for early drinking as the las madres. Every halcon syrah i’ve had regardless of producer has been intensely structured and slow to unwind. This is no different. In spite of the 100% wc on the las madres this one seems like the longer ager of the two. — 7 years ago

Kirsten Michener

10

Delicious — 8 years ago

with Deb

Taj Ubom

9.7

Soft on the palate. One of the best!! BUY ASAP. Hints of cherry. Drink this wine with a gorgeous girl and your night is set — 9 years ago

Dana Giammaria

9.3

Hands down one of my favorite wines. We had it before dinner with cheese and fruit. I didn't want the bottle to empty. — 9 years ago