J. Kim

8.9

Ethereal, authentic and authoritative. Shows commitment and completeness. — 6 years ago

David Shaw

8.9

Dense purple, highly extracted pigment. Cherry, mixed berry and sage notes in nose on initial pour. Blueberry, cherry flavors, light fine-grained skin astringency in finish, nice length of fruit. Interesting tannin structure, heavy in skin contact, light on seeds. Tannins build in intensity with time, aeration. The Castoro style for reds is tannin-heavy, not to everybody’s taste, but I’ve always admired their commitment to a style that’s gone somewhat out of fashion elsewhere. To my thinking, it enhances even the much maligned Merlot varietal (Sideways, anyone?) No one wants to age wines like this anymore, it seems. I wonder if wines like this even need further aging. Decant, aerate, enjoy, tannins and all... Three hours should do it. — 6 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.2

The subtle, sneaky concentration of this wine will surprise you. Pretty and delicate in the glass, very transparent garnet with pink hues at the rim. Aromatically it is graceful and expressive. Cherry kirsch, raspberry, pomegranate, orange rind and spiced tea flavors- also showing hints of underbrush and fennel. Surprisingly lush and sappy on the mid palate despite being so silky overall. First impression is like a feather on the palate, but it shows very convincing grip and dimension. Vacheron shows such deft restraint with their Pinot Noirs- opting for subtlety and choosing in favor of neutral barrique to support the delicate structure. I appreciate their commitment to this style, allowing a black skinned varietal to be the pure and unique transmitter of place and soil- not simply a pastiche of Burgundy. Their reds do not display the power and opulence of some others from the region, yet they can easily be mistaken for ethereal red Burgundy in a good vintage. This very well could have come from Volnay or even Chambolle. I opted not to decant, instead watching it unwind slowly over the next couple of nights. This is indeed a great cellaring wine so I’ll be in search of at least one more bottle which is a steal at less than $35. Good luck finding village Volnay with that price tag! — 7 years ago

Sharyn Grant

9.1

Lovely rich berry wine. Acidic and long finish. Great wine and drinking in the upside now. — 8 years ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.0

That is some commitment to bust out dual TTB approvals. Worth it though. That is a summer sipping beauty. And I would love it with a side of paella. "Have you ever had really good paella?" Kramer — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic vineyards and cellars in 1965, with a mission to produce California's first world-class sparkling wines. Today, led by their son Hugh, continues with this commitment to quality. A 100% Chardonnay, straw yellow with aromas of stone and citrus fruits, with floral scents. A terrific sparkler shows crisp green apple, orange and grapefruit zest. A medium-bodied, wine with a great mousse, tiny bubbles and nice length on the finish ending with some crisp mineral notes. — 9 years ago

Bob Yoon

9.1

Will induce involuntary flashbacks of clapping chalk erasers. Lemon, apricots and fleur de sel. — 10 years ago

Bob Halifax

9.1

Richer, with lower acidity than we see in BC but this is an Aussie cracker after all. Thnx to @barossasaint and @Yalumba's commitment to the reintroduction of #Viognier. — 10 years ago

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

8.9

Definitely a step behind the 2010, but nonetheless a true representation of the place and the variety, as well of their commitment to quality and a stripped-off style. — 11 years ago

Christopher Zulueta

9.7

By far, the most serious Barbera I have come across. A 16% beast that opens with dark cherry, to cedar, to a long, warming bitter chocolate finish. Single vineyard beauty with a commitment to terroir. Awestruck. — 12 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.0

Ripe plums, both dark & red across the nose & palate. More about fruit than oak or spice. Mild tannins, but plenty of bright acidic structure. Declassified Andrew Will juice. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Family-owned and operated since 1985, from a small, 30-acre plot of grapes to the present 20 estate vineyards, Don and Rhonda Carano's success is based on their commitment to quality. Tried this about a test ago, consistent notes. Dark fruit aromas with cedar and spice notes. On the palate, Blueberry and Plum flavors, a bit jammy, with espresso and cacao tones. Medium body, soft tannins, nice balance on lingering finish. Great value! — 7 years ago

Andrew Willingham

9.2

What a wonderful wine! Light straw on the eye, medium+ viscosity. Nose sees tons of white and red flowers, white stone fruits. Palette sees buttery golden fruit, medium+ acid, medium+ alcohol, heavy mouthfeel, long finish of medium+ complexity. A treat to enjoy- love the commitment to bottle single “blending” varietal grown in Napa. — 8 years ago

Dmitri

9.4

For those who want to dip their tongue into an orange wine without making a commitment. Drink this amongst temples. — 8 years ago

Richard Geissler

9.3

This is a wonderful expression on the wine makers commitment to creating something local and special. We look forward to returning to sample their offerings. — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founders Dan Kosta, Michael Browne and Chris Costello's dedication to quality and commitment has propelled the brand to industry leader, producing some of the most sought-after new world Pinot Noirs. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruits and floral spice. On the palate cherry and sweet raspberry with toasty notes and cinnamon spice. This wine spent time on French oak (44% new). Full-bodied, elegant textured tannins on a lingering finish. Has room to improve. Tasting Samples. — 9 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.3

Is it vineyard or varietals that makes it so good? With these guys & their commitment to terroir & history, the answer is both. Certainly new world Syrah with round edges & delicious ripe fruit. Balanced with black pepper & briny notes. This needs some time in the decanter, but the aromatics soar immediately. Great stuff. @Morgan Twain-Peterson, @Chris Cottrell — 10 years ago

Jason Glasgow

9.5

Phenomenal super Tuscan. It's a commitment but worth it.
Thank you Trace!! — 11 years ago

Nathaniel Smith

9.6

11-14% Alc. got to love that commitment — 12 years ago

Clarke Gasper

9.1

Bought this to use in a cooking recipe because I'm a big fan of Château de Beaucastel and was amazed at the quality for an entry level offering. Notes of fresh blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries mixed in with floral tones on the nose and a touch of clove on the palate. Juicy and fresh this is the true definition of a value red! Bravo to the Perrin family for their commitment to quality. — 6 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Okay now this is what I want quality for price also just all over. Well in a Chenin pyramid I’d put it way over the last Savennières I reviewed but think I’ve had better but DAMN I’d Choose it. With a capital C so that’s commitment from a writer. Not the most complex but just pleasant acid, fruit and pebbles without being Fruity Pebbles I think? Haven’t had that in a minute. But even if simple it is balanced. It’s like dating someone someone who isn’t deep but is...sane? Versus the one that tries your wits but fascinates. This wine is not yet my boyfriend but I don’t regret a single date with it. — 7 years ago

Patrick Mauro

9.2

Like a good raw oyster or a long, long walk on the seashore, this wine is a commitment — and it’s so goddamn worth the investment. Chock full of minerals, iron, and dark berry flavors, this wine is soil, peat, and a low, dirty blackberry. It’s delicious with steak, complicated on its own, and very, very adult. — 7 years ago

James Forsyth

9.4

An intense, vibrant, dark and spicy interpretation of Sangiovese that worked utterly perfectly with a rich roast. Captivating in its complexity, this wine was a hit at home. I also like that Poggio Scalette is tiny and family run. One can taste their commitment to this wine. — 8 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.1

In Somm: Into the Bottle, Greg La Follette described his commitment to providing value with the quip "I am perfectly happy scraping by and roasting squirrels under bridges, as long as I can make really great wine." That sort of masochistic pursuit of value deserves to be pointed out. And at $20, this is indeed a value. The bouquet intertwines ripe black cherry, richly spiced potpourri, and loam. The nose follows through in a juicy style on the palate, but with a notable measure of balance. I bought a lot of this, so maybe Greg can roast a pig tonight. — 9 years ago

Veronica Castro

9.6

Who says I'm afraid of commitment? 😘 Case purchase. ❤️❤️❤️ — 9 years ago

Riccardo L.

8.9

A nice Barba, not too dry, not too much of anything, but it goes down nice. A barbaresco that doesn't require a huge mental commitment. — 9 years ago

Roland Boney

9.5

Possibly my favorite Washington State Cabernet in Walla Walla. The Figgins family spares no expense and commitment to excellence. From nose to taste and finish, every aspect of this varietal is most outstanding. — 10 years ago

with Missy

Jessica Hapeman

9.1

Perfect wine for upcoming warmer months...citrus edge, light, refreshing, sparkling, no commitment — 11 years ago

Brittany Hallam

9.2

The notes of ripe red currant and blackberries are highlighted with a classic touch of tarragon and laurel and accented with black pepper, vanilla, and figs. Creamy and concentrated on the palate, with rounded, polished tannins and a fresh, natural acidity, the wine expresses true terroir and the estate's commitment to producing wines with a distinct personality — 11 years ago

Sandy Garza

9.8

Spicy a commitment to the ending — 13 years ago