Ron from VA

9.1

Remarkable how well this held up for nine years… 50% cab sauv, 36% PV, 14% merlot....Smart blending considering the wet end to the vintage – as much acid as possible (this was the second label wine from old vines… Before T.Ruth was born the next year). Classic Glen Manor concentration of flavor, just in a lighter weight package. This was my last bottle and I knew it was on the downward slope. Glad we enjoyed it when we did Dash it was a testament to Jeff white quality in the vineyard and deft touch in the cellar :)  — 4 years ago

Brian Boulden

8.9

Fantastic Syrah full of fruit flavor — 5 years ago

with Sir

Tess vO

9.2

Prize in Chili Cook-off — 5 years ago

Jordan de la Torre

8.9

This was fine. I imagine seeing this on a wine list with friends and saying "hey, I got a bottle of this in Paris; I liked it!" To which they'll say "cool! Wanna get a bottle?" Followed by a quick meh — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

A wine I’ve enjoyed mostly upon release or near it. I vowed to wait six years and nearly made it. At least it is 2018...just! It’s worth waiting this/that long for it to develop. On the nose; sweetly, baked fruits of; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, and notes of blue fruits. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium, beautiful spice, black fruit tea, limestone minerals, loamy, dry, brown top soil, fresh dark florals and violets. The mouthfeel is full, rich & lush. The tannins are round, still have some teeth and possess velvety round edges. It’s fruit driven but not a bomb and showing elegance & grace. Fruits are perfectly ripe; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, notes of blue fruits and dry cranberries dip in and out. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium beautiful spice that is more pronounced on the palate, black fruit tea, touch of melted brown sugar/molasses, limestone minerals, touch of rich dark sweet turned soil, loamy dry brown top soil, soft understated eucalyptus/mint, dry fresh florals and violets. The round acidity is just right, just a slight very small alcohol burn, the length, structure, tension and beautifully balanced finish are in a very good place. Even better in 2-3 more years in bottle; which is when I’ll have my next one. Photos of; the winemaking duo of Gary Franscioni (left) and Gary Pisoni, Rosella’s Vineyard on the right. As well as, Garys’ Vineyard at the bottom. Producer notes and history...The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is known for its rich, vibrant Pinot Noirs. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first Pinot was planted in 1973, but results weren’t all that great. Chardonnay was the appellation’s early star. Much of the area’s current fame for Pinot Noir arguably can be traced to Gary Pisoni, a free-spirited wine enthusiast who grew up in a Salinas Valley vegetable farming family. Pisoni decided to plant a few acres of Pinot Noir in 1982 on his family’s horse ranch, at the southern end of what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation but his horses started eating the grapes. So, they had to go. His initial planting were limited by a lack of water until he dug a well on the property. Pisoni started planting even more Pinot Noir. The vineyard is now around 45 acres and nearly all of it Pinot. By the late 1990s, word had spread about the success of his vineyard, and a number of Pinot specialists from around California had started lining up to buy his grapes. He started producing his own wine in 1998. Pisoni isn’t the only Gary who has become a force in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary Franscioni, a childhood friend, followed Pisoni’s lead by planting grapes and started Roar Wines in 2001. The two of them now have five vineyards between them...all farmed meticulously with the same crew. They are best of friends...sort of a Mutt & Jeff. They have become a formidable presence in the Highlands, attracting interest from top winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers from all over. Franscioni is also from a vegetable farming family; Pisoni figures they’ve known each other since they were 3 or 4. Franscioni saw his friend’s success and once he got some money together, decided to plant grapes of his own. Franscioni’s property is farther north and cooler as it’s closer to the Monterey Bay. He was going to plant Chardonnay. He woke up and Franscioni recalls imitating Pisoni, and shouted, “plant Pinot!” Franscioni planted what became Rosella’s Vineyard, named for his wife, in 1996. He took Pisoni’s advice and planted four acres of Pinot Noir, although he still planted 12 acres of Chardonnay. It’s now a total of around 50 acres with three-quarters of it Pinot Noir. The next year, they decided to become partners and planted Garys’ Vineyard, a 50 acre parcel where they grow Pinot and a little Syrah. Since then, Franscioni has developed Sierra Mar, 38 acres of Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah and a tiny amount of Viognier. The two teamed up again to establish Soberanes Vineyard, 35 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, with a little bit of Chardonnay and Syrah. That last vineyard was developed by Pisoni’s son Mark. The Garys might seem an unlikely pair. Pisoni is colorful character to say the least and has an outspoken manner. Franscioni comes across as more serious- minded. However, the collaboration between the two, who often address each other as “partner,” clearly works well. The two are good on their own, but better together. Pisoni being more gregarious acts as the frontman. He is the Ambassador. He’s a check on the rest to keep the quality high. Franscioni and Mark Pisoni run the farming on their own vineyards and work together on the joint ventures. The family involvement doesn’t stop there. Jeff Pisoni makes his family’s wines, which are under the Pisoni and Lucia brands. Franscioni’s son, Adam, joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. He handles sales for Roar and helps his father manage the vineyards. The grapes from all five vineyards are in huge demand, because the two families are such careful farmers, constantly tweaking and improving. Prominent customers include; Testarossa, Siduri, Kosta Browne, Copain and Bernardus. When a new vintner approaches them about buying grapes, the partners examine the winery’s track record and the Winemaker. If they like what they see, the winery is put on a waiting list. There’s not very much movement in their vineyards. When Franscioni planted Sierra Mar, he and Pisoni had 62 wineries waiting to buy fruit. Soberanes was developed with the idea of working with some new winemakers. There was some concern, even among the two families, that quality might suffer as the vineyard operations grew. However, there’s no indication that’s the case. In fact, with each new venture, they build on what they’ve learned in their older vineyards. Eventually, there will be even more vineyards. The Pisonis and Franscionis have purchased a 100 acre cactus farm in the Santa Lucia Highlands. There’s still a lease on the property. So, prickly pear cactus will continue to be grown for five more years. But at some point, the land will be planted with vines. Both families understand the importance of continuing to build for the future. The Garys looking back tell a story of being in the same spot some years ago and looking at a field of broccoli out back. He told Franscioni that the field would look a lot better with Pinot Noir vines. Now that parcel is part of Rosella’s Vineyard, and it’s planted with Pinot. Everybody thought he was crazy...most people usually think that when someone makes a bold decision. He’s a person who has always had vision and creativeness. He also has tremendous passion. Good things only happen when a person possesses all three of these qualities. Their wines are primarily available by mailing list. However, Nepenthe in Big Sur, CA acts as a quasi tasting room for some of their wines. — 6 years ago

Rochelle

8.9

Very good right from the bottle . Aroma of violets, lavender, oak , vanilla, and tobacco. Flavor fills the mouth cassis, cedar, tobacco, and a Meld of fruit and great tannins and a long finish ! — 9 years ago

Ryan Zepaltas

Owner/Winemaker Zepaltas Wines

9.6

First taste of Jeff and Bibiana's new project. Peppery spicy S B from RRV great bottle. — 10 years ago

Kyle Gross

9.2

Best Riesling I’ve ever had. The ageing has been kind to this bottle. Rich, velvety, rather full-bodied, honey, citrus fruit... amazing. Thanks Jeff! — 4 years ago

with Jeff

DAL 9000

9.0

Bouquet of soft dark fruit and blackberries. Initial soft spice tang then a soft dark berry middle then a medium dry finish. Juicy and jammy Medium dirt tannic finish — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Weekly Wednesday Wine Committee. Incredible hosting by Joe. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert wine, all tasted blind.

Bonus wines. I’ve heard of this and was happy to try. Bibiana from Wayfarer and Jeff Pisoni joint project. Bigger style SB, definitely done in the Bordeaux style. Good amount of semillon to round the edges out. High acidity. Lemon and lime tart, lychee, limestone and saline notes. Oak isn’t as powerful as Aesthete or other notable bigger style Cali SBs, but it’s certainly as flavor packed. Wish I could enjoy one of these stand alone to see how it evolves. — 5 years ago

Kyle Groombridge

9.3

A favorite bottle to commemorate some new ink. Always love LF, as this is a chard that definitely grows and progresses as it opens up and warms up in the glass. Beautiful notes of iris, candied pineapple, melon, toasted walnuts, and saline minerality on the nose. Gorgeous texture and purity of fruit.. bruised apple, Meyer lemon, papaya, and chalky minerals. Bright zingy acidity on the backend, but not as lean as something like Ceritas or Failla - a bit more baby fat and textural complexity on this bottle that keeps you coming back for more. A perfect hybrid of styles by Jeff Nelson and co. Paired with a creamy bow tie pasta with dried tomatoes and a spring salad. — 6 years ago

Martin G Rivard

10

This was not only the WOTN but is definitely the WOTY for me. My head snapped back in utter amazement as soon as I enjoyed my 1st sniff of the nose. Holy mother of all wines is this bottle absolutely stunning and perfect. It's by far the best wine that I have had the privilege to enjoy. This is exactly what I was expecting from the famed 61!!!!!! It was simply perfect. A truly perfect example of what Latour is and what every Bordeaux blend in the world aspires to be. Utter perfection in its opulence & decadence: blackberry, black currant, intense & soaring aromatics. You could enjoy the nose at arms length!!! Simply & utterly stunning. Thank you Jeff!!!!!!!!!!@Jeffrey Lew — 7 years ago

with Jason, Monica and 1 other

Jason and Jennie

9.1

Dark cherry goodness — 8 years ago

Brooke S.

10

I love this — 8 years ago

Meg

9.8

Trying to kickoff the week on the right foot - thank you, Jeff Shifflett, for adding some spice to this meal! Lots of vanilla in this well-rounded 09 cab. Homeland starts tonight too - hollaaaa! (And I actually edited my rating to make it higher - this juice is crazy when it opens up!!) — 9 years ago

Cecil Ramirez

9.0

2011 Jeff Runquist R Pinot Noir. Nice balance of bright fruit & earthiness. — 9 years ago

Pax Mahle

Owner/Winemaker Wind Gap Wines, Agharta & Pax

9.0

Super fun bright fresh Jeff nailed it!!! — 10 years ago

Brandon Boesch

10

Wow! Singing. Menthol, berries, hint of cream, herbs, cassis. I am influenced by drinking with the guy who made this wine while listening to him play songs from the album! Still excellent for an almost 20 year old wine. — 4 years ago

with Randy

Maggie Wright

9.5

Jake is super great and so is this wine. Weeknight pizza wiiiiiiiine. — 5 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.5

Dark, glass staining ruby violet hue. Blackberry, blackcurrant, cedar, dark chocolate, and graphite all evident on the nose. On the palate, there are dense, concentrated dark fruits, chewy tannins, and a very long finish. Made by Tor’s winemaker Jeff Ames from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon planted in the red volcanic soil of Oakville’s Tierra Roja vineyard. 14.8 % ABV. 95/4.5. $115. — 5 years ago

Sherman Li

9.3

delicious. full bodied, smooth yet intense with strong berry and vanilla notes. — 6 years ago

Paul T HB

9.1

Rockpile Haley bottling,
I’ll take Paso Syrah over this Vineyard in Sonoma. Nothing really unique or distinctive about this one. Good but not great — 6 years ago

MaJ CappS

9.0

Smells like a shop that only sells dried fragrant fruit on tiny hemp strings. The shop is playing “Gorecki, Symph #3”

The first flavor/band to hit my palette is “XTC: skylarking” a harmonious blend of red and blue fruits, subtle, yet always a new one after every sip.

This wraps up with a truly silky, smooth style, with a long, lingering flash of vanilla. “Prince: Purple rain” is what’s happening in my head at the moment..
Stunning Cab Franc blend..

— 7 years ago

Norman Gennaro

8.9

It's representative but just not my favorite. May grow on me. Let's see. Definitely has some punch and not a wallflower. — 7 years ago

Tracey Grady

10

Runquist Cabernet Franc 2015
So, so smooth and delicious! Oh, man is this good! — 7 years ago

Jeanne gills

9.3

Tasty, juicy — 8 years ago

Ron Eagle

9.4

Dinner with Jeff and Micki in Scottsdale — 8 years ago

Travis Enholm

9.2

2012, Very nice wine, lower alcohol, ripe jam and a little unique spice with youthful acid — 9 years ago

Jenifer Freebairn

9.3

2014 just bottled - this is delicious! Strawberry, watermelon, lime rind - pure, clean and great with green-egg-smoked fennel sausage. Well done, Jeff.. — 9 years ago

Chris Banks

9.7

Berries and floral notes on the nose. Balanced acidity. A favorite from a long day of Napa tastings. Only available thru their wine club, not on the website. — 11 years ago