Connor Smith

9.5

#Nebbiolo is a surprisingly rare grape. Even in its native Piedmont, it accounts for only 8% of vineyard land. There are fewer than 100 hectares planted in the United States. 🕵️‍♂️🍇
Over 80% of prewar Italian immigrants came from Sicily and Southern Italy. Piedmont was the wealthiest and most politically dominant region. But if fortunes were reversed, could Nebbiolo have taken Primitivo/Zinfandel’s place as a grape relatively uncommon on the boot but dominant in California? 🤔🇮🇹🇺🇸
Probably not. The Nebbiolo vine is *not* for beginners. It flowers early and ripens late, making it susceptible to both spring and autumn frosts. It loves the occasional fog bath (some say the name is derived from ‘nebbia’, Italian for fog ☁️☁️☁️) but is prone to the mildew that may result from such humid conditions. Its fussiness would make Pinot Noir blush: it demands southwesterly exposure, a proper gradient, constant sun above, and fog licking at its toes. #diva
Sound anything like California’s Central Coast? 🌅
In the Santa Maria Valley, where the East-West Transverse Range bends back into the North-South Coastal Range, it’s possible. Vineyard selection still requires extreme discretion - an eye like @JimClendenen’s, perhaps.
Jim began the Nebbiolo program at the legendary #BienNacido vineyard in 1994. Production is small, but if you track down his “The Pip” Nebbiolo, it will only run you about $30. You’ll believe anything is possible when you have real California Nebbiolo of this quality come wafting out of the glass at you! 🙌🙌
🏞.“The Pip” is named after Jim’s old cellar dog Pip, a border collie. So it only seemed right to include one of our own pips! 🐈 — 7 years ago

Paul Weil

8.9

Another above-the-fold headline scoop from "Superman's Pal"! This is a dense, jammy blend with slimy smooth body. The rich dark cherry, red raspberry, and black currant flavors balance nicely. It works well as an after-dinner digestive wine. — 9 years ago

Kelley Panaro

9.5

Very good. Delicious fruity finish — 10 years ago

Jason Wild

9.2

Delicious. Nose is weird, but in a good way. Red licorice and chalk. Nice acidity, tart red cherry. Finishes slightly chewy with some earth at moderate length. Very enjoyable! Great vintage in #flxwine — 10 years ago

David Lincoln

8.9

Marshtown Vineyard — 10 years ago

Tobin Trevarthen

9.1

Jim Nantz makes good wine! Dutton Ranch is a great vineyard. — 11 years ago

Ashlee Howarth

10

Bookers Bourbon- only 100 bottles made. Starting the CSC off right — 11 years ago

Kieran Roberts

9.1

Delightful riesling — 12 years ago

Christanna Honer

9.8

Awesome complex pinot. Jim Clendenon's never done me wrong. Aromatic, perfumy, racy floral nose- rose, orange blossom, mushrooms, cedar, sap, dried orange peel. Palate is rich in depth opening with pomegranate, dried fig, tart strawberry, leading into hints of firewood and plums with mushrooms and chinese 7 spice on finish. — 13 years ago

Chris Haywood

9.3

Wow, acid is here and that's for sure. Utterly refreshing, peppery lime nose. Grapefruit, gave, bitter lime but all very balanced. I could drink a bucket. — 8 years ago

Phil Castellano

9.4

Love the intensity of this stuff! Too bad this is a gift for my departing colleague.... — 8 years ago

Philip Patston

9.1

Unoaked. So the fruit is full forward. A bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it certainly has flavor! Looking forward to future vintages as this wine shows terroir. — 9 years ago

Greg Dorchak

8.9

Very oaky and smoky — 10 years ago

Alex Smolen

8.9

Strawberry fruit and a little herbaceous. — 10 years ago

with Hana

Robert P

8.9

Nice blend. — 11 years ago

Dirk Pitt.

8.9

Dry, crisp and showing those great aged characteristics. Drink now. — 11 years ago

with Winehouse

Kyle Buchanan

9.2

Really tasty merlot !!great job naked wines. Lots of fruit with mild tannins. Nice aromas — 12 years ago

Dirk Pitt.

10

Delicious. — 12 years ago

Chris Bensick

9.7

Lovely, classic CA cab, thanks to Barry Boothe — 12 years ago

Antoine Pin

Wine Buyer Kroger/QFC

9.5

It's actually really good. Really, really good!!! $12 / 91pts VIwines206 — 13 years ago

Kristen Kachel

9.3

Easy smooth red — 8 years ago

Rachel Patrice

10

Delicious every time. Notes of tart cranberry and juicy red fruits. Stunning acid and very balanced. — 8 years ago

Phillip Antley

9.2

Big and spicy. Tastes it’s age, but has a lot of depth. — 9 years ago

Neal Schaffer

9.0

Uniqueness describes this wine perfectly. Almost completely clear with a intense glimmer, the nose fills with super ripe sour cherries and creamy raspberries. The palate is filled with strawberry vanilla cream, nectarines, and sweet dried cherries. It keeps the Barbara characteristics, but shows sweetness and a vibrant sense of rebirth. Spring is here, and this gives you a great transition from winter to spring. I could see this pairing with spicy food perfectly. Only on a Tuesday! #nakedwines — 9 years ago

with Dana

Patrick Fenton

9.8

Boonville ftw — 10 years ago

George Colgrove III

9.2

Excellent wine. Wanted to enjoy Pino Noir, by the place ran out. They suggested this wine and it didn't disappoint. It has a nice peppery tone. Very enjoyable. Will enjoy again! — 11 years ago

Jonas Johansson

9.0

Perfect at 35K feet. Huge vanilla caramel custard favor. — 11 years ago

Charles Hetzel

9.2

Knob Creek a Small batch Straight Rye Whiskey — 11 years ago

Sam Madden

9.0

Bites hard, but very good. I recommend adding a little water — 12 years ago

with Evan

Zach Behrens

10

What a great chill out chard. — 13 years ago