Sam Friedland

9.2

Very pleasant, soft tannins — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2020 vintage. A fave CA chard and producer. Medium-medium heavy body. Tasting slightly more tropical and advanced with less acidity than usual. Still absolutely delicious tho. Would like to retaste and reevaluate in 5-6 months tho. Based on 30 vintages of tasting this particular wine, betting it reconciles any tawdry, fleeting concerns that occupy my compromised palate and right quick. 01.22.25. — 8 months ago

Hugh O'Riordan

9.1

Dark and rich earth flavors. Very well balanced with good finish. It’s from Livermore not Australia! — 4 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.0

This yellow-gold wine rings the “old-style Cali” bell in all the right ways. A nose of apricots, mangoes and apples is helped along with the smell of buttered popcorn. Oak treats the palate as well, draping over the tropical fruit like a sunshade. The acidity is zesty, yet the mouthfeel tends toward creaminess due to the wine sitting on the lees for five months. The oak is a definite part of the wine, but the effect is softened enough so that it's a pleasure, not a pain. — 7 years ago

Nico J. Snyman

9.6

Tried the '90 recently, spoke of how amazing a producer of Californian Cabernet it is, but just needed a little more time, this '85 is well & truly on point, everything is in balance, there's fruit intensity yes, but the development/complexity/layers are really shining through, outstanding stuff. — 9 years ago

Petra Thieriot

Owner/Importer Dee Vine Wines

10

Ernie, the genie, prepared the entire 5+ course meal for 18 guests and convinced all of us that South African Pinot can taste like premium Burgundy! — 12 years ago

with Andrew, Dade and 2 others

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent throughout. The 2023 “Contra Costa County” pours, a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe mixed bramble fruit: blackberries, Marionberries, raspberries, black pepper, orange zest, menthol, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the orange citrus notes show a bit more prominently. The finish is medium+, bright and refreshing. 9 barrels produced. Drink now through 2038.  — 6 months ago

Ed Chin

9.2

Tons of red and dark fruit. Mainly cherries and a bit of raspberry and spice. — 10 months ago

John Osgood

9.0

Good Cali blend — 6 years ago

Rebecca Hamlin

9.2

Great from Trader Joe's! — 7 years ago

Ned Clark

9.6

Really excellent zin. — 8 years ago

Rachael Ryan

Sommelier Quince Restaurant

9.8

Always surprised by these wines. Incredible concentration and still lively. — 12 years ago

Michael Shonblom

9.3

Sweet, fruity, mild spices that sustain. Holds its own — 12 years ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

This is drinking really nice right now. Great mature fruit. Drink while it's at peak. Very nice upside surprise on a regional (vs vineyard) designated wine. Prost! — 8 months ago

Larry Schnelle

9.3

Excellent with Dr . Pepper short ribs — 10 months ago

Ed Chin

9.4

Based on day 2. I really enjoyed this as it opened up. Great texture with lemon curd, stone fruit, marzipan and lively acidity. So well balanced. — 10 months ago

Jennifer Liu

9.2

39.97 from new season. Balanced. Round. Worth the price. Would buy again — 7 years ago

Jay Root

9.1

Peppery, acid, lighter on the fruit. This would pair really well with chili or a similar dish — 7 years ago

Michael Washabaugh

9.1

Paired well with a lamb, eggplant purée, fava beans, piquolo pepper. Would also pair with a medium rare magret duck or other game. — 10 years ago

Paul Mason

10

Our go to summer wine — 12 years ago