Connor Smith

9.2

Sanlúcar de Barrameda was the port that Christopher Columbus set off from in 1492. Just 1 year earlier, duties on wine exports from Sanlúcar had been abolished to take advantage of English merchants desperate for new supply after the loss of Bordeaux.

It began a centuries-long romance between Sherry and English wine lovers, as immortalized in Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 2, when Falstaff glorifies sturdy Spanish 'sack' over thin Bordeaux 'claret' and Rhine 'hock'.

But the honeymoon, quite literally, was not to last. Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon drove a wedge between England and Catholic Europe, and left English wine lovers in need of a new source once again. But Sherry fanatics wouldn't have to go entirely without. When Sir Francis Drake sailed into Cádiz and burned the Spanish fleet in 1587, he carried away 2,900 butts of Sherry - enough to supply London for years - as his most famous prize.

(This is adapted from notes for Le Dû’s Wines ‘History of Wine 1453AD-Present’ seminar, where this wine was poured) — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.5

The balance here is impeccable! Sweet oak, red, blue and black fruit, plum and nutmeg on the nose. Cascading dark chocolate/Andes mint on the palate to go with ripe fruit and mocha...youthful tannins. Just wonderful. Thank you @Keith Fisher — 7 years ago

with Dan

John Del Bello

9.0

Bright, fruit driven, blanc sparkling, vibrant, zesty, and perfect pairing for most foods... — 8 years ago

Benjamin Keator

9.3

This is an interesting one. Little to no acid. Some butterscotch. Almost a cinnamon candy flavor without the heat. I enjoy it but Keith is turning his lip up (as usual) — 8 years ago

with Keith and Weston

Lynn Poole

9.4

Thanks, Keith! — 9 years ago

Craig Marino

9.8

Kelly, Beth, Keith and Craig all loved it. 2010 AND 2013 - great balance and easy finish. — 10 years ago

Lucy

9.7

Smooth, velevety, balanced. Delicious. — 11 years ago

Mason Balistreri

Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits

9.0

Smooth and concentrated merlot with a pleasurable, ready to go style. — 11 years ago

Jennifer Ditto

10

With Benny, Parvin and Keith for dinner. Sept 11, 2014 — 12 years ago

Dan Fredman

Chef Sommelier World of Pinot Noir

8.9

Just hitting its prime — 12 years ago

Colleen Kirkpatrick

9.2

Keith used it cooking w beef and potatoes — 13 years ago

ShayShayShaylyn

9.1

Nice sweet white. Tastes exactly like this blend should. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.4

Drinking so well and was improving the longer it was open. So fragrant and aromatic...crushed potpourri, cherry pipe tobacco and baked blackberry pie. Dusty on the palate and still youthful. Dark cocoa dusted dates, roasted plum, blackberry and raspberry pie with strong acidity and tannin. A great drinking window. Thanks @Keith Fisher — 7 years ago

with Weston

Jack Duckworth

9.0

2013 vintage. Serious stuff. Hunter Valley Shiraz. Bottle #1520 — 8 years ago

Doctor No

9.0

Ripe black cherry, a bit of tart raspberry, green tobacco leaf and green pepper. Lovely intensity of savory/herbal with a background of fruit on the nose. Pencil shavings on back. Palate leans taut, mineral and still a fair bit of tannins. Not as polished as @Keith Levenberg ‘s bottle, but maybe in a more awkward phase with a bit less baby fat. — 8 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

A little bit of leather on the nose. Plums and dark fruits on the pallet. A little tight, but not a problem. A hint of mint on the finish. Makes you pucker when you sip it. Good wine. Thanks Keith Soltis!
Tasted again nine months later. (3/24/18). Much less astringent. Wonderful wine! Thank you again, Keith Soltis! — 9 years ago

Frank Bragg

9.3

Keith ordered this, I ended up drinking it. I ordered Domaine du Somail Mourvèdre-Syrah - Keith drank that - lol! — 10 years ago

with Keith

Shay A

9.0

Only 50 cases produced of this unique vintage. Interesting earthy type undertones with gripping tannins. Worth the experience. — 11 years ago

Mason Balistreri

Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits

9.1

Powerful, dense fruit with lots of cassis and bell pepper. The flavors are integrated and I'm sure this wine will stand the test of time. — 11 years ago

Daniel Rich

Hospitality Chehalem Wines, Production Et Fille Wines

10

Sometimes you need a little smoked ham hock in your bier! — 12 years ago

Lynn Hargrove

9.9

Limited availability ... I can hook you up! Uh oh, sounds like another deal! — 13 years ago

Ted Corvey

9.1

Third time I’ve had this, each time I’m almost staggered by the nose. Floral and light red and blue fruits pour out of the glass. This is an old world nod being a 85/15 blend of Syrah and Viognier, and although it hints towards brooding it remains delicate and vibrant on the palate. Really pretty wine. Everything from Day I have had has been great. — 7 years ago

Victor Hwang

9.2

88 mouton with Keith harding art work. The nose upon opening was sublime. As it decanted and opened, it was a bit disjointed. Has a lot of potential but at this age I think it’s not going to come together. The nose weakened, and the body to finish is a bit jarred. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Medium plus body and medium plus intensity. Fuller bodied and less herbaceous than the normal Moss Wood Cabernet. Black currant notes. I heard an interview recently with winemaker and owner Keith Mugford who said he is trying to avoid green notes in the wine and would prefer to pick a little later and err on the side of ripeness. I think that’s what happened here and probably more so the following year in 2009. Still a lovely wine. The first of 6 - next one in a year. — 7 years ago

Mark Flesher

8.9

A little tired. Some black fruits here, but a lot of vegetal notes as well. Didn't really do so hot especially sitting right next to an 01 Colgin that pretty much wiped the cab competition right outta the park. I definitely believe bottle variation is in order here, as 97 was a pretty darn good year for Napa cab overall and I would love to see what the bottle that was aging right next to this one tastes like. Love Seavey wines, and muchos gracias to Keith for opening this one. — 8 years ago

with Dan, Shay and 1 other

Charles Schneider

9.5

The 1982, courtesy of one Keith Akers. Props. Concentration of fruit is outstanding. Impeccably cellared. — 10 years ago

Steve Garrity

9.2

Dinner with Keith, Weifang, and Abhay — 10 years ago

Geoff Quattromani

9.1

Such a simple sweet refreshing wine, just dangerously easy to drink. — 11 years ago

Peter Bourke

10

Superb sweet sticky! — 12 years ago

Craig Marino

9.5

Big favorite - Kelly, Keith, Beth and I all like it. Great value. However, NOT gluten free. — 12 years ago