The 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel from Tablas Creek was a tough act to follow, but this elegant Rhône blend from Sonoma just did that.
The nose was quite similar with aroma of blue fruits and earthy elements with hint of violet, it was the palate that set it apart: soft, complex and deep, with great texture and beautiful acidity that adds the tension. Elegant and seamless.
Kale Anderson was the long time wine maker at Pahlmeyer, and Kale wines are all vineyard-specific. Worth seeking out. — 6 years ago
Glistening magenta. Displays expansive, spice- and mineral-accented red/dark berry preserve scents that take on incense and lavender flourishes with air. Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate, offering densely packed black raspberry, cherry liqueur and exotic spice flavors that show sharp delineation and back-end thrust. Finishes impressively long and smooth, with resonating red fruit, floral notes and velvety, harmonious tannins that make a cameo appearance. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, June 2019) — 6 years ago
2012 tasted 1/1/19 citrus rind, reduced currant, ripe red cherry, and lovely fresh violet notes Initially. The alc didn’t show until day 2. Quite light on the palate for the alc on day 1 though while packing a ton of complexity. I wished that I had drank it all on night 1 but I had to be fresh in the AM! I like Tegan’s wines very much and honestly? I did not expect this to be a favorite vi years and it wasn’t. I’m saving the faves for a few more years. — 6 years ago
A real treat at ten years old. Key lime pie and slate — a year ago
Drank on 8/23/2019; Vintage 2013 — 6 years ago
Super rich and smooth. Still great fruit for a wine this old. Dark purple color and lingers on the palate. — 7 years ago
Bright ruby red color. Bountiful aromas of red berries and dried violets. Pallet is full of strawberry and raspberry fruit with hints of black tea, baking spices, earth and pepper spice. Just a bit of a “gamey” quality as well. Nice hint of oak on the clean finish. Fine tannins and bright acidity. Creamy texture. Rich and nicely rounded. Absolutely a “California-Style” Pinot Noir. Nice choice, Mark Smith. — 2 years ago
Austin BBQ is amazing!!!....Enjoying this Oakville Ranch CS with brisket and pulled pork. Wish I had more bottles of this on the trip to try at other BBQ joints. BYOB joints are hard to find in Austin. — 5 years ago
A full-body Pinot! Deep Ruby with berry aromas, floral and garden spice. On the palate ripe strawberry and dried cherry fruit with vanilla spice and cedar notes. The wine is well structured, silky smooth tannins, balanced acidity carry the wine to a lingering spicy finish. Very Nice! — 6 years ago
Sipping Fine Wine
First of all Kudos to Ant Hill love the wax seal over cork! Deep Ruby with aromas of dark Berry fruits with notes of herbs, citrus, floral and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry, tea, vanilla and herb tones, well balanced with acidity. Firm fine tannins on a long finish ending with fruit and floral herb character. Very nice! Will age well! — 10 months ago