La Cantina (corsini Vineyard)

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2022

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a purple rim.

Beautiful nose and medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing red and black fruits with cedar, licorice, chocolates, herbs, light earth, spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee and light green vegetables.

Spicy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This iconic Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Santa Cruz Mountains in California is still very young, but already delicious, even by itself.

Needs a few hours to open up properly, and will continue to age nicely in the next 30 years. Showing good potential to become a 95+ point wine.

A great sipping wine that paired beautifully with my Lamb chops.

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged in American oak barrels for 20 months.

13.8% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$300.
— 2 months ago

Jay, Tom and 11 others liked this

Kosta Browne

Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

BlackBerry, toast, and cherry, and oak with bold notes. — 3 months ago

Becky Linnett
with Becky

Philip Togni Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Somm David T
9.6

This is a producer that should be more revered than it is. His 90’s were amongst my favorite Napa Cabernets. Especially, the 94, which is exceptional and I’ve had on 3-4 occasions.

2007 is a grand vintage but this one needs more cellaring. It is still in its adolescence. I would like to try this in another 8-10 yrs. Don’t get me wrong, this drinks nicely now but it’s best is still ahead.

I coravined & decanted this in a big Bordeaux glass for an hour and it is still a 1/2 monster.

The nose shows; dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries with understated raspberries in the glass edges, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets.

The M+ tannins are round, velvety, dusty and still meaty. Dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, liqueur cherries with understated, hovering raspberries. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, soft, moist cigar box, leather, anise, rounded very dark spices, moist clays, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets, very round, pleasant acidity with balance for days, still pronounced structure/tension, great length and a smartly, polished, ruby two-minute finish that long sets on on deep, dark spice, earthiness & ruby, dark currents.

Right now a Filet steak, not a fatty steak, Ribeye or Ribcap.

Still so youthful! Add a point or two in 7-10 yrs. .

Philip is in his 90’s and still involved in the winemaking. He walks the property daily.
— 4 months ago

Jeroen, Scott@Mister and 7 others liked this
Jeroen Koenen

Jeroen Koenen

A personal favorite! The 1997 iteration of this wine converted me, being a classic Bordeauxphile, into American wines some 20 years ago. Thank you for that, Mr. Togni.

Rhys Vineyards

Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

#AgedWineTuesday

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish/ brick rim.

Complex on the nose, and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate and soft.

Showing cherries, plums, currants, light oak, tobacco leaf, herbs, black pepper, chocolates, light vegetables, Indian spices, licorice and black tea.

Long finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious 13 year old Pinot Noir from Santa Cruz Mountains in California. Drinking beautifully now, elegant and fruit forward. Nicely balanced and soft. Complex with a nice mouthfeel.

This Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, from the great 2013 vintage, is drinking at its peak now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

A good sipping wine that will pair nicely with food too. Loved the low alcohol level too.

12.8% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$80.
— 7 months ago

Jose, Shay and 17 others liked this

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

1hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A striking still dark magenta color with little bricking. On the nose: Inviting notes of sweet red/blue fruit, smoked meat, floral, worn leather, nutmeg, wet forest floor. Taste: velvety, smooth, elegant, savory mature wine with dried cherries, cocoa, leather, scorched earth, and a minerally mocha long lingering finish. YUM!! — 8 months ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Paul and 15 others liked this
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

I had a 1997 just over 2 years ago. Even with a 4 hour decant it wouldn’t budge. Still have a mag of 97, I don’t know when to even think about opening that one.
Tom Garland

Tom Garland

@Paul T HB Nice. The 05 still looked young and had such a classic feel to it. But, its peak has past....still drank well, and has more years of savory pleasure to go.

Rhys Vineyards

Horseshoe Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

J Choi
9.5

Initially thought cork fail. Capsule protruding. Wine residue. Surprised. great — 10 months ago

Flowers Vineyard & Winery

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017

Definitely a crowd pleaser. The level of acidity is just on the border of flabby but not in a bad way! Very quaffable. — 6 years ago

Bob, Fraser and 19 others liked this

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Le Cigare Volant Red Rhone Blend

Rather surprisingly, this 1999 is still drinking quite well. Thanks, Henry! — 8 years ago

Heitz Cellar

Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1986

40 years birthday crazy party. So many 1986’s. No formal notes. This was bright and surprisingly fresh. My favorite of the evening. — 2 months ago

Tom, Shay and 2 others liked this

Shea Wine Cellars

Estate Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir

John Howard
9.3

Great as usual. . — 2 months ago

Tom, Pinotman and 8 others liked this

Staglin Family Vineyard

Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Black cherries and blackberries, balanced tannins and structure, minerals, slight graphite. — 4 months ago

Marcassin

Marcassin Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

2008 vintage. Yeah, some wackoid(s) gave this 100 points. Whatevs. Arrived at 70-72 degrees. Zero chill. Immediately plunged into an ice bath. Used a Durand to open but the über-dry cork just laughed at it and decided to pixelate into small, broken safety glass-styled fragments. Not the sign I was looking for. Here comes the funnel + screen + decanter to save the day. That screen needs a raise come review time. Put the decanter atop the ice bath with a protective serviette between and gave it another 5-6 mins in the chill. Color not quite yellow Chartreuse but pretty close. Tasted at approx 58-59 degrees. Like a trip to the confectionery + bakery. Whoa! Medium/medium-heavy body and this was popping. Splashes and suggestions of fruits, bread products and baking spices without an overriding, final boss. Phenomenal. Can’t give it a Wilt but it did not suck and should drink as such for at least another half-decade. Have had plenty of Marcassin whites and reds and this was the best of the lot. Transcendent. For all that…? 9.6. Soviet…er…Russian judge mode deployed. 3.6.25. — 6 months ago

David, Zach and 15 others liked this

Belle Glos

Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir

My FAVORITE. I have no helpful review. I just know what I like. — 7 months ago

Bodegas Volver

Single Vineyard Tempranillo 2018

Single Vineyard Tempranillo from Central Spain. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, tobacco, wet soil and anise seed. Flavors of cooked black cherries, currants and plums, dark cocoa powder, black olives and vanilla. Nicely integrated toasty oak on the long and plush finish. Full bodied. Extremely complex and nicely balanced. Well integrated and very smooth tannins. Bold and very well structured. Quite satisfying. Outstanding quality for the price. Great pick, Petey! — 7 months ago

Bob, ESF and 2 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 8 months ago

Beaux Frères

The Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

So good, but I served it too cold ✍🏼 — 9 months ago

Daniel, Ira and 3 others liked this

Jolie-Laide Wines

Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard Trousseau Gris

Waited a few years to drink the 2017 and it’s even better than I remembered. In times like these it’s important to savor the floral bouquet and stone fruit deliciousness of this wine and essentials like Clorox bleach. — 6 years ago

Sandra Sicular
with Sandra
Erin and Paul liked this

Goldschmidt Vineyards

Katherine Crazy Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Luscious, velvety on the mouth..fruit forward...amazing!!! Going to buy a case tomorrow!!! Literally a $100 cab at an amazing price!! — 11 years ago

jesus liked this
JP Epstein

JP Epstein

If Patty likes it, I'll buy it!
Patty Grimm

Patty Grimm

Worth it!!

Cain Vineyard & Winery

Cain Five Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

2015 vintage. Sampled from Coravin. Medium body. The monstrous tannins tamed somewhat...as they meet a decade+. Absolutely, top-notch nose. If you both respect the exuberance of youth and celebrate the wisdom of age, this is for you. A fascinating, case study currently. 6.24.26. — 2 months ago

Somm, Doug and 6 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Own this $39 recent purchase
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

@Somm David T Picked up a case.. Gotta dig out the invoice but resto cost was in the $30's. Do recall the 1987 vintage being $13.33 a bottle before the brand decided to make this the benchmark it is.

La Jota Vineyard Co.

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Black and blue fruit, coffee, black rock, dried herb, mint, dark chocolate and tobacco. — 4 months ago

Joel, Bob and 8 others liked this
Brian S

Brian S Influencer Badge

Black and blue fruit, coffee, black rock, dried herb, mint, dark chocolate and tobacco.

Belle Glos

Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Big ol’ Pinot… if by name only

Heavy body….. deep ruby color.
Musty, earthy nose
Powerful Friit - maybe black cherry
A touch earth / bitter lingers. A touch of oak.
Zin / Cab vibes
Nice glass of wine…
(Remedy 21)
With Sue and Riley
— 4 months ago

Dave and Ted liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019

Second & last of my bottles. Wonderful, while ready to drink still has plenty of years ahead of it. — 5 months ago

Alban Vineyards

Reva Alban Estate Vineyard Syrah 2011

Beautiful wine. Tasting outstanding. Dark purple fruits and berries, olive brine, dried flowers, cured meat. Its dry lingering finish of fruit and olive just lingers. This is great with 3 hours of air. So glad to have gotten this bottle. Rhone ranger!!! Probably has another 5+ years of evolution in it, maybe more. — 7 months ago

Tom liked this

Marcassin

Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir

Better after it opened. Time to drink. Should have earlier. — 7 months ago

Dave, Scott@Mister and 8 others liked this
Ericsson

Ericsson

What a treat! Years.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Vin Gris De Cigare Grenache Rosé Blend 2020

People who think rosé wines can’t be good need to try this one. Delicious. — 9 months ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

Turley

Pesenti Vineyard Zinfandel

Black jammy fruit, sweet cedar, a bit of grip on the finish.

The head to head Turley terroir challenge is a push. Great wines!
— 3 years ago

Wind Gap Wines

Fannucchi-Wood Road Vineyard Trousseau Gris

That’s some nice drinkin’ stuff (circa 2017). Thanks to the local somm, Steve, at our Whole Foods for the recom... it was their last bottle and he sacrificed. — 7 years ago

Aubert

Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay

More acidic than the cotton but wonderful — 8 years ago