Lavender Row

Cannery Row

Ocean Breeze Monterey County Pinot Noir

An absolute dream. It smells like it wants to go to a campfire. — 7 years ago

Mas de Boislauzon

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2007

This is gorgeous tonight. Continue to find that Mas de Boislauzon is consistently one of the best value CNDP around, true to place and terroir driven on all fronts, from traditional cuvée to their prestige offerings. I think the hearty amount of Mourvedre and plenty of holdings in sandy dominated soils of the N/NE part of the appellation make for a remarkably dense, balanced and textural wine. I feel like some 07’s have hit their mark in the last couple years and this is in a sweet spot to me. Nose is meaty, lifted with smoke, hot stones, porcini, truffle, espresso bean, plum marmalade, lavender pastille. Palate is more kirsch, compote, cinnamon, licorice whip, candied bacon, woodsmoke, and stones again. Structurally theres a great interplay of moderate but present acid and granular tannin. Perfect foil for a bacon and mushroom cheeseburger 🤤 — 7 years ago

Keith, Ira and 3 others liked this

Colgin Cellars

IX Estate Napa Valley Red Blend 2012

Gorgeous nose, layers of black fruit, potpourri, chaparral, lavender, asian spices, sweet herbs, tobacco, wet slate, coffee. Highly aromatic, glycerin richness, concentration yet remarkably nimble on the palate. The sweet oak tannin could use some resolve, and the ABV pokes out on the finish. Very curious where this is heading, also where it’s been. Excited for harvest! — 8 years ago

Tom liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2014

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
A little closed up, but that's to be expected from such a young wine built for aging. Air helps to unfold the layers buried within. While 2014 was a cooler year, the weather played well to the style of Sassicaia as its target is 12.5-13% abv every vintage, so the conditions here were less of an issue. The acidity and density are here to last for some time, probably more than you think and should go the distance just fine. Elegant, yet powerful, with pure red currants and cassis, a touch of bright blueberry fruit, with a savory and spicy edge from the Cabernet Franc, then graphite and lavender florals appear, this is a beautiful young and fresh Sassicaia. Rocks and stone on the nose hint at minerality. Elegant and persistent on the medium+ palate, gorgeously pure and distinct with firm medium+ grain tannin. A long, dense, tightly wound finish that is fresh and persistent, entirely to young but with loads of potential.
— 9 years ago

Kimberly, Doctor and 8 others liked this

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2009

A little hot on the nose and palate but still freaking delicious. Nose carries through with red fruit compote, licorice whips, leather, balsam, lavender, roasted herbs, moss, funk, and meat. Palate plays more on compote, licorice, and balsam with kicks of spice and leather. There's that savoriness coming through on the palate as well. Despite some alc. poking out this is really beginning to show well. Expecting more organic earth, black tea, and umami notes in the future but still a brilliant perfume right now. Tannin still has a little edge that keeps the wine balanced. Humbled to try wines like this when I can. 375 ml — 10 years ago

Anthony liked this

Domaine Vincent Paris

Granit 30 Cornas Syrah 2012

Firstly, this wine is really too young and would benefit from some time in the cellar. But, if you're not feeling patient, it's still very drinkable. On the second day, the tannins have softened a bit and it offers up a Cornas-like bouquet of ash and campfire smoke, camphor and lavender, as well as steeped blackberries and kirsh. The gamier aspects of this wine are more evident on the palate along with olive tapenade a touch of Garrigue, and a handsome streak of minerality on the finish. Much here to love. — 11 years ago

Eric, Travis and 10 others liked this
Christine Havens

Christine Havens Influencer Badge

Thanks, Jeff!!!

Row Eleven

The Magician Lot 11 Petit Verdot Blend

Paired nicely with cheese — 11 years ago

Maddy Beckmann
with Maddy
Maddy and Lundmark liked this

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2011

Month after original coravin access

Charcuterie, lavender, plum skins and blue berry thyme and love. 11's ripeness level makes it accessible early but this wine has a decade in it at least.
— 12 years ago

Randy and TC liked this

Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet (Hervé Souhaut)

Vin de Pays de l'Ardèche Syrah 2017

Lavender. This is so amazingly delicious. — 7 years ago

Joseph liked this

Christopher Tynan Wines

Judge Family Vineyard Syrah 2014

The first bottle of Christopher Tynan Judge Family Vineyard Syrah that I ever had an opportunity to drink met an untimely demise when it fell through the bottom of my brother’s cardboard wine carrier and shattered on the driveway. What I recall from that rather unfortunate mishap was how wonderful it smelled as it slowly streamed down the cracks of the concrete. So, I was elated to open this bottle of the most recent vintage. Decanted for two hours. From the first pour, the bouquet did not disappoint. Strong aromas of meat, lavender, dark berries, dates, figs, anise...it was a feast for the olfactory system. On the palate it was tightly wound and unwilling to fully express itself. This is a powerfully tannic wine with the stuffing and structure to last in the cellar for a long time. Make no mistake, this is delicious in its youth but an extended decant (full day) would be prudent at this stage to get the most out of it. Otherwise, let these sleep. — 7 years ago

Justin Kline
with Justin
Justin, Hermes and 1 other liked this

Row Eleven

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2013

Cherry berry very nice. A little on the hot side but good. — 8 years ago

Paul liked this

Arnot-Roberts

Sonoma Coast Syrah 2015

Delectable Wine
9.4

The 2015 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is another of the many highlights in this range from Arnot-Roberts. Inky and intense, and yet light on its feet, the 2015 has it all. Violet, lavender and black pepper add aromatic nuance. The 2015 was done with 100% whole clusters, but the stems aren't especially noticeable. This is a fabulous wine from Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts. Even better, it is a stunning value. Don't miss it! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Mar 2017) — 9 years ago

Greg, Shay and 6 others liked this

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rosé Blend 2016

Nice structure, soft acidity, peaches, lavender. — 9 years ago

Brad and Paul liked this

Old Cannery Row

Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2014

Love this stuff! Unabashed big bright fruit along with big toasty oak! — 10 years ago

Adam and Steve liked this

Corison Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Baking spices, savory herbs, blueberries, plum, lavender... A velvety finish. Enjoyed over conversations at Le Bernardin between courses. — 10 years ago

Finnriver Farm (Elijah K. Swan)

Lavender Black Currant Hard Cider

Simply the best cider I've ever tasted. The combination of lavender and black currant are just perfect! — 11 years ago

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Jimmy Smith
9.2

2011: all varieties. Meaty, lavender, garden herbs, smoky, but still very vibrant red fruit. Lovely vibrancy of red fruit and all Mouvedre and Grenache aromatics. Sweet fruit, juicy acidity, hot indian spice and liquorice. Plum, cherry, spiced. Quite ready now. — 11 years ago

Fox Creek

Short Row Shiraz 2005

Juicy. Plump and juicy. Delicious fruit nose and palate. Some spicy vanilla and pepper to round things out. Yummy. — 11 years ago

Odette

Estate Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Shay A
9.5

Finally getting around to posting Day 5 in Napa, our final day. 5 years in a row visiting...hope to make it 6 next year!

A wonderful wine, with room for score improvement over the next few years. Signature SLD to me. Mocha, dark cocoa, blackberry pie and a streak of ripe/rich red fruit down the middle. Dusty. Cinnamon and baking spice finish. Very good.
— 7 years ago

David, Eric and 34 others liked this
Shay A

Shay A Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Clive McNish : This was my first Odette, so I’m not able to compare. It’s certainly an awesome wine. I’ll have to grab a ‘15 soon so that I can try.
Clive McNish

Clive McNish

@Shay A I went 9.8 on the ‘15 it was outstanding, well worth a taste if you can find it.
Shay A

Shay A Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Clive McNish : Wish I could have gotten them to open a Reserve. Seems impressive.

Row Eleven

Viñas 3 Pinot Noir 2015

Wow. Doesn’t taste like a Pinot!! Great spicy notes, easy to drink but complex — 8 years ago

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004

04’ Joseph Phelps Insignia . Thought it would be close to a pop & pour...NO! Thick tannins that dissipate nicely after a 45 minute decant. Full - bodied.
Color- Dark purple
Nose- Flowers , lavender
Palate- Blackberry , espresso, light oak, nicely integrated acidity.
WOW... Seamless/smooth.
Drinking- now with another 5+? great years. Could possibly be many more. Drinking so nicely, why wait.
— 9 years ago

David, Paul and 57 others liked this
David L

David L Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Phil A You’re always so kind. Nothing but the best for you! Happy holidays!
David L

David L Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Mike R Very enjoyable

Pezzi King

Row 26 Reserve Zinfandel

Good! O's special — 9 years ago

Jean Foillard

Côte du Py Morgon Gamay 2011

Cru Beaujolais can be amazing! This one is. Meat, forest floor, mushrooms, cranberries, plums, lavender. Lots of layers. Finely nuanced wine. — 10 years ago

Jon Nathaniel

Lavender Hill Chardonnay 2014

Greg Ballington
8.9

This was the first of the three Chardonnays we got from Flora Springs Winery for #ChardonnayDay. Beautiful moderate intensity yellow, completely clear. Definitely a little tight with some slight creamed butter and corn. Later that evening it developed a more complex nose, with a little nuttiness, wet grass, freshly broken twigs and a slightly perfumed undertone. Moderate acidity (6.5/10) with lots of citrus notes. A little sharp to start but definitely smoothed out and became more rounded with more citrus and light oak influences. Slight tanginess, with a medium body and long finish. Needed the time to balance out and was worth the wait. Drink till 2020. — 10 years ago

Ron, "Odedi" and 5 others liked this

Stratton Lummis ( Row Eleven Wines )

The Riddler Red Blend

Fruity start with a dry finish. Delicious! I'd buy again for $18! — 11 years ago

Nelson Family Vineyards

Top Row Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

I've never had the 2009, but the smokey 2008 is sitting in my closet waiting for a special occasion.❤️ — 11 years ago

Château Rayas

Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache Blend 2000

Wow! So Burgundian like as this is one of my favorite vintages, very underrated by the critics.
This showed the classic Rayas nose of strawberry, cherry, rhubarb and kirsch with lavender, very floral with rose petals notes. This was all about finesse & elegance.
— 11 years ago