Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

Made by superstar winemaker, Randy Dunn, of Dunn Vineyards, the 2017 ‘Feather’ by Long Shadows is a masterful effort from this exciting warmer vintage in Washington. Once on the nose there is a lovely round core of toasty oak that wraps around the rich dark fruits, sagebrush and chocolate fudge aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, revealing a round and generous mouthfeel. The seamless effect created mid-palate is utterly fantastic. Black currants and blackberry cordial dance with shades of Black Forest Cake and espresso bean on this highly complex palate. This finishes long with dark fruits and a beam of minerality. While enticing to savor now, the 2017 ‘Feather’ will have a long life ahead of it. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to afford a two hour decant prior to enjoying. Drink 2021-2040- 95 — 4 years ago

Kimberly Anderson

9.3

Beautiful scents of black plum and a little vanilla. On the feminine side for a Napa Cab. Precise flavors of black fruit, tobacco, leather with an under layer of smoke. Nice smooth finish — 5 years ago

with Chad

Dan Howell

9.4

I first have to note that I tend to like sweet wines. On the nose it had notes of ripe stone fruit and if you can smell honey it would be there as well. Now the tasting is where this wine shines. The “Noble Rot” is there in its full glory! The sweetness is not over the top. I happened to have this wine with a spiced pork roast with a nice layer of fat and this wine matched up lovely with it. Back to the flavor profile, you have the ripe stone fruit and honey notes. You will enjoy this wine. — 5 years ago

E.C. Hoffman

9.5

Delightfully enjoyed with a Palisade Peach Skillet cake made by my dear sweet mother with great company! — 6 years ago

FinerTastes

9.0

This was a nice surprise. Summery and tropical, sweeter than I expected but tonight that was perfect. Nice with salty grilled prosciutto-wrapped chicken, roasted potatoes, baby greens, and grilled pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream. — 7 years ago

Bryandon R. Johnston

8.9

Great hints of spice, mocha and chocolate. Enjoyed it so much I finished it and needed a second bottle! Haha — 7 years ago

Alexander W

9.0

Smooth but with a nice spice. Long finish. Not too oaky. — 8 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2016 ‘Estate Blend’ combines mainly Syrah (58%) with smaller portions of Mourvedre, Grenache and Tempranillo. Highly fragrant in the glass, the wine delivers white pepper and blackberry cobbler aromatics that mingle with shades of bacon fat and cigar box that all combine seamlessly. Once on the mouth, the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Dense red and dark fruits mingle with chocolate cake, leather and shades of clove crusted smoked pork belly. Delightful now, the 2016 ‘Estate Blend’ impresses with its serious range and texture. It’ll be sensational to enjoy for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 95 — 4 years ago

Bryan Kesting

9.3

Red fruited like the Botanica however more mineral driven. Black tea and spice cake. Needs more time. — 5 years ago

Jennifer Ott

8.9

Oldie but a goodie — 5 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.3

Having my dessert first. Co-fermented field blend of Alsatian varietals. Viscous texture, plenty of sweet flavors of course but not to the point of being cloying. Honey cake, dried apricot, orange, acacia, a little petrol and botrytis, acid is not front and center but playing a strong supporting role to hold things together — 6 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.4

Textured & elegant. On the whole, this is about finesse, but there is a lingering tension from the powerful fruit which adds the backbone here. This has a citrus-y edge to it which adds an extra layer of acidic structure to the lush orchard fruit. Beautiful wine. — 7 years ago

David Talley

8.9

Light and yes a bit fruity. Nice wine with salmon and yes cheese cake. — 7 years ago

Bonnie Wilson-Nieves

9.0

Sitting on the roof watching the sunset. This wine has a nice aftertaste cherryish and a slight hint of chocolate. Its smooth and refreshing, I will drink it again. — 7 years ago

Amit Kumar

9.5

like a neighbor with a seductive surprise...
like strawberry on a summer evening...
its like wow, where did you come from...
is that juniper is smell...oh who cares?
great wine... — 4 years ago

Aaron Rankin

9.4

Love partner to Whole Foods’s chantilly cake. — 4 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Medium ruby color. Aromas of cherry and sea salt/ocean breeze. Bright and delicious with loads of red fruit. Perfect for a pit-stop in San Diego. — 5 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Masterclass in San Francisco with Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite. Chateau Rieussec is another property that the Rothschild’s own.

1997 a difficult vintage for reds in Bordeaux. The upside is, when the reds lag, the whites almost always shine.

The nose shows; marmalade, dry peaches & apricots, pineapple, citrus blend, fresh orange peel, burnt almonds, almond cake, nut skin, burnt toffee, honey, caramel, beeswax, waxiness, toast, limestone, gravely stones, fruit blossoms and yellow florals.

The body is thick, gluey and rich. The mouthfeel magnificent. There is almost a dry tannin presence but it is it’s dry, gritty volcanic minerality, marmalade, dry peaches & apricots, pineapple, citrus blend, fresh orange peel, burnt almonds, almond cake, nut skin, burnt toffee, honey, caramel, beeswax, waxiness, toast, limestone, gravely stones, fruit blossoms and yellow florals. The acidity round and splendid. The finish is rich, well balanced, elegant, polished and delicious.

All wines arrived weeks ago directly from the Chateau.

Photos of; the Crown Room on the 23rd floor of the Fairmont where the Masterclass was held, glass of 1997 showing color, Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite presenting and another view of the city of San Francisco/Bay and the Golden Gate Bride in the background.
— 5 years ago

Alton Komori

9.2

2015 - $12.99 on sale at Safeway; bright bouquet, light body and not too oaky finish; very easy drinking; could be the reasonably priced daily Chard. — 7 years ago

Robert Smith

9.1

Smooth and spicy. Great with a steak and chimichurri Sauce. Affordable. Dark currant and tobacco. Let it breathe. — 8 years ago