"Odedi"

9.1

Inky in color with a short purple rim.

Strong fruity nose of black currants, plums, cooked cherries, dried fruits, light oak, spices, chocolates, coffee, licorice and black pepper.

Full bodied and smooth, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, plums, cooked cherries, oak, vanilla, licorice, spices, tobacco, milk chocolates, coffee, cola and peppercorn.

Nice finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a nice and easy drinking Petite Sirah from Mendocino County.

Nicely balanced, rich and fruit forward. Showing nice complexity with a nice mouthfeel.

Good right out of the bottle and better after an hour of airtime.

Still young, and would be better in a few years. Will be nice to revisit it in a couple of years, and see how it evolved.

Good by itself as a sipping wine, and good with BBQ Meats.

100% Petite Sirah grapes were aged in French oak barrels. Organic.

14.8% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$26. — 4 years ago

Will Stanley

9.4

My second time trying this ‘Lieu-Dit’ Saint-Joseph bottling by northern Rhône powerhouse Guigal, from the exceptional 2015 vintage. It is a better wine than it was in August last year (at which point it was a little closed down). Frankly, it is a brilliant wine from this lesser appellation that, in short, is a full-blooded expression of Syrah with bags of intent.

Intense aromatics, a medley of plum, hoisin, fig compote, leather and black pepper. The palate is incredibly rich and saturated, packed full of blackberry, cranberry, an umami quality, jamon iberico and aged beef. Tannins and acidity are both high but are perfectly poised in harmony with the fruit. The finish is impressively long, and moreish. In a terrific spot now at five years but this should continue to sing in a decade. Really a thoroughly enjoyable northern Rhône. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Family-owned and operated started in 1999 by Dr John and Karen Bergstrom. Dark Ruby with fresh ripe berry fruit flavors with floral spice notes. On the palate, cherry and raspberry flavors with complex herb and citrus notes. Fine tannins on long finish ending with slight earthy character. Drink now while it’s fresh, will benefit from short-term aging. — 6 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

To celebrate 5,500 reviews on Vivino, here is a beautiful wine from Washington State.

Dark ruby in color with a short brick rim.

Sweet nose of blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, herbs and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with sweet cherries, plums, blueberries, oak, light vanilla, spices, espresso, cola, light vegetables, leather, earth, tobacco, vinaigrette, peppercorn, pencil lead, light bell pepper and dark chocolates.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cranberries.

This is a great Syrah from Washington State. Showing great complexity with a nice mouthfeel. Elegant, yet rich. Just Beautiful.

This 12 year old is drinking very nicely now and will continue to age nicely in the next decade.

Needs 3 hours to open up properly and show some tannins.

Wine Enthusiasts 100 points. Robert Parker 97 points.

I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

Tasty and delicious.

14.4% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$275. — 7 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.2

Ripe raspberry briar nose... dark blackberry note... 14.8 abv... jammy(in a good way)... perfect long finish... paired with short ribs and amazing grilled cornbread — 7 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Day 1: very primary, fresh, vibrant fruit with some tobacco but super compact. Day 2 was a different story with fresh raspberries, cassis, plums, and tobacco and wonderfully balanced. Loads of structure to go with. Finish is long and delicious. This bottle already exhibits a lot of sediment, expect more in the future. Best yet to come. — 7 years ago

Mike R

9.7

This was my WOTN - this vintage is spectacular- never disappoints - Deep ruby/garnet color. Nose of dark fruits, mineral notes and anise/licorice. Palate of dark cherry, plum, currant, oak. Integrated tannins, smooth texture. A bit short on mid palate. Long, smooth finish. Tannins sweet and resolved - incredible that this wind is so ripe after 13 years

With my great friend @David L and his family — 8 years ago

with David

Chris England

9.5

1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣5️⃣

🗞 eBay, DVD, Atlantis 🚀 Mir
🎵 You Are Not Alone, One Sweet Day
🎥 Toy Story, Apollo 13
🗣 Houston, we have a problem
🌍 5.66B

Gorgeous old world Rioja @ £75

🍷 Garnet cherry w/ brick

👃 Smokey burnt oak, sweaty leather, ripe black cherry, caramel, sherry, herbs, earth, dusty cellar, potpourri, red currant & cocoa dust w/ liquorice & balsamic

👄 Med smooth body of slight tart & sweet bruised red & dark cherry soaked in earth, oak, sweet liquorice & cocoa

🎯 Long earthy oak cherry seduction — 9 years ago

Fred McQueary

9.1

Very nicely drinking with short decant. Nice fruit with long lasting finish — 10 years ago

with Terri

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.3

Super mineral, amazing precision in the aromas. Limestone. Just short of GG quality. Will age wonderfully. Sick aromas. Deep, ripe and wonderful freshness. Apricot and stone fruits, complex and mineral, dry and structured. Long, and so precise. 1.8 grams of RS. Almost tannic. Yellow orchard fruits. 12.5%. So clean. Long and salt finish. — 10 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.0

This afternoon was treated to this 1986 Chateau Talbot. On the nose was dark fruit, prune, tobacco, spice and dark cherry. After decanting for a short period of time at first taste the palate gives notes of black cherries, leather, spices, licorice and sandy tannins. There is medium acidity and medium tannins with a very nice long finish. I would say this at least has more life to go a good 5 years. — 11 years ago

John Kemper

9.3

The bright gold '11 Herman Story White Rhone Blend 'Tomboy' is not a lightweight summer deck wine. Gorgeous stewed peach, lemon, fresh-cut honeysuckle and nutty aromas rose from the glass. A hefty and rich mouthfeel with a refreshing acidic wintergreen minty quality. Very energetic through the palate and finishing dry, clean and long. — 12 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

It's time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Inky in color with a short reddish rim.

Fruity nose with black currants, black plums, blueberries, ripe cherries, light cedar, light earth, vanilla, black pepper, chocolates, coffee and pencil lead.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long skinny legs.

Dry on the palate with plums, black currants, coffee, oak, vanilla, vegetables, black pepper, spices, chocolates, dark coffee, herbs, tobacco leaf, leather and earth.

Medium on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from Napa Valley. Still young and will benefit from some bottle aging. Has good potential to become a really nice wine.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 90 minutes of airtime. Really nice nose once it opens up.

Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years, however, already drinking nicely and showing nice complexity.

The Malbec seems very dominant at the moment. Spicy and tangy. Fruit forward and tasty.

Good by itself or with food. I paired it with cheeses and olives.

A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 8% Malbec. Aged in mostly French oak barrels for 18 months.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$85. — 5 years ago

"Odedi"

9.7

Cheers to my 6,000th review on Vivino. A Big milestone deserves a big wine. This was on my wishlist for a while now. Go big or go home!

Deep inky in color with a short brick rim. Unbelievable. Not showing age at all.

Fruity nose of blackberries, blueberries, black currants, chocolates, tobacco, mocha, leather, earth, Mediterranean spices, beef jerky, peppercorn, cedar, leather, vanilla and licorice.

Full bodied, bold, smooth and elegant, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, sweet plums, vanilla, cedar, light vegetables, spices, smoke, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, cola, pencil lead and peppercorn.

Long finish with firm tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon based, Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley. Showing great complexity and a great mouthfeel. Big with bold tannins. Delicious and yummy.

This 19 year old is drinking very nicely now, and really shows like a young wine. Has at least 15 years in it.

After 3 hours of airtime, forest floor notes come in on the nose. Tasting like an aged left bank Bordeaux.

Wine Advocate 100 points.

This is a Fabulous wine to share with good friends. Very enjoyable by itself or with food. I paired it with BBQ ribs.

Thank you John, for sharing this phenomenal wine with me.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

97 points.

$1,200. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

2002 is such a beautiful vintage IMHO. In many ways, I think even better than 07. We’ll see in five years from now as I lack a time machine.

I’ve said this a couple of times over my nearly 4,200 Delectable notes. There is no amount of decanting a young wine that can reproduce the beauty, elegance, florals, integration, balance and finish as long bottle age. If you are buying expensive Cabernets and drinking them young, you are simply short changing yourself out of your deep investment.

This largely under known Napa producer is a shining example of that tonight. Proof in the pudding so to speak.

The nose reveals, sweet, ripe, lush, ruby, slightly baked/liqueured fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, black plum, understated blueberries and baked strawberries haunt the backend. Dark Asian & Indian spices, black licorice to anise, sweet tarriness, black tea, dark expresso, crushed dry rocks, limestone minerals, herbal notes, mint, incense, graphite, dark chocolate, caramel & mocha, dry top soil, moist clay, dark rich, turn earth with fresh & withering; dark, red, purple, blue flowers & just a touch of violets.

The body is; round, rich & luxurious. The tannins still have baby teeth and show chewy tarriness. The tension, structure, length and balance have hit their peak. It’s not going to improve, it will simply show you descending changes which, can be quite enjoyable but, not necessarily for the ones that appreciate wines young. Interesting, none the less, for the ones that enjoy all sides/aspects of wine evolution. Sweet, ripe, lush, ruby, slightly baked/liqueured fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, black plum, mulberries, boysenberries, more blue fruits than the nose, cherries and baked strawberries haunt the backend. Dark Asian & Indian spices with just the right amount of heat, black licorice to anise, sweet tarriness, black tea, dark expresso, crushed dry rocks, limestone minerals, herbal notes, mint, graphite, dark chocolate, caramel & mocha, dry top soil, moist clay, dark rich, turn earth, fresh tobacco, suede style leather, saddle-wood with fresh & withering; dark, red, purple, blue flowers & just a touch of violets. The ABV on this wine is really nice given today’s hotter wines. Climate change, it’s a bitch. The round acidy is as good as it gets. The long, excellent, elegant, rich, ripe, ruby, gorgeous, sexy, floral, perfectly balanced finish falls into persistent heaven.

This is a gorgeous example of what Napa Valley is capable of in grand vintages, if you have good storage & can show patience.

Photos of; an arial view of Jones Family Winery, patio tasting area, beautiful Jones Family Cabernet fruit and their amazing vineyards. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.3

This is my second Herman Story wine. Normally, I’d sock my ‘16 Syrahs away for years, but I’ve seen reviews say this is so enjoyable young, so I decided to experiment. This is like rocket fuel...full throttle. BUT, it stops short of being out of balance/gloopy. These wines make me think this winemaker, named Russell, is like the Russell Bevan version of Paso Rhône varietals...big, bold, & delicious in style.

After only 30mins, this revealed some smoked meat, peppercorn, olive and underripe blackberry. Some sage as well. Massive on the palate...all sorts of dark, ripe fruit with a sweetened core. Bacon fat, roasted plum, and baked berry pie. This is hedonistic in style and not for the faint of heart, but it does a good job of restraining itself from where it could go. A fun wine. — 8 years ago

with Weston and Mark

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Excellent tasting with Chris.

Medium ruby red. Attack of dark cocoa and woody notes. Finally opened up with a light flora undertone. Solid acidity, heavy tannins (7/10) and balanced. Full bodied and layered with dark fruits like black cherries, and dark raspberries. Good amount of spices, pepper and anise with a nice zing. Dark gravel near the long finish and a touch dry. Rhône style blend made up of 45% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, and 2% Tannat. Made through a series of co-ferments from 16 vineyards. Drink from 2018 till 2027. — 9 years ago

with India

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Randy Dunn makes wine for your retirement and perhaps your grandkids. This 02 is just coming into it's elegance/groove. When you consider it's been in bottle for basically 12 years, it's still a pretty big wine. Tannins are resolving but still packs a palate punch. On the nose, it's a wild berry blend, baking spices and a mix of dry and fresh roses. The fruits start elegant transitioning to juicy & finishing with dry medium tannins. Blackberries, black cherries, black plum, raspberries with very ripe juicy strawberries painting the back palate. The mix of fruit is incredible. Baking spices of caramel & vanilla, just a touch of spice; allspice & light sage, black tea, dessert style dark minerals that finish with dry crushed rocks, graphite & eucalyptus. Followed by; raspberry cola and acidity that is just short of perfect. The finish pierces the mid palate with dark tannins. However, the mixed berry fruit finishes long, juicy to dry & with sheer beautiful elegance. The finish lasts & lasts. It's simply a guilty pleasure. I have two more bottles. I'll have one in 7 more years and the last in 15 years. Love to note the changes! That's the really enjoyable part of cellaring wine. — 10 years ago

Bryant Bickel

9.4

The usually tight tannic punch has faded and melded with the usual Washington velvet, a dark abyss of blackberry, plum, black cherry, it's in a nice place, I honestly wanted the kick in the mouth, but it's more elegant than you would expect. And I'm okay with buying her dinner, cause she delivers! She wore the long dress, thought I'd be looking at a short skirt, but this long dress is taking me home, thanks! She got feisty after she opened up & she delivers impressed! Give it 1hr and she will sing in your ear! — 12 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Deep Ruby, purple edges, with aromas of fresh berry fruits, cigar box spice and earthy mineral notes. On the palate rich ripe fruit, blackberry & black cherry with hints of dried spices. Good balance with slightly firm tannins, opened quickly, and lively acidity. Long finish, complex ending with oak, herb, mineral and earthy character. Will improve with short term aging, but don’t wait too long as you might be disappointed! Very nice Shiraz! — 6 years ago

"Odedi"

9.7

Celebrating 20K on Instagram with this beautiful wine!

Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim. Doesn't show age at all.

Fruity nose of blackberries, sweet cherries, black currants, figs, raisins, vanilla, cedar, licorice, cloves, cola, chocolates, mocha, caramel and black pepper.

Full bodied, smooth and bold, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and extremely fruity on the palate with blackberries, black plums, cooked cherries, cedar, leather, earth, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, mocha, coke, light earth, peppercorn, leather and tobacco.

Long finish with firm tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a great Napa Bordeaux blend. Showing great complexity and mouthfeel. Nicely balanced and fruit forward.

A fantastic wine from a great vintage. I've had a few different vintages of this, from older to younger, and this 2012 vintage is so nice right now. Will be even better in the next 10 to 15 years.

Thank you John for sharing this with me.

Rich yet elegant. Opulent and luxurious. Delectable and delicious.

Robert Parker 96 points.

Good right out of the bottle and much better after 3 hours of airtime. Fun wine for parties if it's in the budget. 😉

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged in New French oak barrels for 24 months.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

97 points.

$250. — 6 years ago

Frank Heinz

9.4

Linda Rudolph brought this to us from South Africa — 7 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

It’s time for #MerlotThursday. Here is a delicious one from Napa Valley.

Dark inky in color with a short purple rim.

Strong nose of blackberries, black plums, figs, dried fruits, cooked raisins, vanilla, cedar, licorice, cloves, light vegetables, cola, earth, chocolates, tobacco, mocha and black pepper.

Full bodied and bold with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and extremely fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, vanilla, cedar, earth, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, mocha and coke.

Long finish with firm tannins and tangy cherries.


This is a delicious Merlot from Napa Valley. Big bold and beautiful.

Showing a great mouthfeel with nice complexity, once it's opened up. Intense, rich and extracted. Teeth staining color. I've had it many times and it is very consistent.

Good right out of the bottle and better as it opens up and shows some tannins. So give it time.

I've had this vintage 6 months ago and it is showing nicer now.

Good by itself or with food. A great sipping wine.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$40. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Pontet Canet tasting and dinner with Alfred Tesseron.

The fruits are dark & muted. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, plums with strawberries come on late. Lots of moist clay, dry soils, deep dark spice, crushed, rock powder, graphite, black, dry soils, hints of green bell pepper, dry herbs with blue, dark withering flowers. The acidity is round but could be better. The long finish is balanced but, for me, comes up short and a little flat.

Photos of; our dinner group, The K&L Bordeaux Buyer-Ralph Sands and Alfred talking about the wines, Clyde Beffa Jr. -Owner of K&L Wine Merchants and Chateau Pontet Canet. — 7 years ago

"Odedi"

9.4

It’s time for my #FridayCabernetfix. Here is a gorgeous Cabernet from Napa Valley.

Deep ink in color with a short Ruby rim.

A gorgeous nose of blueberries, currants, cherries, wild strawberries, dried figs, cedar, vanilla, dark coffee, light vegetables, tobacco leaf, earth, chocolates, eucalyptus, black pepper and Mediterranean spices.

Full bodied and gentle with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, black cherries, sweet spice, vanilla, licorice, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, mocha, earth, graphite, leather, coke and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a wonderful example of a Napa Cabernet. Showing great complexity with a wonderful nose and a great, smooth and gentle mouthfeel. Very elegant.


Still not showing its 6 year old age and could age very nicely in the next 15 years.

Good right out of the bottle and much better after an hour, when all these flavors open up on the nose and palate.

By now, the alcohol is well integrated alcohol, although it is very high.

Good by itself or with food and a great sipping wine to have with friends and talk about.

15.2% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$90. — 7 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my Friday's Cabernet fix. This week it's a fabulous Cabernet from Alexander Valley.

Dark ruby in color with a short purplish rim.

Strong nose of cedar, leather, brown sugar, bacon, blackberries, sweet cherries, black currants, light vegetables, coffee, chocolates, blue cheese, earth, tobacco leaf, spices, peppercorn, smoke and peppermint.

Medium plus in body and smooth, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, cedar, leather, earth, peppercorn, spices, mold, green vegetables, chocolates, mocha and cola.

Long finish with firm tannins and black pepper.

This is a great Cabernet from Sonoma County. Well balanced and enjoyable by itself or with food. Showing good complexity with some vegetable notes. Spicy with a great chewy mouthfeel.

Still young, but already enjoyable even by itself, and will age nicely in the next 20 years.

Will pair very nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Aged for 24 months in American Oak barrels (50% new).

13.9% alcohol by volume. — 9 years ago

Lewis Chester

9.6

1986 vintage. Chrismaka lunch at the house. Served after 3.5hr decant (which was probably a few hours short of what I would do next time round). Medium garnet hue - the only true sign of age I found in the wine. Strong pencil sharpening, creme cassis and smoke. Cedar. Very youthful. A lot of fruit. Amazingly youthful. Complex. On the palate, medium plus acidity and tannins - ripe. Medium alcohol. Medium plus concentration of flavour. Balanced. Very long finish. Depth and balance. This is so young still. Don't open for another 10+ years. Drink 2026-2056+. Wonderful potential, but still a baby. Is there a wine on the planet built for the long term better than Las Cases? NB: this is superior to the 1982 I had a month ago. — 10 years ago

D Gissen

9.0

Tim Mondavi brought this to our house tonight (long story). He and the wine were great. — 11 years ago

Justin Paterno

8.9

Finish is a bit short but nice wine — 11 years ago

Ryan Guy

9.0

Roasted plums, pine, lifted floral and mineral notes on the nose. Earthy plum and blackberry with a surprisingly long finish glistening with minerality. Drinking well after a short decant now, but will also last a few more years. — 12 years ago