Long Valley Ranch

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2023

Drinking this pre-release bottle of this iconic wine from Bordeaux.

Light gold in color.

Strong nose and Full-bodied.

Sweet on the palate with high acidity to balance the sugars.

Showing melons, tropical fruits, apples, light earth, guava, herbs, spices, papaya and honey notes.

Long finish with herbs and tropical fruits.

This is a gorgeous sweet wine from Bordeaux. Sexy, seductive and fresh. Creamy and buttery.

Showing great potential, but oh so young. Already delicious and complex. Round, opulent and powerful.

Loved the nose once it opened up (20 minutes in the glass).

Rich and extracted. Fruit forward and intense, yet elegant. Well balanced with a soft mouthfeel.

Good by itself as a sipping wine, or with food. Drunk from a Magnum.

A blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Aged in all new French oak barrels for 24 months.
154 g/l sugar.

14% alcohol by volume.

96 points.

$500.
— 5 months ago

Scott@Mister, Daniel and 16 others liked this

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Somm David T
9.4

I remember when the 2005 Pichon Lalande was reviewed by RP, 89. I saw that & said, you would have to get in the way of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage to be that sad. I still bought 6 at a bargain basement price. A very good idea post 20 yrs+. Both Pichon’s don’t have a modern day history of getting in the way of a good vintage.

I also bought this one. 18 yrs in bottle and still acending. This will hold 5 more yrs and will last another 10 yrs properly stored.

I have visited Bordeaux 11 times. This chateau visually is still my favorite. It was showing a picture of this chateau to Sofia that launched our first visit. Sofia loved it and we have stared at it multiple times on every visit.

It was in our visit in 2007, I stood in the estate vineyard, looked & tasted their soils. After doing so, I said, “I get it.” I understood everything about what I was tasting in Left Bank Bordeaux’s early in my wine journey.

Sofia and I had dinner w/ Christian Moueix not long after the 2005 vintage was hyped/released. She asked him, when did you know you had something special?” He said, “as soon as I tasted the fruit at harvest.”

Tonight, it shows that it is a close relative, a sibling to Pichon Longueville. Cork, perfect.

The nose shows; classic left bank traits. Ripe, dark, brooding fruits, bright, mid berries, red cola, leather, tobacco, sandalwood, leather, led pencil, dark rich earth, limestone, dry river stone, hint of mushrooms, dark, red, fresh & withering florals.

The fruits on the palate show everything outstanding from the 2005 growing season. Ripe, juicy, brilliant; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, baked/poached strawberries & some hovering raspberries. Dark chocolate bar to pudding, red cola, anise, dark spices w/ palate heat, dark, rich earth w/ dry leaves, pronounced graphite, dry tobacco, leather, limestone, dry twig, dry river stone, moist clays, moist herbs, cedar to sandalwood, withering & dry, dark flowers, red roses, some lavender & violets, beautiful rainfall acidity, excellent; balance, tension, structure, length w/ an elegant finish that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earth.

13.4 ABV. Nice.

#TheTwoHourRibcap

This held up vacuumed sealed the same night, refrigerated & enjoyed exactly a week later.
— 7 months ago

Peter, Scott@Mister and 16 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Somm David T A wonderful story David and I can see how you could fall in love with that photo of the Chateau.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Bob McDonald Thank you. Cheers! 🍷

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

Paul K
9.3

I know, I’m here too early, but I bought 3 cases for a steal. I’m excited to see the evolution over next 25 years and I can have more than a bottle a year so no scolding required! 😉 looking forward to the education. Makes you think though. I’m about done buying Bordeaux futures. Too long to wait, store, and 20-25 years is starting to look blurry in the telescope. Now it’s on to auctions and buying wines that are ready. — 8 months ago

Robin, Sándor and 30 others liked this
Tyler Felous

Tyler Felous

@Paul K thus far, my go to has been Benchmark or Cellar Trading (formerly Domaine). Have not gotten a bad bottle from either
Paul K

Paul K

@Tyler Felous many thanks!!

Patz & Hall

Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2020

Pale lemon color with aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and nutty scents. On the palate complex flavors of apple, peach, pineapple and lemon citrus, well balanced with acidity on a nice mouthfeel. Long finish ending with oak, vanilla, mineral and citrus notes, will continue to age. A beautiful Chardonnay. — a year ago

Tom, Juan and 1 other liked this

Bedrock Wine Co.

Pagani Ranch Heritage Sonoma Valley Red Blend

PM
9.2

Bedrock wines don’t disappoint. Pagani Ranch Heritage is a classic Bedrock. — 2 years ago

Dirty & Rowdy

Shake Ridge Ranch Mourvedre

yes, this is a photo of a computer image. tasted as part of a Mourvèdre wine group tasting via zoom, wines portioned into woozies. 2018v. super aromatic, raspberry/cranberry juice, fresh leather, violet. palate texture is silky, light but complex and flavorful, acid medium +, long tannins- just a bit of grip. fantastic — 6 years ago

Shay liked this

Merry Edwards

Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir 2015

Rob N
9.1

Opened up a little funny with some top of bottle sediment, but with air got a lot better. A pretty rich almost funky pinot — 6 years ago

"Odedi" liked this

Shafer Vineyards

Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay

Graduation dinner :)))) — 9 years ago

Carlisle Winery & Vineyards

Papera Ranch Zinfandel 2011

A bit oaky on day 1, better on day 2 and even better on day 3. — 11 years ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2001

This is what I think of when I think of Rioja. Dried cherry and cranberry is what I get right away, and then it has more savory/earthy notes like leather and mushroom. When I tasted it I said “it tastes old.” That is a compliment. Hints of vanilla and spice. Felt elegant with a long finish. Had it with fatty new york strips. Tannins and acidity balanced it well. Not a loud wine, but a great one. — 6 months ago

Long Shadows Vintners

Sequel Columbia Valley Syrah 2004

Lovely, deep, rich Syrah. Plums, Raisins and blackberries. — 7 months ago

Long Shadows Vintners

Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot 2015

2018. Decanted for about an hour and improved with more time. — 7 months ago

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards

Double Lariat Limited Production Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

We have been drinking this wine for 10 years now. As the fruit drops out it becomes more stringent with strong oak tannins, losing some of its depth and ease of drinking. — 8 months ago

Tammy de Weerd
with Tammy
Andrew, Jan and 4 others liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Presented to me, double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears, and some signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of ripe and desiccated, mostly dark fruits: cassis, black cherry, plum, mixed brambles, old leather, pipe tobacco, pencil shavings, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, Tempranillo (or based blend) or Grenache-based blend from France, Spain or the United States. I feel like this leans more towards its fruit than its structure, even though it is a fairly well balanced wine in both regards. As a result, I am calling this a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend from the United States, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain from a producer like Dunn, 2006. Shiiiiiit. To be honest, I’m not terribly surprised since this is Cos and from a warm vintage no less. Drinking well now and should through 2050+.
— 8 months ago

Pooneet, Jason and 23 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Benito Dusi Ranch Paso Robles Zinfandel 2023

Ridge Vineyards – Zinfandel – 2023
Benito Dusi Ranch – Paso Robles – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An extraordinary single-vineyard Zinfandel from one of the most historic and consistent sites in Paso Robles. The 2023 vintage delivers depth, purity, and that unmistakable Dusi Ranch character—old-vine concentration wrapped in Ridge’s signature balance and finesse. This bottling remains one of the benchmark Zinfandels in California.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry compote, ripe plum, and raspberry preserve with accents of warm spice, licorice, dried herbs, and a touch of cracked pepper. Subtle cocoa and cedar from restrained oak play in the background.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, yet never heavy. Juicy acidity energizes the palate while fine, structured tannins keep everything focused. Long, plush, and satisfyingly powerful.

Food Pairings
BBQ ribs, grilled lamb chops, wood-fired pizza, smoky brisket, or aged Gouda.

Verdict
A stellar expression of old-vine Paso Robles Zinfandel, opulent, balanced, and deeply flavorful. A true standout in Ridge’s portfolio.

Did You Know?
The Dusi family has farmed this vineyard for generations, and Ridge has made wine from the site since 1967. These old vines consistently produce some of the most character-rich Zinfandel in the state, making Benito Dusi one of Ridge’s most iconic single-vineyard bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This sits at the very top of my favorite Zinfandels, extraordinary from start to finish, and a reminder of why Ridge continues to define the category.
— 9 months ago

Dave, Bob and 10 others liked this
Douglas Braun

Douglas Braun Influencer Badge

Amazing Vineyard an family which were Paso Robles before Paso Robles
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Nice write-up. Always one of my favorites of the Ridge stable.

Long Shadows Vintners

Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Boysenberry and blueberry, some tannins, very rich. — 4 years ago

Kutch Wines

McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir

This is it. Almost perfect pinot noir. Light, but with a leather and vanilla. Fresh with red fruits: a cherry, a raspberry. And something else. But keep it a secret. — 6 years ago

Quivet Cellars

Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

@Mike Smith knocks this one out of the park for@the price — 10 years ago

Brian, Steve and 15 others liked this

Rutherford Ranch Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Smooth night for a cab. More like a merlot. — 13 years ago

Nickel & Nickel

State Ranch Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Fruity beginning that opens up to a peppery finish. Very smooth. A bit over priced at $109. Didn’t see the complexity at that price point. — 6 months ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2023

Château Lynch-Bages 2023 – Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A powerful, structurally driven Pauillac showing serious depth and long-term ambition, built on a 71% Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot support. The wine carries muscular architecture, dark fruit density, and firm tannic authority, currently showing some youthful rough edges but clearly positioned for future greatness with proper cellaring.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, cassis liqueur, blackberry skin, graphite, cedar plank, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf, dark cocoa and subtle savory spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, strong mid-palate grip, vibrant supporting acidity, dense core concentration, and a long, structured finish that signals serious aging capacity.

Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, rosemary-crusted venison, aged hard cheeses, slow-braised meats.

Verdict
A high-potential Pauillac still in its formative phase. The structure, depth, and terroir signature are undeniable, but integration will require time. A climber rather than a polished performer today, patience will be rewarded handsomely.

🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a future star in development, powerful, slightly raw, but absolutely loaded with upside. Not a wine for instant gratification, but one that will evolve into something truly special with time. I’d happily cellar this and revisit around 2029 when the polish finally matches the horsepower.
— 7 months ago

Ted, Tom and 5 others liked this

Nickel & Nickel

C.C. Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Happy Birthday Heather — 8 months ago

Brian BroxsonHeather Rostker
with Brian and Heather
Bobbi Jo, Heather and 2 others liked this
Heather Rostker

Heather Rostker

That was so good!

Ridge Vineyards

Buchignani Ranch Carignane 2021

Juicy and with a touch of sweetness. This was very pleasant and paired well with cheese. — 9 months ago

Tom liked this

Emeritus Vineyards

Hallberg Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019

Pretty color of ruby with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose of red and blue fruits with light wood, herbs, light vegetables, spices and chocolates.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, blueberries, plums, cherries, earth, peppercorn, dark chocolates, herbs and light vegetables.

This 6 year old Single Vineyard Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is drinking very nicely now. Fruit forward, rich and nicely balanced. Complex and entertaining. Elegant and tangy.

Good right out of the bottle, and gets earthier as it opens up.

Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

I had this vintage 3 years ago, and decided to let it age a bit longer, and it is drinking so much better now.

Easy drinking and good by itself or with food.

100% Pinot Noir grapes were aged for 10 months in (35% new) French Oak barrels. Unfiltered and unfined.

13.7% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50.
— 10 months ago

Ted, Doug and 6 others liked this

Kosta Browne

Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2025

One of the best as of late. Eggplant parm, pared perfectly. — 3 years ago

Cynthia Brown
with Cynthia

Long Shadows Vintners

Chester-Kidder Columbia Valley Red Blend 2013

Full bodied velvety tannins. Black fruits on the nose and almost chocolatey balanced finish. Paired with Beef Wellington. — 6 years ago

Soter Vineyards

Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir

The consensus among Biblical scholars is that Jesus turned water into pinot noir for his first miracle. This bottle confirms that, even though it doesn’t quite reach the quality served at Cana that fateful day. — 7 years ago

Colin liked this
Colin McCartney

Colin McCartney

What year?....

Turley

Mead Ranch Zinfandel 2015

One of my favorites from Turley... Smooth, with beautiful structure... Love the black pepper notes.. — 9 years ago

Trixie liked this