Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Interesting “Vin de France” that is the brainchild of the great Louis Barruol. Primarily made with Grenache that is a blending of several vintages, all vinified in concrete tanks. This one was bottled in 2019. Deep ruby/garnet/purple color. Aromas of ripe red berry fruit, dried purple flowers and dusty earth. Flavors of strawberries, red and black cherries, blackberries, red and black licorice and baking spices. Touch of black pepper spice on the medium-plus and slightly earthy/musty/peaty finish. Medium-plus acidity. Light and well integrated tannins. Pleasant texture and purity. Interesting concept that has led to an interesting wine. Excellent QPR. — 5 days ago

Shay A

9.3

This was one of the red wines I served for my annual WWC hosting, alongside a 2016 Pellegrin Gamay, 2017 Chacra CyC, and 2015 Force Majeure estate Syrah.

As all wines are tasted blind, I totally get the guesses of Cayuse-like Syrah. The 100% whole cluster use here is undeniably distinct. For the most part, it seems to be a love it or hate it style (I love it). By the time we all got to this, it had been in the glass 1-2hrs. Deep purple, with massive stemmy/green aromatics that hit you in the face. Wintergreen notes, too. On the palate, it’s funky, herbal, spice driven notes wrapped around underripe blackberries and rhubarb. This is a floral, savory, spicy Syrah at 8yrs that seems crazy youthful. Likely hangs in this window for a while. Bravo, Mike Smith. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

The “King of Chardonnay” Mike Grgich farms w/o pesticides and certified organic. Aged 10 months, no MLF. Medium lemon color with aromas of ripe stone & citrus fruits. On the palate flavors of apple, apricot & citrus flavors, with honeysuckle & toasty oak notes. Good balance with acidity on medium+ finish ending with mineral notes. Not your typical CA Chard! — 7 months ago

Brendan Devine

9.2

Whoa! This was a surprise. Tart apple, Brie cheese. Slightly effervescent. In that ABv sweet spot as well. Drink with impunity. — 4 years ago

Billy L.

9.7

1 hr. decant, Excellent Classic ToKalon Cabernet Sauvignon @Mike Smith Kills this 2015 Carter Kudos & Respect! Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 5 years ago

Billy L.

9.6

Thanksgiving & Weekend Wines...
Great wine! Kudos @Mike Smith ;
Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 6 years ago

Kelly Perkins

9.0

Good and very drinkable. — 10 months ago

Brian Nickerson

9.2

Mike Smith should be knighted. — 4 years ago

Billy L.

9.7

Magnum, Easter Party wine...Fabulous after brief “airing” the aromatic profile once mentioned to be one of the “profound in memory” for at least one Party member! Great To-Kalon performance here, Awesome Wine! @Mike Smith makes great wine! Kudos Sir! Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 4 years ago

with Laura

Billy L.

9.4

Magnum, drinking really well now. Integrated tannins & goes down easy!
@Mike Smith - Another Beauty! Cheers
🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 6 years ago