A mystery year for this wine. I've had 3 or 4 of these over the years since meeting Brad Brown at Falltacular 2010 but the '06 could never approach the depth and polish of the '07. All the components...no integration. And an dominant roof tar note - not unpleasant but (dare I say it) 😑 — 10 years ago


This is my first Valentini but by no means my last. Honeyed, oxidative, earthy and saline aromas develop as the wine unfolds over an hour. Mystery shrouds the production techniques but one thing is clear: fruit selection is rigorous as is the winemaking. Described as a "natural" wine, the color is straw gold and the flavors quite fresh with good acidity and a textured non-bitter finish . Known as Ugni Blsnc in France, this wine is a testament to focused viticulture. Lovely. — 11 years ago
Elements of this wine make it a total mystery. Tart black cherry and carbonic yea, but something deep, sanguine and intensely granitic is just as primary. Hats off to Antoine Luyt. — 11 years ago
Usually Merlot is not among my favorites, but clearly I have been drinking the wrong wines. This wine is wonderfully smooth and balanced with medium-high tannins. Aromas of tobacco, raspberry and pomegranate fill the glass. It has a full bodied pallate of dark cherries and nutmeg, with hints of cocoa and a bit of spice that continue into a long enjoyable finish. Drank at VIC's in NE Minneapolis for mystery wine night, and paired with a Kobe beef burger! ($36) — 10 years ago
2002 Ojai Thompson Vineyard Syrah.
A real winner from Adam Tomah at Ojai. Super rich and great concentration. A real fruit bomb but with some elegance and mystery. — 11 years ago
My aunt Robbin posted below 2 months ago! Finally had my taste, amazing! Truly the best Pinot I've had — 11 years ago
Focused, concentrated and still filled with mystery. Getting spicier and fuller-bodied (!) in the glass — 12 years ago
Very nice Pinot noir. Notes of vanilla and wood. Tastes of ripe red fruit and vanilla finishes with mild tannins on the tongue. The 2012 may mature in a few years but excellent today. — 12 years ago
Mystery bottle bought at auction from a mixed lot. Had no idea what to expect but this is actually a very good high quality Shiraz with 10 years on it. It had definitely developed for the better. Clear signs of age at the rim, moving towards red brick but still opaque at the centre; sloes, eucalyptus, and Madagascan pepper; nicely integrated tannins. A great and unexpected surprise! — 11 years ago
Hits all the right Pinotes, light yet full and fruity, sweet yet tart, simple yet full of mystery. More please. — 11 years ago
Smooth aroma, medium tannins with surprisingly complex finish. It's light with subtle hints if mystery. — 13 years ago
Mikaela Cazzell
Delicious Sauvignon Blanc from WBJ Mystery Box, drank with chicken tacos. — 10 years ago