Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

1 of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded 1885 by John Benson. Winery flourished until Prohibition, when it was abandoned & fell into complete disrepair. Stately stone shell of a winery purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel. A big wine! Tropical and stone fruit aromas with complex spice and oak notes. On the palate apple, peach and citrus flavors, creamy, with buttery toasty oak, fig/honey tones. Long finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. — 8 months ago

Nathan Renfro

9.3

Very distinct cherry nose and primary fruit. Supple chalky tannins with big ripe cherries. Some earthiness but cherry dominant. Medium bodied, well structured, probably has a few more years left. Medium finish. — 3 years ago

Flora Bokma

9.3

A gift from a special brother-in-law enjoyed with our last dinner of 2021. Very dark in the glass releasing smoked mango notes when nosed. A sip suggests cocoa-dusted dark cherries in velvet. It goes down easy but finish is long and lingering warm and pleasant. I really enjoyed this bottle of wine! — 4 years ago

Rob N

9.5

I really enjoyed this wine; 30 minutes in a decanter did a remarkable job mellowing the tannins. Otherwise, an excellent, classic, but tannic Napa cab. — 4 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

Aromatic, charred red bell pepper. Extracted, dark, serious. — 6 years ago

Heather

9.5

Very well aged! 2005 Sori Bricco mountain grape opened on 1/3/18! Solid structure, dark fruits, medium tannins, and maturity. Not past its prime! — 8 years ago

Joe DAscoli

9.4

Solid wine. Comes across very fruity and smooth. Complexity and tannins are faded. Really nice fruit. Highly enjoyable with food or on its own. — 9 months ago

Chip Habegger

9.3

Excellent. A fruitier vin santo — 2 years ago

Kate

9.2

Just opened. Probably needs time to breathe. Still enjoying. Smells earthy. Chewy but smooth. Dark fruit. Softening up. — 3 years ago

Frank Soldano

9.5

Drinking the 2017 in 2021. Nose is rich with blackberry and blueberry. Lighter on the palate, with hints s of blackberry, strawberry and ripe fruit. Light and smooth with very low tannins. Oaks and a light earthy finish. Very nice wine. Wish I had a few bottles to set aside for about five years. — 4 years ago

Jeff Ball

9.2

Minerals and hint of mint on the nose. Oak, minerals and fruit (mostly lemon) on the palette. — 6 years ago

Jeff Orlowski

9.6

Leather, oak, tobacco on nose. Full body, mild tannins, dry, hint of acidity. Plums, blueberries, and hint of caramel. Outstanding! — 7 years ago

with Michael and Joe

Jocelyn

9.0

That sweet maltiness and funkiness work well together! Also 9.5% woah — 8 years ago

Remington Remmel

9.8

Red raspberry, long rich finish. Light spice — 10 months ago

Gujumack

9.0

First of four bottles from cellar. Very flavorful from nose to finish. Interesting taste of liquorice in the finish.. a bit too much so need to see if that persists over the aging years. Overall a wonderful, expressive wine. — 2 years ago

K L

9.4

Excellent. Not as typical Rutherford as expected. Not as dusty. Delicious. Well balanced. Earthy. A really treat. — 3 years ago

with Matt

Jeff Orlowski

9.3

Big lovely Napa Cab. Plums, blueberries on a nice dry palate. — 4 years ago

with Michael and Joe

Adam Baker

9.1

Drank at dad’s with his ribs from Pettys. Very good pairing with ribs. Probably near the end of life, but still very good. — 6 years ago

with Chris, Brud and 1 other

Frank Chudy

9.2

Frank had 3/17/18. Very good and rich — 8 years ago

Lara H

9.2

Glad I aged this bad boy. Delicious. Drinking beautifully now. — 8 years ago