Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I bought this bottle about a year ago from K&L. The bottle was in pristine shape. Like the 1985 last weekend, the neck fill today was as high as the day they filled it.

I purchased two bottles. The first, I didn’t post. It had waned. Tonight’s bottle is giving me everything thing I expected when I purchased it.

The nose reveals a little barnyard (v/a) that blew off fairly quickly, slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, caramel & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice, peppery notes, tree bark/sap, mint, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets.

The body is just full, fresh & lush. There is still a decent, tarry, slightly chewy tannin structure even after a little over 22 years in bottle. For me, the length, tension and balance are perfect. This bottle has another 5 and perhaps 7 years of good drinking ahead. It’s really delicious tonight. Slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries that pop on the palate, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, sandstone/dry top soil, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, melted, salted caramel, dark baking chocolate & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice with perfect palate heat, tree bark/sap, mint, savory meats, peppercorns, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather, French oak barrel shavings, with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets. The acidity is round, phat & perfect. The long finish is delicious, an elegant lady, well balanced settling into some of the nicest, dark spices I can remember in sometime.

In terms of pleasure, I would give this wine a 94 but, in technical terms, just misses it.

Once again, I really love the 13% ABV. I wish Napa Cabernets had never risen above that level.

Photos of; the Estate of Flora Springs, long view of their beautiful barrel cellar, happy dog running through their vines and their very modern tasting room on Hwy 29. — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.2

Currently a bit muted upon opening, the 2011 Beaux Freres ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir needs more than a one hour decant prior to enjoying at this juncture. Once aroused this awakens to beautiful citrus tones and red fruit aromatics that build in the glass. The palate shows a really good texture and roundness with delicate pomegranate seed, red cherry candy and blood orange flavors that entice. There his a good elegance to this lighter style Pinot Noir. Drinking nicely now, this has another six plus years of life left. Drink 2019-2026- 92 — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

On the nose, French roast coffee, dark currants, dark cherries, Kirsch cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, cherry cola with liqueur notes, blueberry hues, vanillin, cinnamon stick, light clove, toast, rich, dark soil, limestone minerals, sweet tarry notes, soft leather, hint of mint/eucalyptus, light graphite with bright red & dark florals.

The body is round, ripe and full. The tannins are nice rounded. The length, structure, tension and balance are coming into their own. Upon first pour, lots of French roast coffee, dark currants, dark cherries, Kirsch cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, strawberries, cherry cola with liqueur notes, blueberry hues, vanillin, cinnamon stick, light clove, cocoa powder, dark spice with just a touch of lifting heat, toast, rich, dark soil, dry stems, good presence of dry herbal notes (sage), limestone minerals, sweet tarry notes, soft leather, hint of mint/eucalyptus, light graphite with bright red & dark florals. The acidity is about as good as it gets. The finish is rich, ripe, well balance, very elegant as it opens and last several minutes.

While this is delicious tonight, it’s early on this wine. Give it another 5 and will cellar another 15 years plus.

Photos of, the newer Stag’s Leap Winery with the rock wall...all the stones used in the wall collected from the vineyards prior to planting. The cellar pendulum ball that never stops its motion once started, the newer tasting room and the twilight view from their tasting room.
— 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

2010 was a very good vintage in Rhône. Rostaing is a well know producer with people that know and drink Northern Rhône wines, not so much with others that do not. The Ampodium is the entry level into Rene & Pierre Rostaing wines. It is a blend of 13 vineyards in Northern Rhône. They are simply one of the very best producers in the region. I spent an afternoon with Rene & his son Pierre tasting in the their cellar and in their La Landonne vineyard as shown in the photos. The 2010 is drinking beautifully with many good years ahead. On the nose; ripe & slightly stewed/baked fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, strawberries, creamy raspberries, stewed plum, black raspberries, cherries, steeped fruit tea, dry crushed rocks, iron pan, some white & black pepper, bacon fat, grilled savory meats, pork, black licorice, black cherry cola, decayed & fresh red florals with violets. The body is round and medium full. The tannins round, still a little chewy & around 55% resolved. The length, texture, tension and balance are in near perfect harmony. The fruits are; round, ruby & ripe; slightly stewed/baked fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, strawberries, creamy raspberries, stewed plum, black raspberries & cherries. Steeped fruit tea, dry crushed rocks, chalky minerals, iron pan, coffee grounds, spice, some baking spices w/hints of vanilla, white & black pepper, drying blood, dry herbs/bay leaf, dry stems, moderate levels of bacon fat & pork, grilled savory meats, black licorice, black cherry cola, decayed & fresh red florals with fresh violets for days. The acidly is round and dripping. The long finish is plush, velvety delicious and lasts & lasts. In good vintages, I would put this in blind with the best of of the best new world wines from any vintage that many love; SQN, Booker, Saxum, Alban, Cayuse, Horsepower etc.. I’d bet most of you would pick it over these producers that cost much more $$$. It’s simply one of the best pound for pound wines/producers for this varietal. Especially, for the $$$. Wow, what a wine for the $. $55 upon release. Photos of; Winemaker Pierre Rostaing and our group in their La Landonne vineyard, the small sign that barely identifies their Estate, an example of the Quartz mineral that runs throughout their La Landonne vineyard and the view back onto the river from the top of the very steep La Landonne Vineyard. Producer notes and history...Rene Rostaing produced their first wine in 1971. However, it took almost three decades before wine became a full time occupation for Rene Rostaing. Domaine Rene Rostaing came about through marriage. The wife of Rene Rostaing was the daughter of the famed Cote Rotie grower, Albert Dervieux, and the niece of Marius Gentaz-Dervieux who gave Christine the vineyard land that became the Northern Rhone estate for Rene Rostaing. Through inheritance from Albert Dervieux Thaize (his father-in-law) who retired in 1990, and from Marius Gentaz Dervieux, his uncle, Rene Rostaing expanded his holdings, giving him some of the best terroir in Cote Rotie. The new vineyard land was basically 3 small parcels in the La Landonne, Cote Brune and Vialliere lieux-dits. This initial expansion from his initial tiny parcel, allowed Rene Rostaing to change careers and become a full time vigneron. Since 2007, the estate has managed by Pierre Rostaing, (son) of Rene Rostaing. Currently Rene Rostaing owns 7.5 hectares of vines that is spread out among 20 different parcels located in 14 locations. Perhaps the most celebrated vines of Rene Rostaing are the 1.6 hectares of vines they own in the La Landonne vineyard (photo). On La Landonne, the vines are more than 60 years old. Some vines are even close to 100 years of age! Those are his largest holdings. The smallest vineyards of Rene Rostaing are located on Cote Blonde. Rene Rostaing also has vines planted in; Fonjean, La Vialliere, Le Plomb, Bouchare, Leyat, La Roche and La Tupin. Their oldest vines are more than 70 years old and are used for Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde. The majority of those plantings are on the steep hillsides with mica, schist and rocky soils. 25% of those vines are closer to the bottom of the slopes and on the flats. Rene Rostaing remains a traditional Cote Rotie producer who is not among the last to harvest. His wines are aged using very little new, French oak barrels. On average, Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie are aged in about 10% new French oak barrels. Rene Rostaing produces 4 different Cote Rotie wines. Rene Rostaing Ampodium, which was previously known as Rostaing Cuvee Classique, is a blend of 13 sections of different vineyards, but it does not include their best holdings on La Landonne or Cote Blonde. The fruit for Rene Rostaing Ampodium has at least 40% or more of the stems removed and run between 12-13.5% abv. The wine is usually made from 100% Syrah and is aged in an average of 15% to 25% new, French oak barrels. The amount of new oak can be less, depending on the character of the vintage. About 1,750 cases are produced each year. The wine is no longer called Cuvee Classique, the name was changed to Rene Rostaing Ampodium with the 2009 vintage. Rene Rostaing La Landonne comes from a terroir consisting of sands with iron oxide and traces of quartz. This wine is always produced from 100% Syrah. The grapes are partially destemmed, with about 10% to 20% of the stems removed, depending on the vintage. There are vintages when no destemming takes place. The remainder of the grapes are whole bunch fermented in stainless steel vats. Rene Rostaing is not a believer of using too much new oak for the aging, which on average uses 10% new, French oak barrels and the remainder of the harvest is aged in demi-muids (600 liter) and French oak barrels. This wine is like most wines from La Landonne, masculine and meaty in character, requiring at least a decade to soften and develop. On average, Rene Rostaing La Landonne produces less than 600 cases depending on what the vintage delivers. Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde is perhaps his best. It’s produced from a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier. The grapes are co-fermented. The vineyards is planted in the region call Arzel. Arzel is a poor, mineral laden soil with deposits of Silex and Mica on a steep hillside. The vines are more than 50 years of age. The grapes are partially destemmed…35% to 50% of the stems are removed. The remainder of the grapes are whole bunch fermented in stainless steel vats.
The remainder of the harvest is aged in demi-muids. This one is the hardest to find and most collectible of all their wines. In fact, they only produce close to an average of 350 cases of Cote Rotie in most vintages. Rene Rostaing Cote Brune made its debut with the 2013 vintage. The vines were once part of the holdings of Marius Gentaz, which eventually passed to Rene Rostaing. Rostaing replanted those vines in 2000. Made from 100% Syrah. — 8 years ago

Eric

9.3

The nose is a 10 at this point. Mint, cinnamon, herbs, nutmeg. Palate is super balanced between red fruit, minerals, and spice. The youngest Dunn I've had- probably opened too early but WTF you only go around once (plus I have a few more). The only downside? Wafer thin wax capsule that powders upon opening. — 10 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Parigot is the stuff. I was looking for the red sparkling I’d had once upon a time but was super okay to settle for this (albeit if you have a source for the red TELL ME)! Red berry blend (there are hints of it all—strawberry raspberry currant) plus watermelon freshness and this slight earthy funk that—-is there a whiff of brett on it?! Slight white pepper and some greens that are both bitter and sweet. It’s a hug and a loving smack all at once. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

A pre-tasting of my heavy meat red sauce in order to fine tune the spices and seasoning it before serving for 30 people for our friend’s 60th birthday party tomorrow night.

The sauce is 9 cans of whole tomato’s crushed & drained, 9 can cans of tomato sauce, 3 cans of tomato paste, 6.5 pound whole pork roast braised in diced garlic & olive oil that falls apart & shreds when done, 5 pepperoni sticks sliced, 4 pounds of meatballs (with Italian bread crumbs, garlic salt, coarse black pepper, eggs with warm water) and 14 seasonings & spices slow cooked over 36-48 hours. It’s a blend that once it’s done is magical harmony in the mouth like a well crafted & aged wine.

The wine works well but, I’ll have better pairing wines tomorrow night.

The nose reveals; dark, sweet & slightest sour dark cherries, cherry kirsch liqueur notes, ripe, bright blackberries, baked black plum, ripe, juicy, strawberries, slightly candied black raspberries, blue fruits, mixed berry cola, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, dry stems, soft, leaner, sweet, tarriness, touch of dry herbs with the most amazing, bright, red, dark blue florals, violets and shades of lavender.

The body is medium full, round with great mouth presence. The tannins nicely, rounded, slightly tarry and baby teeth. The tension, structure, length and balance have just started to tango. Dark, sweet & slightest sour dark cherries, cherry kirsch liqueur notes, ripe, bright blackberries, baked black plum, ripe, juicy, strawberries, slightly candied black raspberries, blue fruits, mixed berry cola, medium intensity dark spice with a little palate heat, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, dry stems, leathery, dry tobacco, shades of graphite, soft, leaner, sweet, tarriness, nutmeg, clove, a touch of dry herbs with the most amazing, bright, red, dark blue florals, violets and shades of lavender. The acidity is nicely executed. The long finish is nicely knitted, balanced fruit and earth, polished with soft, brilliant florals and persists minutes.

Third largest Co-op in Europe and they produce some quality wines. Especially, for the volume the make.

Delectable has this @ $99. I bought it at Costco upon release for $28.99.

Photos of, the beautiful, quaint hilltop town of Barbaresco, my meat sauce, their tasting room just to the right at the feet of the clock tower with Gaja just a little further down to the right of there and the best Michelin star restaurant we’ve experienced for lunch. We dined there right after our visit to Gaja. What service, food and a day!
— 7 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.2

Another stellar vintage from La Jalousie. I find it hard to ignore my bias towards this producer when I taste another one of their wines- this was my epiphany in Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. But all the same intensity and elegance is there once again. Pithy, taught, vibrant and pure. I’m getting more citrus, herbs and minerality at this stage, and just a hint of floral nuance. The weight of the mid palate is always one of the highlights of this cuvée- dense and generous but always supple and kinetic. This is a wine that seems to burst upon impact but then moves around the palate with such finesse. Tremendous value from one of the finest estates in Anjou. — 8 years ago

Weston Kim

8.9

Once upon a time there was a boy named Cab Sav who fell in love with a girl named Zin Fen. ‘Twas, however, a forbidden love. They came from families that were worlds apart who had been feuding for centuries. When Zin became pregnant with Cabs [grape] seed they decided to run away and start a new life. This wine is their love child. — 8 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.7

This dessert wine’s nose is laced with overripe apricots trod upon after a rain. It's sweet, but it's earthy, and just a hint of smoke comes out of nowhere. The palate gives the same mixed message. “Is this love, baby, or is it just confusion?” The acidity is good - not too soft, not too racy. The finish reminds me of that childhood fruit tree in the neighbors’ yard, with just a little bit of raisin. — 9 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.6

Last Thursday I had the pleasure opening this 2010 Dominus Napanook Bordeaux Blend. 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. I am sure that the dinner with my beautiful wife, the special occasion, the restaurant and the city we were in had a lot of influence on my rating, but isn't that why we love this incredible elixir so much. It is able to transform and transfigure any occasion or situation.

Upon opening at the table the aromas came wafting over to my senses and at the pour and swirling, dark fruit danced pleasingly into a distinct show of black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, black pepper, violets, vanilla, old worn leather, graphite and dark soil.

The dance that ensued once crossing my lips was as sensuous as one can get from wine. The dark fruit continues with black cherry, blackberry, black plum, black currants, black pepper, vanilla, a touch of smoky oak and beautiful earthy minerality.

This wine is everything I look for in a Bordeaux Blend. This wine took me back to when I first encountered this varietal. A full round bodied wine with medium + acidity, chewy unctous tannins that led to a long sexy finish.

Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this evening and I wish everyone to experience wine in the manor it should be. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 9 years ago

Jay McNair

8.9

Delicious in the cold barn by the vineyard tasting room, rain falling outside, they brought us hearth rugs. Tasted like the Iraqw once-upon-a-time: "I remember something that our father told me..." — 9 years ago

Lauren Kramer

9.0

Velvet smooth, cocoa and berry. Yummy — 9 years ago

Maura Passanisi

9.4

Great stuff. — 10 years ago

Maddie Fromell

9.2

Once upon a time in Hollywood — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.3

The 2010 ‘Romas’ is a dazzling effort at now nine years of age. Tannic and strangely backwards upon opening, this Grenache considerably benefits from a one hour decant. Once awoken, the wine shows a gorgeous array of aromatics from ripe rose petals to potpourri and exotic spices that meld with the deep red currants and red cherry compote that take shape in the glass. The soft, silky texture entices, as does the bright sense of minerality. Unveiling its plush mouthfeel, the ‘Romas’ plays with suggestions of kirsch cordial and boysenberry jam with minerals, orange zest and lovely earthy undertones. Complex and delightful at this stage, the 2010 ‘Romas’ will have at least another decade left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 93 — 7 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.2

It is Friday night once again and to great the weekend I have opened the 2014 Gundlach-Bundschu Merlot Sonoma Valley Sonoma County. 84% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, what the othe 1% is I was unable to find that out.

Upon opening the nose reveals dark juicy fruit, blackberry, black cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, mocha, smokey oak and dry earthy notes.

The palate reveals confirmation of the nose, black cherry, black raspberry, black plum, spice, sweet tobacco, herbs, smokey oak and rich earthy notes.

A very nice full bodied wine with a velvety mouth feel, medium + acidity and medium + grippy tannins that lead to a long fruit filled finish. Have a great weekend with family and friends and please be safe. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 8 years ago

david hassell

10

a hot tin transformer ~juicy, funky nose that morphs into broken thick green tree leaves on the nose and the grip of tannins once the acidity evaporates>>terroirist!!! — 8 years ago

Alexander Vadas

9.3

Soulful and distinctly not like any other cab I have enjoyed. Had that granite undertow — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

A wine I’ve enjoyed mostly upon release or near it. I vowed to wait six years and nearly made it. At least it is 2018...just! It’s worth waiting this/that long for it to develop. On the nose; sweetly, baked fruits of; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, and notes of blue fruits. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium, beautiful spice, black fruit tea, limestone minerals, loamy, dry, brown top soil, fresh dark florals and violets. The mouthfeel is full, rich & lush. The tannins are round, still have some teeth and possess velvety round edges. It’s fruit driven but not a bomb and showing elegance & grace. Fruits are perfectly ripe; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, notes of blue fruits and dry cranberries dip in and out. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium beautiful spice that is more pronounced on the palate, black fruit tea, touch of melted brown sugar/molasses, limestone minerals, touch of rich dark sweet turned soil, loamy dry brown top soil, soft understated eucalyptus/mint, dry fresh florals and violets. The round acidity is just right, just a slight very small alcohol burn, the length, structure, tension and beautifully balanced finish are in a very good place. Even better in 2-3 more years in bottle; which is when I’ll have my next one. Photos of; the winemaking duo of Gary Franscioni (left) and Gary Pisoni, Rosella’s Vineyard on the right. As well as, Garys’ Vineyard at the bottom. Producer notes and history...The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is known for its rich, vibrant Pinot Noirs. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first Pinot was planted in 1973, but results weren’t all that great. Chardonnay was the appellation’s early star. Much of the area’s current fame for Pinot Noir arguably can be traced to Gary Pisoni, a free-spirited wine enthusiast who grew up in a Salinas Valley vegetable farming family. Pisoni decided to plant a few acres of Pinot Noir in 1982 on his family’s horse ranch, at the southern end of what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation but his horses started eating the grapes. So, they had to go. His initial planting were limited by a lack of water until he dug a well on the property. Pisoni started planting even more Pinot Noir. The vineyard is now around 45 acres and nearly all of it Pinot. By the late 1990s, word had spread about the success of his vineyard, and a number of Pinot specialists from around California had started lining up to buy his grapes. He started producing his own wine in 1998. Pisoni isn’t the only Gary who has become a force in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary Franscioni, a childhood friend, followed Pisoni’s lead by planting grapes and started Roar Wines in 2001. The two of them now have five vineyards between them...all farmed meticulously with the same crew. They are best of friends...sort of a Mutt & Jeff. They have become a formidable presence in the Highlands, attracting interest from top winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers from all over. Franscioni is also from a vegetable farming family; Pisoni figures they’ve known each other since they were 3 or 4. Franscioni saw his friend’s success and once he got some money together, decided to plant grapes of his own. Franscioni’s property is farther north and cooler as it’s closer to the Monterey Bay. He was going to plant Chardonnay. He woke up and Franscioni recalls imitating Pisoni, and shouted, “plant Pinot!” Franscioni planted what became Rosella’s Vineyard, named for his wife, in 1996. He took Pisoni’s advice and planted four acres of Pinot Noir, although he still planted 12 acres of Chardonnay. It’s now a total of around 50 acres with three-quarters of it Pinot Noir. The next year, they decided to become partners and planted Garys’ Vineyard, a 50 acre parcel where they grow Pinot and a little Syrah. Since then, Franscioni has developed Sierra Mar, 38 acres of Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah and a tiny amount of Viognier. The two teamed up again to establish Soberanes Vineyard, 35 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, with a little bit of Chardonnay and Syrah. That last vineyard was developed by Pisoni’s son Mark. The Garys might seem an unlikely pair. Pisoni is colorful character to say the least and has an outspoken manner. Franscioni comes across as more serious- minded. However, the collaboration between the two, who often address each other as “partner,” clearly works well. The two are good on their own, but better together. Pisoni being more gregarious acts as the frontman. He is the Ambassador. He’s a check on the rest to keep the quality high. Franscioni and Mark Pisoni run the farming on their own vineyards and work together on the joint ventures. The family involvement doesn’t stop there. Jeff Pisoni makes his family’s wines, which are under the Pisoni and Lucia brands. Franscioni’s son, Adam, joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. He handles sales for Roar and helps his father manage the vineyards. The grapes from all five vineyards are in huge demand, because the two families are such careful farmers, constantly tweaking and improving. Prominent customers include; Testarossa, Siduri, Kosta Browne, Copain and Bernardus. When a new vintner approaches them about buying grapes, the partners examine the winery’s track record and the Winemaker. If they like what they see, the winery is put on a waiting list. There’s not very much movement in their vineyards. When Franscioni planted Sierra Mar, he and Pisoni had 62 wineries waiting to buy fruit. Soberanes was developed with the idea of working with some new winemakers. There was some concern, even among the two families, that quality might suffer as the vineyard operations grew. However, there’s no indication that’s the case. In fact, with each new venture, they build on what they’ve learned in their older vineyards. Eventually, there will be even more vineyards. The Pisonis and Franscionis have purchased a 100 acre cactus farm in the Santa Lucia Highlands. There’s still a lease on the property. So, prickly pear cactus will continue to be grown for five more years. But at some point, the land will be planted with vines. Both families understand the importance of continuing to build for the future. The Garys looking back tell a story of being in the same spot some years ago and looking at a field of broccoli out back. He told Franscioni that the field would look a lot better with Pinot Noir vines. Now that parcel is part of Rosella’s Vineyard, and it’s planted with Pinot. Everybody thought he was crazy...most people usually think that when someone makes a bold decision. He’s a person who has always had vision and creativeness. He also has tremendous passion. Good things only happen when a person possesses all three of these qualities. Their wines are primarily available by mailing list. However, Nepenthe in Big Sur, CA acts as a quasi tasting room for some of their wines. — 8 years ago