Sybaritewino C.Lawrence

9.5

Big call, but here's to Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard being one of the best #chardonnay in the world! What a #wine! Bright, tight & focused at 8 years of age, with apple blossoms & cinnamon stick followed up by flinty, gun smoke, sun drenched slate tiles, & the faintest whisper of lemon curd on the nose, carrying me away to memories of my youth. Once upon the palate, it boogies to an electrophoretic humming of liquid energy, bringing life, happiness & joy with it. Sapid, sexy acids whirl about playfully, skipping to an extended denouement, combining its components into one, luxuriously wondrous whole. Love it so! — 10 years ago

Matt Trader

9.7

It's like this wine was crafted by an angel, who aged it in the finest oaks that once held the tears of that very angel. Grapes used were the 877 clone, 100% Syrah, and it was aged in French oak. Only 250 cases of this bad boy were made. First off, the cork is covered in dark purple sediment due to the wine being unfiltered, and extremely dark and viscous in the decanter. The nose is highly aromatic, filled with notes of smokey vanilla, mulled blackberries, a touch of ethanol, and cloves. Upon entry, the pallet is a plush, mouth filling, velvety liquid. It exhibits notes of luxardo cherries, dark ripe plum, iron minerality, Mediterranean spice ball, and a finish that lingers for at least a minute. This is my first time trying a red wine made by Russell Bevan, and I am astounded. Even after 8 years, it is still singing of its youth, and I can't wait to try another bottle after several more years!
P.S. @Kyle Groombridge ,thank you for informing me where to find this jewel!

Post add in:
The nose developed even more after a few more hours in the decanter, evolving into some wonderful fresh ground dark roast coffee beans. This thing could develop for several days. — 10 years ago

Chelsea Boss

Sales & Marketing Favia Wines

9.2

Once upon a time I learned how to make wine... In Idaho. Today I'm reveling in the blood, sweat and tears. — 11 years ago

Mike Castle

9.0

17.2 alcohol.... A little hot... Great once decanted... — 11 years ago

with Eileen

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

10

Once upon a time #saberit — 12 years ago

Richard Grosche

9.6

Once upon a time Isole e Olena's Cepparello was one of three or four benchmarks of Sangiovese in purezza from the Chianti classico area between Florence and Siena. This gracefully aged 1999 explains why: nothing in excess, just pure and elegant Sangiovese, stilistically much closer to Pinot Noir than Cabernet, firm tannins, fresh acidity, ... I would still buy this kind of wine by the case - but too many producer aim at high scores from critics blinded by power and extract... — 13 years ago

Ken Frank

9.1

Once upon a time Caymus clocked in at 12.5! — 10 years ago

Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.2

Once upon a time, the Bristol in Chicago had scotch olives on the menu - olives wrapped in pancetta, lightly breaded and deep fried. When you bit into one, it was a molten explosion of olive, meat, smoke and briny juiciness. Dunno what made me think of that... — 10 years ago

Michelle Cummings

9.8

Tyler's new favorite dinner wine! — 11 years ago

with Tyler

Katie Larsen

9.2

Brangelina got it right with this one! With the help of Marc Perrin, they created one of the finest rosés I've stumbled upon yet. In the nose, I pick up on subtle hints of strawberries, fresh whipped cream, and rose water. On the palate, it tastes just like it smells! It begins with forward bright and fruity crispness, accented by a floral bouquet. I actually kind of prefer it once it's had the opportunity to warm up a little, about 30 minutes out of the fridge. It's well balanced with the perfect touch of light sweetness to balance out the pleasant acidity, that will lead your mouth watering for more. I rate this in comparison to all other wines. As far as a rosé goes, this ones nearly a perfect 10. I'm not the type to crave a Rosé, but this one may have me rethinking my past decisions. I can assure you, you'll be able to find me sipping on a glass of this enticing Rosé at my next weekend brunch! — 11 years ago

Kellie Dolan

8.9

Apple, pear and a slight tropical fruit notes. Slightly sweet and slightly dry, a nice balance overall. — 12 years ago

Joe Gonzalez

9.8

Very smooth! — 13 years ago

Gen

9.7

Very good for CA! — 13 years ago

Jonathan Wall

9.4

Music. Everything but Malbec. Pedigree such as David Abreu, Howell Mountain, Kongsgaard, Erickson, Beethoven Opus 111. Yeah... It's in the wine. The nose and finish are balanced, long, and deep. If you happen upon a bottle, let it settle thoroughly, unfiltered and extracted, but once "clean" it is gorgeous. — 10 years ago

Hanif Perry

9.2

Big and grippy for a Pinot Noir. Great bottle and old vintage still strong. — 10 years ago

Nathan Brown

9.0

Very fruit forward with a smooth finish. Detect a lot of brown sugar. After letting it breathe got more of the maple flavor. Light body. Very light tannins. — 11 years ago

Paul H

9.0

I had the 2011. When we open the bottle there was a very strong plum and black licorice aroma, almost a bit too strong for me. However once it was decanted and allowed to sit the plum softened a bit and the licorice backed down, there was now a hint of Cedar and a touch of spice. Upon tasting 2011 you're greeted with a rich well structured wine with a mix of Cassis, Oak and to me a hint of tobacco, (others did not get the tobacco), with tannins that finish very nicely. However, I think we open this up too early and it may be better off visited after it is allowed to sit for a while longer. Do not get me wrong it is still a lovely bottle and it and it was well received, I will revisit this wine in a couple of years and compare the evolution of its maturity. — 11 years ago

Mike Haber

8.9

One year wedding anniversary!

The 2011 Shiraz was definitely best upon first opening. The next day it had a very slight vinegar quality. — 12 years ago

with Amanda

Conquistadora Wise

9.7

Favorite wine so far. Very refreshing. Bought it because of the name/ label, haven't found one to top it yet. — 12 years ago

Julie Ong

9.1

Purchased at Mariano's loop location. Drinkable and more interesting than the once upon a vine — 13 years ago