Randy Fuller

9.2

This wine - more than simply Albariño - offers the scents and flavors of the grapes that make up a quarter of it. An earthy nose masks the floral arrangement one expects. There are some herbal elements there, but more along savory lines. The palate shows apples, peaches and a shovel of the earth of Rías Baixas. Nice acidity and a pleasantly earthy finish cap a wonderfully different style for the region. — 7 years ago

MaJ CappS

9.2

Fresh copious amounts of eucalyptus inhaled, as my nose is encapsulated by my glass.

First sip is elusive. Cannot quote pick which dark fruit/ deep memory I can impart in this review, so I return quickly for another.

Eucalyptus cigars, blackberry seed, tamarind, cedar, cedar, pine box and cedar!

Lingering, is the sadness of winter, in the darkness of this wine, and the acidity that is tempered by that damn lovely cedar.

A touch of heat, yet one has to get burnt every now and then, to see what lies beyond, eh?
— 8 years ago

Beau Carufel

Winemaker/Owner Random Wine Company

9.3

Incredible juice. So much going on, at one point I gave up trying to pick things out and just enjoyed the experience. — 10 years ago

Zachary Miller

8.9

Very nice for a cheap price!! Australia has really been making some bargains. Lots of lime on the nose with a hint of either really ripe apple or pear. GF said it smelled like gas but I didn't get any of that. Certainly worth a pick up. — 11 years ago

Jay Kay

9.5

Top pick of the tasting, especially at the price point. This one is a keeper. Even at this stage very drinkable and can't wait for 5 years from now. Stock up. — 11 years ago

Britn Jones

9.0

Black tea, raspberry and aged cheese on the palate. Absolutely delicious with heavy blackberry, black tea and mineral. Yummy and easy to drink. Would buy! #everydaygems #everydaywine #mendocino #mendocinowine #zinfandel — 11 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

10

If I had to pick one bottle as the wine of the night, this would be it. Composed of about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, this Ducru was timeless. It drinks so well right now, but doubtless will make an excellent 50 year old, not because of its size, but because of its exquisite balance. My notebook was full of questions rather than observations on this bottle: How does so much perfectly pure Cabernet cassis flavor and aroma come across so effortlessly? What can I say about this wine? It seemed light and easy to drink, but it was also so long, complex and concentrated. The acid and tannins are in perfect balance with the fruit. I think Cinnamon said it best as we drank it together: this bottle has pedigree. — 11 years ago

John Trinidad

Wine Blogger SFWineBlog

9.2

Cray cray BTG pick! — 12 years ago

Leon Glover

9.7

A fantastic gsm that goes very well with Thanksgiving food fare. You will really like it. — 13 years ago

Ryan&Chan Donald

9.5

Ryan made a good pick, but I must admit I didn't pay too much attention to the flavors as we were drinking with friends and busy catching up. Would definitely buy again, though. — 13 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Medium plus body and medium plus intensity. Fuller bodied and less herbaceous than the normal Moss Wood Cabernet. Black currant notes. I heard an interview recently with winemaker and owner Keith Mugford who said he is trying to avoid green notes in the wine and would prefer to pick a little later and err on the side of ripeness. I think that’s what happened here and probably more so the following year in 2009. Still a lovely wine. The first of 6 - next one in a year. — 8 years ago

Ichiro Kawachi

9.2

Kudoki jouzu - yamada nishki 22% senmai @ Kura, Kobe — 9 years ago

Suzan

9.0

This wine has a wonderful bouquet and taste. The smooth taste sits just right on your tongue and is not tart. It's a blend of some of my favorites and a great easy drinking wine. Don't remember where I picked it up but I will definitely pick up another bottle. The 2014 was a good year for this! — 10 years ago

Scott Rowe

9.6

Didn't pick it. Need to step up my options game. — 10 years ago

Lup73

9.0

I find myself trying to pick the fruit into a forest of resolute, scented but not aggressive leather and I discover wood, tobacco, dried rose, rosemary, liqorice. Finally here is it, a vivid red fruit and rose petals. In the mouth, sweet tannins and spices. Balanced and intense structure. Good acidity. Leather is the "fil rouge" of this novel, written in proud tones, but elegantly painted with a clear and trasparent garnet red with an orange touch. — 11 years ago

Samara Nash

9.1

@Fauna Ecker, great pick! — 11 years ago

with Fauna

Sarah Monceaux

9.2

My local gas station always has this wine in stock - my go to wine that I pick up after a rough day of work. Makes me feel better, lol — 11 years ago

Todd and Katina Gibson

9.0

"Rich blend shows hints of blackberry, caramel, roast coffee and toasted oak." states the label.

I thought it was a bit spicy, and could easily pick out the roast coffee. Paired wonderfully with beef chili. — 12 years ago

Manadeep Raje

9.2

Moderately medium bodied, slightly fruity, very smooth, great pick for $12 from Trader Joe's
Although this one shouldn't be the first Malbec you try — 12 years ago

Richard Rynda

9.0

Grapefruit, floral aroma... A little citrus/grapefruit a the palette. — 13 years ago

Frank Rotello

9.2

Best merlots around. Soft and fruity. Mild tannins. I get a little hint of herbal. This one was a surprise by a friend. Nice pick — 8 years ago

LM Segal

9.4

I didn’t pick up any of the Viognier in here, but fantastic anyways, and peaking for sure. Light strawberry, mushroom-earth, leather, perfectly resolved and feathery on the palate, but still with enough latent power and finesse to leave a long impression. Nice! — 8 years ago

with Joe and Mark

Laura M Baker

8.9

Crusp and light with a grapefruit finish ... Not my usual pick for a white but good summer sipping — 10 years ago

Michelle Richards

8.9

Always an easy pick. — 10 years ago

Dock Hooks

9.6

Classic Cali cab likely capable of at least an additional ten-year rest in its cave, but stunningly brilliant now immediately apparent from a post-twirl nosehit to its first blush front-mouth chocolate-cherry coating then silklike side-slip down the inner face showing the real hang-time of its vintage history whispering - "have another hit...😎" This wine is complimenting Mindy's amazing makings at her cordial local ocean-to- farm-to-table kitchen and fresh bake shop dressed for Christmas as locals pick their Holiday trees, wreaths, etc. to classic Christmas tunage in the crisp clear air☀️ Don't miss this special spot!🍷🌀 PS I am, mostly a Euro sort always on the hunt for sub14% juice with more subtle notes. This wine temporarily takes me back to the 70s, in Cali - very groovy😎 — 11 years ago

Sabrina Padgett

9.2

Mr r pick heavy smooth dry mild tobacco notes delicious — 11 years ago

Paul Shapazian

9.5

Great bottle, need to pick up more, paired perfectly with braised short rib — 11 years ago

Shawnaa Kasper

9.6

Not sure which to pick? — 12 years ago

Maryann Faricy

9.6

Mukunda pick! Brad Pitt drank this on the cover of Wine Spectator 6/30/14 — 12 years ago

Jeff Manuel

9.3

Memorial Day pick...real crowd pleaser — 13 years ago