Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

They should have called the Winery Floral Springs based on the nose. Beautiful; blackberry, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, dry cranberries and plum floral fruits. Nice spice, vanilla, touch of clove & cinnamon, used leather, dark rich soil, crushed volcanic minerals, black fruit tea, black raspberry cola and dark fresh florals with violets. The tannins are 95% resolved. The body is lush & ripe. The length, tension & structure are nearing the end. Just a few years left of being worthwhile. However, the balance is stereo tuned. The fruit on the palate shows even more elegant & ripe floral fruits than the nose. Blackberry, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, dry cranberries and plum floral fruits. Nice spice, vanilla, light clove & cinnamon, used leather, dark rich soil, crushed volcanic minerals, black fruit tea, black raspberry cola and dark fresh florals with violets for days. The acidity is like a waterfall. The beautiful, long, elegant finish is a little lean yet has a nice richness. Beautiful wine that just missed 9.2. Photos top to bottom and left to right. The Winery; which is separate from the other tasting room only on Hwy 29. The tasting room on Hwy 29 in St. Helena, Flora Spring caves and the front of their tasting room along Hwy 29. Producer notes and history...the stone winery on the grounds were built in 1885 by two immigrant brothers from Scotland, James and William Rennie. They were in construction, built the winery and planted 60 acres of grapes. The brothers had some bad fortune when phylloxera consumed the vines, and then a fire in 1900 destroyed their wine press and cooperage. In 1904, they sold the winery and fifteen years later Prohibition started. The winery was then closed until 1933. That year, Louis Martini, looked into their magic eight-ball and saw Prohibition collapsing and bought the Rennie property. They built a new stone house and also made a reserve wine from the hillside vineyards. However, the old winery remained empty until the Komes family bought the property, 325 acres, the old farm house, the newer stone house and 60 acres of vineyards. The son thought he’d persuade his dad to restore the old winery and proposed to call it Chateau Jerome. Although it had been designed by Hamden McIntyre an architect of several other classic 19th-century Napa wineries, by 1977, the place was a wreck. The tin roof of the building had so many holes in it. They called it the starlight roof. His father looked at it and stated, “I’ve worked all my life for my good name. I don’t want to squander it now.” John’s mother, Flora, however, sided with her son on the potential of the property. Carrie Komes suggested they could name the winery for her mother-in-law. Combined with the abundant springs on the land, they decided the name would be Flora Springs. It was a sure way to their mom’s heart and father’s wallet. Komes put his construction expertise to work on renovating the old winery, which still had scorch marks on the walls. So skeptical was his father about his son’s wine-making project, they divided the winery building. John rented half where he put his first fermenting tank, which he named R2D2. He invited a couple of friends from his wine-making class to help make wine at the new place. He also hired Mary Ann Graf, who in 1965 had been the first woman to graduate from the viticulture and enology department at UC Davis to help manage the project. She told John, “if you don’t hire a winemaker, I’ll quit.” He did and the 1979 Flora Springs chardonnay won a gold medal at the Los Angeles County Fair. In those days, it was fairs, not ratings. This was his first lesson in marketing as they sadly sold all the wine before they won the medal. Fairs were the big news instead of ratings as Parker had not yet risen to fame as he was the only one to call the grand 1982 Bordeaux vintage correctly. They submitted their 1981 Cabernet to eight fairs and won seven gold medals. From there, the winery just kept growing. They were the 67th winery in the county. Over the years, they had their ups and downs, but kept growing. One of their highlights was the creation this wine, Trilogy. It was one of the first Meritage blends in the valley. By 1984, they planted all the Bordeaux varietals; Malbec, Merlot, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. They wanted to create a blend “by taste”, not by formula for a nice smooth wine that goes deep into the palate. They worked with a little of this and little of that. The first Trilogy was Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc. It was dubbed as velvet in the mouth. A lot of what they do is taming the tannins. One man who bought Trilogy by the case said, “it’s the only red wine his wife would drink young.” From the leftovers, they began making single-varietal estate wines. Another highlight was the discovery of a unique clone of Sauvignon Blanc in vineyards his father bought in Oakville. UC Davis could identify nothing like it in their vast library of clones. They were a bit ahead of the times, but this clone showed Flora Springs how different in that time period what Sauvignon Blanc could be like as it took all the grassiness out of Sauvignon Blanc. — 8 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

8.9

In 1972 the Mahoney's built the first new winery in Carneros post prohibition. Since 2002, Ken Foster has been the winemaker, and previously spent 15 years at David Bruce. Black cherry, smoke, tea, and citrus, with some secondary earth and spice. A lightweight style that craves food. — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

For more than 40 years, Robert Mondavi Winery has been the symbol of Napa Valley. Founded in 1966, it was the first major winery built in Napa Valley in the 3 decades following the repeal of Prohibition, and went on to establish the foundation for modern California winemaking. Dark Ruby with aromas of red/black fruits and earthy spice. On the palate cherry and raspberry flavors with herb spice. Soft tannins on a savory frame carry the wine to a lingering finish. — 10 years ago

Laiz Marshall

9.0

Creamy warm caramel. Like love , even its bitterness is smooth. — 10 years ago

Mark Oldman

9.3

Two time-travellers: quick-climbing, long-ranging, luxe-appointed @Bombardier Global Express 5000 paired with dark, sweet-smoky-coffee-malty, medium-bodied, 1933 (Year of Repeal of Prohibition) Justino Henriques Malmsey #Madeira - #fwclassic — 11 years ago

Jennifer Reichardt

9.1

This guy, smooooooth. #Rum aged in #Bourbon Barrels-just right for some delicious sips — 11 years ago

Alan Hoyt

9.0

drank during our prohibition tour party. and in a speakeasy manner i had it opened only for 3 of us is 50 plus size party. Me, Dane and Hank Fila. Yummy maybe my fav of the night. there were 2 others. will post also if i find the btls. — 11 years ago

Kristy Sammis

9.0

A great wine with a greater story. Be sure to visit the winery - so fun. #prohibition — 12 years ago

Chris Leon

10

With the 4th coming up, I thought I'd post my first #tbt w a classic; 1934 Simi Port. Their first post prohibition vintage. In their cellar wall Alfred Hitchcock has written "this port is far too good for most people." 🇺🇸🍷 — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The is from Morlet Families inaugural vintage of 2006. I must say it’s beautiful with a fair amount more of life ahead. The nose reveals dark cassis and a good presence of cinnamon stick. Blackberries, liqueured dark cherries, plum, poached strawberries, pomegranate extract, black raspberries float through, blueberries, vanilla, light clove & cinnamon, dark fresh florals and violets. The nose is intoxicating! The body is round, ripe and rich. The tannins nicely resolved. The structure, balance, tension and length are in an excellent spot. Mmmmm! Blackberries, liqueured dark cherries, plum, poached strawberries, dry cranberries, pomegranate extract, black raspberries float through, blueberries, vanilla, a touch of bramble, light clove & cinnamon stick, dark rich soils, dry crushed rocks, a little leather, dark fresh florals & violets. The acidity is a waterfall on the palate. The finish is; spectacular elegance, richness, balance and lasts two minutes. One of the best CA Pinot’s we’ve had in a very long time. It deserves an amen & a hallelujah! I paid $65 for this amazing wine 9 years after it’s release (the 2015 released at $115); which brings me back around to a repetitive point of mine. Look for great wines on the secondary market and pay less than producers current release pricing. That is to say, it will aid in keeping you from drinking your new releases too young that are not nearly ready to enjoy! If you are not doing this, you are doing a disservice to your palate and your wine budget. Photos of; their old historical brick building they’ve converted into their winery, interior tasting area, Luc Morlet and their Estate vines. Producer notes and history...Winemaker Luc Morlet is a fifth-generation of a French winemaking family. Growing up in Avenay-Val d’Or, he spent all his spare time working on his family’s estate. His university studies of viticulture and winemaking were put into practice during years of work in vineyards and wineries in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the south of France. Luc left France in 1996 to join his wife Jodie in her native California. Starting in 2006, Luc Morlet began handcrafting Morlet vineyard designated wines and cuvées of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the Napa Valley. As well as; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, a white Bordeaux-style blend and a Late Harvest Sémillon from Sonoma County. Luc is also the brother of Nicolas Morlet the Winemaker of Peter Michael fame. Luc is another producer I respect for his meticulous farming and low intervention winemaking techniques. While his roots are based out of France, he has adapted his skills well to the Napa Valley soils and climate. Morlet styles his wines in a harmonious and refined fashion. Their logo is based upon 19th century French artist Mathurin Moreau’s sculpture entitled, ‘L’Harmonie.’ In August 2010, Luc and and his wife Jodie purchased an estate, just north of the town of St. Helena. Since then, they have converted the historic stone building, built in 1880, into their family winery. The building was originally the Castner Winery that closed during Prohibition. Morlet is located St. Helena Appellation. The estate is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and is the exclusive fruit source for their ‘Morlet Estate’ label. The Morlet’s ‘Mon Chevalier’ vineyard is located on the hillsides of Knights Valley, overlooking the western slopes of Mount St. Helena. The vineyard benefits from their proximity to the mountain. Warm and windy climate is ideal for the long ripening of the red Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. They recently planted the 20 acre ‘Cœur de Vallée’ vineyard. These Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines are located on the Oakville Bench, If one such exists. I read a quote from a grower who has been growing in Oakville for many years. He said, “the only bench in Oakville is the one in front of the Oakville Grocery Store.” While it may or may not be true, it’s certainly a funny quote. In addition to these family acres, they buy from farmers under long-term contracts in Fort Ross-Seaview, Russian River Valley, Bennett Valley, Dry Creek and Napa Valley. All of the Morlet’s wines are handcrafted using classical Burgundy and Bordeaux winemaking techniques and are matured in 100% French oak barrels. — 9 years ago

Boxer Briefs

10

Really young. Love it. Pure red fruit, low alcohol, distinct Ridge oak profile. 1903 Torre family homesteads the middle portion of what is now Monte Bello. Planted and built a winery, abandoned in 1920 (prohibition) successive sales led to Ridge in 1959. Original merlot block planted in 68, this is a single block planted late 80's. longer it was open the better it got — 9 years ago

Barny

9.2

Ein mächtiger reinsortiger, fast undurchsichtiger Garnacha aus dem Bierzo, nach ordentlicher Belüftung ein fruchtiger Schmeichler mit würzigem Tiefgang , zu einem fetten Steak hat der sicherlich einiges zu bieten, kann aber auch noch als eiserne Reserve bis zur nächsten Prohibition im Keller bleiben ;-) — 9 years ago

Martin A. Cody

9.1

When was the last time you drank wine from 106 year old vines? I just love tuned texture, nuance, dark fruits, dried herbs, neutral spice and just great fruit flavor. I marvel at drinking wines from pre- prohibition vines. Thank you Cellar Angels! — 10 years ago

Johan Hedlund

8.9

Fruity and smooth. Perfect to salt pepper garlic meat. — 10 years ago

Jeff Sarfino

VP Sales and Marketing Lanterna Distributors, inc

9.7

1917 Four Roses Bourbon held in barrel until post-prohibition. In excellent condition and drank with notes of toasted wheat, caramel and long finish. The rarity added to the wow factor. Thanks for sharing Robbin — 11 years ago

Rory O' Hanlon

10

A wonderful craft beer. Has the taste of an easy to drink lager but with a mild and not too overpowering fruitiness. — 11 years ago

with Mary

vern scott

9.3

dark but tastes like a lighter ale. not choppy. — 12 years ago

Deborah Heath

9.6

Microbiologists Terry & Frances Leighton at Kalin Cellars have given Semillon its due, from old Livermore vines, some pre-Prohibition. This 2000 is their most recent release. Incredible verve & complexity.
@SEWineCollective. — 12 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.3

1919 they decided to move put of Minnesota where it was too cold to plant grapevines started off in the Central Valley Lodi and napa 1933 prohibition ended and made enough money to move to Lodi sunny st Helena winery Charles Krug was next and they went from 150 to 20 wineries after. 1955 Robert founded Robert Mondavi winery firstr winery all stainless he had to go to milk company to get these for the winery. 2005 the first vintage a very well endowed wine currants cassis dark earth espresso chocolate very plush and smooth with great structure and a long finish 2006 very rich with a lot of dense rich currant and cassis berry fruit dark earth and spices lovely structures and depth intense fruit bitter CPC at the end very well endowed most excellent. 2007 a more reserved wine on the nose with big fruit on the tongue dark earth bitter coco and a good hand of acidity very long finish. Most excellent. 2008 roots go 3-5 feet before hitting rock above the fog line sweet tobacco spice espresso and dark coco with big tannins ripe and round with a good amour of spice very long finish 2009 a good amount of dark berry fruit cassis and black cherry liqueur like fruit big but smooth ripe tannins drinking very nicely right now but has the balanc and freshness to last. 38 different lots that get fermented separately they now have a second wine French oak open top and stainless used. 2010 a bit more reserved currant berry fruit dark currant cassis berry fruit some graphite and montal very fresh wine has a good amount of fruit bit needs time a bit reserved year thick currant berry fruit with a long finish 2011 a very forward and seductive wine juicy for being the youngest wine it is very smooth with a long finish — 12 years ago

Jason and Jennie

9.2

Awesome sierra foothills zin producer. Calaveras county is putting out some great wine. Newsome- zin. Prospect 772-rhone. Forlorn hope- pre-prohibition varietals. — 9 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Fresh, ripe nose of; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum, mocha/milk chocolate, caramel, baking spices, sweet rich clay soils, very light presence of herbs and fresh red flowers with violets. The body is full, rich and nicely resolved with round M+ tannins. The fruits are big and ripe; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum with strawberries dancing in the background. Caramel, mocha/milk chocolate, chocolate pudding, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, hints of clove, sweet rich clay soils, darker spices, crumbled volcanic minerals, touch of dry herbs, suede/velvety leather, mouthwatering, fresh round acidity and a long, rich, elegant, smooth as silk, balanced finish that lasts over a minute. Photos of; the the tasting room/bar, the fresh vegetable honor stand in front of the winery, picnic area and the view onto the valley floor from their terrace. Producer notes and history...born near the Italian-Swiss border, Gaetano Regusci journeyed to the Napa Valley in 1891 working at a dairy along today's Silverado Trail. In 1932, Gaetano cashed in his entire life insurance policy and purchased a foreclosed property across the road, known today as Regusci Ranch. For the next 30 years, Gaetano lived off the land, farming; corn, hay, walnuts, plums and grapes. He ranched cattle, ran a dairy and opened a retail market. They survived prohibition and the great depression. Gaetano held onto the Ranch, passing along the historic Stags Leap District property to his son Angelo in the 1960s. Regusci long before making wine were excellent farmers...a nice resume for growing grapes. Through five generations, they were commited to agriculture. Gaetano Regusci purchased a 289-acre estate in the Stags Leap District; which included one of the preeminent wineries of its time, the Grigsby-Occidental Winery established in 1878. At that time, the wine industry was not what it is today. Aside, from growing and making homemade wine and selling grapes. When Gaetano's son Angelo took over the family Ranch in the 1960s, he began planting Bordeaux varieties on the estate. His decision would prove to be visionary within a few decades. As the wine industry flourished so did their vineyards. They planted a 160 acres of grapes that reside on the estate today. Angelo's (Angelo's Vineyard, is perhaps their best bottling) son Jim became a farmer as well, taking over Ranch duties in the 1990's. Having farmed for many of Napa Valley's most notable vineyards, Jim decided to establish Regusci in 1996. Their first crush amounted to 1,900 cases. Today, they produce 6,500 total cases spilt under several different wines designations. It's a fun place to visit and taste. Behind the tasting bar, they have a two foot piece of the cable that was used to make the Golden Gate Bridge. Ask them to see it. However, it's as heavy as a large dumbbell. When you make an appointment, see about reserving one of their picnic tables after the tasting. If you get a table purchase your lunch before you get to the winery as they do not sell prepared food. However, during the growing season, they have a honor system cart for the fruits and vegetables they still grow as shown in the photos. It's a must stop along the Silverado Trail...a beautiful setting with amazing vistas. — 9 years ago

Scott Stewart

9.0

First time. Ages in rum barrels. Killer! — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

A small family-owned estate in St. Helena, Napa Valley,dating back to the 1800s, with formal gardens, pre-prohibition buildings and 40-acre, organically farmed estate making very limited quantities of Sauv Blanc and Cab Sauvignon. Deep aromas of dark fruits and intense spice. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Blackberry and blueberry flavors, currents and cassis, pepper, leather and cacao, complex. Perfect structure, lingering with mineral spice. Wow! Tasting Sample. — 10 years ago

Richard Parks III

9.0

Green apple nose is lit. Flintiness is lit. Olive oil mouth feel is definitely lit. Watching PROHIBITION by Ken Burns on Netflix while drinking Chenin Blanc is most certainly also lit. The squat bottle is like the squat owl depicted on the label... all squat & chill... lit! — 10 years ago

Jeffrey Long

8.9

Decent intensely malty Belgian style IPA. The free shot is Cutty Sark Prohibition kindly provided by some nut. Surprisingly good and reminiscent of Macallan 12. Whiskey is a 9.0. — 11 years ago

with Peidong and Chris

Jayson Noland

9.3

Starts like a nice bourbon and finishes like a spicy Canadian rye. Very good for only 4 years in barrel. Named for Francis Elizabeth Willard from the prohibition movement. — 11 years ago

Alicia

8.9

Killer wine for the money. The 2012 Heritage blend is a old school prohibition blend, 13.4 %alc. Floral, and funky on the noise and great palate. — 11 years ago

Aj Sutera

8.9

What a great find. Floral and lovely. — 12 years ago

Matthew Rose

9.0

Amazing old vine, domestic Sylvaner from plantings that date back to pre prohibition. Aromas of warm cream and yogurt that transcend to the pallet. This wine reminds me of Chenin from Saumur or Jasniere. It's great:) — 12 years ago

Deborah Heath

9.5

San Martin, a favorite pre-Prohibition cocktail~ — 12 years ago