Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Named for Lance Ellmans’ daughter, Alexis, the fruit comes from Claire’s Vineyard, in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Ruby with aromas of berry fruit, citrus & floral spice. On the palate, raspberry and cherry, tangy, with cedar notes & earthy tones. Bright acidity, soft expressive tannins, lingering finish ending with hints of woody spice. — 7 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.0

Light pink with aromas of strawberry, red apple, and dried roses. Tart red fruit, chalky limestone, and nicely textured mousse are evident on the palate. A Kermit Lynch import, this is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from their Grand Cru vineyard in Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims. Paul Barra has turned over the operation of the estate to his eldest daughter Chantale. — 8 years ago

with Drew, Lisa and 1 other

Edmond Bordelon

9.1

One of our favorite small champagne houses outside of Epernay. The families have a long history in the region and this is a 'marriage' of two famous Champagne houses with access to Gran Cru grapes. Truly a marriage. The Picard's son from Epernay with their Pinot Meunière and Pinot Noir and the Collard's daughter from Chalons-en-Champagne with their Chardonnay. — 8 years ago

with Joe and Katherine

Greg Gregory

9.5

Nowhere near showing what it's going to be in a decade. Amazing floral characteristics. Roses galore. Having next to the 2010 BRAND Napa Valley, a friend that hasn't ever had wines like this before incredibly stated, "The Margaux is the mother and the BRAND is the daughter". Wow. Couldn't have expressed it better myself. I think he has a future in wine! — 8 years ago

Mark Pagliaro

Winemaker Stone & Key Cellars

9.6

Enjoying with my Daughter Abbie. We sourced this on our trip in2014. Nice gripping tannins and fruit from Grenache. Medaille De Bronze Paris 2014! — 9 years ago

Berg

9.1

FX Pichlers daughter, and it shows. Great wine that her and her husband are making. — 9 years ago

with Jason

Matt Trader

9.1

I've gotta hand it to Chuck's daughter on this vintage and say that she is becoming a great wine maker! It's funny, I preferred the Merlot over the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. As a matter of fact, they both tasted quite similar to one another, but the Merlot had a one up on papa's wine; that one up was TANNIN STRUCTURE.
It had that similar raisin like nose, but showed some herb spice notes and nutmeg, with a core of sugar coated strawberry and ripe cherries. In the glass, the liquid was dark ruby with an intense purple hue, and long legs. The pallet exhibited notes of stewed black and red fruits, vanilla, clove, dark chocolate, and finished with finesse and lingered with an ever so charismatic bite.
In conclusion, I feel as if the Emmolo Merlot for the $50 is much more adequately priced than some of the Caymus family wines, and had a fantastic tannic structure, with acidity to accompany it. It wasn't AS sweet of a red as the Cab, so I will call it WOTN.

Brava Jenny Wagner!

CHEERS! — 9 years ago

Gae Saccoccio - NdC

9.8

Vintage 1949 in Burgundy according to Broadbent: “..most perfect end of a decade - elegant, well-balanced wines”; Clive Coates in his book Cote D'Or: "best vintage of 40's all-perfect beauty and purity”; Robert M. Parker Jr.: “it was the best of post world war II vintages before 1959”
Henri Leroy at that time was négociant based in Auxey-Duresses, his mythical daughter Lalou Bize-Leroy in 1949 was only seventeen.
Les Cazetiers is amongst the most elevated of Premier Cru site in Gevrey-Chambertin - and indeed the whole of Burgundy.
I drank this precious bottle on Mount Etna with #FrankCornelissen and other dear friends. Uncork this bottle lead to a surgical operation. Just begun to pull it out, a light breath of wine molecule with air bubbles magically have emerged on the surface of the cork. It's been like witness the passing away of a dying old man (or Pinot Noir must be a woman?) That humanized wine had held "élan vital", hope and breath inside him for the last 66 years! A miracle of a wine still so tasty, robust, citrusy, vibrant, earthy, incredibly alive and well-preserved despite color and neck level did not bode so well.. that's what I thought and I'll remember until I die: "the wine was waiting for us to drink it up, he gave off his mortal blow to offer us life, joy and smile!" — 10 years ago

with Alberto

Tom Kobylarz

9.0

Not the best vintage, but this is classic Napa Cabernet. A classic nose, the palate is great, mid-afternoon is amazing and then things get awkward on the finish with dry brittle tannins. Still a good effort though. The Togni style is rooted in the old world as the senior Philip is a Brit. His daughter Lisa now makes the wines but they are of the same family tree for sure. Philip remarkably made the Chappellet wines in the early years and set a reputation there of superb quality and classicism. Looking for a top Napa Cabernet? Togni is one of the best and well priced. They drink well young, but superbly with time. #puritydefined — 11 years ago

Darlene George

9.8

Wine we had for my son and daughter- in -law wedding — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

The nose reveals; dark currants, blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries. Black tea, expresso roast, anise, crushed dry rocks, big vanilla, clove, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, woody notes with dark fresh & withering flower bouquet.

The body is big and lush. The tannins are big, meaty and tarry. Very dark currants. Blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries & strawberries as they open up. Black tea, expresso roast, steeped fruit tea, anise, crushed dry rocks, dry clay, big graphite, big vanilla, dark spice, clove, light dry herbs, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, cedar with violets dark fresh & withering flower bouquet. The acidity is round, fresh and beautiful. The big, long, well balanced finish is excellent and look forward to having this in 15-20 years. This one will be a stunner!

Photos of, the barn where they make wine and hosts tastings, our private tasting area inside William’s old office. William desk and their outside terrace area.

Producer history & notes...Seavey Vineyard is located along Conn Valley Road in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, about 15 minutes from the valley floor.

This historical property was originally a cattle ranch. However, records indicate grapes were planted on some of the hillsides as early as the 1870’s. The stone dairy barn, still in existence, was built in 1881.

William & Mary Seavey purchased this property in 1979. The estate was originally founded by the Franco-Swiss Farming Company in 1881 which, closed down when Phylloxera destroyed their grape vines and the Volstead Act (Prohibition) went into effect. At the time of their purchase, they were a horse and cattle ranch. They quickly planted the slopes with grapes and initially sold their fruit to Raymond Vineyards. They have never purchased grapes, all their wine is made from estate grapes. Their vineyards are separated into 20 plus individual blocks.

Today, the property is about 200 total acres of which, 40 acres are planted to vine. Their hillside vineyards produce low yields of rich concentrated fruit. A small block of Chardonnay grows in a cooler lower part of their property. Besides grapes, they also raise cattle which are used to graze the hillsides. They feed the vineyard with the cattle cuttings. In 2003, they were one of the first Napa wineries to install solar.

Mary passed away in 2008 and William died in 2016. There daughter Dorie returned to the family business and now oversees the winery operations. Her brother Arthur also handles national and some small international sales, primarily to restaurants. However, most of their wine is sold direct to consumers.

Seavey’s first commercial vintage was released in 1990 a year after they renovated the stone dairy barn into a working winery. Today this stone building is the centerpiece of the property and is where tastings are hosted.

Since 2011, Jim Duane has been their day to day Winemaker. He’s worked at Robert Mondavi and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. It should also be noted that Philippe Melka Winemaker/Consultant has been with Seavey since 1995...one of Philippe’s two initial wine making jobs in the Napa Valley were with Seavey and Lail Vineyards.

Seavy makes about 3,200 cases annually depending on what mother nature brings. They make around two hundred cases of Chardonnay, slightly more Merlot and the rest is of the production is comprised of their Caravina and Estate Cabernets.
— 7 years ago

Matthew Ryan Shelton

9.3

Deep ripe red in color. On the lighter side, but complex in flavor. — 9 years ago

Phil Jost

9.0

Floral and delicious. A nice ode to the big man's daughter. — 9 years ago

Mark Pagliaro

Winemaker Stone & Key Cellars

9.7

This 2006 Reserve is ready to enjoy. Dark Purple with black fruit and graphite on the nose. Very smooth mid palate with hints of vanilla and chocolate swirl. Finishes with lots of dark berries held up by just a hint of Tannins. Spectacular start to Christmas Eve with my Son and Daughter in law. — 9 years ago

with Brendan, Tom and 1 other

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Another installment of my recent CA trip to see my daughter, one of the wines we tasted was a Pinot Noir sourced from a 31 acre vineyard. Dark Ruby red with aromas of berry fruits and pepper spice. On the palate concentrated flavors of raspberry, cranberry and cherry flavors with peppery spice and earthy tones. Fine creamy tannins, well balanced, nice mouth-feel and structure. The finish carried the fruit with a touch of oak lingering through the ending. Very Nice, small production. Tasting Sample. — 9 years ago

Evelyn Marin

9.3

Very Bordeaux-esque, with smooth tannins and an elegant, medium frame. This is the first release from Pierre Seillan's daughter. The stylistic similarity with her dad's Verite wines is very evident and on full display here. A great first effort. — 10 years ago

Eric Hiatt

9.4

Admirable integration and balance. Hops are just part of the story here. — 10 years ago

Rich

9.1

Sell it for $48 a 6oz pour

This wine is produced from grapes grown in several estate-owned vineyards. The Rossj vineyard, planted in 1984, is named for Angelo Gaja's younger daughter Rossana (Rossj). Bass is Piedmontese for the Italian basso, meaning low, a name derived from the vineyard's position. Pheasants are featured on Rossj-Bass' label to commemorate the beautiful birds that inhabit the forests adjacent to GAJA's vineyards.

TASTE:

Considerable depth. Elegant body, definite character and good acidity; a fresh, lingering finish. — 10 years ago

Chris Kontos

9.5

Still young but showing beautifully! No rush to drink. Named after our oldest daughter, Taylor. — 11 years ago

Crystal Schneider

10

An older group of pretty older ladies at Taps (A mother, a daughter and an aunt) were sitting at a table and drinking red wine. I commented on how the color looked like it would be very good so she offered me a taste and poured me a glass. — 12 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

Peter Ernst

10

So in the battle is who is the best child... we paired the 88 vs the 90 (son vs daughter birth year). Both were outstanding but the 88 had more age in the color and softness on the nose and palate. Family currently arguing over density but for me the 90 was more dense. Lots of mixed fruit leather smoke and terroir which is very French but great for those who enjoy it. So in the name of family peace we rate both as outstanding but the 90 (the daughter) is a bit bigger. Cheers — 9 years ago

Gregory Lemaire

9.1

Had the 1995 vintage for the 21st birthday of our daughter. The 2 bottles were very tasteful. — 9 years ago

Jeff Maclean

9.3

Celebrating new Grand daughter — 9 years ago

Peggy Bonapace

10

At home in west village with my daughter son n Michael Piaker passing time😏😞 — 10 years ago

Simon Haidamous

9.5

Daughter of Buccella. This shit is unreal. — 10 years ago

Dick Schinkel

9.4

Purchased just after release at the celler after a great tasting with Pere and his daughter Maria.
Made from 80 years old Cariñena and Garnacha 50/50 blend.
Great nose with black and blue berries, plums, a touch vanilla, authum forrest, spices from the Porrea hills, drinking this wine 8 times over the last 10 years and is now fully mature the hard edges are gone and has mellowed out, still full bodied, well balanced and smooth tannins, nice mineral touch, long aftertaste..... Sadly my last bottle of this 2000 vintage..... — 10 years ago

Jeff Clement

9.6

Brought back from sa. Mckenzie daughter friend of my son. Had fun visiting their winery. Enjoyed this wine and others we brought back — 11 years ago

Takahide Sugimoto

9.7

My Daughter Tamaki's Wine... — 13 years ago