From a small producer, for a 3 year old wine shows amazing balance and good complexity, certainly more old world in style. — 8 years ago
Now my go to wine of choice. Absolutely love it! — 8 years ago
Full bodied, sweet to start, tart to finish this is phenomenal — 9 years ago
All caramel-y — 9 years ago
Loved this gorgeous rosé from Sam Sheehan last night, made from Sonoma County pinot noir and pinot meunier. — 11 years ago
Buttery. not sweet. Nice slight tang. Great stand alone wine. Grape Connection Sam Diego — 11 years ago
I love this wine! Thanks Sam! — 8 years ago
Another serious Sam Kaplan concoction (Sam is in the photo...not the one with the snake). A Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the famous Dr. Crane, as Piedras and the Weitz Vineyards. Deep color, staining the glass (and anaconda decanter...that will never be the same) and layering the sides of the glass with beautiful, plush opaque runs. Full-bodied to almost dense, but still trademark Kaplan lushness, balance and great finish. Dark cherry fruits and more chocolate than cocoa on the tastebuds with a touch of spice on the nose. Already a stunning wine at 2014, with proper decanting. I am sure it only gets better!! — 8 years ago
Very pleasant Shiraz, deep color, intense flavor of dark fruits, aniseed & a bit of pepper and spice — 9 years ago
Big and juicy with a velvet finish. Really opens up after an hour. Loved it. @Sam Coturri — 9 years ago
Good. Dinner with miranda and mom — 9 years ago
I was actually really surprised by this wine, as I am typically not a Shiraz fan. — 9 years ago
Love it! And I love Miranda Lambert! Good, smooth and fruity. Delicious — 10 years ago
Not too hoppy, will drink more than one. Always like Sam Adams. — 10 years ago
This wine maker previously held the title for Shiraz of the year for Australia before the family company he worked for was bought out. Through angel funding he is back on his feet and this Shiraz you can buy under $20 — 11 years ago
Weinmesse MUC — 12 years ago
Hi Sam. Thank you.... wish you Rest In Peace. — 8 years ago
Vino muy agradable, con buen paso por boca y largo. — 8 years ago
This is one of the Single Block Cuvees from Two Paddocks owned by actor and raconteur, Sam Neill. Sam is an engaging and very funny guy - could have done Stand Up! From the Program and Bio - "Producers and Purveyors of Pinot to Gentry and Ratbags since 1993."
This wine was 50% whole bunch as with all 3 Cuvées offered. Textbook Otago Pinot with wild Thyme nose, cherry and luscious silky mouthfeel with fine tannin structure. — 8 years ago
One of the best roses I've ever had. Sam is truly an amazing winemaker. On the nose, herbal/savory notes, yet also has a cream cheese cake frosting note as well. In the mouth, bracing acidity, incredible minerality and the faintest hint of fruit. Long finish. Just a beautiful wine on its own, and perfect for food as well. — 9 years ago
Varietal Notes: Moscato Bianco, Fuilano, Cortese
Vineyard: Flora and Fauna loosely means the collection of plant and animal life of a certain epoch. This version is the collection of varietals from the cellar and also from Sam's ideas that make up the blend for the year. For 2014, The Bee compromises of roughly 60% Muscat Canelli (a.k.a Muscat Blanc, Moscato Bianco), 30% Friulano, and 10% Cortese. The Muscat Canelli comes from organically farmed, well drained volcanic soils on the southwest edge of Lake County. The Friulano and Cortese both come from Fox Hill Vineyard with soils that are well drained with high concentrations of gravel and sandstone.
Vinification: Winemaking starts in the vineyard, and Sam's preference is to find sites that require minimal to no work. In other words, the basics done right and well timed are all a great site needs. When that is the case, the winemaking becomes a simple game of guiding the fruit to be what it already is. For all three pieces of the blend, the grapes are picked at the first sign of ripeness. Sam time picking to when flavors just begin to emerge but the acidity and structure are still the predominant focus. From there, the grapes were whole cluster pressed, fermented via native yeasts, left on all the lees and solids, aged in neutral oak, and underwent native secondary fermentation. The blend was assembled in January leading up to bottling.
Production: 185 cases produced.
Notes: A dry, exotic, and aromatic white that doesn't stray to an over the top or sappy level is hard to find, and it was the rational behind the varietal choices and picking decisions. Macerated orange blossoms, wet river stones, spiced honey, ginger, gardenia, lemon peel, salty ocean air, and rangpur lime all balance in the aromas. The mouth shows great texture and weight without ever getting heavy. The finish is full of spicy acidity.
RATINGS
— 9 years ago
Vintage 2014: White flowers and vanilla on the nose. Bright citrus acidity with a light green peppercorn finish. A delight especially for the $14 price! — 10 years ago
Nice Oktoberfest beer from Sam Adams - I think they played with the recipe - tastes better this year — 11 years ago
Look what I got in the mail today. Good job Sam! — 11 years ago
Paul T HB
Great new Chardonnay from Sam Kaplan,
Parker 94-96 — 7 years ago