Bob McDonald

9.5

A wonderfully balanced Cabinet blend from Bolgheri. Definitely Cabernet notes but so balanced that nothing stands out. Sassicaia is definitely Bordeaux First or Second Growth standard. Understated but irresistible nonetheless. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Cabernet Franc. Probably one of the best non Bordeaux Cabernet blends. — 5 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

Simply one of the best domestic Syrahs, from the storied Bien Nacido vineyard. — a year ago

Randall

9.6

Excellent. Deep, almost smoky flavor. — 2 years ago

Randy Fillingim

9.7

What an elegant wine. The deft integration of all the wines component pieces in its overall sense of equilibrium was near perfect. And it tasted 🤤 yummy.  — 4 years ago

Eric Naslund

9.1

No surprise to see a Herman Story review from me but this Grenache was real nice. It had a very rich mouthfeel and coated your entire mouth in a satisfying blanket of goodness. The flavors waited a minute and came rushing in. It was a bit of a strip tease frankly. This is a richer and more fulsome Grenache with complex stories to tell. Very much enjoyed this! — 5 years ago

Eric

9.5

Prefer this second label to the Seavey Cab bottlings. — 5 years ago

Philip Faure

9.2

Really gorgeous wine. Apple pie. — 5 years ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

Second wine still quite young, decant for sure and purple fruit comes alive in the glass. Robust acidity, spice on finish along with fine tannins. #toscana — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. This was my second time enjoying the 1990 vintage and, much like my previous experience, this was rather quiet early and then came on with the business, late. As before, a mix of red and black cassis, ripe and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. After two similar experiences, I believe this vintage needs a lot of patience and a lot of air to wake up. Without either, it will be misunderstood. Drink now through 2040+ — 6 months ago

Scott Kahn

9.6

Beautiful bouquet that still under represents the richness of this wine IMO. Graphite, oak, dark fruit are presented on a structured tannic backbone. I can’t believe this is a second wine!! — 4 years ago

romo

9.3

Second bottle of questionable provenance. Nose kills it but the palate fails to follow through. Still fun. — 5 years ago

Jeff Hasmann

8.9

Fourth wine of the week. Very good second wine - 60 Cabernet / 40 Merlot from younger vines. Brambly blackberry, cranberry, olives with tobacco notes and a smidge of graphite. Tannins are ripe and smooth. Lacks the concentration and layered complexity of the grand vin, but still very good. 2016 vintage on April 19, 2020 — 5 years ago

Frank Heinz

9.4

Linda Rudolph brought this to us from South Africa — 5 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.1

The second wine of Pichon LaLande and it was showing quite well. Classic Bordeaux nose with Cabernet filling the glass. Very good vintage and this wine is quite young . It matched up with the many dishes at the table. Years of life left.👀🍷🍷 — 5 years ago

with Joe and Ray

Jay Kline

9.3

Double decanted two nights before service. The 2013 Insignia pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing but still quite youthful with notes of tart and ripe dark fruit: dense brambles, purple flowers, tobacco, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. At 11 years of age, this remains tightly coiled and needs more time to open up and tell more of its story. All that being said, this is very good now…but to my palate, better after 2027 and through 2043. — 6 months ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.1

The 2021 Smash City is bright and floral with a wild blend of crushed strawberries, dusty rose, citrus and spice. This is juicy and fruit-focused, with crisp red berries elevated by traces of citrus under an air of violet inner florals. The Smash City cleans up beautifully, full of energy and perfumed, leaving the palate nicely refreshed. This lively Pinot Noir is produced with all Bien Nacido fruit. (Eric Guido, Vinous, May 2023) — 2 years ago

J Chechik

9.3

Besides having a great, cool label - Herman Story wines are so spectacular. This is not your standard “red blend” & the Tempranillo/Petit Verdot give a great complexity. Easily paired w/ a huge range of food. — 4 years ago

Turd Ferguson

8.9

Considerably better with a few years on it. Spatlese level sugar with nice acid and decent complexity. Green apples. — 5 years ago

Allison Lyzenga

9.2

Medium pink; medium plus intensity aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberry, red currant, mushroom, forest floor, limestone mineral; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, full body, medium plus intensity flavors consistent with aromas; long finish, ripe red fruit and funky earthy perfume fills palate, big wine but well balanced, outstanding — 5 years ago

Deborah M

9.3

Beautiful Napa Cab presents as a classic Bordeaux. Understated elegance. Silky smooth mouthfeel with smooth tannins. Lengthy finish. Second label - no way! This is a beautiful wine with a great QPR. I decanted 3 hours. Opened up slowly. Has potential to age 10 to 15 years. I love Phillip Togni wines. — 5 years ago