2020 vintage. A fave CA chard and producer. Medium-medium heavy body. Tasting slightly more tropical and advanced with less acidity than usual. Still absolutely delicious tho. Would like to retaste and reevaluate in 5-6 months tho. Based on 30 vintages of tasting this particular wine, betting it reconciles any tawdry, fleeting concerns that occupy my compromised palate and right quick. 01.22.25. — 9 months ago
This yellow-gold wine rings the “old-style Cali” bell in all the right ways. A nose of apricots, mangoes and apples is helped along with the smell of buttered popcorn. Oak treats the palate as well, draping over the tropical fruit like a sunshade. The acidity is zesty, yet the mouthfeel tends toward creaminess due to the wine sitting on the lees for five months. The oak is a definite part of the wine, but the effect is softened enough so that it's a pleasure, not a pain. — 7 years ago
Paired well with a lamb, eggplant purée, fava beans, piquolo pepper. Would also pair with a medium rare magret duck or other game. — 10 years ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent throughout. The 2023 “Contra Costa County” pours, a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe mixed bramble fruit: blackberries, Marionberries, raspberries, black pepper, orange zest, menthol, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the orange citrus notes show a bit more prominently. The finish is medium+, bright and refreshing. 9 barrels produced. Drink now through 2038.  — 7 months ago
Bright and citrusy. Would drink again. — 5 years ago
Great from Trader Joe's! — 7 years ago
One of my favorites! Had at Flemmings the first time. — 12 years ago
Sweet, fruity, mild spices that sustain. Holds its own — 12 years ago
This is drinking really nice right now. Great mature fruit. Drink while it's at peak. Very nice upside surprise on a regional (vs vineyard) designated wine. Prost! — 9 months ago
A bit more on the cherry cola rather than just cherry end of the spectrum than I prefer, but nonetheless nice — 6 years ago
Our go to summer wine — 12 years ago
Sam Friedland
Very pleasant, soft tannins — 7 months ago