Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Tried this again about 8 months later. Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the shield-shaped block that casts a watchful eye on the entrance to Monte Rosso Vineyard. Deep Ruby with aromas of rich dark fruit, cedar and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry and currants with vanilla oak and toasty nutty notes. Fine soft tannins, well balanced with acidity, long finish ending with berry fruit, cacao and toasty vanilla oak. Nice! — 8 hours ago

Malcolm Trimble

9.3

Dark ruby. The dark fruit aroma leaps out of the carafe. Blackberry dark cherry cassis peppery palate. Complex with well balanced acidity and a long finish. Loved this wine — a day ago

John Bratincevic

9.0

Nose: citrus, cream, saline. Whiff of melons - cantaloupe. Butter cookie.

Taste: good. Nice texture. A bit of white-grape juice on the initial sip, but acidity and bitter almonds quickly balance it out, then it disappears. Also lemon pith and something vaguely tropical - pineapple. Bracingly “brut.” I think I prefer cremant for my $20-ish dollars, but this is good. 90. — 8 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Medium lemon with aromas of honey, bruised apple fruit with honeysuckle notes, aged 6 months in neutral French oak after stainless fermentation. On the palate ripe apple, pear and citrus zest flavors, extremely savory on medium+ finish ending with fruit and floral spice character. — 4 days ago

Ellen Clifford

9.2

Sosie’s wines continue to delight me. This one smells savory and herbal, a smidge floral…the palate has richness but feels light on its toes. And you get all the aromatics plus pomegranate and some sense of umami and all around I so very recommend. — a month ago

Ron R

9.4

Kistler, like Aubert and Mount Eden have refined the science of how to make their clients happy with chard. The outstanding flavor profile, complexity and texture, while elusive to other producers, is commonplace with these guys. Bright, exotic fruits combine with a delicately sweet palate and medium acidity. A long finish completes what is an excellent Kistler entry-level chard. — 6 days ago

with Anne-marie

vinokeeno

9.4

2012 vintage. Intense, brilliant, nearly-Chartreuse yellow. Giving, complimentary oak with softened, yet viable acidity. Golden and harmonious. Courtesy of @Bill Bender — 6 days ago

with Bill

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.1

Malvasia, Tocai Friuli, and Chardonnay blend that has become an old and trusted friend over the past few years. The 2019 is medium gold, bit higher ABV than past vintages at 14.1, and the weight on the palate is considerable though lively and not cloying. Round, sweet, juicy fruit with notes of melon, peach, and lychee dominate, but there’s a hint of funky shroomy bottom that balances things out before the creamy, lengthy finish. I’m so happy that these Cal-Ital blends are gaining a foothold in the New World. This wine rocks with Mediterranean cuisine like lamb/chicken Kabobs with dilled herby rice and creamy hummus. Solid QPR and I’m finding that as summer finally sneaks in, I’m popping more and more white table blends. — 19 days ago

Ericsson

9.4

See prior notes.

This has the power to turn any mediocre ordinary day into a good one. Especially when paired with some rotisserie chicken tacos with salsa and cold pasta; all done on the fly after a decent day’s work. That’s what wine’s all about after all. Isn’t it? — 7 days ago

Eric

9.5

Surprise of the year. Oaked black cherry cola. Smooth. — 8 days ago