Kristen McCabe

9.0

Bubble gum and tart nose, strawberry flavors. — 4 years ago

Joyce Lin

9.0

Elena Walch is a leading fifth generation wine estate in Alto Adige, Italy. This Pinot Grigio is made from sustainable farmed single vineyard, Castel Ringberg.
Round, creamy, full bodied yet mouthwatering with ripe Bosc pear, lemon peel, fresh ginger and white blossom. It’s a Pinot Grigio with lots of character. — 4 years ago

Hayden B. Oothout

9.0

I throughly enjoyed this RRV Pinot. This is considered a natural wine and the winery focuses on sustainable farming techniques. I think it shows through to the wine. Pure terroir. Worth drinking if you come across it. Small production, limited availability. — 5 years ago

Friday Hill

10

Organic farming. Sustainable. — 5 years ago

Anya Shapina

9.2

This petit sirah and Syrah blend is really doing it for me - rich, complex and smooth. Very satisfying. I was told it was organic or sustainable, although it’s not on the label. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.4

I found a house in St Helena last week and will be moving there at the end of May. I thought I should get acquainted with the neighbors. What better way than a face off?
.
Neyers Vineyards 2011 Neyers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon vs Salvestrin Winery 2013 Salvestrin Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
.
Neyers Ranch is situated in the hills of Conn Valley just east of St Helena, with elevations ranging from 400’ to 1200’ on a south-facing, 50-acre parcel bisected by Conn Creek. Since 1998 Neyers has sustainably farmed this vineyard. Winemaker Tadeo Borchardt started in 2004 as assistant to then winemaker Ehren Jordan.
.
This Neyers was highlighted as one of the best of Napa’s 2011s in Jon Bonné’s piece for the SF Chronicle “Lessons from Napa in the trickiest of years” saying it “finds that great Cabernet balance of sleekness and dense flavor” with “pitch-perfect expression” and an “oregano-like herbal side frames its meaty structure and subtle blackcurrant fruit.”
.
Since 1932, three generations of Salvestrins have sustainable farmed their vineyard which was originally planted in 1860 by Dr. George Crane. It’s situated immediately south of St Helena High School and along Main St (Hwy 29), surrounding the family winery. Rich Salvestrin farms the vineyard and makes the wine, and his wife Shannon handles the sales and marketing, while they both raise the 4th generation on their farm.
.
Robert Parker gushed over the 2013, as “lusty, savory, hedonistic, rich and mouth-filling, with a dense purple color and not a hard edge in sight.” His praise did not stop there, saying that this “blockbuster fruit bomb has complexity, richness and a savory intensity that has to be tasted to be believed.”
.
The vintages were so different that it’s difficult to weigh them against each other. Bonné is definitely on point calling the Neyers one of the best examples of 2011 Napa Cabernet. Savory, with rich aromatics of Mexican cocoa powder and mole sauce, reminiscent of Corison’s 2011. To Parker’s credit, the Salvestrin is definitely a blockbuster and a hedonistic fruit bomb, but the savoriness, complexity, and length tone down its showiness, and add a level of decorum that sets it apart. — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 14 Cabernet is a blend is 82% Cabernet, 9% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. On the nose; ruby, elegant, black berries, black plum, dark cherries, poached strawberries, soft spice, anise, soft baking spices, dark rich soils and red & dark florals. The entry is rich, thick, full bodied elegance. The tannins are M+. Fruits are; blackberries, plum, black plum, dark cherries and black raspberries. Nice spices follow, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, violets & red fresh florals, rich dark soils, leather, tobacco, graphite, crushed dry rocks, underbrush with nice round acidity and a round, lush, elegant finish. Photos of; a wide shot of Pepper Bridge, Artifex custom crush facility, Winemaker, Jean-François Pellet and the view from their terrace. Producer notes...born and raised in Switzerland, Winemaker Jean-François Pellet is a third-generation wine grower. He earned degrees in both enology and viticulture. As part of his studies, he interned in Switzerland, Germany and the Napa Valley. After graduating, he managed vineyards and made wine in Switzerland and Spain. After his time in Europe, his experience and reputation brought him to Heitz Cellars in the Napa Valley, where he worked for four years. Pepper Bridge recruited him out of Heitz and he moved to Walla Walla to become that winery's creative force. His success at Pepper Bridge afforded him the opportunity to join the Amavi partnership. Jean-François Pellet is also a partner in Artifex, the areas very successful custom crush facility. Additionally, he is also a founding member and current vice-president of the Walla Walla Valley's sustainable agriculture organization, VINEA. Quite a resume! It was a pleasure meeting him. He is a very kind person and an extremely knowledgeable Winemaker. Thank you for all of your time & knowledge during our visit.
— 7 years ago

Eileen Arnold-Ley

9.3

Really good, and I like that it's certified sustainable! On the oaky side with nice citrus flavors. — 4 years ago

Paul T HB

9.4

For $10.00 its another no brainer from K&L

2018 Domaine de l'Ermitage "Victor" Costières de Nîmes Blanc

Price: $9.99
Costières de Nîmes is at the southernmost part of the Rhône Valley, on the opposite bank from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. One of our best new finds is Château de l'Ermitage, which produces three terrific values with immanent drinkability. The estate's history traces back to the 12th century when the winery produced wine for the pilgrims of St-Jacques de Compostelle who were traveling the Santiago de Compostela. The property is now owned by the Castillon family, and today Michel and his son Jerome manage the vineyards and winemaking. The "Victor" is named for the first member of the Castillon family to own the property. The blend is 60% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, and 10% Viognier. The soil consists of large pebbles from the Durance river which long predates the Rhône and vines average 20 years. Expect a richer palate from the Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, with lovely aromatics from the Viognier. The winery is certified Terra Vitis (sustainable).
— 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Had this Year ago. More than 40 years, Ponzi Vineyards set the standard for New World Pinot production with many innovations & techniques. All 130 acres of Ponzi vineyards are certified sustainable. Aromas of rich ripe fruit and osk spice, aged for 20 months on French oak (30% new) with fruit from Ponzi's Aurora, Abetina and Madrona vineyards. On the palate cherry and strawberry flavors with currants, herb and licorice notes. Lingers, well balanced frame ending with spice, cedar & mineral tones. Nice! — 5 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.1

Hi Sardegna aka Sardinia how are you making such marvelous SUSTAINABLE AND MINIMALLY MESSED WITH Grenache aka Cannonau wines and still skimming under the radar? Earth like heck. Herbs like hell. Swimming in raspberry juice. What a pool to swim in. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Grabbed another bottle! Wine bears the vineyard named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices. Bright yellow with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. Aged for 14 months, 75% in new French oak and 25% in stainless. On the palate melon, pineapple and peach flavors and hints of citrus, subtle yet complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and toasty oak. Outstanding! — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 14 is a blend of 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc & 7% Merlot. Nose of; ruby dark cassis, blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, hues of blue fruits, pepper and liquid violets. The mouthfeel is lush & ruby. M+ body & M+ tannins. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries and hues of blue fruits. Crushed rocks, soft leather, dry herbs, underbrush, loamy soil powder, notes of cigar, violets, dark florals, nice acidity and beautifully round, lush finish with sex appeal. Photos of; an aerial view of Pepper Bridge, estate grapes going through veraison, Owner-Norm McKibben, and ground shot of the estate. Producer notes and history...Norm McKibben is one of founding fathers of Walla Walla's wine industry. To his good friends and colleagues, he is better know as "Stormin' Norman." In Norm's 30 plus years in Walla Walla, the valley has evolved from a 40 vineyard acres to an appellation with more than 2,800 acres under vine. A good portion of the boom can be attributed to Norm even after coming to the game late after working for several decades as an engineer in the construction industry. Not wanting to retire after, he moved to Walla Walla to become an apple farmer. In 1989, he realized Walla Walla's potential for grape growing. Norm planted his first vineyard with help from his wife, Virginia and their eldest son, Shane. Two years later, Norm added Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These vines soon became the backbone of Pepper Bridge. Not long after he expanded his business and resume further. Norm got involved in the budding wine industry. He served as a partner and director at Canoe Ridge Vineyards, Hogue Cellars and worked with a number of Walla Walla's leading vintners. In 1996, he partnered with Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Marty Clubb of L'Ecole No. 41. At this point, McKibben had increased his vineyard holdings to 200 acres. In 1998, Norm officially started Pepper Bridge Winery. Today, Pepper Bridge Winery is a benchmark property in Walla Walla and Norm is an icon of the industry. He manages and consults for more than 600 acres of the top vineyard sites in Walla Walla; Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Les Collines. Norm also has introduced state of the art irrigation systems, soil moisture temperature monitoring equipment and sustainable farming techniques. Norm is a big believer in sustainable viticulture. All of his vineyards are certified sustainable by VINEA, the Walla Walla Valley's Sustainable Trust, and LIVE, an Oregon-based sustainable viticulture organization. They are also certified Salmon Safe and are monitored by the IOBC, the international body responsible for setting sustainability standards. In 1998, the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers honored Norm as "Grape Grower of the Year." That same year, he was appointed chair of the Washington Wine Commission and served in that position until retiring from the organization in 2001. If there is a Maverick of the Walla Walla wine producers, it would be Norm. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Family-owned winery, founded by the Williams Family in 1981, devoted to sustainable principles and producing wines with respect for terroir. Interesting Napa Chard, No Oak!! Pale light gold with medium+ aromas of floral, stone and citrus fruits. On the palate this full-bodied wine shows flavors of peach, ripe apple and lemon peel flavors. Long finish with generous acidity ending with an earthy wet stone character. Nice! — 4 years ago

Friday Hill

10

Indigenous yeast. bio sustainable. Plum. Spice. Big tannins. Super dry. Perfect for pasta and red sauce. — 5 years ago

barak heller hayun

9.0

second bottle for me from hyped boutique shvo vineyard.
non kosher and sustainable, supposedly.

12.5% ABV

pale green 👀

pineapple and hinted flint👃

medium minus body.
medium minus acidity.

tropics and lemon with biterness on the side and some hinted funk 👄

light 🎯 with some juicy feeling.

can't say i was amazed but well done with firm balanced structure.

great vfm (75 nis).

had it all day long while vacationing in a hotel with the family.
as the time passed bitterness was felt more and funkness became dryness.

not my fave style sauvignon blanc but still very good.
hope to try the shvo chenin soon. — 5 years ago

Jonathan Wall

9.0

Good but conflicted. I never experienced this: one sip would be spectacular, embodying expectations of Napa cab... the next disappointing (slight "pool water")... and then great... cycling back and forth until it had long enough to breathe into ok. The good sips I'd rate a 9.2 the not so great an 8.8... so I'll give it a 9. I should try another to test... but I'm onto the next wine. Kudo's for being Merryvale's sustainable solar winery. — 6 years ago

Ami Utley

10

So bright and crisp... perfect summer wine! Very inexpensive and grown from sustainable grown grapes!! — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

On the nose, sweet & slightly baked; blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, raspberries & dark cherries. Raspberry cola, perfect intensity of baking spices, soft & savory grilled meats, touch of fresh herbs, just a whiff of pepper, lavender, lilacs and liquid violets. The palate is full bodied, round & lush. The M-M+ tannins are soft and round and about 60% resolved. Gorgeous in the mouth. The fruits are creamy in style. Ripe; blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, raspberries, dark cherries and ripe strawberries. Raspberry cola, vanilla, understated spice, pepper, savoy grilled meats, dry herbs, dry crushed rock powder, a little underbrush, iron pan, loamy dry top soil, some black moist earth, hint of mocha powder, milk chocolate, cigar ash, suede style leather, lavender, lilacs & liquid violets, perfect, round, mouthwatering acidity, great; balance, structure, tension and length. The very long finish is round, lush and has sex appeal. It's drinking really well with a hour/hour & half decant. Better in 1-2 years and has another 4-7 years of really good drinking ahead of it. Great pair with the grilled Kentucky Bourbon marinated chicken skewers and seasoned wild rice. Photos of; Eric Jensen (Owner/Winemaker), tasting room bar, Eric working harvest and the Booker vineyard. Producer notes and history...Booker gets it's name from the two orphan brothers, Claude and Dick Booker, who had purchased the land in the late 1920’s. By the turn of the century, the Booker brothers acquired over 1,200 acres on Paso's westside. The Booker brothers dedicated their lives to being great farmers and humanitarians. Aside from lending their farming knowledge and manual labor to neighbors, they were the area's biggest philanthropists, leaving 100% of their estate to charity when they passed, Dick in 1990 and Claude in 2000. Eric and Lisa Jensen purchased 100 acres of the property in 2001. After making wine with Justin Smith (Saxum) for five years and Stephan Asseo (L'Aventure Wines) for two years, the Jensen's started Booker Vineyard. The 2005 vintage was Eric Jensen first release. Booker produces about 4,500 cases a year depending on what Mother-nature gives them. Booker is located on the westside of Paso Robles, immediately joining the famous Stephan Vineyards that produce L'Aventure Wines. The high-density vineyard is mostly Rhone varieties planted on steep hillsides of calcareous shale. They farm organically, sustainable and biodynamic and treat the entire vineyard as a living organism. Booker uses animals (normally sheep) for weed control and solar panels are placed at the house and winery. The Jensen's are definitely doing things right. If you haven't tried Booker, it's worth your effort. — 7 years ago

with Ronald

Kendall Johnson

9.6

Very earthy; crisp; pineapple rind and green apple #sustainable #citymarket — 7 years ago