Bernard Rethore

Owner, Fion Wines

9.1

Back in 2006, I had the good fortune to invest in a box of the Neal vineyard designated bottlings pre-release. They have been sleeping in my cellar ever since. Last night, Tony the Fish, who is a frequent contributor to these pages, arrived with a bottle of the 2010 Neal cab sav. It was a solid effort and Mrs Fish quite enjoyed it. As we finished the bottle I remembered I had some of the 2003 vineyard designated wines in the back of the cellar and figured it was time to check in on them. We started with the Second Chance from Atlas Peak. Generally I am a mountain fruit guy, and like the volcanic soil that yields low yielding structured wines. There was plenty of stuffing left after 11 years, and a nice contrast to the 2010 cab sav blend. We then moved to Chafen. Another mountain- Howell this time, slightly lower elevation vineyard. This wine was bigger than the Second Chance with mouthfuls of ripe cassis, berry fruit and coffee- almost a cocoa powder character to it. The final wine of the night - and best of show - was the Howell Mountain Estate. Dark rich tannins with intense velvety chocolate cake flavors. This was a fun night going from the 2010 blend to the all 2003 single vineyard designates. Most of us aren't patient enough or buy them as a group so you can taste them altogether at once. Everyone should do this from to time. It reminds me at least of how different climate and soil can be in the same year. It's even better with friends. Thank you Mr Fish for the inspiration. — 11 years ago

with Susan

David Green

9.8

A great wine shared with Tony Rocks. — 12 years ago

Wes Raska

9.8

First experience with Opus - Tony Mandola's — 13 years ago

Brian Collins

9.8

Tony Rynders is one of the most dedicated winemakers in the world. His Tendril label reflects his passion for crafting wines that express the terroir of the various Oregon microclimates he chooses for his wines. — 11 years ago

David McNally

9.6

With: Matt Lichtenberg, Tony Garcia, Howard Horowitz, David Amador, Bryan Thomas, Conrad Greene — 12 years ago

D Lynch

9.5

Very dry, hint of chocolate — 12 years ago

Sarah L

9.6

Wonderful red table wine. Montepulciano. Bought and enjoyed with Anca and Tony in Mamaroneck. — 12 years ago

Amanda C

9.0

Light, fruity, sweet, easy drinker. — 11 years ago

with Vince

Victor H Jimenez

9.2

Wine Friday with Tony — 11 years ago

with Tony

Andrew Kitz

9.5

Tony Soter makes killer wine from any kind of vintage. One of my absolute favorites from Willamette. — 12 years ago