Shay A

9.0

It was Weston’s hosting today for the Wednesday Wine Committee and probably the most informative lunch to date. Though everything was tasted “blind” as usual, we were all given a list of grapes to choose from for the whites and the reds, since they were all meant to be very similar.

For the 3 whites, we were told there was one chenin Blanc, one grüner veltliner and one Albariño. So, basically no white wine I drink enough of to know much about. I knew Albariño to be a bit sweet in the finish, so it ruled this out. There was a very German/petrol nose on 2 which led me to Grüner, so by deduction, this has to be the chenin! ✔️ — 8 years ago

with Jeff, Colby and 1 other

Daniel Argandona

8.9

Eponymous wine from Basque country . Slightly effervescent bracing minerality/peaches/green apple/underripe pear. Delicious and should be great counterpoint to light basque stew with chorizo and clams tonight....so I'm told — 8 years ago

with Alexandre

Jenny Byrd

9.0

Fresh, enjoyable summer wine. Brisk, almost bitter or briney. I'm told that rose should be more pink than orange, which this is not--but I like it a lot. — 9 years ago

with David

TheSkip

10

So, I came home yesterday and there was a package at the door. I wasn't expecting anything and looked at the sender. @Martin G Rivard ! Well then! I knew santa was over, but perhaps Easter Bunny Rivard had struck?

I opened the box with haste. Surely anything from @Martin G Rivard would be of high quality. I saw a flash of orange and though, oh my! But there was only one bottle and it was oddly shaped. This must be the limited edition, double magnum of @Jason Chang's Nine Suns cuvée! I ripped open as if it were Christmas and out came Carlo Rossi.

I'd never heard of this producer but I trusted Martin. This bottle came with a very handy pour handle at the top. I was excited. Although it was only 4pm, I remembered what @Bill Bender said about 3pm so, I thought to myself, why not?

Hurriedly, I came into the kitchen and got my favorite Zalto glass, as inspired first by @Roman Sukley. I retrieved my corkscrew and opened the knife only to discover that this was a convenient screw cap! How thoughtful of Martin!

Open it went and the room filled with a lovely sweet grape must. I knew this would be special. I grabbed my winestop given to me by @Ron R and inserted to to insure there would be not a drop wasted.

Into the glass and my excitement prevented any thought of a decant.

What a wine! Those Concord grapes - what has Welch's been thinking? They've missed out on one of the finest varietals I've ever encountered. I knew I was truly lucky to try this rare wine.

But something felt...off. And I realized, I had nothing to pair with this! Thankfully there was a full 4L in this bad boy. And the screw cap allowed for prompt resealing.

Away I went in the car. What oh what to have? Aih! Exactly! @Paul T told me about the heaven of pairing McNuggets. Off to Ol' McDonalds I went.

Twenty McNuggets and sweet and sour sauce please!

I scurried to the back, and carefully withdrew my Zalto from my backpack. Opening the McNuggets, I knew this would be special. And indeed, I am with words to describe the experience. Yet, again, I knew something just wasn't right. The wine wasn't presenting itself. So I thought, how can I classy this up? And then I remembered all of @David L's posts with the classy silver wine coaster.

I had to have one. I asked the chap at the counter of McDonalds, but the response I received was less than satisfactory. I had to solve this issue myself. Thankfully , while returning to my table, I spotted a HomeGoods store immediately next door. I ran across and found a lovely silver charger.

And finally, returning to my table, I was now all smiles! More smiles than @Mike R !

What a special evening. I really wanted to end this off right. I grabbed a dozen roses and rushed home to the wife. Half a bottle Rossi still intact!

I showed her the bottle and wow! You should have see her eyes. I then suggested we retire to the bedroom and this was met with prompt approval.

And with such a great night, I wanted a lovely memento. I gently placed the bottle against her and snapped a lovely shot that is sure to be on the cover of the next issue of BBB with @Bill Bender !

Thanks for thinking of me @Martin G Rivard ! — 9 years ago

Kathy Wilson

9.1

We were told this was ages in bourbon barrels, which seems to be the new thing. We loved it! Smooth with hint of nutmeg. — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.0

A lighter, leaner style of Viognier than I might have expected from Galil Mountain Winery. Truth, be told, this is my first Israeli Viognier, so I had no idea what to expect. Exceedingly pretty aromatics of pear skin, toasted almond, and a top note akin to my mother's favorite perfume, something like honeysuckle. On the palate, it's not as full-bodied as Viognier can be, especially not domestic examples. Rather, it presents a fresh face of lime zest and green apples interlace bright acidity that persist all the way through to a mouthwatering finish. I was surprised to note its 14.5% ABV is well concealed and better yet, it's very reasonably priced. Sample — 10 years ago

Jeff Onofrio

9.3

Great bottle for $13. I was told it is a bigger labeler who does this private and if it had the normal label it would be a $30-40 bottle. I agree! — 10 years ago

Michael Marceline

9.5

2010 is an incredible value. truth is the acid isn't totally integrated yet, but it's still gorgeous: heady aromatics of kirsch, red flowers and baking spice also show on palate, accented by chalky minerality. fine, feathery tannin and shimmering (if overbearing) acidity complete the picture. in 2+ years this will be a masterpiece. — 10 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.9

When Clyde told me we were going to do a dinner of 2000 vintage Bordeaux, I knew that the Champagne served had to be one of our very best. This wine has incredible depth and complexity from the slow ripening Arbanne and Meslier, along with the incredible acidity and brightness that can’t be shaken from these ancient varieties. Not many wines have both the breadth and length of this incredible, electric Champagne. It was a wower, especially with the salmon appetizer. — 11 years ago

Antoine Pin

Wine Buyer Kroger/QFC

9.8

Our post-wedding hotel champagne!! As good as my rel told be it would be. Just perfect. 96pts / $44 GrapeX/206 — 11 years ago

Brian Duprey

10

Wine Review: When visiting this all red wine focused winery on Lake Seneca, owner Kate Thomas told me this was their Wednesday wine. After trying it, I would say this very easy to drink wine could be your everyday wine. This wine opens with a mild light berry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is very well balanced, smooth, approachable, and had juicy cherry flavors. This wine finishes slightly dry and lingers for a while. This wine is a good food wine that would pair well with many foods. This is a great value wine that you would enjoy throughout the fall. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: In the toolbox it is the crescent wrench, in the kitchen it is the salt and pepper, and in a relationship it is the love. Red Legend gets it done. A healthy dose of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and whatever else is in the Shalestone cupboard. — 12 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.4

Firing. On. All. Cylinders. Wine was purchased about 3.5 years ago in a six-pack and was intended to be consumed rather fast. Back story: ran into a 12 pack of 2005 "Prima Voce" close to 10 years ago at about 10 bucks per bottle and was told it was "ok" for an Italian blend but it wouldn't last longer than a year or so (but noone knew for sure). It. Killed. Come to realize the only reason it was available readily in the states was because Kendall Jackson acquired them. Fast forward about 6 years from that and requested to find this one. Today, Arceno is still under the KJ umbrella. Have slowly been drinking on the ones I found a few years ago. This wine is rather aromatic even from Coravin. Dirty raspberry, grilled meat, Italian spice on the nose. Medium + density and mouthfeel. Acidity has died down quite a bit, allowing a floral dirty raspberry to show up front, losing a lot of sweetness. that I remember,Leathery and "bloody" in the middle. Finishes with some brambly herb, green olive, and a hint of black pepper spice. This wine is RIGHT at the top of the hill now. There are many 12 year old Chiantis that I would gladly pass on, but this one is a definite "yes please" even at 12 years of age. Ratings likely in the 8's because people just don't give this one the time that it needs. D — 8 years ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

10

Unbelievable structure. 12% alc so realistically no one could predicted how amazing this could be. Our friend David pulled this for us (making us aware it's likely to be a dead bottle) and told us the history behind it and about how it was to kalon before to kalon was recognized for being to kalon. If that makes any sense — 8 years ago

Edmond Bordelon

9.1

Almost sent this one back...popped the cork and threw it in a glass and so the nose was very dirty socks and old mushrooms. Luckily the best waitress ever told me to give it a minute in the decanter. She was right and the musk blew off and it was a great Knights Valley wine! Tannins were pronounced, color was deep garnet and the notes were blackberry and espresso with a medium finish. Will have to be more patient next time. — 9 years ago

Steve Anderson

9.3

Someone once told me I could be very cool if I drank Valentini. Apparently they were wrong about that, but not about the wines. This is one of the most complex and enjoyable Rosé/Rosato wines I've had. Great texture, fruit, minerality and finish. — 9 years ago

Joel Pennington #❤️🐢🍷

Owner/Winemaker Slow Turtle Vineyard

9.6

I bought this insanely smooth sake in Osaka - has been cellaring for past couple of years. Balance is incredible, everything has its place. Who ever put this together knows what sake is supposed to be like. — 9 years ago

Mike R

9.4

Some things l like - family, long weekends, friends and wine - Revana was started with H Barrett consulting - I buy her stuff - she seems to not be part of winery of late - but I have 09 and 10s that she was the winemaker consultant - now a new winemaker but still purchased 12 and 13s. I bet I got the history lesson wrong but what I was told but enough bs -decanted for 90 minutes - love the nose with cherries vanilla and other delights plus the lady of the home says right mix of pepper and sage (not sure I can go that far) - now the initial taste - dark fruits with some added black olives - really leaving great smiles here - I bet I open another since it is a holiday weekend — 10 years ago

Evan Fraser

9.2

Pleasing but tight red fruit on the nose, cherry and cranberry most notably, told me that this should be a wine that I should be drinking some time in the next 5 years. But my sister's birthday was reason enough to crack this open and pair with coq au vin. — 10 years ago

Willie Carter

9.3

Classic Old World style. A gorgeous ruby red in the glass. The Cap De Fer has a beautiful nose of tobacco and ripe red fruits. The palate follows the nose with really expressive tastes of the same. Plums and licorice really help to round out this very powerful wine. The acidity is balanced quite nicely and the tannins are soft and approachable. There's also just the right amount of spice which compliments the long, dry finish perfectly. Needs to be decanted for around an hour to really get to the real truth about this bottle, but when you do, you'll love it. — 10 years ago

boyd

9.5

The bartender told me this is why God exists. And he might be right. Single best vermouth I've ever had. — 11 years ago

Scott Winston

9.1

Want to get this wine again. Told I might be able to find it at albertsons — 11 years ago

George Grapes

9.5

I was told the AZ wines were gross. I read every label of the AZ wines and thought this would be the best bet for me. I really like it. Maybe you will think I have a caveman's pallet...but I'd drink this again. — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

A wine I’ve enjoyed mostly upon release or near it. I vowed to wait six years and nearly made it. At least it is 2018...just! It’s worth waiting this/that long for it to develop. On the nose; sweetly, baked fruits of; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, and notes of blue fruits. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium, beautiful spice, black fruit tea, limestone minerals, loamy, dry, brown top soil, fresh dark florals and violets. The mouthfeel is full, rich & lush. The tannins are round, still have some teeth and possess velvety round edges. It’s fruit driven but not a bomb and showing elegance & grace. Fruits are perfectly ripe; dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plums, blackberries, notes of blue fruits and dry cranberries dip in and out. Cinnamon, vanilla, very light clove & nutmeg, caramel, soft, medium beautiful spice that is more pronounced on the palate, black fruit tea, touch of melted brown sugar/molasses, limestone minerals, touch of rich dark sweet turned soil, loamy dry brown top soil, soft understated eucalyptus/mint, dry fresh florals and violets. The round acidity is just right, just a slight very small alcohol burn, the length, structure, tension and beautifully balanced finish are in a very good place. Even better in 2-3 more years in bottle; which is when I’ll have my next one. Photos of; the winemaking duo of Gary Franscioni (left) and Gary Pisoni, Rosella’s Vineyard on the right. As well as, Garys’ Vineyard at the bottom. Producer notes and history...The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is known for its rich, vibrant Pinot Noirs. However, that wasn’t always the case. The first Pinot was planted in 1973, but results weren’t all that great. Chardonnay was the appellation’s early star. Much of the area’s current fame for Pinot Noir arguably can be traced to Gary Pisoni, a free-spirited wine enthusiast who grew up in a Salinas Valley vegetable farming family. Pisoni decided to plant a few acres of Pinot Noir in 1982 on his family’s horse ranch, at the southern end of what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation but his horses started eating the grapes. So, they had to go. His initial planting were limited by a lack of water until he dug a well on the property. Pisoni started planting even more Pinot Noir. The vineyard is now around 45 acres and nearly all of it Pinot. By the late 1990s, word had spread about the success of his vineyard, and a number of Pinot specialists from around California had started lining up to buy his grapes. He started producing his own wine in 1998. Pisoni isn’t the only Gary who has become a force in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Gary Franscioni, a childhood friend, followed Pisoni’s lead by planting grapes and started Roar Wines in 2001. The two of them now have five vineyards between them...all farmed meticulously with the same crew. They are best of friends...sort of a Mutt & Jeff. They have become a formidable presence in the Highlands, attracting interest from top winemakers and Pinot Noir lovers from all over. Franscioni is also from a vegetable farming family; Pisoni figures they’ve known each other since they were 3 or 4. Franscioni saw his friend’s success and once he got some money together, decided to plant grapes of his own. Franscioni’s property is farther north and cooler as it’s closer to the Monterey Bay. He was going to plant Chardonnay. He woke up and Franscioni recalls imitating Pisoni, and shouted, “plant Pinot!” Franscioni planted what became Rosella’s Vineyard, named for his wife, in 1996. He took Pisoni’s advice and planted four acres of Pinot Noir, although he still planted 12 acres of Chardonnay. It’s now a total of around 50 acres with three-quarters of it Pinot Noir. The next year, they decided to become partners and planted Garys’ Vineyard, a 50 acre parcel where they grow Pinot and a little Syrah. Since then, Franscioni has developed Sierra Mar, 38 acres of Pinot, Chardonnay, Syrah and a tiny amount of Viognier. The two teamed up again to establish Soberanes Vineyard, 35 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, with a little bit of Chardonnay and Syrah. That last vineyard was developed by Pisoni’s son Mark. The Garys might seem an unlikely pair. Pisoni is colorful character to say the least and has an outspoken manner. Franscioni comes across as more serious- minded. However, the collaboration between the two, who often address each other as “partner,” clearly works well. The two are good on their own, but better together. Pisoni being more gregarious acts as the frontman. He is the Ambassador. He’s a check on the rest to keep the quality high. Franscioni and Mark Pisoni run the farming on their own vineyards and work together on the joint ventures. The family involvement doesn’t stop there. Jeff Pisoni makes his family’s wines, which are under the Pisoni and Lucia brands. Franscioni’s son, Adam, joined the family business in time for the 2011 harvest. He handles sales for Roar and helps his father manage the vineyards. The grapes from all five vineyards are in huge demand, because the two families are such careful farmers, constantly tweaking and improving. Prominent customers include; Testarossa, Siduri, Kosta Browne, Copain and Bernardus. When a new vintner approaches them about buying grapes, the partners examine the winery’s track record and the Winemaker. If they like what they see, the winery is put on a waiting list. There’s not very much movement in their vineyards. When Franscioni planted Sierra Mar, he and Pisoni had 62 wineries waiting to buy fruit. Soberanes was developed with the idea of working with some new winemakers. There was some concern, even among the two families, that quality might suffer as the vineyard operations grew. However, there’s no indication that’s the case. In fact, with each new venture, they build on what they’ve learned in their older vineyards. Eventually, there will be even more vineyards. The Pisonis and Franscionis have purchased a 100 acre cactus farm in the Santa Lucia Highlands. There’s still a lease on the property. So, prickly pear cactus will continue to be grown for five more years. But at some point, the land will be planted with vines. Both families understand the importance of continuing to build for the future. The Garys looking back tell a story of being in the same spot some years ago and looking at a field of broccoli out back. He told Franscioni that the field would look a lot better with Pinot Noir vines. Now that parcel is part of Rosella’s Vineyard, and it’s planted with Pinot. Everybody thought he was crazy...most people usually think that when someone makes a bold decision. He’s a person who has always had vision and creativeness. He also has tremendous passion. Good things only happen when a person possesses all three of these qualities. Their wines are primarily available by mailing list. However, Nepenthe in Big Sur, CA acts as a quasi tasting room for some of their wines. — 8 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.3

I love this wine. Stunning nose. A bowl of dark cherries, mint, bittersweet cocoa, licorice, lipstick, cassis and clean earth notes. Palate is stunning if you can get past initial tannic blast. So juicy and pure. Layered and almost opulent but with a whip of acidity. Long juicy finish and oodles of complexity but the story is just starting to be told. My score will rise. — 9 years ago

Meg

9.2

What if I told you you could buy a $60 wine (per Ma(i)sonry in Yountville) for $29?? UN-THINKABLE right? Well it's true - and it's a nice, subtle, soft Napa cab. A little earthy. And it can be yours. Just call the good people at WTSO (they have more to go at that price). 👍🏻 📞 — 10 years ago

mike pobega

9.3

Served blind. On fist sip I thought cab franc. On second merlot. I was told it was a blend. I figured cool blue fruits it could be Sonoma. It was a bit closed at first but 30 minutes later it exploded with a plushy softness. Wonderful frangipani, cardamom and reddish cassis. This is really quite beautiful and a real treat. Thank you Ray for sharing. — 10 years ago

Bobby Linsley

9.2

I really wanted to enjoy this wine but it fell flat. One of my friends told me you should never drink aged cabernet expecting it to be a crowd pleaser, he was right. It is a brilliantly made wine in terms of structure and acidity but still too tannic and grippy on the palette. Maybe it's indicative of the wine's superb structure but not my bag at all. Definitely seeing how cabernet is the thinking man's wine... — 10 years ago

Grey Jay

8.9

Definitely better with time so give it some and you'll be rewarded. I'd been drinking awhile by the time we opened this, but if you told me then it was a barbera, I would have believed you. Now I have to try sober (psych psych psych) — 11 years ago

Dirk Kennedy

10

Impeccably cellared , The 96 opened tight with all her secrets yet to be told. After the 1st hour, pure elegance. Notes of soft cedar, plum, fieldstone and black cherry. Lalande is always a lady first. Then the seduction begins — 11 years ago

with Dana

Gary Fahl

9.7

Excellent Pinot Noir from the W Club — 12 years ago