Lee Lightfoot

9.3

Delicious, better on day two quite ripe but acid of 10’ still quite evident. Dark kirsch and monumental finish. — 4 years ago

Anne Richardson

8.9

A fun little Rosé! The blending of the Merlot and the Riesling lend to a sweet but not too sweet refreshment. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.4

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

Really enjoyed my visiting with Will at Mending Wall where he poured Rivers-Marie as well as his personal label William & Mary.

My favorite of the tasting. Co-fermented cab franc and merlot. I’m partial to cab franc, so no surprise this was up my alley. Gorgeous display of violets, herbs de Provence, red and black currant and sandalwood. Great weight on the palate channeling herbal/savory notes next to underripe rhubarb and blackberries. Delicious. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Our first bottling from this small production family winery in Calistoga.

My first impressions of this wine, it’s a classic older Calistoga Cabernet. It’s nicely resolved but, not at the end of its life as some have predicted. It is a shade past its prime but, drinking nicely with the exception it’s a touch hot, even after all this time in bottle and when temp’s were not pushing alcohol levels like they can now. However, heat aside, I enjoy wines just the other side of their prime and beyond. Brings out additional complexity-characteristics and are infinitely more interesting.

The nose reveals, stewed & baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, black cherry extract, black raspberries with some deep blue fruits. Loads of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Dark spice, dark chocolate, sweet tarriness, mocha, caramel, walnut shells, anise to black licorice, steeped, dark fruit teas, mint/eucalyptus, dry crushed rocks, leather, tobacco, graphite, used charcoal, dark liqueur and cola, dry herbs with dark, red, blue, purple, fresh & withering flowers accented with lavender.

The body is rich, lush, ruby, statin, velvety and thick. The tannins are rounded & softened but, still speaking loudly. The structure, tension, length and balance are in a very good place. This wine has legs to stand for another 5-10 years depending on how you enjoy them. Stewed, candied & baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, black cherry extract, black raspberries deep blue fruits, purple fruit blend, haunting raspberries with poached strawberries as it sets. Loads of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Dark spice with good palate heat, dark chocolate, sweet tarriness, mocha, caramel, walnut shells, anise to black licorice, steeped, dark fruit teas, mint/eucalyptus, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, slightly, moist clay, pronounced, fine volcanic minerals, leather, tobacco, graphite, used charcoal, dark liqueur and cola, dry herbs with dark, red, blue, purple, fresh & withering flowers accented with lavender. The acidity is round & exquisite. The long finish is; well balanced fruit & earth, very complexity, rich, delicious and persists endlessly.

Photos of; Stephanie Jones Bailey, Rick and Elaine Jones, Estate view, their Cabernet fruit close to harvest and vineyard staff managing fruit clusters & leafing.

Producer notes...they were founded in 1996. Jones Family Vineyards specializes in estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Thomas Rivers Brown makes their wines, two Cabernet wines...Jones Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and The Sisters. TRB also makes an extremely limited production of aged Sauvignon Blanc that is cellared for over 3 years in barrel and bottle.

Jones Family has ten acres of south facing vineyards that lie 600 to 800 feet off the valley floor, resting above the fog line, an ideal altitude for growing Cabernet in the Napa Valley area.

@Paul T- Huntington Beach FYI. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.5

@Mark Flesher and I decided to do a 2014 Napa Cab battle from two of Napa’s top winemakers...TRB and Mike Smith.

In comparison to the Rivers-Marie, this was darker and more savory. There were crushed rock/graphite and charcoal toasted blueberry and blackberry aromatics. Plush and inviting. On the palate, this was incredibly silky with beautiful structure. The palate showed Beckstoffer GIII typical notes of cinnamon, dust, baked black cherry and some cardamom. A wonderful and textbook example of this site from a talented winemaker. Bravo @Mike Smith — 6 years ago

with Mark

Bryce Wiatrak

9.0

New Zealand Syrah doesn't get a lot of attention, much less from Marlborough. But a recent flight of Syrahs from across the two islands made me wonder why. Fromm crafts an elegant and pure expression in their La Strada Syrah with hints of exoticism in flavors of blood orange peel, pomegranate and hibiscus. — 7 years ago

Paul Maranzan

8.9

Bought for cooking but greatly surprised me. High acidity, crisp, and great flavours of pear and apple. Will pick up a few more bottles to have on hand. — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.1

Attended a virtual tasting with Anne Parent, winemaker for Domaine Parent. The Domaine started making wine back in the 17th century. Many thanks to my good friend @Mike R for setting it all up.

What makes this wine special (aside from the fact that it’s only produced in special years) is the fact that it’s not a typical Bourgogne...70% of this wine comes from the Village of Pommard (70+yr old vines) and 30% of this wine comes from premiers crus vineyards. Clearly a step up from most producers typical Bourgogne, which is a massive amalgamation of fruit. A true testament to Domaine Parent and the threshold for quality.

30min decant and then followed it over the next two hours. Beautiful out of the gate, with so much floral and spice aromatics. Potpourri, spiced rhubarb, dried cranberries, fleshy black cherries, black tea herbal nuances and a brief sweet note of brown sugar. Fairly mellow and plush on the palate with classic underbrush, typical Pommard dried red and black fruits, and a tart, energetic and delicious finish. Nothing thin or overly herbal here. Like a Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast with more restraint. Wonderful QPR. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.4

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

Really enjoyed my visiting with Will at Mending Wall where he poured Rivers-Marie as well as his personal label William & Mary.

A baby, but lots of great things ahead. The fruit is very pure and concentrated without being overly rich. Hardly any trace of oak. Bright lemon zest, crushed limestone, honeysuckle with fresh and zippy acidity. Lots to like here. Thanks for a wonderful hosting @William J. Segui . — 5 years ago

Anne Richardson

9.0

Sooo good paired with our Prime Rib! Deep flavors of cassis and red fruits: The Syrah adds a peppery spice. Very good! — 6 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.2

Sometimes I just don't understand these CT ratings. I don't know if it's political that certain wines get certain scores, or if people actually feel that way. In my opinion, this Chardonnay is worth at least two points from the average sub 90 rating. Popped and poured. Ample weight on the nose and on the front of this wine. Nose of kiwi, and hint of honeydew. The entry of this wine is way more potent. Peach, herbs, mango, medium-plus acidity. Really delightful. I think this wine will develop for another 5 years. — 6 years ago

with Dan

Shay A

9.4

The owners of Hobel Wines came to town and put on a nice tasting, while also detailing their history. Very nice people and wines. They make two wines, both Cabernets from Calistoga. TRB is the winemaker.

I preferred this over The Figure. This could be a dead ringer for a Rivers-Marie Cabernet. TRB signature style of showing the entire fruit spectrum...raspberries, black cherry, blueberries. Dark cocoa in the middle showing a finish that turned more herbal and savory. Really enjoyable. — 6 years ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

9.1

Oaky smokey nose with strawberries and cherries, charred marshmallow, with afternotes of forest leaves. I'd suddenly love to have cherried s'mores by the summer fire on cool misty fall eve! Incredible light and clarity. Palate in coordinance with bouquet. Earthed in a way unexpected for the region. Delicious and earthed to compete with Willamette, yet has the sun bakiness of Santa Barbara. The perfect more intense Burgundian marriage of these two regions. Long long finish with high acidity and striking abundance. Makes me want to dance in the rain. — 7 years ago

Scott C

Founder / Co-director SR Wine imports

9.0

Stunning greek wine . A lost greek variety Kontoura . Aromas of melon , hint of pineapple . Good acidity , quite full , mineral and very long finish . Old vines / high altitude . Beautiful — 5 years ago

R b

9.5

One of the best Rosé I’ve had in a long time. Very fruity with melon and strawberry notes — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

Really enjoyed my visiting with Will at Mending Wall where he poured Rivers-Marie as well as his personal label William & Mary.

A side by side with this and the proprietary red. Very red fruit dominant accompanied by underripe black fruits...black cherries, dark cocoa and floral aromatics like potpourri. Very smooth and tightly coiled on the palate. No hard edges. This can be enjoyed with a lengthy decant, but the best is yet to come. — 5 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Star bright pale straw. Abundant classic Kiwi nose of guava and lemongrass. Bright acidity leads the medium light palate of guava, lemongrass, and soft citrus rind. Finish is typically brief, but strong and a wee bit dark. The standard Marlborough has been aWkne Spectator “Best Buy” for two vintages running. The Estate ”Signature Series” kicks things up a few notches with elegance. Best as a sipper, it will still satisfy with rich “white wine” fare that can use a good cut-through. I’m having KFC, though fried/sautéed fish or seafood would be killer! Drink now. — 5 years ago

Lyn Farmer

9.0

100% Sauvignon from Totem Vineyard in Yountville plus two other vineyards in Coombsville. Barrel fermented, two to four weeks of French oak, 40% new
This is less grassy and gooseberry than a Marlborough but more assertive than many California sauvignons where the fruit gets so ripe it turns to peach and fig. This is a real Sauvignon lover’s wine with hallmarks of both New World and Old.
Pale lemon, creamy texture with crisp, well-balanced acidity. Plenty of herbal overtones without losing a fruity, mineral-driven core. Long finish - an exciting wine. — 6 years ago

David Shaw

8.9

Purchased at their Oregon winery. Pale yellow with a golden tinge, excellent clarity. Pineapple and herb notes in nose. Pineapple, herb and lemon-orange flavors, creamy lees finish, light to moderate skin astringency. Mandarin orange and slightly mineral aftertaste. Good acidity, rounded mouthfeel. Tasty fruit forward style but no discernible cat’s pee note if you expect that from a Marlborough Sauvignon blanc. Intensity of fruit flavors change over time, with orange-mandarin flavors receding somewhat after two hours. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.5

@Mark Flesher and I decided to do a 2014 Napa Cab battle from two of Napa’s top winemakers...TRB and Mike Smith.

At pop and pour, the aromatics here were absolutely wonderful. There was a sweet/ripe dark fruit core to this wine. Very youthful with some cedar and cocoa. Stylistically I view TRB as a red and black fruit Cab winemaker and I found the nose to be on the darker side. BUT. The raspberry, vanilla pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and dates on the palate showed TRB in every way. There was an elegance with power here. In a few years, this will undoubtedly be stellar. Great bottle @Mark Flesher — 6 years ago

with Mark