Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

First vintage of a joint venture between two important Italian wine families. Bright ruby color. Black cherry and mulberry fruit on the nose with an intense hit of volcanic ash and soft herbal hints. Ripe red fruit flavors with a flinty note on the finish. Medium bodied with intense acidity. Polished. Good food wine. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

A joint venture of Jorge Ordonez, Bodegas Borsao and Chris Ringland, located in the town of Bulbuente (Zaragoza) Spain. Alto Moncayo is the flagship of the winery. A single-grape variety of Garnacha, from vines between 40 and 70 years old, aged in new barrels for 20 months. Bold aromas of fruit and spice. On the palate black fruit flavors, rich and full-bodied, with complex spice. Fine tannins, savory, good structure ending with a smoky character. Very nice! — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.2

My first time with this producer. Very enjoyable and classic. Lemon, limestone, chalk, caramel dipped underripe Granny Smith apple, and a fruit taste I commonly get with Pinot meunier. Not sure if it’s included, but I’d venture to say it has a fair bit. On the lighter side with a fresh bite at the end. — 5 years ago

with Dan and Mark

David Shaw

9.0

Last of my own stock of Paul Gregutt’s old vine Chenin blanc from Washington state. The venture is now defunct, alas. Pale yellow white, excellent clarity. Floral and funk notes in nose. Honey peach-apricot and cantaloupe flavors, slight skin astringency in finish, lemony aftertaste with a tinge of cantaloupe-apricot. Great length of flavors, good acidity but lacks a bit of needed crispness. And in the future, please help support your local old vine Chenin blanc producer. The world deserves more quality wines like this. — 6 years ago

WineMascot

9.0

2016, a other tightly wound pinot I had the pleasure to try. A bit simpler than it's big sister by its side but has a total of 9 clones blended so I'm going to venture to say it will be ever evolving — 7 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. — 7 years ago

Paul T HB

9.4

Better than my first bottle last June.
Parker 95 Wine Maker notes,


Derek Mossman began Garage Wine Company at a time when there were relatively few smaller, family owned wineries in Chile. He not only started his venture to produce hand made wines on a human scale, but also to buy fruit from and support farmers with great quality fruit throughout the country. Along the way, he also banded together a group of like minded wineries to create MOVI, a platform to promote smaller production wineries in Chile.

Tantalizing aromas of blueberries, violets, orange peel, raspberry leaf and aniseed with a touch of aromatic herbs that provide freshness. The palate is electric, with pulsing acidity, ultra-fine tannins and very good length. Both rustic and elegant, wild and subtle, it has precision, elegance, balance and life. Shows no alcohol nor wood. A fresh, Mediterranean blend from a vineyard that was forgotten, revived, regenerated and today shows what the Maule is capable of. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Angelo Gaja’s venture - Ca'Marcanda. Blend of 60% Cab Franc, 30% Cab Sauv & 10% Petit Verdot, barrel aged for 12 mos. A big, very rich Gaja style wine. Deep red with dark berry fruits and earthy leathery spice notes. On the palate blackberry and black cherry flavors, smooth with integrated spice, mint and tobacco, screaming acidity. Fine tannins, great balance, long, drinks well ending with mineral spice character. Very nice. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Dusty left bank aromatics. Strong at 15 years - a medium to full bodied palate still vibrant and alive. A word on Drinking Windows - A UK source I respect greatly said 2016-2018 for this wine but this tasting showed there was a lot of life left - maybe another 4 to 5 years I would say. To be fair it is an inexact science. This the Argentinian venture of Right Bank Icon, Chateau Cheval Blanc. 55% Malbec, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. There is no doubt you could mistake this as Bordeaux. An excellent Wine singing at 15 years. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Angelo Gaja, owner of Gaja Winery, began a new venture - Ca'Marcanda, Piedmontese term for “house of endless negotiations”-Blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Syrah & 10% Sangiovese, aromas of berry fruits and sweet oak and floral notes. On the palate fresh red berry fruits with a smoky oak character. Fine tannins, lingering, ending with fruit and oak character. Nice! Tasting Sample! — 6 years ago

Kaitlin Ohlinger

10

I’m not sure Delectable knows which wine this is- 2010 MSR white label; a small low yield “crown of the hill” parcel of the estate. Been saving this guy and holy mother of god did it reward. I venture a guess that at 8 years old it could be in its “prime” window but it absolutely could go another decade. This wine made me a little sad that we might not get another cold vintage in Oregon. It was so stunning and so pure it took my breath away. Not an understatement in any way. — 7 years ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.0

Well made. My first venture into Tasmania wine. It was fleshier than I was expecting from a cool climate. Kind of peachy with some baking spices. Tried it over two days. — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

In 2001 Alan Peirson, Lesley Warner-Peirson, Robbie and Shannon Meyer were enjoying a bottle of wine & discussed a future venture sketching their logo on a cocktail napkin. In the Fall of 2001 they produced their first vintage, 300 cases of RRV Chardonnay. Aged for 8 months in French oak, usual fruit and spice notes. Mellow and creamy, one of the few SB that are oaked, citrus and melon, great acidity, fresh and crisp. Lingering finish ending with a combo of fruit and flowers wrapped in cedar. Very nice — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous notes for this cuvée and vintage 76 weeks ago An unlikely venture on Kangaroo Island SA owned by Jacques Lurton of Cheval Blanc fame. The Lurton family own vineyards around the world. This is 100% Cabernet Franc. Herbal tea leaf like notes which belie the sweetish medium weight palate. Red Currant with mild resolved tannins. Overall very pleasing and ready to drink. — 5 years ago

Matt Konopka

9.0

Big Jammy Napa Cab, eucalyptus, plum. Went great with #Rastelli steaks for dinner tonight.
Needed a little normal! — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

This is Alain Graillots Australian venture in Heathcote Victoria. Interesting to compare with his Crozes Hermitage from a few nights ago. This showed better IMO. Lovely spice and dried meat. More like Northern Rhone than Heathcote. Earthy and savoury. Showed better than a bottle in December 2019. — 5 years ago

Rick Baraff

9.1

Nice, nice. Thought it might be a muddling, middling venture at such a steep price at a nice restaurant, but after being a tad fruity on opening, turns out really solid, balanced nicely minerally dinner pairing with some character. Enjoyable. — 6 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.3

2012 Cirq "Treehouse Vineyard" Russian River Pinot Noir from an amazing red-soiled Vineyard at an elevation of approximately 750 feet. I like to think of it as a more elegant Kosta Browne. Flowery, raspberry nose giving way to rose petal, cola, chocolate covered cherries and licorice on the mid palate. Vibrant acidity. Nice texture. Beautiful finish. Best showing to date, but I would say leave it in the cellar for a while. Built for aging, me thinks. Personally, I can’t wait to taste Michael’s new venture. Very talented winemaker. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 14 Almaviva Cabernet is 68% Cabernet, 22% Carménère and 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The vines are 38 years of age. The wine spent 18 months in 75% new oak. The nose shows some slight funk at first. Blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, black cherry cola/licorice and dark florals. The M+ tannins are soft and a little sticky. The fruits are slightly candied in style. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark chocolate, soft leather, crushed rocks, dark moist turned earth and dark fresh florals. The structure, length, tension, balance and finish are quiet beautiful. Producer history and notes...Almaviva began in 1997, as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro. With the strengths of both families pedigree, they achieved international recognition with the the launch of their very first vintage. Their goal was to create the equivalent of Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé in Chile. Patrick Leon is their Winemaker and also makes Opus One & Mouton Rothschild. Almaviva is located in the Maipo Valley in Chile's central zone. Puente Alto has ideal conditions for growing the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Almaviva has 85 hectares. The climatic features of Puente Alto include its; stony soil, cold, rainy winters, and the hot days and cool nights of its summers. Maipo is considered Chile’s Napa Valley.
— 8 years ago

JKT

9.0

Tasted at Venture Cafe event courtesy of BW 4/27/17. Shockingly good for MA sparkler, who knew! Golden hew in color and nutty Sherry notes due to age and balanced palette with good length. Savory notes. Would be great to throw in a blind tasting! — 8 years ago