Vistas
Krug
Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend
Viña Errazuriz
Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015
The 2015 quality producer reds out of; Puente Alto, Maipo, Pirque and Aconcagua are strong considerations for your cellar or temp & humidity control cabinets. The fruit is sensational and the acidity is beautiful.
The nose is ripe, ruby floral and show slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, black raspberries. Some creamy raspberries, black cherry licorice/cola, dark semi-sweet soil, nice baking spices, cedar and fresh red & dark florals.
The body is gorgeous and full. The tannins are rounded, firm and gluey. The fruits are ripe, slightly candied and fresh. blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, some creamy raspberries, strawberries, black cherry licorice/cola, dark, nice herbal notes, semi-sweet dark soil, dry loamy top soils, dry stems, chewy leather, lighter baking spices than the nose, cedar and fresh red & dark florals.
Photos of; their tasting in the old Viña, two vistas from their property and the newer more modern Viña. — 8 years ago
Regusci
Estate Grown Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Fresh, ripe nose of; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum, mocha/milk chocolate, caramel, baking spices, sweet rich clay soils, very light presence of herbs and fresh red flowers with violets. The body is full, rich and nicely resolved with round M+ tannins. The fruits are big and ripe; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum with strawberries dancing in the background. Caramel, mocha/milk chocolate, chocolate pudding, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, hints of clove, sweet rich clay soils, darker spices, crumbled volcanic minerals, touch of dry herbs, suede/velvety leather, mouthwatering, fresh round acidity and a long, rich, elegant, smooth as silk, balanced finish that lasts over a minute. Photos of; the the tasting room/bar, the fresh vegetable honor stand in front of the winery, picnic area and the view onto the valley floor from their terrace. Producer notes and history...born near the Italian-Swiss border, Gaetano Regusci journeyed to the Napa Valley in 1891 working at a dairy along today's Silverado Trail. In 1932, Gaetano cashed in his entire life insurance policy and purchased a foreclosed property across the road, known today as Regusci Ranch. For the next 30 years, Gaetano lived off the land, farming; corn, hay, walnuts, plums and grapes. He ranched cattle, ran a dairy and opened a retail market. They survived prohibition and the great depression. Gaetano held onto the Ranch, passing along the historic Stags Leap District property to his son Angelo in the 1960s. Regusci long before making wine were excellent farmers...a nice resume for growing grapes. Through five generations, they were commited to agriculture. Gaetano Regusci purchased a 289-acre estate in the Stags Leap District; which included one of the preeminent wineries of its time, the Grigsby-Occidental Winery established in 1878. At that time, the wine industry was not what it is today. Aside, from growing and making homemade wine and selling grapes. When Gaetano's son Angelo took over the family Ranch in the 1960s, he began planting Bordeaux varieties on the estate. His decision would prove to be visionary within a few decades. As the wine industry flourished so did their vineyards. They planted a 160 acres of grapes that reside on the estate today. Angelo's (Angelo's Vineyard, is perhaps their best bottling) son Jim became a farmer as well, taking over Ranch duties in the 1990's. Having farmed for many of Napa Valley's most notable vineyards, Jim decided to establish Regusci in 1996. Their first crush amounted to 1,900 cases. Today, they produce 6,500 total cases spilt under several different wines designations. It's a fun place to visit and taste. Behind the tasting bar, they have a two foot piece of the cable that was used to make the Golden Gate Bridge. Ask them to see it. However, it's as heavy as a large dumbbell. When you make an appointment, see about reserving one of their picnic tables after the tasting. If you get a table purchase your lunch before you get to the winery as they do not sell prepared food. However, during the growing season, they have a honor system cart for the fruits and vegetables they still grow as shown in the photos. It's a must stop along the Silverado Trail...a beautiful setting with amazing vistas. — 9 years ago
Foxen
7200 Volpino Sangiovese Blend 2012
The Foxen Volpino, or "little fox", is a 78% Sangiovese - 22% Merlot blend. The merlot hails from Vogelzang located in Happy Canyon AVA, but I'm not sure where the sangiovese is sourced. Either way, the wine is one of the 7200's "caltalian" blends that, if available, can be poured for you in the winery's "Shack" tasting room. The shack is an adorable bare bones structure located off the Foxen Canyon Road surrounded by old world charms and stunning vistas, full of sassy sommeliers and attendants. Not fined or filtered, the grapes and barrels do the talking and deliver a fine new world example of an old world staple. ~$32 | #foxen #volpino #caltalian
On the eyes: Bright, garnet, burnt orange color, med+ stain, med+ tears, no gas, floc present.
On the nose: Vinous, cassis, blackberry, tobacco, mint, hints of petrol, med+ alcohol.
On the tongue: high acid, med+ tannin, med+ alcohol, med round body. Juicy, black cherry, current jam, a tinge of pressed meats, then leather yielding to oak and smoke. A very serviceable table wine - still young, wait another a year or two as it starts to come into its own. — 10 years ago
Vistas A La Colina
Tempranillo
Surprisingly good for Boxing Day. — 11 years ago
Cuvelier Los Andes
Valle de Uco Malbec 2013
On the nose; the fruits are, ruby, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, baking spices, black licorice, dark soils and fresh red and violets.
On the palate; the body is full with dry thick, sticky tannins. ruby, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, baking spices, chewy , underbrush, dry stones, leather black licorice, dark soils and fresh red and violets.
Photos of the vistas around the properties. — 8 years ago
Finca Decero
Amano Remolinos Vineyard Malbec Blend 2014
On the nose, ripe, ruby, fresh fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, blue fruits& dark cherries. Vanilla, caramel, sweet dark soils & sweet dry top soil, some black licorice, light medium spice and dark fresh and decayed flowers.
On the palate, the body is very full with dry sticky, meaty tannins. Ripe, ruby, fresh fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, blue fruits & dark cherries, Vanilla, caramel, clove, sweet dark soils & sweet dry top soil, some black licorice, more light medium spice than showed on the nose, dry crushed rocks, volcanic minerals and bright, dark and red fresh flowers.
Photos of, Finca Decero and the various vistas from the property.
— 8 years ago
Kingston Family Vineyards
Bayo Oscuro Syrah 2015
On the nose; soft & really nice perfumed florals. Quiet ripe fruits of; dark cherries, blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, black & plum. Vanilla, light cinnamon, light sweet spice, light pepper, black licorice, sweet tarry notes, rich dark soils with bright red floral and beautiful violets.
The body is round and full. The tannins are soft, rounded and velvety. Ripe, ruby fruits of; dark cherries, blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, black, strawberries as it opens & plum. Vanilla, light cinnamon, light sweet spice, light pepper, black licorice, loamy dry top soil, crushed rock powder, understated sweet tarry notes, rich dark soils with bright red floral and beautiful violets. Acidity is again round and waterfallish. The long finish is nicely polished, elegant, balanced and beautiful.
Photos of; their small cellar facilities. They sell much more fruit than they make into wine. More Estate vines from our walk of the property and another one of their beautiful Casablanca Valley vistas. — 8 years ago
Gibbston Valley
Late Harvest Pinot Gris GV Collection 2016
Stone fruits, dry pineapple, marmalade, white & yellow florals, honey, candied nuts, citrus, citrus blossoms, melon & delicate minerals. The body is thick & rich, has round acidity with a well polished finish. Photos of their cheese shop. If you like big stinky cheeses...this is your place. Barrel room and more amazing vistas the other side of Queenstown. — 9 years ago
Felton Road
Bannockburn Riesling 2016
No petrol on the nose. White & yellow florals, soft, subtle, fresh, citrus of; lemon, lime, grapefruit, pineapple, light stone fruits and light, soft minerality. On the palate, such freshness of fruit; pineapple, lemon, lime, grapefruit, stone fruits, melons, gentle and soft minerality. The medium body & finish is pure, elegant, round, lush, exotic & sexy. Not to mention perfect acidity. Photos of another perspective of the properties sensational vistas, Sofia walking the grounds and the Cellar Door. — 9 years ago
Mt. Difficulty
Packspur Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015
On the nose, cherries, poached strawberries, soft minerals, fresh red roses and loamy soils. On the palate, creamy but leaner; raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, spiced plum, beautifully soft volcanic minerals, loamy soils, cinnamon, clove and nice soft spice. Finishes with bright strawberries, good chalkiness and acidity. Photos of their tasting bar and another angle of their sweeping vistas. — 9 years ago
Pieropan
La Rocca Soave Garganega 2013
The 2013 Pieropan La Rocca Soave
sets the imagination adrift to high altitude vistas, with delicate, breezy aromas of wild mint, resinous mountain air, white flowers, and white peaches. Crafted from 100% Garganega, it's golden-robed and silky on entry with bright, deliciously tart acidity delineating richer lemon curd and stone fruit notes. Pleasingly fleshy and full with a medium length finish tinged with sea salt. Really lovely. Sample — 11 years ago
Michel Rolland
Clos de los Siete Valle de Uco Malbec Blend 2017
This is done by Michel Rolland. Perhaps, the most famous international consult out there.
On the nose; ripe, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black raspberries with some strawberries. Dark rich soil, black licorice, dusty top soil, and dark red florals & violets.
On the palate; the body is medium and the tannins dusty, tarry & sticky. The fruits are juicy; blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black raspberries with some strawberries. Dark rich soil, black licorice, light tarry notes, leather, dusty top soil, and dark red florals & violets. The acidity rains on the palate. The finish is well balanced and fruit driven landing on dry powdery tannins.
Photos of the Andes. It was the closest visit we had in proximity to them. Other vistas around the Properties. — 8 years ago
Finca Decero
The Owl & The Dust Devil Remolinos Vineyard Malbec Blend 2015
One of the first things our host Carolina showed us was their App you can download from the App Store. You open this App on your phone or iPad etc.. Hold it in front of the bottle and the label is turned into augmented reality with full motion animation telling the story behind the wine. It was very cool!
On the nose, ripe; ruby, lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, cherries & strawberries. Vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, warm, sweet, dark soil, soft leather, light spice and fresh & withering dark flowers. The body full.
The body is full. The tannins big, firm, tarry, meaty & sticky. The fruits are ripe, ruby, lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, cherries & strawberries. Vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, warm, sweet, dark soil, soft leather, light spice and fresh & weathering dark flowers. The acidity is round & beautiful. The finish gorgeous, polished and beautifully elegant.
Photos of, their terrace view. Vistas around Finca Decero. — 8 years ago
Château Haut-Bages Libéral
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1986
Celebrating a 10 year anniversary only happens once. Tonight is all about trying to recreate as much of our wedding day as possible. I cooked two pasta dishes the restaurant in Cortona made for us family style. While good, there’s no substitution for truly well done Italian cooking from the old world. What the restaurant did for our reception was truly amazing and done with wonderful Italian hospitality. Those of you that know my wine habits, I’m the guy who brings Bordeaux to an Italian wedding reception and that’s what I did. After all, It was our/my wedding. I brought an 1986 Haut Bages Liberal magnum with me from the U.S.. So in remembrance of our wedding reception, we are enjoying another magnum on our 10th anniversary tonight. I was concerned about finding another magnum in good drinking condition. However, this bottle 10 years further removed is better than the one we enjoyed at our wedding. In magnum and larger formats, I think it has another 5-10 years left of good drinking ahead...properly stored of course. On the nose; dark cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, cherries, dry cranberries, a touch of pyrazine, black rich earth, stones, old tobacco leaf, cedar, saddle-wood, baking spices and dark fresh floral bouquet. The body is somewhere between medium to full. The tannins are nicely resolved. Fruits are ripe, fresh and juicy 31 years down the road. Blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, cherries, dry cranberries & pomegranate extract. Black licorice, a touch of pyrazine, black rich earth, wet stones, dry top soil, old tobacco leaf, light expresso roast, softly understated asian spice, mint, cedar, saddle-wood, baking spices (vanilla, cinnamon, light clove & a hint of nutmeg), violets and dark fresh floral bouquet. The acidity is round and like a waterfall over the palate. The finish is rich, ripe, balanced, well textured, elegant and lasts well over a minute. The quality of this magnum wildly exceeded our expectations. One would think this bottle was stored at a Chateau it’s entire life prior to my purchase. The alcohol comes in at 12.5%; which is one of the reasons I love the good years of 80’s Bordeaux and prior. Too bad alcohol levels are negatively impacted higher now and going forward due to climate change. Additionally in some cases, because of producer marketing decisions largely based on consumers who crave higher alcohol levels! Sofia, I am lucky to have found you to walk through life together. I love you now and forever. What a 10th celebration tonight and a celebration of our life together. All under a nearly full moon. Oooow, I ❤️ you! Photos from our 5th anniversary trip back to Cortona; the building we were married inside & out and one of the vistas surrounding (Cathedral) this beautiful hilltop town. — 9 years ago
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
Congrats 🎈🎊, we had # 10 in 2000,Carrick
Josephine Central Otago Riesling 2014
Medium intensity of petrol, ripe green melon, white peach, lemon, lime, green apple & soft chalky minerals. The finish is fruit driven, round & lush with beautiful acidity. Additional Photos of their beautiful Cellar Door vistas. — 9 years ago
Piccini
Memoro Primitivo Blend
ļoti laba garša (ar vistas, ķirbja pīrāgu) — 10 years ago
Gramona
Gessami Penedès Muscat Blend 2014
Huey had this 11 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Happy birthday to my wife Sofia! She wanted to go have a birthday lunch in Big Sur at Nepenthe. With these views, who wouldn’t want to go celebrate there? Great vistas, good food and an even better wine list. Krug by the glass and so much more! Good warm up for lunch.
It’s a combination of reductive and oxidized style on the nose. Bruised apple, bruised Bosc pear, well overripe pineapple, marmalade, touch of caramel, creamed cider, understated honey notes, chalkiness, seashells, some oysters, volcanic minerals w/ fruit blossoms & withering yellow lilies.
The palate shows more reductive style than oxidized. Less pronounced bruised apple, bruised Bosc pear, well overripe pineapple, white citrus, marmalade, touch caramel, creamed soda, apple cider, understated honey notes, chalkiness, seashells, some oysters, volcanic minerals with fruit blossoms & withering yellow lilies. The acidy is quite nice. Very good; structure, length & balance. The long, beautiful, rich, finish is just what you’d expect from Krug.
Photos of, the outdoor bar with that view, whew, Nepenthe pumpkin, with the cell tower signal so bad & no wi-fi, they need a antique phone booth and the outdoor lounge/waiting area, complete with a ping pong table.
@Nepenthe Big Sur — 8 years ago