West Coast Wine Cellar

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2016

Unscrewed and poured; no formal notes. These friggen Chardonnays from Margaret River. I’ve been blinded on them too many times to count and I never call it right. Instead, I always seem to call a high acid grape like Riesling of Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is sometimes tropical, always with citrus and sometimes is shows green apple and always with awesome minerals. Acid is squarely in the high category. They are lovely wines that just seem to throw me for a loop. If Chablis, the Mosel and Sancerre had a love child. Drink now and through 2036 easy. A fabulous pairing with lamb massaman, larb and papaya salad. How can they hide the 100% new French oak so well?! — 9 days ago

Jeroen, Ira and 10 others liked this

Kosta Browne

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021

On the nose, there is blackberry and dark cherry... On the palate, beautiful baked blackberry tart... Maybe even some baking spices in there as well including a wee cinnamon... The mild spice of an oriental pipe tobacco lurking... Acidity is middle of the road... Blueberry makes a late appearance... The tannins here are very soft and contributing to a long length that seems to go the earthy, savory direction... — a day ago

Anita Beishuizen
with Anita
Ira and LM liked this

La Crema

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

This is one of my go to wines because it’s classic and goes well with many things. More in the oakier side and slightly heavy but I love the buttery flavor. — 11 days ago

Marcassin

Marcassin Vineyard Chardonnay 2009

2009 vintage. Golden color. Heavy body (still!!). Unctuous with a corresponding amount of acidity to keep the proceedings in check for the next decade. This ain’t going nowhere. About as far from my “jam” as is possible but still other-worldly. 5.1.24. — 12 days ago

Ira, Jan and 15 others liked this

Belle Glos

Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

This IS Santa Barbara County Pinot! First taste was a big burst of fruit. Not to sweet, not supple and unsophisticated, not a jammy Zin bomb, mind you. Instead, more like a zing of bright, pure, winey fruit. Remarkable and memorable. We had the 2022 vintage in a magnum bottle so perhaps that helped preserve its freshness and purity. We enjoyed this Big Mama at the Palm Restaurant in downtown LA, celebrating my daughter Rachel’s graduation from UCLA Law School. Congratulations, Rachel! — a day ago

Ted liked this

Mark West

California Pinot Noir

5/3/24 - more Argentina steak from Tango Sur after my birthday! — 10 days ago

Beth Andrew
with Beth

Alban Vineyards

Reva Alban Estate Vineyard Syrah 2019

2019 vintage. Heavy/full body. This is banging. Fruit. Body. Earth/minerals. Spices. Great stuff. 5.9.24. — 4 days ago

Jonathan, Jan and 8 others liked this

Roederer Estate

L'Ermitage Brut Anderson Valley Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2017

Wonderful! Great yeast, brioche, citrus, full body, and smooth. Nice little bubbles. — 5 days ago

DAD, Bob and 3 others liked this

Rombauer Vineyards

Carneros Chardonnay

Great mix of a European and Napa style. Nice fruit and slight butter after. Very nice. — 4 days ago

Saxum Vineyards

Broken Stones Red Rhone Blend 2010

Monday night pull. Idiot friend wanted wine with burgers. He said “it’s red meat”. Meh, rather have a coke. Good juice. Cork was soft. Enjoyable but maybe better sooner? I won’t know. — 14 days ago