Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

Few wines fit perfectly into my wheelhouse. This is one of a few. I picked this up at Seavey last weekend. 1997 is such a historic Napa vintage and this wine lives up to every inch of it. It’s a wine that you want to slowly sip all night.

On the nose; very, ripe; blackberries, sweet & sour dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, huckleberries with slightly baked strawberries haunt the background. Mixed berry cola, vanilla, cherry liqueur notes, some black licorice, limestone minerals, very light clove, soft subtle dark spices, dry crushed rock powder, sweet tarry notes, saddle-wood, very soft leather, forest floor, blue flowers and dark fresh & withering flowers.

The body is gloriously soft, round and beyond elegant. Still has plenty of soft, round, slightly tarry tannins. The structure, tension, length and balance have hit its sweet spot with another 7-10 years of really good drinking left. It’s harmony on the palate. Ripe; blackberries, sweet & sour dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, huckleberries with slightly baked strawberries haunt the background. Mixed berry cola, vanilla, notes of caramel, cherry liqueur notes, steeped fruit tea, some black licorice, just a hint of herbaceous, limestone minerals, very light clove, soft subtle dark spices, dusty tannins, dry crushed rock powder, gritty volcanic minerals, dry clay, sweet tarry notes, saddle-wood, chewy soft leather, forest floor, blue flowers and dark fresh & withering flowers. The acidity is about as perfect as I’ve had. The finish is nothing short of astounding. It’s long, elegant, ripe, well balanced and doesn’t end. One of the more exceptional wines I’ve had in some time.

Photos of, Seavey Winery & tasting room, the stairs the lead up to Williams office and show that late 18th century architecture, Williams desk in his old office and their Estate vines with the hillside painting the background. — 7 years ago

Chris Loretta

9.4

In it’s wheelhouse! Drink up! — 8 years ago

.:;2):’kicndnebxhjd

9.1

I think it's hard to find a Chardonnay like this in the world so I stashed a bottle. It has the butterscotch fermentation element on the nose that says "California" which I love in steady doses. And it has the live, cold and ripe citrus acid element and that I find in Chablis. On top of that it's not very buttery, it has subtle minerality, stroke of vanilla.. there's a chance you drink this wine at the right day and time and can think it's a perfect 10 Chardonnay isn't in my wheelhouse of loves but this is an exception. For me tonight it's just missing... Peaches🍑 — 8 years ago

Tim Goodman

9.0

Peppery, effervescent, balanced and delightfully in my wheelhouse. A favorite varietal. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

While this is a nice rose champagne, I find it's minerality and fruit slightly out of balance. The minerality overpowers the fruit. There is nice precision but a bit too much tension in the hard chalkiness/minerals. Acidity is good. The fruits have a bit of a tart/sour character. Black cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, touch of watermelon near the rhine, very pronounced edged chalkiness & volcanic minerals, pink rose pedals & baguette. It's enjoyable but bends a bit out of my rose champagne wheelhouse. Merry Christmas Sofia. Looking forward to our own Christmas Eve tonight before we travel for the holiday. — 9 years ago

Lamar Hannah

8.9

Outside of my wheelhouse but was good totally old word — 9 years ago

Eric

8.9

I can only say that this pairs nicely with seared fois gras. Sauterne isn’t really in my wheelhouse. — 7 years ago

J Chisholm

9.2

Right in my stony wheelhouse. — 7 years ago

Aaron Means

9.4

Not in my typical wheelhouse but has that hedonistic likability. Extra special to be drinking it with the owner at the estate! (Played "America the Beautiful" on the bells atop the Chateau upon our appearance!) — 7 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.9

2012 Greer Cabernet Sauvignon. My outright favorite Napa cab right now. 4 hour decant, crimson color, this wine has a killer explosive nose of dark fruits, cinnamon, baking spices, menthol and flint. Maybe a hint of flowers for @DAG Chocolate covered cherries, cocoa and espresso mid palate, and a touch of nutmeg with moderate trademark Rutherford dusty tannins in just the right proportion. Dense and concentrated. Not for the old world palate, which puts it squarely in my wheelhouse. Beautifully layered with a silky mouth feel, and a lingering finish. Just a baby, but who can resist pulling the cork. I'm obsessed with Greer. For the money, this Cabernet simply cannot be beat. A case of Greer or a bottle of Screagle? Seriously? If your palate is on the same page as mine, get you some. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. You rock Rob Greer. — 8 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.1

What happens w purple wine w age. Not my wheelhouse, & better for it as I appreciate its burnished intensity. I shudder to think what kind of monster this was several years ago. Its still a very big wine. — 8 years ago

with Paul and Owen

Bob Yoon

9.3

Raisiny, earthy, licorice. Needs a bit of time but this is my wine wheelhouse. — 9 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.0

My wheelhouse flavor profile-echoes of Jura, green bean foam, asian pear. Eye opener, & less than 15$ — 9 years ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Wonderful. Bright cherry red clear fruit. The lifted and shrill VA nose of sweet rayas. Lovely intense fruit. A good find- in the wheelhouse of stay as and superb stuff. — 7 years ago

with Bex

Heather McCann

9.0

This was from adorable Mar Vista (Los Angeles) cheese shop Wheelhouse. I bought a very pungent raw milk cheese called ‘Zimba’ - guy said hard to pair as such a distinctive tasting cheese. I picked this and it was a great pairing! It’s dry-ish, with a fruity element as well. Enjoyed it greatly! — 7 years ago

Martin G Rivard

9.5

Another beauty that was so graciously gifted to me from DAVID L 🎤! Realm’s “Moonracer” is now produced from these grapes. This Hartwell is incredible!!! Juan Mercado certainly picked a gorgeous winery to buy!!!
All the profiles that are in my wheelhouse: lush dark red fruit, just a minute hint of spice on the back palate., strong contender but Mole Hill ruled the world tonight! — 7 years ago

with Christine

Peter Sultan

9.2

Had found other Vallanas kinda meh of late, but this works on an other level, possibly as this has found its drinking window:the nose is a wild blend of rusted iron & cinnamon, just catnip for my palate; minerally entry & mid palate, maintains though a juicy mouthfeel. All at a 12.5% alc, again my wheelhouse — 8 years ago

Eric Linderman

9.3

Got better with air, the richness and brightness of the Grenache took a while to shine but when it did both the nose and the pallet became more intense. The wheelhouse for this winery is Grenache. — 8 years ago

Nelson Dent

8.9

Nice! Black Cherry and light. Excellent bottle and I'll get it again. — 9 years ago

Rebecca Hopkins

PR Folio Fine Wine Partners

9.3

Never fails to get the party started. Right in my wheelhouse of favorite BdB styles — 9 years ago