jon hooten

8.7

A 9-year old Rosato? Yep. It has aged quite well. No whiff of oxidation, good acid, with flavors of macerated strawberries, sour cherries, and black tea. Impressive. — 6 years ago

jon hooten

9.0

Such a clean, crisp wine. Black raspberries are balanced with sage, licorice, pipe smoke, with a long spicy finish. Tannins are smoothing out nicely. At 18 years old, this is still a baby. — 7 years ago

jon hooten

8.7

2003. 15.5% Dried cherry, black olive, prunes, vanilla bean, black pepper, muted fennel, with a good amount of spice left. — 7 years ago

jon hooten

9.2

Wow! Lemon oil and a whiff of white peach or nectarine still comes through, along with that characteristic aroma if petrol. Great acid. Just a little bit of almond on the end, suggesting "some age". The color is still bright and youthful. Made by Stephan Bedford. — 7 years ago

jon hooten

8.7

Full- bodied and velvety, with medium tannins. Strikes me as very young yet, with lots of potential to age. Big black fruits up front, with white pepper, olive oil, and a little smoked meat underneath. Great for the price. Big a few to lay down and see what happens. — 6 years ago

jon hooten

8.8

Over the hill, but still has some acid and fruit up front -- dried cranberries and cherries with some dirt underneath. Glad to have tasted this. — 7 years ago

jon hooten

8.8

Pineapple and wet slate on the nose. Kefir lime, white peach, oleander and is that a little rose? Balanced acidity and seductive fruit.l, thought he finish is a little long for my taste. Good wine, y'all. — 7 years ago

jon hooten

9.2

Wow. Bing cherries, green olives, and sage. Good tannins left and plenty of acid. The finish is a bit short, but that’s no complaint. This can still age another 5-10 years? — 7 years ago

jon hooten

9.0

What a pleasure! Made by Ridge (and a young Stephan Bedford) with Tepusquet fruit. Good ruby brick color and still has a burst of acid and light tannins. Great fruit leather, cigar box, very deep finish. Lots of life left in this one. And who says California wines don’t age? — 7 years ago

jon hooten

8.8

2010. From the late Tom Coyne. A great example of what his grape can do. Strong oak when first opened, with muted fruit. After a couple hours, that green astringency came out in force. The next day, it all came together: tart blackberries up front (great acid), black tea in the middle (great tannins), and a medium finish with spice and finesse. Fun wine. Too bad there won't be any more. — 7 years ago