Thomas Hughes

9.8

I am a "Reds!" Pahlmeyer wine club member and these bottles are the reason why. If someone asked me about Petit Verdot, I would say its a blending variety. I like it in their Proprietary Red and wines like J. Phelps Insignia. But a single vineyard variety release? I have no idea what to expect. What a bottle! The jammy forward fruit is massive like a Shiraz, but you don't need a steak to drink it. Sweet, but elegant. It has a refined balanced finish that leaves you asking for another sip. Cheers! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

9.2

Nestled between stellar vintages (2004 & 2006) is this 2005 star. I was able to find discounted at Sam's Club! Like all Brunello's, you must decant for at least 30 minutes. Once you do, the consistently 90+ rated pedigree emerges that will make an event or evening more memorable. There are more expensive Italian wines, but a bottle of Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova has never disappointed. Cheers! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

8.2

Part of a short wine tasting in a cute town outside of San Francisco. This Pinot had nice fruit and wasn't overly sweet; however, it lacked the structure of finer wines. Tastes like most bottles from the area. Cheers! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

7.4

I prefer Syrah blended with other varieties. This single variety was a bit disjointed. The fruit was consistent and the overall flavor wasn't bad; I just think there are much better wines out there at this price point. Cheers! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

8.8

I haven't had many finer California sparkling wines. Typically celebrations are dominated by Champagne. This bottle is definitely worth trying again. It's flavor is tropical. A sparkling Chardonnay! Cheers. — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

8.5

I can't believe the historic 2005 Bordeaux vintage is 10 years old. Most of these massive wines are just starting to be approachable. I picked this one up at a Costco. It's nose and initial palate is classic old world. Full of floral flavor and elegant balance. It mellowed after an hour of decanting, but the finish was uncomfortably dry. It lingered on the tongue like a walk in the desert. At this price point (it was a lot cheaper when I bought it in 2008), I think you can find better overall. — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

9.6

Pinot Noir has never been my favorite variety, but on a trip to Napa in 2007 I had the pleasure of tasting this bottle (I want to say it was their 2004 vintage). It changed my outlook on what a California Pinot can taste like. Pahlmeyer is truly bringing Old World Burgundy to the West. The only reason this it not 5 star is I've sampled their Wayfarer single vineyard Pinot's that are mind blowing! Find this wine, let it open, and cherish it's amazing nectar. Cheers! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

9.8

The 2nd vintage of this direct-to-friends passion project. I loved their inaugural 2008 vintage and their sophomore effort is equally amazing. The good news is 2009 was a larger yield, so I plan on having this bottle a lot more! Spectacular wine ... Complex, refined, elegant. A must try if you can find it. Cheers!! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

8.8

I sampled this vintage in Montalcino at the vineyard itself. 2003 was disappointing for Brunello and enophiles may remember the Italian scandal reporting some vintages "blending" the Sangiovese grapes with non-DOCG varieties. That may be OK for Super Tuscans but not Brunello! This bottle was clearly the best of a mediocre year. Which is not surprising. Cheers! — 10 years ago

Thomas Hughes

9.4

I've had every vintage of this bottle from 2001 to 2008 (with the exception of 2002, which I'm not sure if they were able to produce). I've even sampled their 2010, which may rival their best vintages (1997, 2001, 2004, 2006). After an hour of decanting the deep cherry and blackberry fruit dominate this graceful glass. Sweet but not tart, the finish lingers with a subtle smile. By the vineyards standard, 2008 is a wonderful bottle. Cheers!! — 10 years ago