Arkenstone
Amici Cellars
Spring Mountain District Sauvignon Blanc 2016
My understanding is the ‘16 vintage of this is their last one as the SauvBlanc grapes have been ripped out as more Cab is being planted. Such a shame. This is a superb SB, one of the better ones I’ve had and reminiscent of another Mountain SB I’m fond of, Arkenstone. Everything about this is just rich and round. Guava, white peach skin and lemon tart bar aromatics. More viscous than most SBs on the palate showing limestone, pineapple and a Creamsicle like finish. Very white Bordeaux like and could hold for a few years. — 6 years ago
Modus Operandi Cellars
Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Day 2 of Napa in the books!
Quick lunch with my friend Jason Moore of Modus Operandi Cellars. He was Weston’s (of Montagu Wines) mentor and is a fellow Texan! He submitted his wines for review for the very first time last year after 10+yrs, and received multiple 92-97pt wines. This SB is so much better than expected...tropical and explosive. Not quite on Arkenstone or Aesthete SB level, but the richness and round texture are very similar. Kiwi, stone fruit, nectarine and a melon/cantaloupe finish. If you enjoy big style SB, not sure there is a better Napa Valley one at $40. — 6 years ago
Arkenstone
Howell Mountain Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019
Sinegal Estate
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Day 3 in Napa in the books! Running a day behind on notes...Napa time runs slow AND fast!
Special wine. They are pulling fruit from below Arkenstone off Howell. Has everything Howell like in spades. It is dusty with chocolate, full of flavor from red, blue & black fruits, but has a special “mint” like Andes candy mint finish. — 6 years ago
Aesthete
Dry Stack Vineyard White Blend 2016
Well dang. I got this on recommendation of @David L , @Carl Fischer , @Mike R , @Ron R and a few others. I am SO glad I did, especially after hearing that my favorite SB, Arkenstone, is moving to $95/bottle! To me, this tastes like Arkenstone on day 2. It is chock full of pineapple juice, cantaloupe, kiwi and stone fruits. Reminds me of the ice cream bar Creamsicle in how creamy it is. There is a tartness with the fruit but also balanced acidity. It is powerful and bold. Truly fantastic for those who enjoy bigger style SB. As you can see in the background, @Mark Flesher enjoyed it! — 6 years ago
Arkenstone
Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2020
A stunning pitch perfect sb. With a tiny bit of sem blended in. Fine mountain herbs. At $125 this is meant to compete with the top white Bordeaux houses. — 2 years ago
Sinegal Estate
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Day 3 in Napa in the books! Running a day behind on notes...Napa time runs slow AND fast!
Loved our visit here. Gorgeous property & wines. Bigger style SB with explosive stone fruit & tropical fruit aromatics. Not quite as round and rich as Aesthete or Arkenstone, but very similar. Nice acidity with pronounced notes of honeyed passion fruit & white peach. — 6 years ago
Le Ragose
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Corvina Blend 2007
Caitlin's graduation - wine #3 of the night. My first Amarone--why haven't I tried these yet? Holy cow I'm a fan. This was a close second for me. Vibrant fruits, silky tannins, just full bodied enough, nice long finish. Will buy this again. Stood up extremely well next to the reigning champ, the #Arkenstone — 6 years ago
Randy Fillingim
One of the best red blends I’ve ever drank. 18 years old. Tannins and fruits in near perfect harmony. what a treat. Time to take the steak off the Barbie.# — 8 months ago