Will Stanley

9.4

First bottle from a case of the 2020 Gigondas village from Ch. de Saint Cosme. It could even be my first time trying Gigondas from Louis Barruol, 14th-gen winemaker here, though I do recall a memorable St Joseph from my birth year that I enjoyed around ten years ago.

This wine is strawberry pink in colour, with good clarity. The nose is shy on the first night, better second; very pretty, with fairly light aromas of blackberry, candied cherry, liquorice, wild herbs, and a hint of grilled meat.

The palate is beautifully polished, striking effortless balance between structure and clarity, sweet fruit and acidity; the tannins are mild and it has wonderful grace through the finish, like a ballroom dancer gliding across the floor. Overall this is a really pure, fresh and elegant expression of Gigondas and has none of the rusticity for which this old appellation is oft known. In fact, it bears greater similarity to old-vine Grenache from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is no bad thing. Also zero trace of heat despite the 15% abv. Very good stuff from Louis Barruol. This will age with Burgundian grace. Can’t wait to try it again – make sure to decant.
— 11 days ago

Rich Bluth

9.2

Hart is no more, I think they’re the last of the 1st gen of Temecula family wineries to go. I will miss their wines which I felt were alays best in the valley. This one named for the field blend of grapes growing along their driveway and behind the winery bldg was a joy showing they had a sense of humor — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from a family with farming and winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across, almost looks like a Cab). Rich berry flavors with cedar, spice and vanilla. Lingering ending with sweet oak notes. Consistent quality Nice! A Fav! — 5 years ago

Audrey Irvine

9.8

Wine Club 2024 — 2 months ago

Ciara Byrne

10

with Gen at Bronzo — a year ago

Eric Urbani

9.4

All gone because a classic. And my kids love it lol (Gen Z) — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe on a trip to CT, my last autographed bottle! Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry, floral and sweet spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long ending with sweet oak notes. Nice! A Fav! — 4 years ago

Gil Castro

9.0

Nice light red wine. Good blend. Very fruit forward tapering off with a nice finish. — 9 months ago

Marc-O

9.8

Just fantastic, from the first sip to the last. With Dam, Gen & Mel. — 2 years ago

Bob Stackman

9.0

Very tasty old vine Zin! Smooth and is it, “fruit-forward”, yes that is it. — 4 years ago