Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

9.5

In the glass, it’s a deep, opaque ruby, promising something serious. The nose has blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite, with a hint of dried herbs, dust and cigar box, like stepping into an old library. There’s restraint here, almost old school. No overripe fruit, no excess; just balance, precision.

On the palate, it’s all about structure. The tannins are firm but refined, holding together layers of dark fruit, espresso, and a touch of cocoa. The acidity is just enough to keep it fresh, cutting through the richness of it all. As the wine opens up, there’s a shift; an earthy, almost savory depth that lingers on a long, seamless finish. Could have saved it but it is peaking and paired perfectly with a thick cut of ribeyes over mesquite charcoal with great company and conversation. — 13 days ago

Neil, Andrew and 11 others liked this

Shafer Vineyards

Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019

Yan Gagnon

9.1

Tout a été dit et redit sur le Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select et le duo Doug Shafer et Elias Fernandez. Par contre un peu moins sur le Chardonnay Red Shoulder. Il provient du Red Shoulder Ranch dans le district de Carneros au nord de la vallée de Napa. Red Shoulder est une espèce d'épervier qu'on retrouve près du vignoble. Le 2021 est un vin achevé. La robe est jaune claire sans aucun signe de vieillissement. Le nez est complexe avec des notes de gingembre, de citron, de beurre et de vanille. En bouche le liquide est puissant, long, avec les mêmes saveurs qu'au nez avec du fruit de la passion en prime. L'alcool est un peu dérangent en bouche avec ses 14,9%. Ça se goûte ! — a month ago

Ira, Raul and 5 others liked this

Arnot-Roberts

Clary Ranch Syrah 2014

Kamall

9.1

So many similarities with the Clary Ranch Pinot. Lovely wine. — a month ago

Tom liked this

Tatomer

Kick-On Ranch Riesling 2021

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2021 vintage. This is a special, straight outta SBC effort that only got bottled in the 375ml format. Graham obviously couldn't call it Auslese, so he called it "4USL353."Haha. Total cheat code. Picked up two cases. Phenomenal. 01.29.25. — 22 days ago

Jan, Tom and 11 others liked this

Pinotman /// Andreas

Have been at the winery in a huge warehouse where he rented a square. Hard to find. One of the nicest guys ever. And solid winemaking on the whites. The reds still need some work.

Pinotman /// Andreas

What i mean is for my ultra high standard on the reds.