Cape Bay

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir

Slightly heavier Pinot noir, ripened blackberries, plums, liquorice, cinnamon and toffee. Does not taste like a typical French or Aust/NZ Pinot. Elegant tannins and acidic. Taste more like a light right bank — 12 days ago

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay 2018

Paul J
9.7

Double blind wine tasting. 3 Whites and 3 Reds:

1. ‘18 Hamilton Russell Chard - WOTN across both whites and reds - complex, refined, fruit integrated with honey, oak, butter, cream, camomile.

2. ‘20 Hartenberg The Eleanor Chard - big wine that could use a few years. Nice fruit and lovely acidity. Mix between a White Burg and Rhone Blend.

3. ‘22 Far Niente Chard - potential, very young, not the best QPR. Reminded me of young Paul Hobbs single vineyard Chards.


1. ‘12 Giacomo Fenocchio 90 di Riserva Barolo - aged showed through nicely, but still lively with dark cherries and ample tannins.

2. ‘20 Vilafonte - decanted, but young and an absolutely massive wine. Black fruit, chewy, with decent sweetness.

3. ‘02 Origin Red Blend - nose of black tar and cigars. Zero fruit and big tar, tobacco, and bbq flavors. Bigger wine than I was expecting.

Great night with great friends!
— a month ago

Brooke Weaver Jakubowski
with Brooke
Tom, Severn and 4 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — a month ago

Scott@Mister liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

Opened the evening prior at 7pm and double-decanted; the bottle was left at room temp with the cork pressed lightly back into the neck until service. The 2000 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and a slightly water rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous and showing some real power with a compelling combination of ripe and desiccated fruit: dark brambles, cassis, leather, dill, olives, spiced meat, tobacco and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and whoa is it ever delicious. This has to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink now through 2040. — 13 days ago

Hermes, Ira and 13 others liked this

Jam Jar

Sweet Shiraz 2022

So pleasantly surprised by this!! — 12 days ago

Meerlust

Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2016

Great structure and so balanced 🤤 Dark fruit with hints of leather and tobacco. Built to this crescendo in the finish. Incredible — 25 days ago

Tammy de Weerd
with Tammy
Jan, Ted and 2 others liked this

Klein Constantia

Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Muscat à Petits Grains 2019

Very good expression with the entertaining of lychee and other bright floral perfumes. Lacks the tension between freshness and botrytis of the best vintages — 11 days ago

Tom liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2012

Good show. Only a hint of CA sunshine on the close. — 22 days ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Pinotman, Bob and 10 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

21Club KEK/KPK SOMMELIER Philip Pratt — 18 days ago