Central Valley Merlot

Emmolo Winery

Napa Valley Merlot

Love it. Had it at the Rusty Pelican in Miami trying to match seafood and steak. Dark fruit flavors of plum and cherries. Oak/vanilla hints. Well balanced wine with a long finish. — 20 days ago

Sea Smoke

Southing Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

Solid non-California-tasting California Pinot Noir. Fruit and earth. Had a nice pop of fruit in the glass but lingers with some earthy aftertaste. — a day ago

Austin Hope

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Tobacco, plum, oak, cherry, and a touch of pepper. — 16 days ago

Sagee, Matt and 4 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1986

Poured into a decanter to remove sediment prior to service; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 1986 pours a garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of cassis, dried blackberries, green bell pepper, tobacco, dried purple flowers, earth and fine cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium (integrated) tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. A solid but somewhat demure showing, particularly in the midpalate. Drink now. — 2 days ago

Tom, Jan and 6 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Guidalberto Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018

Another excellent vintage of “Second Label Sassacaia.” Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). Aromas of black fruit, baking spices and cedar wood. Flavors of black cherries and currants, woody herbs, black licorice and those sweet baking spices. Long finish highlighted by beautiful freshness. Well softened tannins, bright acidity and a silky texture. Simply elegant and at its peak. Part of a June 2026 KZ Tasting. — 6 days ago

Scott@Mister, Tom and 1 other liked this

Harlan Estate

Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2019

Wow! Almost hated to drink because the bouquet was stupendous. Rich fruit, earth, leather, and a hint of spice. This wine made Napa famous! The finish just lasted and lasted. Made every thing I said after finishing the glass sound witty and profound 😄 — 2 days ago

Naveen Chopra
with Naveen
Somm, Ira and 7 others liked this

Marchesi Antinori

Villa Antinori Toscana Sangiovese Blend

Juicy Tuscan red blend with medium tannin and acidity enjoyed with steak salad at Willow and Ivy, Lennox Hotel, Boston — 9 days ago

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Le Volte Toscana Sangiovese Blend 2022

Medium Ruby red color with berry fruit, fragrant spice and earthy floral notes, blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, aged for 10 months on used oak. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry, and tobacco with notes of herb pepper spice and tangy mineral feel. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with tobacco and cacao wrapped in an earthy spice character. Will age a bit! — 4 days ago

Juan and Anthony liked this

Château Lascombes

Margaux Merlot Blend 2005

So much lighter than the CA wines but delightful. Possible WOTN. — 14 days ago

Scott@Mister, Peter and 11 others liked this

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1990

A big brooding breast. Intense and slightly feral. Powerful deep fruit, ferrous notes, pepper and a hint of band aid. Really present and powerful but still refined. A great wine — 4 days ago

Paul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Paul and Ara
Shay, Jay and 4 others liked this