Conrado Oak View Vineyards
RoxyAnn Winery
Honor Barn Red Syrah Blend 2020
More fallback than first pick red blend, but easily solid in my view. Label claims dark cherry and toasty oak, which I do pick up but I could use more detectable toasty oak. The dark cherry is more easily detectable than the oak for sure, so having stronger oak would really drive this up in rating for me. It’s slightly on the dry side but not excessive. Still, I have no problem honoring the barn built in 1900 based on this admirable tribute. I don’t quite know who RoxyAnn is, but I do hope to one day purchase produce and leave payment in the honor box at the Hillcrest barn. — 3 years ago
Colgin Cellars
IX Estate Napa Valley Red Blend 2005
The nose speaks velvety, slightly perfumed floral, ruby fruits of; dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, very black plum, mulberries, boysenberries and some hints strawberries & raspberries. Soft, subtle, sexy, dark spices, incense, potpourri, cherry kirsch, understated anise, dark, used expresso grounds, savory meats, fresh tobacco, leather, oak barrel dust, dark rich soils, graphite, dry limestone powder, dry herbaceousness, clove, light nutmeg/cinnamon & vanillin with fresh but leaning withering; dark, red, purple and blue flowers wrapped in soft lavender.
The palate is beautiful with velvety tannins that still punch as meaty & tarry. The tension & structure are just out of adolescence. The balance & length are stunning now but, show room for further improvement 10 years down the road. One small flaw is you sense some elevated alcohol vapors. Velvety, slightly perfumed floral, ruby fruits of; dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, very black plum, mulberries, plums, boysenberries and some hints strawberries & raspberries. Soft, subtle, sexy, dark spices with heat, incense, potpourri, cherry kirsch, understated anise, raspberry cola, dark, used expresso grounds, savory meats, iron deposits, fresh tobacco, leather, oak barrel dust, dark rich soils, mix of dry & moist clay, graphite, volcanic ash, dry limestone powder, dry herbaceousness, black & some white pepper, clove, light nutmeg/cinnamon & vanillin, caramel notes, mocha powder with fresh but leaning withering, dark, red, purple and blue flowers wrapped in soft lavender. The acidity is round and beautiful. The finish is; ruby, lush, silky, velvety, elegance defined, extremely well knitted & balanced fruit & earth, persisting endlessly onto earth & spice.
If you own the 05, leave it in your cellar another 5-8 years before opening.
Photos of, a downslope view of the Estate & vines, their gated entrance, their private wine cellar & the Estate building. — 6 years ago
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
This sounds like my uncle describing his acid trip in the 70’s
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
I drove my dad’s LTD, but never tried LSDFlora Springs
Reserve Rutherford Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 1995
I bought this bottle about a year ago from K&L. The bottle was in pristine shape. Like the 1985 last weekend, the neck fill today was as high as the day they filled it.
I purchased two bottles. The first, I didn’t post. It had waned. Tonight’s bottle is giving me everything thing I expected when I purchased it.
The nose reveals a little barnyard (v/a) that blew off fairly quickly, slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, caramel & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice, peppery notes, tree bark/sap, mint, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets.
The body is just full, fresh & lush. There is still a decent, tarry, slightly chewy tannin structure even after a little over 22 years in bottle. For me, the length, tension and balance are perfect. This bottle has another 5 and perhaps 7 years of good drinking ahead. It’s really delicious tonight. Slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries that pop on the palate, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, sandstone/dry top soil, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, melted, salted caramel, dark baking chocolate & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice with perfect palate heat, tree bark/sap, mint, savory meats, peppercorns, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather, French oak barrel shavings, with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets. The acidity is round, phat & perfect. The long finish is delicious, an elegant lady, well balanced settling into some of the nicest, dark spices I can remember in sometime.
In terms of pleasure, I would give this wine a 94 but, in technical terms, just misses it.
Once again, I really love the 13% ABV. I wish Napa Cabernets had never risen above that level.
Photos of; the Estate of Flora Springs, long view of their beautiful barrel cellar, happy dog running through their vines and their very modern tasting room on Hwy 29. — 6 years ago
Tokara
Director's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015
The 2015 Directors Reserve is 71% Cabernet, 15% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and aged 22 months in 50% new French oak.
Beautiful floral ripe dark fruit nose. Blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black plum, black raspberries, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, vanilla, dark, rich soil, soft granite soils, toast, dry crushed rock, tobacco with red, dark and purple flowers.
The body is full, rich and lush. The tannins are round, meaty and tarry. The structure, length, tension are huge with nice balance. Floral, ripe dark fruit nose. Blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black plum, black raspberries, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, vanilla, dark, rich soil, soft granite soils, toast, dry crushed rock, tobacco with red, dark and purple flowers. The acidity is round and excellent. The finish is elegant, round, well balanced in fruit & earth with beautiful polish. 94 now with a potential for more.
Photos of; Tokara Cellar Door, artworks inside & outside and the view of their property from the top of their vineyards. — 7 years ago
Reyneke
Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2018
The nose reveals; brighter fruits than the organic blend...more grassy notes although they are not heavy. It’s creamier. Oak notes from used barrels. Beautifully soft. Round, ripe, fruits; green apple, lime, lemon, grapefruit, white peach and ripe green melon. Light creamed buttery notes, chalk, gentle minerality, yellow lilies and spring flowers.
The body is light and flows gently on the palate until some white spice and minerality come on as it sets. Ripe, fruits; green apple, lime, lemon, grapefruit, white peach, ripe green melon, light creamed buttery notes, just a slight touch of green bean, thyme, white spice, powdery chalk, gentle minerality, yellow lilies and spring flowers. Amazing acidity with a delicate finish that is well balanced and persists sneakily for minutes.
Photos of; the entrance to Reyneke, blocks of letters that spell out their name on their tasting room mantle and the mountain view from their property.
— 7 years ago
Toccata
Classico Sangiovese 2020
occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸
Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.
Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.
Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.
Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 10 months ago
Lucas & Lewellen
Valley View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Primarily (83%) Cabernet Sauvignon with some other Bordeaux varietals blended in. Pleasant aromas of violets, roses, black currant/black berry. Dark cooked fruit flavors with hints of soy sauce and beef jerky. Pleasant touch of oak on the finish. Fresh acidity. Good balance. Pleasant surprise. — 4 years ago
Turley
Cedarman Howell Mountain Zinfandel 2008
I view Turley Zinfandel much like Williams Selyem wines when they are young, good not great.
They need ten years plus to show you greatness. There is no faking bottle age properly stored.
I can’t drink their wine young. Too primitive, astringent, all tannin, wood & baking spices.
The nose reveals, ripe, ruby, candied fruits that are; stewed & naked, jammy fruit of; black plum, blackberry, black raspberries, plum, raspberries, mulberries, olallieberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, blue fruit mix, rhubarb & ripe date & some figs. Steeped black tea, creamy violet cola, black licorice to anise, sweet tarriness, tobacco leaf, dark spices, vapors of alcohol, dark spices, limestone minerals, moist, fresh forest floor, some mushroom, black pepper, clove, nutmeg & vanillin, rounded oak, spiced florals of; dark, red, candied florals with withering dark florals set in old violet & lavender.
The palate is full, round, ripe, candied, baked, stewed liqueured, ruby & lush w/ high viscosity. ripe, ruby. Jammy fruit of; black plum, blackberry, black raspberries, plum, raspberries, mulberries, olallieberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, blue fruit mix, rhubarb & black raisins, ripe date & some figs. The tannins, stern, tarry & chewy. Steeped black tea, creamy violet cola, black licorice to anise, dark chocolate/dry mocha powder, caramel, sweet, dark, chewy tarriness, tobacco leaf, dark spices, touch of alcohol burn, dark spices w/ soft heat, limestone minerals, moist, fresh forest floor, dry top soil & clay, some mushroom, black pepper, clove, nutmeg & vanillin, cedar/oak plank, spiced florals of; dark, red, candied florals with withering dark florals set in old violet & lavender. The acidity is like a fresh, clean river. The finish is a little too ripe, sweet but, well balanced with great complexity and persistent length.
I don’t drink a lot of Zinfandel but, this is the style that speaks to my origins. This is good with food or some berry desserts.
This still needed a two plus hour decant & has another 5-7 plus years of pleasure ahead of it. At its current evolution, it is bordering on dessert wine & should be treated as such going forward.
Photos of; Turley tasting room in Paseo, very old, taller & slimmer than normal grape press, 2008 Winemaker- Ehren Jordan and their Cedarman Vineyard on Howell Mtn. — 6 years ago
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay 2018
Anthony took us to the tasting room in their Cellar to taste the Hamilton Russell line of wines.
Chardonnay are after Pinot’s in our tasting. This was one of my favorite Chardonnays out of all the ones we tasted.
Again, very Burgundian in style. Nice ripe, gentle fruit of citrus and tropicals. 13% ABV and mostly all neutral oak.
Photos of, the Hamilton Russell Vineyard, Anthony’s pouring our tasting, barrels around our tasting, and a long view of their property and house on the hilltop. — 7 years ago
Raats
Original Unwooded Chenin Blanc 2018
Raats was an interesting visit from all our others. Raats is considered a small producer in the 8th ranked wine producing country in the world.
Raats buys the majority of their fruit. The vines around their tasting room, they work but, do not own. They produce their wines at another producer’s facility. It’s a daunting expense starting a Cellar Door or Winery. Custom wine crush facilities are a trend not just in Napa but, other parts of the world as well. In this particular case, it saves the owner enough money to drive the very nice cars parked outside their tasting room, one a Ferrari.
This is their no wood/oak Chenin Blanc.
The nose shows; soft tones of wet wool, peach, white, lemon, dry green herbs, grapefruit, chalkiness, volcanic minerals & yellow flowers.
The body is round, full and beautiful. Soft wet wool, peach, white, green melon, a little sour lemon, dry green herbs, grapefruit, chalkiness, palate pressing medium intensity volcanic minerals & yellow flowers. Nice round acidity and a well balanced, polished finish.
Photos of; the view from their tasting room, lots of beautiful original artworks from famous local artists...a few of them the Uncle of our host, examples of some of the soil structures around their tasting room vines and their upstairs tasting room.
— 7 years ago
Tokara
Chardonnay 2017
This is another South African Chardonnay that gives me a sense of Sonoma Chardonnay without being punished by oak. Green apple, lemon, lime, peach, some butter, saline, beautiful soft minerality and jasmine white flowers. Great acidity and well polished finished.
Photos of; a pano view of the property from the top of their hillside vines, another metal statue just outside their Cellar Door, Sofia under the white tree that reminds of the movie “The Return of the King” and part of their large tasting room. — 7 years ago
Seña
Aconcagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021
One of my favorite stops in Chile. Amazing property that Robert Mondavi had a hand in siting & starting. The view from the top of their mountain side beautifully overlooks their vineyard and the Andes Mountains.
This producer is meticulous in every step of product. If they are not certified bio-dynamic, they follow that practice.
94-96 with another 5-7 years of cellaring
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec, 17% Carmenere and 6% Petit Verdot, fermented mostly in stainless steel and 10% in oak foudre.
WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025. — a year ago
Hirsch Vineyards
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2013
Like Chardonnay through a vintage View-Master. Hirsch giving me old school Cali vibes with an honest nod to Burgundy.
Despite the decade, high acid and oak seasoning in pastry like measurements. Opens up just barely into the tropicals - banana and mango - as little sprinkled hints in hazy rays of sepia sun and a Polaroid filter. — 3 years ago
Château La Tour Seran
Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2015
Here's a nice Merlot for #MerlotThursday.
Deep ruby in color with a short reddish rim.
Nose of black plums, cooked cherries, oak, spices, light vanilla, tobacco leaf, light vegetables, pencil lead, earth, herbs and espresso.
Full bodied with medium acidity and nice legs.
Dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cherries, oak, light vanilla, spices, dark chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, earth and black tea.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a very tasty Merlot blend from Bordeaux. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel.
Needs an hour to open up properly, but good right out of the bottle too. Tannins show up after an hour of airtime.
This 7 year old is drinking very nicely now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.
Wine Enthusiasts 91 points.
I had this vintage a couple of years ago and it is drinking much better now.
Spicy and entertaining, and good by itself or with food. I paired it with cheeses, crackers and a beautiful view of the lake.
A blend of 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Kosher and Mevushal.
14% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$50. — 4 years ago
Moss Wood
Moss Wood Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mid to dense Ruby. Herbaceous aromas with graphite and black currant. A sweet fluid palate showing black currant of medium plus intensity and partly resolved Tannins. Oak has been absorbed. In a great spot at the moment - excellent balance. Drink remaining 4 bottles in next few years but it is essentially at its peak. A really good wine but from an Aussie point of view tasting more South East than West Australia. Had another bottle 25 weeks later on the 6th October 2020 with consistent notes. The main feature was that it was less herbaceous than it usually is for Margaret River. Showing more ripe berry fruit and cassis in this warmer year. More McLaren Vale in style. Still very good. — 6 years ago
Greenock Creek
Creek Block Shiraz 2005
Tonight is a continuation of a walk down wine region visit memory lane. However, this one is a do over bottle. You see, our April 17 visit was ill timed, we visited when they were sold out of all good vintages. We were poured a lot of very green vegetal wines...a fair amount of 11??? I am happy to say this bottle is a substantially better experience. However, still at least 5-8 years early on the 05 and will last another 15-20 years properly stored.
The nose reveals; plumy & somewhat jammy fruits, alcohol vapors, ripe blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, baked strawberries, blue fruits, cooked rhubarb to pomegranate, anise/black licorice, mixed dark berry pie, steeped fruit teas, black pepper, dark spices, sandstone/limestone, dry crushed rocks, very dry herb presence, dark fruit jam, dry underbrush/stems, moist clay, cherry kirsch notes, dark fruit roll ups with fresh & withering; dark, red, blue, purple flowers framed in lavender & violets.
The mouthfeel is simply, ripe, jammy, rich & lush. The tannins are dark, chewy, tarry with adolescent teeth. The tension & structure have just started their beautiful integration but, have some years to go. The balance & length are closer to their top yet, will also benefit from a few more years in bottle. She is a ripe elegant beauty with alcohol & dark spice heat. Stewed plumy & somewhat jammy fruits, some alcohol heat but, not detracting, ripe blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, baked strawberries, blue fruits, raspberries, cooked rhubarb to pomegranate, anise/black licorice, mixed dark berry pie, steeped fruit teas, black pepper, baking spices, fresh tobacco, used leather, dark spices, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick with just the right amount of vanilla, salted caramel, sandstone/limestone, lightly grilled meats, dry crushed rocks, very dry herb presence, dark fruit jam, dark chocolate, sweet tarry notes, oak barrel char, dry underbrush/stems, dry top soil, moist clay, cherry kirsch notes, dark fruit roll ups with fresh & withering; dark, red, blue, purple flowers framed in lavender & violets. The acidity is near perfect. It is a fresh river stream on the palate. The long finish is; ripe, dark fruits, well balanced with dry earth tones, dark spice with heat, elegance, delicious and persists endlessly.
Photos of; their tasting room bar, old wood fruit basket press, entrance sign and a long view of the Estate and vines. — 6 years ago
Bindi
Quartz Macedon Ranges Chardonnay 2009
View over the mouth of the Maroochy River up to Coolum Beach on a beautiful day. From the back label - Bindi Quartz Chardonnay is sourced from the most elevated, Quartz riddled section of our Chardonnay vineyard planted in 1988. Absolutely singing at 10 years. The oak and the fruit have melded in perfect balance. Aromas of Cashew Nut and mineral with a little nectarine. More medium weight than the full flavoured Art Series Leeuwin style from Margaret River. — 7 years ago
Flowers Vineyard & Winery
Sea View Ridge Block 19 Sonoma Coast Pinot Meunier 2011
Everyone could say it must be Burgundy! It’s a footprint of california-made wine that a faint oak vanillas. Cherry, cranberry, very elegant aromas and flavors. — 7 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Boars’ View “The Coast” Pinot Noir 2018
Fort Ross–Seaview AVA, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Handcrafted by Thomas Rivers Brown at the dramatic West Sonoma Coast site, this Pinot Noir highlights maritime fog, Goldridge loam soils, and heritage clones. The 2018 “Coast” includes 100% heritage clones—Calera, Mt. Eden, and Swan—meticulously fermented and aged to express both elegance and power.  
Aromas & Flavors
Plush and aromatic: expect cranberry compote, lavender, sandalwood, and hints of violet. On the palate, it delivers black cherry, plum paste, nutmeg, quince, forest floor, and licorice—all layered over a finely tuned mineral edge.  
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined. Silky tannins and well-integrated acidity support rich fruit without heaviness. A harmonious finish unfolds with persistence and grace.  
Winemaking Notes
Destemmed fruit underwent fermentation and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new, from François Frères, Remond, and Gauthier cooperages. The result is focused power with nuanced oak influence.  
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled duck, game birds, roasted pork, or truffle-scented risotto. Its depth and savory complexity also pair beautifully with hearty stews or mushroom-forward dishes. 
Verdict
Boars’ View “The Coast” PINOT NOIR 2018 is a masterclass in West Coast Pinot—intensely flavorful, texturally rich, and meticulously crafted. A cellar-worthy wine with both grace and longevity. A rare Napa-level Pinot Noir priced in the $145–160 range. Cheers! — 10 months ago