Edward Nelson

9.0

Not bad for a chain restaurant. — 2 months ago

Fred Dugach

9.2

Must be aerated! Totally different and MUCH better. Nice dry tones perfect with a nice filet. Dry to the palette and a smooth finish. Some dark cherry. Works for me! — 9 months ago

Shay A

9.4

94-95

My first Gonon StJo…unfortunately, I loved it. Wish these were easier to find at good prices!

At 8yrs, this was so perfumed out of the glass. At 90% whole cluster, it shows typical green/stemmy aromatics but it’s not the dominant note, trending toward green peppercorns, violets/potpurri, olive, and black cherries. Mineral notes, pepper, mix of red and black fruits, mocha, and so much verve on the palate, absolutely buzzing both days. This wine is floral and herbal but with so much power and balanced fruit…kind of a wild-ness to it that I loved. What a beautiful expression of Syrah. Killer.

Day two showed the whole cluster aromatics fade a bit, but it also showed the palate bulk up. So good. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2018 vintage. Last tasted 04.08.23 (9.5), 12.01.22 from a 375ml (9.5) and upon release 06.07.21 (9.5). Decanted and tasted after 45 minutes. Mysterious, dark-fruited and dusty nose. Medium body with excellent darkness of night color. Previous baby-fat overtures approximately 90% gonzo. Slimming down and getting more toned. In a state of transition with undeniable tension that can easily be misconstrued as underperforming. Last wine I tasted that was under this sort of metamorphosis at this level was the 1996 Pichon-Lalande about 1.5 years ago. Such a privilege to experience world-class wines in such a vulnerable moment. Everything is laid out bare/naked before you and you can see where the wine is headed and whether it will be following a trajectory that agrees with you. Definitely unusual to find this occurring in a wine this youthful but the 21st Century is smashing the old 20th Century clay tablets and digitizing. For most wine enthusiasts sampling this wine now, expecting some disappointment in the scoring. For myself, this is currently in the perfect symmetry of past, present and future. Will it show critically better in the future according to the accepted trials, palates, judges and juries? Probably. Will they experience the potential, doubts, insecurities and questions? Doubtful. This kid stays in this exact picture for another 2-4 years imho before striking another pose and I would love to taste this again during that time frame. An above and beyond thank you to FLB (Friday Lunch Bunch) regular Todd. 08.15.25. — 4 months ago

Joe Santiago

9.0

Dry, smoky, hint of leather
— 3 years ago

Lorraine Sanchez

9.3

Bold yum good smoky wood — 4 years ago

Rick Phillips

9.5

Private Dinner on the beach to celebrate my wife birthday. The Ritz went out of their way to find this 2008 Opus One. Flavors just burst open after decanting. Fruit was smooth with hints of blackberry and cherry. No earthy or leather just smooth fruit front to back. — 9 months ago

with Letha

Ericsson

9.6

The closest thing to true Bordeaux style red blend from Napa. This wine really accentuates the vintage and the terroir, along with fruit and soil. The Dominus Estate manages the vineyard via dry farming, relying on nature for water, making a profound difference on great vintages such as 2016. Find a good vintage Dominus and you’re bound to have one of kind. Cheers. — a year ago

Dave Mayers

8.9

What a joy to find this bottle at a NYC steakhouse. It’s been a while. Initially turned on by these ancient Lebanese vineyards and organic practices. And blending fruit that we are Las Jaras use. Drinking well for being a ‘16. VA a bit high but reminiscent of some wilder Barolo — 3 years ago

Kirsteen

9.5

Oddly enough had to go to Ohio to drink Ca grapes. Solid Barbera. Let it sit for a bit and when it opens , dam. That’s a good wine — 4 years ago