Relative my VA rating scale, this was consistent with Mark’s Chard style. Fruit was plentifully broad and he really works the oak/fruit balance in a way that gives the bottle a couple years to play with. Wild Meadow fruit. He takes it in a complete different direction that Shaps Tropical and floral on nose - with backdrop of woody oak. Palate carries that same wrestling match to the mid-palate. Most properly matches with cream driven pastas or soups. — 7 years ago
This Californian Vermentino felt crisp at first with finishing nutty and fruity notes, paired well with seafood. — 4 years ago
Works well with alaskan king crab and australian barramundi — 6 years ago
A little quiet out of the gate, but rounded nicely into form after about an hour. Tough vintage in Rioja, and this definitely leans more on the feminine and acid driven side, which works for me. Classic Rioja, red fruit, leather, dust, balsamic and oak - beautiful with a rack of lamb. — 9 years ago
Pop and pour, wine shows fantastic out of the gate. Insanely dark, inky in the glass. Wonderful nose with loads of vanilla oak and a hint of pepper with a slight alcohol burn. First taste far exceeds expectation. Velvety tannin l, the vanilla note shines in this wine (which works wonderfully) for the price this wine is amazing. A Calistoga wine for the price and quality is almost unheard of in this day and age. Defiantly seek it out. — 6 years ago
With lunch at the winery. Pinot Noir works great in BC's weather. — 8 years ago
Tom Casagrande
Luxembourg! Nose is very interesting. Lots of mineral stank, bruised apple, and freshly-sliced Golden Delicious apple right out of the gate. After several minutes, meadowy notes and wet stream stones appear. Richly fruity but bone dry, nice acids. There’s an intense minerality that even becomes a little bitter in the finish, but it all works. Unique! — 2 months ago