Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes. The 2006 “Amber Knolls Vineyard” blows the mind. Yes, I know, it’s made by Schrader but this humble Lake County designation was meant to be enjoyed early while one allowed the more significant Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon’s mature. Yet here we are, thoroughly enjoying this 18 years from vintage. Fruit not only hanging on; dare I say this is still developing? Structure is sound. Drink now through 2030. Very impressive. — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Pulled from my cellar and brought to Tasting Group. Decanted for sediment and served within 30 minutes of opening. Cork was pulled with a Durand; intact and saturated about halfway. In customary fashion, served double-blind to the group. The color is a deep, slightly hazy garnet. Medium viscosity. The nose is insanely expressive. Mushrooms and forest floor dominated early but these characteristics actually took more of a back seat to the fruit after about 30-45 minutes of air. At that point, desiccated red fruit with strawberries, cherries and cranberries were predominate followed by Salmiaki, dried flowers, with the mushrooms and the forest floor. Some baking spices too. Sneaky tannin…putting it medium+ and medium+ acid. Moderate alcohol. The finish was long and silky. Such lovely lovely fruit still and dare I say, intense! The group was all over France and Italy with some choosing Barbaresco, some saying Brunello, some in Burgundy and others saying Southern Rhone. All were blown away that it was a 15 year old Beaujolais. Drink now or over the next few years. — 4 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.1

Double dare- how many wines combine such finesse, power, & fruit for the money?
Seems like I never tire of this. Like visiting an old best friend. — 7 years ago

with Paul and Owen

Ellen Clifford

9.1

The best possible medium plus ballpark frank aromas then bright and birch-y (if I dare say so) on the palate. Smoke is the calling card, earth and bakery aromas back it up. — 2 years ago

Peter Sultan

8.9

Like a hit song I’ve heard over & over again, not sure I know what this tastes like anymore-but it is delicious. Give it air to fill out the tomato soup notes (actually a good tomato soup). Double dare on finding a better & more consistent value under 18$. — 6 years ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

8.9

All around softer than the 2014. Still pleasantly plummy in flavor. A great pizza wine paired with tonight's meatball mushroom pepper pie. — 7 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.1

Dark bright deep purple. Cassis, saddle leather, touch of olive, dark ripe black fruit (plum, cherry, berry). Nice balance with noticeable acidity and just a touch of soft round tannin. I like the cab.franc/Merlot weight much better than Cabernet Sauvignon, Very good companion for frigid Chicsgo night with filets, double stuffed bakers, and balsamic sautéed zucchini. — 3 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.4

Okay… Ridge 2018 Ridge Ponzo and 2019 Dirty and Rowdy Sonoma Valley Zin side-by-side ….. surprisingly unfair comparison…. Ridge is really nice… but the D&R turns the amp up to 12!! Light-bodied, but rich, round, totally unctuous complexity that doesn’t need Identifiable American Oak. Oily, viscous texture totally coats the palate and turns around to double dog dare you to follow at your own peril. This shit rocks!!! — 3 years ago

Timothy Lynch

9.1

A double-decant. In the fridge for 30 minutes. Another double-decant. About as beautifully polished a nicely aged Nebbiolo can get. BUT...its beauty is fleeting. Two hours in it's a clumsy dog that warrants perhaps an 8.5. — 6 years ago

Madeline Vasquez

9.0

Had to get it again to share. So good for how inexpensive it is — 7 years ago