Gloria Ferrer

Sonoma Brut Chardonnay - Pinot Noir Blend

9.2

Blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, after secondary fermentation, wine stayed in bottle for eight years! Aromas of stone fruit with citrus and biscuit notes. On the palate flavors of apple, strawberry and citrus flavors with orange zest, earthy yeasty spice and tiny bubbles. The wine is well balanced, good acidity, some yeast and minerality on the long finish. — 3 years ago

Juan, Paul and 2 others liked this

Eight Tiny Reindeer Winery

Comet & Cupid California Cabernet Sauvignon

Sharon B

9.1

The fall months are extremely frantic at the North Pole. Not only is Santa getting ready for Christmas but it's also the time he harvests and makes his wine for next Christmas. This year he is especially excited because the grapes came from vineyards that Comet and Cupid particularly seemed to enjoy. All summer long The Eight Tiny Reindeer watch and wait for the grapes to grow to their optimum maturity. Santa knows that when his reindeer are smiling it's time to pick the grapes. It seems that happy reindeer make really good wine! — 9 years ago

Daniel P., TheSkip and 1 other liked this

@Sharon B lol!!

That was actually on the back of the bottle. I thought it was cute for Christmas! 😊

Ferren Wines

Frei Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

Deborah M

9.2

When I find a gem. (@Shay A notes led me to investigate this one. Thanks Shay!).

Ferren was founded by winemaker Matt Courtney after an eight-year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. Ferren is dedicated to producing tiny artisanal lots (only 575 cases annually) of single vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The 2020 Frie Road is ethereal, balanced, and nuanced. So many layers. So much beauty. So much goodness. Will be even better with some age, but I couldn’t wait. — 3 years ago

Tom, Andrew and 11 others liked this

Shay A

@Deborah M : Bravo! I do enjoy these wines, especially their Chardonnay’s.

Deborah M

@Shay A I grabbed a couple of Chards as well! I’m guessing those are also better with a bit of bottle age??

Shay A

@Deborah M : Definitely for the Frei Rd. The Lancel and Silver Eagle seem a bit more open earlier on. Won’t hurt though!

Eight Tiny Reindeer Winery

Dasher & Dancer California Pinot Noir

Benjamin James

8.9

Good. Mild. Subtle banana sweetness. — 3 years ago

Château Palmer

Alter Ego Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

My first bottle of eight. It’s early but with seven more bottles, I took advantage of my curiosity. A stunning vintage and perhaps their best Alter Ego. Beautiful nose of fresh floral mid and dark red fruits with excellent silky mouthfeel. Two hour decant. I would wait another five years to check on my next bottle. Hedy’s 4th and main course, Lamb - Rack, Shank, Lavender, Cumin, Coriander and a tiny bit of Mint w/ Honey, Butter Beans, Baby Vegetable. Excellent preparation. The 09 Alter Ego did it justice. @PlateAndBottle — 8 years ago

Eric, Shay and 24 others liked this

Bob McDonald

@David T Had a taste of the 2009 Chateau Palmer in a WW 2009 Tasting in 2013 and it was stunning- equal to any of the First Growths in that year and one of the Wines of that vintage. I won’t go near my stash for another 5 years at least.

Somm David T

Love their style. The 09 Palmer is worth holding longer. Beautiful wine.