Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Fairly typical Sonoma County #cabernetsauvignon impressions on the nose, brambly fruit, touch of earth. Notably more dusty fruit on the palate, decent acidity considering how hot that year was. Less of a jam bomb so this #alexandervalley Cab was pretty enjoyable to me. — 2 months ago

James Gourley

9.6

This wine is aging gracefully. Secondary and tertiary notes coming to the fore. Floral/spicy nose that is so fragrant. The cherry has turned dark, supported by more spice, clove, cinnamon. Truly an excellent wine. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, cigar box, lavender and cedar scents. On the palate flavors of black cherry, plum and currants with cacao, floral and oaky notes. Fine dusty tannins, long finish ending with fruit, floral, oak and earthy mineral character. Very Nice! Good now but wait about 6 years!! Tasting Sample from restaurant friends!! — 4 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on October 11, 2024 at Home with Jay, Eric and Lillie]

Wine is Annabelle’s Block Pinot Noir from Klopp Ranch in Russian River Valley. Purchased wine at Donelan tasting organized by Ned and Beth on May 8, 2024. Tart black cherry, boysenberry and black currant fruit, with nice acidity, spice and chalky note. — 2 months ago

Bobbi Jo Broxson

9.1

Really delicious — 3 months ago

with Brian

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2004 vintage. Decanted with very little sed and tasted after 45 mins and 1.5 hours. Initial richness in the frontal palate but the mid-palate decided to nap. Finish glided along without speed bumps. Really nice but not great. 7.19.24. — 5 months ago

Doug Powers

9.3

Classic old-school McLaren Vale Shiraz, rich, ripe, full-bodied, lovely if quite ripe, medium-long finish, very nice!! — 7 months ago

with Jim

Kelley Raymond

9.4

Super tannic and long finish. Dark color, so much oak it has to be decanted — 3 months ago

Shay A

9.3

Compared to the 2018 Lancel Creek I opened last year, this was a bit more coiled and shy (and this is already my second check-in with this wine). As a fun side by side, I had a 2019 Arista UV-Diablo Chardonnay open (same winemaker)…not the same vineyard, but the Arista showed more expressive fruit earlier on.

As is typical for this wine, it was faint straw colored in the glass with honeysuckle, sea spray and bright lemon pastry aromatics. Signature nervy acidity is apparent right off the bat without being a detractor. Yellow fruits abound alongside herbs and faint meringue with texture that straddles the middle beautifully. Long finish with mineral notes and nice weight (oak use is balanced).

Followed over two days and it certainly fleshed out and presented more “soft” (in a good way). Healthy decant now or keep tucked away a bit longer. — 3 months ago

Kelley Raymond

9.3

Great reliable weeknight Chardonnay option — 6 months ago