Gage Orion

9.1

I usually am not one to run out to the grocery store and buy wine. But tonight, the wife and I were feeling lazy and wanted a frozen pizza and wine. I’ve seen this bottle before, but this was the first time I bought it. Vanilla forward, light and bright. Really a good bottle for $20 at food lion!! I’d most definitely buy again. — a month ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Bruce Phillips and his wife were pouring their 2021. Talked w/ him at length. Very nice couple.

The 2021 showed well young with room for improving with 10-25 years in bottle and beyond. It showed some evolution, wasn’t all primary. Elegant, very well balanced with excellent structure and finish. Drink 2033-45 properly stored.

The general Napa consensus on 2022 vintage will be a story of did you pick before or after the 6 days of extreme heat during the harvest window. One producer told me his would add 5% of 2023 to some of his 2022’s, which is allowed. He mentioned that he was going to add 15%. But, I think he just misspoke? Get ready for an amazing 2023 vintage from Napa. It was a cooler, not hot-hot, which was a near perfect growing season for long slow even ripening. Some say a vintage of a lifetime and others would only say exceptional.

The Saturday-Sunday Pavilion tasting at Pebble Beach Food & Wine is an excellent four hours to taste a lot wine, taste curated dishes from chefs from all over the country and meet the people behind the bottle. These short ribs were one of the top two or three things I tasted at the Pavilion Saturday. — 8 months ago

Mike Smith

10

Campari but…better? — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot aged in 20% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry, herbs and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry & currant with notes of pepper, tobacco & cacao notes. Soft rich full tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy and mineral character, needs a little more time. — a month ago

Barry Shailes

9.9

Had this at WiTC — 2 years ago

garry post

9.2

Excellent 2015 Oppenlander vineyard Pinot Noir. Smooth, aromatic, rich, lively, black cherry, Plum, bright acidity, light leather and earth notes. — 2 years ago

Jess Cheyne

9.5

Yummy local wine — 3 years ago

WC Fields

9.5

Stunner. Double blind this had the group calling a Cote d’ Nuits…blown away upon reveal. — 5 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This was a nice pour out of 9L served up by their Winemaker, Trevor Durling. He and his team are a great group of people.

Really excellent evolution. Classic Private Reserve George Latour style. Fine, dark tarry tannins, dark cassis, wet clay, sandalwood, used tobacco, light herbaceous notes, understated lead pencil, some baking spices, dark spice, withering dark & red flowers, excellent round acidity, balance for days, soft structure & tension and an elegant, round, plush, velvety finish that close to two-minutes. — 8 months ago

Steve Medbery

9.3

Love the dried fruit (Black Current and fig ) to go along with blueberry. The wine exhibits both power and finesse and has a very pleasant lingering finish — 2 years ago