Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

This small Calistoga producer falls largely under the radar. I am thankful. The 12 vintage brings such fruit. However, this 12 Sisters rides the fence of 12 & 13. Shows dark currents, concreted mouthfeel in addition to its ripe, rich opulence.

The nose ascends with rich dark, purple, blue fruits, dark spice, violets framed in lavender for days.

The palate is ripe, ruby, lush, concentrated fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, boysenberries, very dark cherries, creamy raspberries, in & out strawberries & blueberries. Big, heated, dark spice-box, round, meaty, sweet tannins cigar ash, led pencil, tarriness, anise, moist, fresh tobacco, black licorice & cola, dark, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, rich soil w/ dry leaves, dry, crush rocks/limestone, dry herbs-bay leaves, sage, parsley, notes of eucalyptus bark shavings, tree bark w/ hints of sap, touch of black sandalwood to barrel shavings, pepper, moist, volcanic clay, fresh & withering; dark, purple, red, blue floral bouquet framed in violets & lavender, excellent acidity with a lush, rich, big, round & meaty structure, still shows great tension, well balanced with endless polish & finish. 10 years of life ahead…properly stored. Wine post 4,600.

Such a deal at the Benchmark Bin Sale. @Paul T- Huntington Beach if you find any of this, just tell me about em, don’t buy em. 😂🤥 — 2 years ago

Jody Scharf

9.2

Shout out to @Paul T- Huntington Beach
Great recommendation.
Ty — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I had a number of 1997’s of this late. A good wine & value in 97’s courtesy of Clyde Beffa. 2005 such a splendid vintage and still youthful.

Decanted around 11:45a today, poured around 8:30p with an Allen Brothers Ribcap and it is simply velvet in the mouth.

Recent spilt auction purchase with @Paul T- Huntington Beach for $35-$36 a bottle…in OWC. From the same Technical Team as Leoville Las Cases. Different terroir but, excellent experience.

Excellent, ripe candied fruit of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, raspberries, baked strawberries, dark spices, black licorice core, mid & dark colas, river stone, limestone alluvials, dry crushed rocks, dry tobacco, leather, saddle-wood, dark, rich, forest floor with dry leaves, some tree sap, tea leaves, soft, round, fresh herbs, dark, fresh & withering florals that are; dark, red, blue florals framed in violets & lavender. The acidity is excellent. The finish has length, balance, polish for days that falls on excellent soft earthiness.

2007 Bordeaux’s are already following suit as the 97’s in a lot of cases…only better. Value vintages in Bordeaux if you go looking. — 4 years ago

Edward Nelson

8.9

Christmas dinner bottle #2. — 3 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.9

The finest wine from this Pomerol Chateau in many decades. @Antonio Galloni @Paul T- Huntington Beach @Shay A @Ron R @Tom Garland @Kimberly Anderson @Stanley Barrios @Jay Eagan @Neal Schaffer Your notes on this one are spot on Mr Galloni! 👍🏽 — 3 years ago

Stuart Scheff

9.4

@Paul T- Huntington Beach Paul is correct again. Charles Hendricks kicks ass. This Pinot rocks. — 4 years ago

Jennifer

9.1

@Paul T- Huntington Beach @Ashley Antonio 🏆 — 4 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.5

This is the most unique and well crafted Bacigalupi I’ve tasted. The color the texture are on point! @Paul T- Huntington @Severn Goodwin @Shay A @Ron R — 3 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.6

Soft, supple and voluptuous, the 2012 is a great choice for drinking while some of the more structured vintages rest comfortably in the cellar. Sweet mocha and spice notes wrap around the silky, seamless finish. @Severn Goodwin @Paul T- Huntington Beach — 3 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.6

Wow Wow Wow @Stanley Barrios @Paul T- Huntington Beach @Tom Garland @Luda Palei @Eric L. gold color. Aromas of citrus and green plum, white flowers, complex minerals, and exotic oak spices. Lemon, pear, and tart pineapple fruits on entry, refreshing acidity, and a medium body; Long, citrus zest aftertaste. — 5 years ago

with Tom and Mike