Mates Vineyard is considered the best of the Kumeu River Chardonnay Cuvées but to be honest they are all delicious. This has such stone fruit intensity on the palate together with ripe grapefruit and Cashew. All in balance and drinking superbly. An outstanding new world Chardonnay. A few years left in its drinking window. It will always have that superb fruit and will develop a little more complexity - have the last 2019 in a year or two. — 7 months ago
We had the 2006 Vintage on 7/27-28/24. A nice Old World, medium to full bodied wine with a long finish. Scents and a palate of blackberry, black cherry, plum, graphite and camphor. The tannins were fine and smoothed out with aeration. A very good wine. — 4 months ago
2018 vintage. Oak a little showier than last visit 4.20.24. *Full disclosure* Probably my favorite CA cabernet for QPR purposes-year in, year out-since the early 90's. Not inexpensive, yet, in a world of ridiculous CA cab pricing, this is a bargain. Had I storage space and projected lifespan, would pick up two cases and crack a bottle every year starting in 2028. Some overt baby fat/oak to dissipate in anticipation. Currently, wanting more structure and depth but, given the track record with this wine/producer, it's enroute. 5.29.24. — 6 months ago
This wine poured a dark blood to brick red. It had flavors of cedar, dried fruit, earth, and may be a little bit of graphite. It was very smooth and balanced. It had quite light tannins but some nice acidity. I do not have a lot of experience with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but this was a very good example. It was nice to try an old world GSM blend, and compare it to American versions. It was certainly less fruity and more earthy. It went perfectly with the prime rib we cooked for Christmas Eve dinner. Many thanks to good friend Mike P. For this gift. — 3 years ago
A lovely melding of Old World finesse and New World exuberance. Green apple, pear, white peach, ripe lemon oil, flint, acacia, and the barest hint of toasted brioche. Mouth watering acidity but not at the expense of texture. Long, beautifully ripe finish. Stunning. — 2 years ago
Cinnamon, cranberry, cherry, magenta, ruby, leather, cherry, cranberry, acid and tannins are chalky — 4 years ago
Pinotman /// Andreas
This just happens to be excellent. Very burgundy like. In fact blind this would be tough. Exuberant sour cherry and cherry. Incredible tannins. Unspitable! Hint pine. Lemon. Hint elderberry. I am a fan. With age this will be interesting to follow. Perhaps because of the extra fruit may be may be i would have guessed new world……????? On the expensive side 72$ at Birdrock Fine Wines. — 4 months ago