Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Sanguis “Optimist” Proprietary Red Blend
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A charismatic and versatile red from Sanguis, the “Optimist” is a harmonious yet expressive blend of Grenache, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and a touch of Roussanne. It’s designed to bring early pleasure—rich yet balanced, and perfect for both casual sipping and food pairing. 

Composition (2020 Vintage)
• 70% Grenache
• 12% Petit Verdot
• 10% Syrah
• 8% Roussanne
This composition delivers a lush, aromatic, and layered profile, with Grenache providing fruitiness, Petit Verdot structure, Syrah spice, and Roussanne a subtle aromatic lift. 

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry and lush berry fruit intermingle with floral perfume and savory spice. There’s a nuanced herbal undertone—think dried herbs or garrigue—and a hint of minerality that adds intrigue and finesse.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and supple, the wine is smooth and elegantly textured, with vibrant acidity and a balanced finish that leaves a satisfying freshness.

Winemaking Notes
Sourced from diverse vineyard sites across the Santa Ynez Valley, it’s crafted with care to allow both fruit and structure to shine. Roussanne adds a graceful aromatic lift to the backbone of Grenache and Petit Verdot.  

Food Pairing
Terrific with grilled meats, hearty vegetable dishes, or charcuterie. Also plays beautifully with tomato-based pasta or lighter fare, thanks to its savory, fruit-forward personality.

Verdict
A genuine crowd-pleaser with depth and nuance—Sanguis “Optimist” is joyfully bold yet approachable, offering plenty of charm and vibrant energy. A masterclass in balance and flavor, perfect for both everyday meals and mindful sipping. Cheers — a month ago

Shannon Aldridge

10

Yum and Aldi! — 4 years ago

David Lee

9.3

Magic in the glass. So aromatic and complex. Lemon, orange, caramel, vanilla, toasted pecans intermingle and go on for ages. — 5 years ago

Drake Mekkers

9.1

Very tasty cab — 2 years ago

Myles Keyt

9.3

col d'orcia 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is an alluring creation with 14.5% alcohol content, boasting a medium body that dances gracefully on the palate. Its mesmerizing hue of medium purple enchants the eyes, while its vibrant high acidity adds a delightful zing to the overall experience, accentuating the flavors.

As the wine meets the nose, a captivating bouquet unfolds, reminiscent of a Tuscan spring garden. Notes of balsamic, basil, and sundried tomatoes intermingle with the freshness of thyme, creating a harmonious symphony of aromas. The scent of ripe red cherry adds a touch of fruity allure to the ensemble.

Upon the first sip, one is immediately greeted by the invigorating burst of sour cherry, a defining characteristic that lingers tantalizingly. The wine's exceptional quality shines through, making it an excellent choice to accompany a fine meal. It effortlessly complements a variety of dishes, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

With a rating of 96, col d'orcia 2018 Brunello di Montalcino stands as a testament to the mastery of winemaking. This wine is not merely a beverage but an invitation to indulge in the artistry and craftsmanship of Italian viticulture. It is the perfect companion for cherished moments shared with great friends at an authentic Italian restaurant, where the ambiance matches the wine's essence. Cheers to unforgettable memories and the pleasure of savoring this remarkable wine! — 2 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.6

100% Viognier. Brightly pitched aromas of white peach, orange peel, flint and yellow rose make a bold introduction to this complex white wine. Flavors of Casaba melon, kaffir lime, and shortbread intermingle on the rich and creamy mid-palate. Bright acidity quickly balances the intensity of the flavors, providing a zippy, long, and refreshing finish. — 5 years ago

David Kline

9.4

Dried cherry and cranberry with bresaola notes, bay leaf, brown bread, peppercorn. Dried violets, black and bing cherry and dried blueberry intermingle with elderberry and plum skin.
Magnum was better on day two, showing acute complexities unrealized initially.
Great single vineyard wine with depth.

#sojournwines #sojourn #sojourncellars #wohlervineyard #sv #russianrivervalley #russianriver #sonomawine #sonomapinot #pinotnoir #pn #pinotvino #svs #rrv — 2 years ago

with Courtney

Kristen Grimes

10

Tobacco and tart cherry aromas, a good amount of acid for a 2009, cherries come through first and then the tannins come in. Paired with a coffee-spiced steak with burnt kachumber salad.

Winemaker Notes
Medium-intensity, dark cherry-red; clean and bright. To the nose it stands out for its fresh, spicy character, with hints of sweet cherries and blackcurrant chocolate, assembled with notes of black pepper, tobacco, nutmeg, coffee, mocha and cinnamon. Pleasant and well-balanced in the mouth. Tasty, with a soft freshness, nice structure, and delicately elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a lovely aftertaste, where liqueur-like notes of cherries and blackcurrants intermingle with toasty notes and sweet spices turning this especial edition of Viña Ardanza into a fine, elegant wine. — 4 years ago

Kurt Schuster

8.9

Fresh and plump, feels youthful and vibrant. Blue and red fruits intermingle and give a variety of fresh flavors that don’t come across as acidic but instead ripe and luscious. — 5 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2016 Kongsgaard Chardonnay is a sensational wine that is showing its full-throttle decadence now at the four year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layers of vanilla Creme brûlée and butterscotch woven together with mango and pineapple upside down cake that all meld together in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and wonderfully viscous. Ripe banana and roasted pineapple intermingle with baking spice infused challah bread, and Meyer lemon creme brûlée flavors. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful Chardonnay will cellar well for more than a decade to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95 — 5 years ago