John Almansa

Gramercy Cellars

John Lewis Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2008

Shay A
9.3

93-94 range

Hard to believe this is a 17yr old WA state Syrah. 100% varietal, all from Les Collines vineyard. 13.9ABV

Sporting a deep purple color even at 17yrs, this feels like it is just now entering prime time. Big aromatics of peppered smoked meats, whole cluster/green herbs, red and blackberry fruits. Floral and balanced with fruit but spices/herbs in the background. Where Cayuse (and all Christophe Baron/Rocks district) wines trend to the savory/sanguine profile (which I enjoy), this balances the dark fruit, smoky/charcoal, savory/spice driven side of Syrah in its typical rustic/feral profile. Nice bridge between cool climate New World Syrah and ripe vintage Cornas. Finish is more vibrant and less requiring of food as the CB wines do.

Followed over three days and shockingly held up. If you have a bottle, open and enjoy but no immediate rush.
— 9 days ago

Joseph, Tom and 19 others liked this

Rustenberg

John X Merriman Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007

8/2025. Very nice cab Merlot blend. Nice flavor and finish. Nice on the palate. — 2 months ago

Ted, Robin and 1 other liked this

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey

Montrachet Grand Cru Chardonnay 2002

Cena pycm con mathias y clement colin john kapon antnor — 8 months ago

Jan, Juan and 1 other liked this

John Duval Wines

Entity Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017

A perfect balance between oak and fruit (blackberry) from this Barossa Shiraz. Great winemaking from John Duval who has quite the CV. John was Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 until 2002 being only the 3rd custodian of Penfolds Grange after Max Schubert (creator of Grange) and Don Ditter. In 2020 this wine received Shiraz of the Year and 99 points from the James Halliday Wine Companion. The product of old vines in the Barossa. Luscious but in balance and overall - delicious. — 5 days ago

Aravind, Shay and 17 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

John is a very nice guy and an excellent Winemaker. Tasted with him at Taste of Barossa in 2018.

Nickel & Nickel

John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Deep ruby. Plenty of spice with cocoa and oak. Very interesting. Mediums tannins. Another great Nickel & Nickel wine. — 3 months ago

jesus, Robin and 5 others liked this

Bodegas Atalaya

La Atalaya del Camino Almansa Garnacha Tintorera Blend 2019

Enjoyed this one. Big, dark fruits with a hint of spicy pepper. Drinks easy. Big body that paired well with cheese. Would drink again. — 8 months ago

Matthew HeyboerEthan HeyboerJody Wycech
with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

John Duval Wines

Plexus Shiraz Blend 2021

This Aussie GSM was much richer than most Rhône wines that I’ve enjoyed - more red fruit and compote. Enjoyable albeit not overly complex. — 2 days ago

Foxen

John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

2021 vintage. Medium body. Plenty of earthiness and frontal fruity chunk that both set the tone and hung out all day. Foundation good but back-end finish, while definitely there, lacking the oomph that other vintage/versions have thrust out there. Vineyard getting replanted currently and will be completely out of the Foxen pantheon in the near future. Other (SRH) vineyards stepping up and in. 09.03.25. — 2 months ago

Tom, Pinotman and 8 others liked this

Bodegas Atalaya

Laya Old Vines Garnacha Blend

Very good. I really liked it. Happy Hour at the Keg. Bit of a spice. Dry. — 5 months ago

Storm Wines

John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

This wine is just getting good. A lot of baking spice, apple, dried herbs, cranberry, kind of like Thanksgiving sans turkey and potatoes. Really opens after 90 minutes of air. Outstanding — 10 months ago

Tom and Scott@Mister liked this