Knee Deep Brewing Co.
Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Zinfandel 1981
A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50. — 4 years ago
Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and some herb notes, mostly Cab Sauv with small amounts of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged 16 months in 44% new French oak. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with sweet spice, cedar and notes of cacao. A consistent wine and a good value. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, well balanced ending with fruit , toasty oak and herb tobacco spice. — 3 years ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
California Syrah 2019
Ripe, deep red, rich and round. Nice balance of dark berry fruit and zippy acidity. Nice aroma of blackberry, plum and earth. One of California’s great QPV bargains. Burgers, sautéed Zucchini, and very fresh mashed potatoes…. Fall/winter comfort food and wine. — 3 years ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Areio e Vento e Amor Evangelho Vineyard Red Blend 2022
Really fantastic with many years to become more refined. The 2022 Areio from Bedrock’s Evangelho vineyard is deep and dark and full of violet on the nose and light pinkish purple in the glass. It’s incredibly smooth then there’s a bite of red berry and a finish of leather and baking spice as you work through its structure. — 8 months ago
Intrinsic Wine Co.
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2020
Deep ruby color.
Aromas of cassis, vanilla, licorice.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, vanilla, black pepper, licorice, eucalyptus. Medium-rich, velvety tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — a year ago
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Founded 1972, Tom & Sally Jordan, from CO, went to CA’s wine country & produced inaugural vintage in 1976. A Fav of mine with a steak, and the ‘17 hits the mark! Blend of mostly Cab Sauv with Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruit, floral & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and fig with oak, sweet spice, leather & cacao notes. Rich tannins, well balanced and integrated with fruit & oak. Very Nice! — 3 years ago
Lyn Farmer
Deep Ruby, pronounced aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, cassis, black cherry, cedar, vanilla, tobacco leaf and forest floor. Already showing some tertiary notes. Lovely balance of fruit and savory elements, ripe fine-grained tannin and a very long finish. Wonderful wine, easy to appreciate now but with 5 or 10 more years ahead. — 2 months ago