Bruce Dunbar

9.1

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. — 4 months ago

Jason Sliwa

9.2

Deep straw color. Elegant full body. A bit fizzy perhaps. Very enjoyable. — 2 years ago

with Vicki

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend 52% Petit Verdot, 26% Malbec & 22% Cab Sauv, deep Ruby with aromas of red and black fruits with notes of black pepper. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum with cacao, leather and pepper. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with cedar, vanilla and black fruits. Good value. — 3 years ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.3

California Syrah at its best. Deep red fruit, spices, rich forest floor. Delicious. — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Blend of mostly Merlot with a little Petit Verdot, deep Ruby with aromas of ripe dark fruits, sweet spice and espresso notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, plum and black cherry with toasty oak, cacao and espresso. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and sweet pepper spice. Still has room to age, but nice now! — 9 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Deep purple. Aromas of black cherry, black currant, raspberry and earthy tones. Juicy, black fruit and black tea finish. My favorite of the Hobo Wine Co. tasting. — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.5

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

Stuart Pollack

9.1

Leave this out one hour before consuming or it will not be balanced. After breathing, a deep, brooding, dark-fruit wine with plum, licorice, and tar. Good value under $40. — 6 months ago

Jess

9.0

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

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

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! — 2 years ago