Rick Phillips

9.6

After 35 years I was not expecting much. Especially when the cork disintegrated on opening. Aureated on decanting and was happily surprised. After about 20 minutes opened to dark chocolate, leather but so smooth. The last glass was pure delight. Howell Mountain at its best! — 16 days ago

with Letha

Shengli Hu

8.9

Since 2020 wild yeast fermentation with at least 20% whole cluster (layering in fermenter). They’ve been using whole cluster since 2010 hovering around 10-15% gradually increasing. 1992-1995 vintages not destemmed completely either. Sweet cola nut, cranberry, red juicy cherry, sweet baking spices. High acidity, medium soft tannins. 2018 meatier and weightier locking in at 13.6%. In 2020 they separated the native yeast vs non native yeast ferments. According to Tim, native yeast led to better alcohol conversion, richer wine at same alcohol compared to without.

Precious old vines and newly replanted vines. Completely dry farmed no drip lines at all! Some of which are suffering from Pierce’s disease and leafroll virus.

I was told back in 2016 Kelli White and her husband had a deal with John and Nancy to lease their vineyards but they backed off at the last minute… I for one memorized every little detail about School House from Kelli’s tome Napa Valley Then and Now
— 2 years ago

Andy Hall

9.0

We all know individual bottles of the same vintage wine age differently. As one would expect, the amount of age magnifies this deviation of individual bottles. I have had this ‘79 vintage 3 times in the last two years. This was the first that hinted that it was post peak. Cork was perfect, fill was a low neck. A slight dankly nose. Was still enjoyable after a 2 hour decant. — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.5

Very dark purple color, very closed initially, rich dark fruits, still quite primary, while very structured, the enormous fruit really balances it, very long, lingering finish, outstanding mountain Syrah, should last easily for another 10-15 years, or more!! — 2 months ago

with Jim

Tom Kobylarz

9.5

A top flight of Cimarossa while visiting the winery last month, all were great but the 2018 Rian really struck me. Purity, elegance, structure, allied with density, complexity and length. Black currants, blackberry, cherry, graphite, and spice. I have been a long time admirer of their wines, especially the best ever from outside Italy nebbiolo they make called Foglet. Mia Klein makes these beauties and you can't get them anywhere except from the winery. — 2 years ago

Eric

9.4

Just a good old fashioned kick ass bottle of wine. Amazing 👃 of wildflowers and blueberries. Great evolution from pop and pour to the last glass where the tannins were fully resolved. A gift from Santa @S.R.Alexander. Thanks Siddy! — 4 years ago

Ted

9.3

I used to drink a lot of Andrew Will wines. Stumbled on this last week. More will be bought. Has some age to it that has softened the tannins. Black cherry and raspberry. Velvety smooth. — 9 months ago

with Jeni

Nathan Renfro

9.4

Always good, unfortunately my last bottle. 9 years ago I first tasted this wine, and it was one of the first bottles of wine I had ever had where I went wow, this is good wine. And here we are today… — a year ago

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Better than my last bottle. Really drank well tonight with big fruit and a solid structure. — 2 years ago

Sarah Milsow-Guenther

9.4

This one has held up beautifully. Went very well with our steak dinner last night. — 4 years ago