Seth Masterson

9.0

A cool project of Cole Thomas - wine maker at Madson wines- working with an obscure vineyard deep in the Santa Cruz mountains.
I was expecting the 'fruit and forest' that is becoming a trademark of regional Pinots but this one is... well what is the opposite of fruity?? Let's say austere for now.... Or maybe It's like Clint Eastwoods face - ruggedly handsome- like these grapes grew in a hard environment, high altitude, dry farmed but they came out undeniably handsome and with a lot of character- it's ultra dry, tannic, has a rural country vibe of sandstone earthiness and you have a sense that the grapes and the wine itself was treated with respect and sensitivity. Maybe it's the Edward Abbey of Pinot Noir?? — 3 days ago

Galen Hasler

9.3

Balanced rich and perfect oxidation. Acidity and palate lasts — 2 years ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.3

My group did not like this wine - 8 tasters. But they are wrong and not used to whole cluster wines. This is very nice especially next day! Complex, touch eucalyptus, orange peel, dark tart cherry, touch cardamom, hint mint, very tannic at the moment. Lacks a little bit of weight. — 2 years ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.2

@vinokeeno exactly. Very nice. — 4 years ago

Roberto Carli

9.2

Burgundy style with a touch of natural Funk which is not bad, below that is gravel and red brambly fruit.  — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

Killing it. Encapsulating that Santa Cruz Mtns vibe perfectly which is hard to do. Deliciously mineralesque with a racy streak. — 5 years ago

Galen Hasler

9.1

Perfection — 3 months ago

Shay A

9.4

@Delectable Wine : This is the Madson little cloud vineyard Pinot Noir. I didn’t see it in the database.

Here I am a few days later still thinking about this wine…asking myself why I’ve never heard of this producer? Why aren’t these wines more common? Most importantly, when can I get more?

13.3%ABV; 100% whole cluster; 1 barrel (20 cases); 70% Little Cloud Vineyard, 30% Savaria Vineyard

It’s not common these days to have a domestic wine catch me off guard due to exposure across wine platforms, tasting groups, reading/research, etc, so I had no expectation of this wine. When I poured it in the glass, the translucent ruby color and the smell of whole cluster snapped me to attention real quick. Aromatics of cranberries, green herbs, violets, fresh potpurri fill the glass immediately. It drinks like the old Calera Jensen Pinots of 15+yrs ago…feral, crunchy, stemmy, bright, electric acidity but so much power carrying through to a wonderful finish of spiced rhubarb.

I don’t seek out many Pinot producers (especially Cali ones) but I’m going down the rabbit hole with this one. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2022 vintage. Low, 12.2% abv. Tasted like there might be a little something else in there besides SB but dunno for sure. A little ripe but pleasantly different. From Arroyo Grande Valley. 6.14.22. — 3 years ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

8.9

2021 Ascona Vineyard Pinot Noir: Bright & flavorful, youthful & fresh. Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2019 vintage. Back to the Grand Cru Chablis body and finish. Light-medium bod. Pear, green and red delicious apple and lime on the finish. Hint of creaminess vs butteriness with the light oak footprint. — 4 years ago

Erik Longabardi

9.4

Cool climate PN from CA. A subtle study of beauty and of balance. — 6 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2024 vintage. Light-medium/medium body. Sandalwood, dried orange citrus peels, clove with a sangria splash. Front/mid palates pretty and somewhat delicate/precious. 2.27.26. — 4 months ago

Atticus Honore

8.9

Surprisingly tasty and complex, big fruit up front, ripe cherry, blackberry jam, violets, forest floor and a short finish — a year ago

with Hallie

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

8.9

Good wine. Weird mid palate. A chenin made like a burg. — 2 years ago

Roberto Carli

9.3

Almost German in style but with a bit more body. No fruit, but earth, mushrooms, a pleasant animal note and some red clay and spice. — 3 years ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.2

Another nice and stemmy syrah from these guys. — 4 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

8.9

It’s Pet Nat season and it seems like everyone in California is making one these days. This Zin & Sangio refresher from Madson (Santa Cruz Mountains) has quickly become a favorite of mine. Smells like geraniums. Mouthwatering acidity, ripe peach, watermelon rind, guava. The fruit and florals are just so pretty, vibrant and distinctive. Pairs perfectly with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and light curry. — 5 years ago