Haven't updated here in a while now, but I've been drinking well and Google Keep has been my trusty note-taker. Thought I kick things off with this absolutely killer wine. I know I said that Michael's wine fell victim to the heat of 16' after drinking the vintage's Block 5, but this wine was the total opposite - just brimming with elegance and nerve. Floral, red fruited, spicy, silky, ethereal.
NB: Looking at them both within such a short time frame really paints a wonderful picture of site difference. We all know this, but its nice to be reminded. Both MV6, just from neighbouring vineyards, the OV being a bit older. I guess Michael does say the Block 5 typically needs more time to develop the suppleness of the OV, but the OV's just such a joy to drink atm. Best 16' Pino I've had from Australia so far. — 7 years ago
Popping the cork, the cork gives off dried eucalyptus from Michael's crafts.
Undecanted: Brandied cherry nose, with a plummy eucalyptus, almost mineralic yet cough syrupy climax. Tart cherry essence on the palate.
Decanted: Almost ripened cherry nose, with licorice undertones. Tart cherry with light body and balanced acidity. An enjoyable and embracable wine to be enjoyed prior to serving or with tapas. — 8 years ago
2012 CIRQ Estate Treehouse Pinot Noir. Michael Browne’s (of Kosta Browne) personal project which as I understand is an homage to the Summers he spent at a ‘Circus Camp’ in his youth. Treehouse is an amazing hilltop (stunning elevation) property in west Sonoma County with red, iron-rich soil surrounded by (say what?) coastal cypress trees. I had the pleasure of visiting, hosted by Damon Wong, and it's an amazing Vineyard. Unlike anything else I've ever seen. I can understand Michael's fascination with it. The wine: On the nose, red fruits, cedarbox, with notes of rhubarb and fennel. On the palate, pomegranate, kirsch, black tea, spices, roasted herbs along with hints of black truffles and white pepper. Beautiful texture. Lengthy finish. Classic expression of Pinot Noir. If I had to distinguish it from Kosta Browne from a flavor-perspective, I would say higher acidity and a bit of tannin give it a quality more accustom to Grand Cru Burgundy which is not bad company. I'm a fan. Congrats to Michael as well as his partner in this project, my friend Kenny Rochford, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. — 9 years ago



I have always loved Peter Michael's wines and I love this one! This is their 2nd tier, a blend made from Bordeaux varietals from their Flagship wine. This is a sensational blend of 52% cab, 30% merlot, 14% cab franc, and 4% petit verdot. The Merlot helps balance this tremendous wine, which weighs in at a whopping 15.7% alcohol 😮 Found this bottle at a local sushi restaurant that was holding a 50% off any wine special. Got this baby for $89 a bottle! A Knights Valley wine at its best, drinking perfectly now! — 10 years ago
Second 16' Block 5 this year and this one's showing a lot better. I put it down to provenance - this was straight from Michael, the other was from the local importer. Nevertheless, the 16' Original Vineyards still the better wine for me at the moment.
I think Michael's right in saying that the Block 5 needs time to sort itself out. But really what am I talking about? The vigneron should know best. Still good to have confirmed it myself. This bottle was a touch disjointed - as with the previous bottle, the tannins stood out. The nose was still quite dark. However, it was certainly brighter on the palate with red cherries instead of dark berries. Also feels fresher without accentuated fruit sweetness, better oak integration although not subtle (smoky). There's a lovely meatiness and spiciness. I like this wine, but it could be more elegant which time would give it! — 7 years ago
There was no question what my first Hurricane Harvey wine would be... Russell Bevan's Sauvignon Blanc from the Dry Stack Vineyard in Sonoma's Bennett Valley. A good case could be made for it being the best domestic Sauvignon Blanc, and it's certainly in the top 3 or 4 (among Peter Michael's L’Après-Midi, Arkenstone, and Merry Edwards). The distinctive cloudiness seems like it's become Russell's signature. The 2016 presents a rich and tropical fruit cocktail laced with garden herbs that's accentuated by a round, silky mouthfeel, which also gives extraordinary length to the finish... that's right, it's a Sauvignon Blanc. Not to mention, every once in awhile it gives off a tartness reminiscent of Lemonheads candy. — 9 years ago
At Michael's for Thanksgiving. Picked out at Artesa Winery during tasting with Obertings. — 10 years ago
At Michael's in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island doing the Honeymoon and Michael is the winemaker of this really special and small production blend of Cab Franc and Syrah called Qone'. Impossible to find anywhere else so the bottom line is that Colette and i get to say "nyaaah nyaaah we got some and you didn't" to all of you out there in Delectable-land. — 10 years ago
Had at Dan & Michael's b'day — 7 years ago
Still not a fan of this domaine. Generally quite modern. Dark-fruited with evident oak treatment here, not dissimilar to Michael's 16' Block 5. I guess one would still call this a good wine, but simply not to my taste. I did like the subtle minerality in the wine though. — 7 years ago

Good I'm guessing it would be Michael's favorite of the three — 9 years ago
A beautiful spring day in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notes of butterscotch without too much cream and butter. A treat to have Michael's Burgundy wines in VA. — 9 years ago
26 November 2016. Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, FL. — 10 years ago
Michael's choice - crisp & refreshing — 10 years ago

Perfect with Michael's famous lobster pot pie — 10 years ago
Steve Gerths
This is a beautiful Cab. Extremely smooth. Dark cherry notes — 4 years ago