Mike Press

Rockford

Basket Press Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

I received a bottle of Rockford as a 40th birthday gift, a wine I wasn’t familiar with at the time. After five years of aging, I opened it in the company of good friends – and what an experience! A rich and well-balanced wine, with intense flavors of berries and plums that really impressed. Wow, a wine that captivates with its harmony and depth. — a month ago

Henrik SeidlerGus NEric K
with Henrik, Gus and 1 other

St. Reginald Parish

The Marigny Direct Press Sur Lie Pinot Gris

Whoa! This was a surprise. Tart apple, Brie cheese. Slightly effervescent. In that ABv sweet spot as well. Drink with impunity. — 3 years ago

Kevin, Mike and 1 other liked this

Carter Cellars

The Three Kings Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

1 hr. decant, Excellent Classic ToKalon Cabernet Sauvignon @Mike Smith Kills this 2015 Carter Kudos & Respect! Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 4 years ago

Paul, Eric and 26 others liked this

Slow Press

Monterey County Chardonnay

Medium yellow color. Tropical and vanilla on nose. Oak With something I can’t distinguish.. maybe some salinity? Bright pineapple. Then rich buttery creaminess. Slight vanilla into an oak finish. Slightly dry — 4 years ago

Grgich Hills Estate

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019

The “King of Chardonnay” Mike Grgich farms w/o pesticides and certified organic. Aged 10 months, no MLF. Medium lemon color with aromas of stone & citrus fruits. On the palate flavors of apple, pear & lemon citrus flavors, with honeysuckle, vanilla & toasty oak notes. Nice balance with acidity on long finish with a toasty mineral ending. Not your typical CA Chard, very nice! — 16 days ago

Tom, Juan and 2 others liked this

Myriad Cellars

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Mike Smith should be knighted. — 3 years ago

Mike liked this

Carter Cellars

The O.G. Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Magnum, Easter Party wine...Fabulous after brief “airing” the aromatic profile once mentioned to be one of the “profound in memory” for at least one Party member! Great To-Kalon performance here, Awesome Wine! @Mike Smith makes great wine! Kudos Sir! Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 4 years ago

Laura Milton
with Laura
Shay, Jan and 27 others liked this

Château de Saint-Cosme

Little James' Basket Press Vin de Pays d'Oc Viognier Sauvignon Blanc

Refreshing French Viognier-Sauvignon Blanc blend, served with Moroccan chicken at Bitter End, Wells, ME — 6 months ago

Slow Press

California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Oaky smooth and fruity. A very refined taste! — 8 months ago

Myriad Cellars

100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard Syrah 2013

Shay A
9.3

This was one of the red wines I served for my annual WWC hosting, alongside a 2016 Pellegrin Gamay, 2017 Chacra CyC, and 2015 Force Majeure estate Syrah.

As all wines are tasted blind, I totally get the guesses of Cayuse-like Syrah. The 100% whole cluster use here is undeniably distinct. For the most part, it seems to be a love it or hate it style (I love it). By the time we all got to this, it had been in the glass 1-2hrs. Deep purple, with massive stemmy/green aromatics that hit you in the face. Wintergreen notes, too. On the palate, it’s funky, herbal, spice driven notes wrapped around underripe blackberries and rhubarb. This is a floral, savory, spicy Syrah at 8yrs that seems crazy youthful. Likely hangs in this window for a while. Bravo, Mike Smith.
— 3 years ago

Jason, Tom and 28 others liked this
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

Still haven’t tried any of his Syrahs,
Shay A

Shay A Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Paul T- Huntington Beach : At the price, a no brainer.
Jason and Jennie

Jason and Jennie Premium Badge

@Paul T- Huntington Beach @Shay A no brainer for sure. The whole cluster wines are stand-outs