Bob McDonald

9.8

Still a very dense crimson with no tawny rim, at 28 years of age but the tawniness is beginning. A certain feral, Animale, earthy note. Palate is ultra smooth, medium bodied / very savoury yet with a sweetish earthy note with a hint of raspberry. Jancis Robinson was invited by Stephen Henschke to a vertical tasting at the winery in May 2013 to cover vintages back to the late 1950’s. She described the 1996 as “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. Medium plus intensity on the delicious palate with those gnarled old 150 year vines showing through. An absolutely stunning wine - one of the best we’ve had this year. — 5 days ago

Brooks Burgum

9.3

We had to overrule the somm and go with this (he was concerned over an asparagus pairing). — 14 days ago

VA

9.3

Drinking in 2024. At it’s peak. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Deep Ruby with aromas of rich berry fruit, floral and complex spice, 76% Cab Sauvignon, 22% Malbec & 3% Petite Verdot . On the palate flavors of blackberry and blueberry with floral spice, integrated vanilla oak and earthy cinnamon. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice, vanilla oak and soft earthy notes, will still develop! A nice fillet mignon with Cabernet gravy will go well. — 2 hours ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Note to self: Somewhat more evolved than expected. So check another bottle soon. — 12 hours ago

Michael Rae

10

Absolutely smashing. Great balance and covertly boozy. Toffee-ish ballast resolves into bright red fruits. So drink-able — 7 days ago

Bill Bade

9.2

Very good. Had at home. — a month ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.3

The 1989 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard from Calera is a real surprise. I am inexperienced with respect to mature Californian Pinot Noir, and Josh Jensen’s wine was a revelation. Candied red fruit commingles with blood orange and Kirsch, unmistakably not from Burgundy because it is too rich, but it is certainly not over-ripe. The palate is overly sweet and Californian on the entry. Still, there is structure behind this Pinot extant after more than three decades, with quite plush raspberry fruit on the quintessentially Californian finish. It's just a lovely wine that is, once again, perfect to drink now. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 15 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Winemaker poured me this treat at the Grand Opening of Pebble Beach Food & Wine. Out of mag and delicious. Still shinning after 35 years plus. — 22 days ago

Tim Lee

9.0

Light body. Tropical fruit — 24 days ago