Nine Hills (seagram's)
Clarendon Hills
Brookman Syrah 2010
The 2010 ‘Brookman’ Shiraz is a sinfully good effort from this outstanding vintage in South Australia. Aromatically ripe and intense, the Shiraz unveils tar, mocha, blueberry compote and shades of Black Forest Cake that all meld together in the glass. The palate is chewy and plush, showing not only serious viscosity but a wonderful sense of tension that runs through the core of the wine. Ripe black and blue flavors combine with bright acidity to make this simply irresistible at the nine year mark. While a delight to savor now, the 2010 ‘Brookman’ Shiraz will cellar well for at least another eight to ten years. — 5 years ago
Siduri
Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
Nine Santa Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County) PNs, 2004-2010. Another standout from Siduri. — 8 months ago
Clarendon Hills
Sandown Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
This week our group tasted nine Cabs from arround the world, all from the 2001. Really interesting what 20 years of aging can do depending on the terroir. This had pronounced bell pepper which threw me off (Bordeaux? Aussie?) ranked it in the middle of the (amazing) pack. — 3 years ago
Long Shadows Vintners
Nine Hats Benches Vineyard Pinot Gris 2017
Very nice! — 6 years ago
The Eyrie Vineyards
Original Vines Reserve Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2008
Pure apple and pear with a touch of vanilla. Good acidity and balance. Just lacks complexity. But at nine years, it is not likely to add complexity in years to come. Drink now! — 8 years ago
Clarendon Hills
Romas Grenache 2010
The 2010 ‘Romas’ is a dazzling effort at now nine years of age. Tannic and strangely backwards upon opening, this Grenache considerably benefits from a one hour decant. Once awoken, the wine shows a gorgeous array of aromatics from ripe rose petals to potpourri and exotic spices that meld with the deep red currants and red cherry compote that take shape in the glass. The soft, silky texture entices, as does the bright sense of minerality. Unveiling its plush mouthfeel, the ‘Romas’ plays with suggestions of kirsch cordial and boysenberry jam with minerals, orange zest and lovely earthy undertones. Complex and delightful at this stage, the 2010 ‘Romas’ will have at least another decade left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 93 — 5 years ago
Arkenstone
Estate Obsidian Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Even up against the other two Sam Kaplan powerhouse wines (Nine Suns and Memento Mori), the Obsidian was my personal favorite. Maybe because it is his home field (Howell Mountain) advantage, having been there making wine with Ron and Susan Krausz for over 10 years. This Bordeaux blend spends 22 months in French Oak and another year in the bottle. Deep and brooding, complex and yet approachable, dense and balanced,...all the things I look for in a wine (and myself 😬). Robert Parker gave it a 98. While many of us don't always credit RP's scores, and as such, I am also going to have to disagree with him. I'm going for one of my all time high scores of 9.9. Again, personally to me, this wine is everything that I look for in a big Napa Cab expression. Sam Kaplan is doing great things up there in the hills! — 8 years ago
Eric Urbani
Nine Santa Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County) PNs, 2004-2010. My #2, Group’s #1. Made by Ed Kurtzman @ Sandler. — 8 months ago