Gage Orion

9.4

Wife and I cracked this bottle in honor of two friends that we lost yesterday. Strawberry, blood orange, and even light notes of cinnamon. Very good Pinot noir. Never disappointed with Duckhorn. Rest in peace Zach and Chris, hope you’re drinking all the good stuff up in heaven. — 4 months ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.2

Wasn’t expecting to like English sparkling nearly as much as I’m enjoying this bottle. A truly bizarre combination of ripe fruit and racy acidity (higher than the average for champagne) that can only come from somewhere this far north > 50 degrees latitude (long growing season + long days during growing season). Lemon curd, green apple danish, even notes of pear and passion fruit. Bond may have to trade out his Bollinger for this. — 3 years ago

Joan Chan

9.0

Delicious with old Gouda and blueberry lime jam — 4 years ago

with Francis

"Odedi"

8.9

Oakwild Ranch Winery Jacqueline Mendocino Ridge Field Blend 2014, California


Time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday.

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Spicy nose of blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, oak, vanilla, licorice, cloves, herbs, spices, dark chocolates, coffee, earth, pencil lead and peppercorn.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, spices, light wood, licorice, earth, peppercorn, tobacco, coffee, and dark chocolates.

Spicy finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a nice red blend from California. This 6 year old is drinking very nicely now, especially with food. Very spicy, Interesting and pleasant.

Showing good acidity, that pairs nicely with food. The zinfandel and Syrah give it that spiciness, and the Merlot gives it that tangy finish, a very nice combination, especially with the grilled Meats.

I paired it with BBQ lamb chops.

A blend of 42% Merlot, 46% Syrah and 12% Zinfandel. Only 92 cases produced.

15% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$28. — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2012 vintage. Nice producer with anticipated, low-level stuff here. Decanted for giggles. Initially tasted directly after decant and temp was approx 57-59 degrees. Slightly golden color and somewhat ripe but not around the bend ripe. Acidity was low and almost no-go. Woulda rated an 8.7/8.8. Threw the decanter (gently) with a linen napkin for protection in an ice bath to chill down to the 40-42 degree region. Gave it 30 mins and kept it at that 40-42 temp for the next two hours. Acidity (not surprisingly) perked up noticeably. Medium body. Was really pleased with keeping this wine at that temp for the remainder of enjoyment. Feel comfy saying this would perform at a similar level for the next half decade if treated similarly. 11.25.23. — a year ago

Paul T HB

9.9

Mag,
2nd day is essential, opened yesterday & decanted 4 hours today. This is right there with the 2005.
Its been 4 years since my last 07, it still has plenty of life but why wait when you can decant🤷🏼‍♂️
The 29 Estate vineyard is situated on the east-facing hillside at the base of the Mayacamas range, a couple miles north of St. Helena and just above Highway 29. The soil here is clay loam with gravel deposits, deeper at the bottom of the slope and shallower and rockier toward the top (the Sauvignon Blanc is planted in the rockiest spot, followed by the Cabernet Franc and then Cabernet Sauvignon). The slope and soil content ensure good drainage, while the rocks and gravel allow the roots to penetrate deep, ensuring more stable vines and more consistent ripeness. Average yields here for Cabernet Sauvignon are a moderate 2.8 to 3.2 tons per acre, held down by the vine stress associated with steep vines.

Vineyard 29 is located in the narrow hourglass part of Napa Valley and benefits from consistently good air flow. Even in 2008, there was just a touch of frost at the bottom of the vineyard, according to McMinn, who noted that his Aida vineyard just two miles to the north is typically six or seven degrees warmer. The site also benefits from its eastern exposure, capturing early morning sunlight but with the mountain above protecting the vines against the most intense afternoon sun. The result is slow, consistent ripening of the grapes and healthy sugar levels with much less risk of desiccation, which in turn means rounder, more integrated tannins. Although St. Helena is a very warm region, day-night temperature variation at Vineyard 29 is among the widest in Napa Valley, according to McMinn.

Thanks to Vineyard 29’s well-aerated site and protection from the hottest afternoon sun, the estate Cabernet always has sound acidity; it has never been acidified, according to winemaker Emerson. The pH of the Vineyard 29 estate wine is typically between 3.75 and 3.9, and alcohol levels are moderate by Napa Valley standards, almost always in the high 14s (with 2009 the only vintage to have exceeded 15%). The wines are frequently characterized by black and blue fruits—cassis, blackberry, blueberry—and notes of chocolate, licorice and spices. Compared to the Grace Family Vineyards wine, made from a vineyard barely 200 yards to the north from the same plant material, the Vineyard 29 wine is characteristically a bit less floral and delicate but riper and denser, combining power with typically plush, ripe tannins. Emerson noted that Vineyard 29 is typically harvested at least a week later than the Grace site, noting that the tannins “take a long time to lose their chalky character and come around.” Luckily, he added, “the fruit here can hang for a long time without getting too crazy with sugar.” And the estate routinely picks in two passes, typically seven to ten days apart.

— 4 years ago

Stuart Pollack

9.4

Smooth and elegant, but a little sweet for my taste. Classic California Cabernet Sauvignon. Very strong blueberry and blackberry flavors. This wine has a number of years left to age but is ready to drink now. A well-made wine. An outstanding value at $42. — a year ago

Laura Purdy

9.1

It’s about 100 degrees here - SB is the only thing that will make it better. — 3 years ago

Jasen Yang

9.5

Peachy, rich yet refreshing. Probably served around 42 degrees. — 4 years ago

Gena Waples

9.0

Taste seemed like it had a slight spicy bite to it. It is okay chilled at 56 degrees and keeps its flavor as it warms. BUT it’s flavor exploded to fantastic when paired with chili!! — 4 years ago