Oak Bay Vineyard

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

Opened the evening prior at 7pm and double-decanted; the bottle was left at room temp with the cork pressed lightly back into the neck until service. The 2000 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and a slightly water rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous and showing some real power with a compelling combination of ripe and desiccated fruit: dark brambles, cassis, leather, dill, olives, spiced meat, tobacco and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and whoa is it ever delicious. This has to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink now through 2040. — 9 days ago

Hermes, Ira and 13 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay

Delightfully complicated California Chard masquerading as a White Burgundy. French nose and French finish. Minerals, flint, stone and fruit—apple, pear, peach and nectarine, with an obvious but restrained layer of oak. Not overly fruity or oaky; no pineapple or butterscotch here. Paired well with the Seafood Tower, Swordfish and Black Cod at the Water Grill Santa Monica. This was a juvenile 2021 vintage, tasted in 2024. Eager to try this gem after another half decade. — a month ago

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2019

2019 vintage. As delicious as ever. Exquisite balance of fruit and acidity. Medium-heavy bod. Clean with a smattering of mineral influence here and there. So good. 6.5.24. — a month ago

Austin, Ira and 15 others liked this
Norman Gennaro

Norman Gennaro Premium Badge

These are great

Silver Oak

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Napa from times past, needs time to flourish to a harmonious wine with great nuance. — 9 days ago

Vino, Paul and 8 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

2018 vintage. Oak a little showier than last visit 4.20.24. *Full disclosure* Probably my favorite CA cabernet for QPR purposes-year in, year out-since the early 90's. Not inexpensive, yet, in a world of ridiculous CA cab pricing, this is a bargain. Had I storage space and projected lifespan, would pick up two cases and crack a bottle every year starting in 2028. Some overt baby fat/oak to dissipate in anticipation. Currently, wanting more structure and depth but, given the track record with this wine/producer, it's enroute. 5.29.24. — a month ago

Ted, Jan and 17 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 23 days ago

Scott@Mister liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Ted
9.1

I have only had the Napa valley version before. The Napa seems more dense and concentrated but my only comparison was a 2007 that is beautiful. — 11 days ago

Jeni
with Jeni
Jose, Juan and 12 others liked this

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir

Slightly heavier Pinot noir, ripened blackberries, plums, liquorice, cinnamon and toffee. Does not taste like a typical French or Aust/NZ Pinot. Elegant tannins and acidic. Taste more like a light right bank — 7 days ago

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2012

Good show. Only a hint of CA sunshine on the close. — 18 days ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Pinotman, Bob and 10 others liked this

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Very nice! Excellent suggestion by waiter. Will be adding this to our short list. — a month ago

Joe, Neil and 2 others liked this