Pala Wine World

Hirsch Vineyards

San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2021

This just happens to be excellent. Very burgundy like. In fact blind this would be tough. Exuberant sour cherry and cherry. Incredible tannins. Unspitable! Hint pine. Lemon. Hint elderberry. I am a fan. With age this will be interesting to follow. Perhaps because of the extra fruit may be may be i would have guessed new world……????? On the expensive side 72$ at Birdrock Fine Wines. — 3 months ago

Ely, Tom and 9 others liked this

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay 2020

A lovely melding of Old World finesse and New World exuberance. Green apple, pear, white peach, ripe lemon oil, flint, acacia, and the barest hint of toasted brioche. Mouth watering acidity but not at the expense of texture. Long, beautifully ripe finish. Stunning. — 2 years ago

Ira, Tom and 4 others liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2013

Decanted for around an hour, the recently released 2013 Grand Vin from Chateau Musar is an enormous wine at present in its youth. Gradually, it opened into a gorgeous, exotic and utterly unique product of this unlikely corner of the wine world. There’s plenty of Bordeaux-like character in the form of dark fruit and cigar box, but there are notes too of cranberry, liquorice, clove, mandarin and five spice. The mouthfeel, as a whole, has a quasi Brunello quality to it, with its bright cherry fruit and mouthwatering acidity. But woe is anyone to compare this wine to any other, for it is incomparable. One of Serge Hochar’s last vintages before his passing in 2014, and one that will doubtless have a long life. — 4 years ago

Josh, Jason and 1 other liked this

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rosé Blend 2023

Paul J
9.5

Best Rose in the world! Haven’t had or bought this vintage yet.

Dark Salmon color. Rich on the palate with strawberries and peach. Massive depth and finish for a Rose.
— 4 months ago

Brooke Weaver JakubowskiGeoff Parrish
with Brooke and Geoff
Tom, Jan and 9 others liked this

Pala

Essentija Bovale Sardinia Bovale

Pretty tannic, but balanced, leather dark fruit, cream cheese note on the nose (lactic acid?), good cooking spices too. Mid bodied. — 6 months ago

Rivka Friedman
with Rivka

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Brilliant!
Napa fruit nose with old world style:)
Many years of life left,
Drinking beautifully now.
— 3 years ago

Tom liked this

Old World Winery

L'aureate Sonoma County Chardonnay

little bit of spice, then juice — 4 years ago

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. — 5 months ago

Ted, Jan and 17 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

This wine poured a dark blood to brick red. It had flavors of cedar, dried fruit, earth, and may be a little bit of graphite. It was very smooth and balanced. It had quite light tannins but some nice acidity. I do not have a lot of experience with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but this was a very good example. It was nice to try an old world GSM blend, and compare it to American versions. It was certainly less fruity and more earthy. It went perfectly with the prime rib we cooked for Christmas Eve dinner. Many thanks to good friend Mike P. For this gift. — 3 years ago

Mike Lopez
with Mike

Pala

Stellato Vermentino

Great white whine alert ! .... Full bodied with exuberant tropical fruit aromas. Notes of fennel, sage and spices with a beautiful smooth mineral long finish .:. — 4 years ago