Ed Chin

9.0

Drinking really nice for this recent vintage. A lot going on with this high acid bottle. A year or 2 wouldn’t be a bad thing though. — 4 months ago

Karl Heinmiller

9.2

Nom nom nom — 3 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.6

This is the first year that Billo Naravane has made this incredible wine. The Grenache entirely aged in natural oak while the Syrah saw 20% new oak before bottling. The wine is a stunning blend of 71% Grenache with 29% Syrah which was entirely sourced from the ‘SJR Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Pretty red rose petals, red cherry candy and orange rind combine with shades of Hoisin sauce and Umami tones on this exotic nose. The palate is silky smooth with wonderful freshness and a great sense of elegance. The seamless effect on the mid-palate is nothing short of captivating, as is the exceedingly long finish that provides the crescendo. Vibrant and youthful, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade — but why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 96 — 4 years ago

Ryan Guy

9.4

Open for about 5 hours, no decant... Masculine nose, yet pretty at the same time. Tobacco, plum, cassis, leather, dark chocolate, and espresso. Beautiful balance, with perfectly ripe, farmers market plum and blackberry. Layers of mocha and tobacco carry throughout. Tannins are integrated and show restraint. There is a creamy, milky chocolate midpalate which transitions to a rich, yet still ripe, dark fruit finish. Green pepper creeps through on the backend. Deep core of fruit, but don’t be misled this could easily pass for right bank, think Saint Estephe. Paired perfectly with cold smoked New York strip steak.. wish I had more of this one, drink or hold. 43% Cab Sav, 37% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc — 5 years ago

Kiran K

9.2

Excellent Rhône blend from WA. Smoke earth nose dark fruit. Opened up 45 mins. — 6 months ago

JKT

9.0

Very nice! Just a hint of slight oxidation at first sniff but blew off quickly and the rest is that nice old Chablis drink. Dinner with Mary colleague Michael from FL. Surprisingly well matched to Rasa semi Malaysian dishes. — 2 years ago

Moya Shawley

9.5

Really enjoyed a live webinar with the winemakers of Rasa Vineyards. Complex aromatics of dark chocolate, gravel, dried herbs, raspberry, pepper that also reflected on the palette. Super long finish and really an impressive well balanced wine for $50. Blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Viognier. Definitely will be purchasing a case of their wines. — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; consumed over the course of an hour with friends. The Founder’s Reserve “V” is the 5th edition of the series. It pours a deep, ruby color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose the wine is developing with notes of black, red and blue fruits: blackberries, cherries, and blueberries with purple flowers, tobacco, black pepper and baking spices. On the palate, wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. A lovely quaffer and outstanding value. Drink now and through 2030+. My last bottle of the "V" and it was a great pairing with brisket. — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.0

The third and latest release of the Founder’s Reserve follows the tradition of the previous versions; a Bordeaux blend of sorts with a dollop of Syrah. Popped and poured; consumed over four days. The wine came across disjointed on Day 1 & 2. By day 3 it started to turn into something more interesting and Day 4 was best. Mostly blue and black fruits with dark cherries and figs, pipe tobacco, minerals, baking spices, a small touch of vanilla. Medium tannin. Medium plus acid. Finish is satisfying. A touch of heat on the finish but just. These need a few years to show their best. — 4 years ago

Michael Seely

9.2

Delightful wine. Worthy — 5 years ago

with Jeff and Joe