Tree Kilpatrick

9.3

Still very dark for a 15 year old red. Smells like berry-plum sauce and leather. Bit of wet gravel and flint. Flavors are lovely and elevated. Black currants. A hint of cola nut. Licorice drops. This is quite an elegant and lovely red. Could age longer. Beefy but with a velvet glove. — 6 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.1

The elegant side of #grenache - High-toned strawberry + red floral elements on the nose, elegant creamy texture on palate, soft tannins, balanced acidity. Lovely wine from I. Brand & Family Winery. #centralcoastwine — 4 years ago

Scott Petrus

9.0

Rustic tannins and the smell of fresh magma rolling down Etna. — 5 years ago

Chris Shultz

9.1

Starts out reticent, and without fruit. Lots of leather, earth, tar and some fruit leather. The fruit grows and becomes like a plum coulis, maybe strawberry balsamic jam, but never becomes really fruity. The nose is sweet, but the palate is not. Mint and baking spice come out on the nose. Tannins need to be mentioned here, they are there in every sip. Really long and "rustic" tannins. This needs to be drunk with food. By the time it opened up, my food was gone. Really powerful nose, purple flowers are coming on, violets and even lillies. Good acids. Dark purple color, darker than most examples of its relative Nebbiolo.
— 6 years ago

Paul J

9.4

1hr+ decant. Lovely wine. Dark red, maroon color. Dark cherries and cedar on the palate. Well integrated tannins and fruit on the palate. Refined, rustic, and my style! Well made! — 6 months ago

with Brooke

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Carignan based red blend (also has small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc). Deep ruby in color. Intense black fruit aromas and flavors. Notes of fresh herbs, purple flowers and Forrest Floor. Touch of saline and minerals on the long finish. Full bodied with a velvety texture. Nicely balanced acidity and medium tannins. Beautifully rustic! Thanks for bringing this one, Petey! Revisited in October 2025. Still excellent. — 5 years ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

Never disappoints; at 15 years it clearly still has a lot of life in it, and always shows better on day two. Aroma is reticent at first, but then opens to classic Bordeaux graphite and bramble fruit, plus pretty licorice and floral notes layered with tobacco and earth. Unyieldingly traditional and delivering a whole lot of pleasure for the dollar. Best of all, pairs well with a variety of food, even rustic vegetarian dishes, unique for Bordeaux. Flirting with 9.3. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

A blend of 80% Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, rest Graciano and Mazuelo, aged 5 years in American oak, deep Ruby with aromas of red fruits, spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of strawberry and black cherry with spice, tobacco and cedar notes. Fine rustic tannins, long finish, savory ending with tobacco and earthy character. Nice! — 3 years ago

Hugh O'Riordan

9.1

Dark and rich earth flavors. Very well balanced with good finish. It’s from Livermore not Australia! — 4 years ago

Paul J

9.4

Great as always!! Dark red color. Nose of earth, graphite, and French terroir. Silky smooth. Medium plus depth with rustic tones and dark fruit. Medium plus finish. Great pairing with BBQ short ribs. — 5 years ago

with Brooke