Santa Clara Valley, Central Coast

Jonata Winery

La Sangre de Jonata Ballard Canyon Syrah 2015

Even better than the crazy-good 2007, the 2015 La Sangre de Jonata is sheer perfection in a glass and up with the finest Syrahs ever made in California! Checking in as a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, aged in barrel, its saturated purple color is followed by out of this world aromatics black raspberries, smoked earth, graphite, game, violets and freshly crushed rock-like minerality. — 16 days ago

Tom, Bob and 20 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Sounds crazy, given the pricing, but underrated stuff.

Cambria Estate Winery

Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay

2022 vintage purchased and drunk February 2025. Excellent value at $17. The light oak is well integrated. — 12 days ago

Sandhi Wines

Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

2013 barnyardy dream — 24 days ago

James Herron
with James

Stolpman Vineyards

La Cuadrilla Ballard Canyon Red Blend 2022

Stolpman never fails! Downed this vintage with a meatball sub. Not overly grippy, the Sangiovese and Grenache do this wine wonders. Earthy berries, spice, and tar. Just delightful. — a day ago

Lieu Dit

Santa Maria Valley Melon de Bourgogne 2023

From VintEdge Wine and Spirits. Honeydew, cantaloupe, salt, atmosphere. — 4 days ago

Severn liked this

Tensley

Santa Barbara County Syrah 2022

A great representation of an extremely approachable Syrah from Santa Barbara county. Medium-to-full-bodied, rounded and elegant, all red fruits on the nose concours to the palate from beginning to the very end. Medium tannins, some spices and wet woods are easily noticed. It’s a cork and pour, ready to go Syrah. Delicious! — a month ago

Andrew, Vanessa and 3 others liked this

Herman Story

Casual Encounters Syrah Blend 2019

In mag and drinking well, could go several years more. Everyone loved it. — 2 months ago

Eric, Joseph and 14 others liked this
Joseph Barsky

Joseph Barsky

@Eric Urbani Thank you for updating. Love Russell’s work.
Eric Urbani

Eric Urbani Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Joseph Barsky Me too and great guy to boot. Joined the mag club and glad I did, they have been aging so well.

Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2023

Domaine
Au Bon Climat (Santa Barbara County, Californie)
Présentation
Ce Pinot Noir d'entrée de gamme figure parmi les références incontournables du célèbre ouvrage "Les 1001 vins à boire dans sa vie", témoignant de sa qualité remarquable malgré son positionnement tarifaire accessible.
Examen visuel
Belle robe rubis aux reflets brillants, limpide et d'une intensité moyenne.
Nez
Expressif et séduisant, dominé par un beau fruit frais. Notes de cerise mûre et de fraise des bois se mêlant élégamment à des nuances d'épices douces (cannelle, clou de girofle). Une intrigante touche d'iode apporte une dimension saline et minérale qui complexifie l'ensemble.
Bouche
Attaque franche et fraîche, avec une belle acidité qui structure le vin et lui confère une grande vivacité. Le fruit s'exprime pleinement, particulièrement la cerise qui persiste en milieu de bouche. Tanins fins et soyeux. Finale élégante et savoureuse, d'une longueur moyenne, laissant une impression de fraîcheur.
Conclusion
Un Pinot Noir californien d'une belle fraîcheur et d'un équilibre remarquable, illustrant parfaitement le savoir-faire d'Au Bon Climat. À savourer avec patience compte tenu des droits de douane qui en limitent l'accès.
— 3 days ago

Tensley

Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2022

love, well balanced, sweet, fruity, tannins that hold... — 17 days ago

Paul, Tom and 8 others liked this
WC Fields

WC Fields

Always a stunner

Tatomer

Meeresboden Vineyard Grüner Veltliner 2023

2023 vintage. Wanted the intensity of previous vintages tasted but wasn't getting it on the back palate. Still, would hit this if encountering in the wild. 01.29.25. — a month ago

Ted, Daniel and 8 others liked this