Disjointed upon opening. Lots of reduction that needed to blow off. Drinking much better after about hour being open. I don’t love this one as much as the ‘19 I had a couple times last year. — 10 months ago
Good times with family…adults celebrate the little one’s 3rd bday. Smooth, mild, excellent cab — 2 years ago
1998 vintage. Bottom neck fill and flawless cork. Decanted and tasted over the course of two hours. Some sed but not too much. Medium body initially (and later) rich, fruity nose that translated well down the hatch. Wine thinned out (light-medium body) when tasted after the 30 minute mark with more earthy flavors and then fattened up again approx 45 mins later. Ultimately, left feeling it needed another 1-2 hours of decant time before starting the journey. First time with this producer. Had some solid, old-school, durty dirt and tobacco in the profile at times. Would like to taste again in the next 12 months.12.17.23. — 10 months ago
Big, bold Beckstoffer Cab. Not as elegant as the 2014 but a serious wine for enjoyment. — 4 months ago
‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry and floral spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long finish, bold ending with sweet oak notes. Very Nice! A Fav! — 10 months ago
Tasting great. Spiced red fruits, medley of vegetables just picked from garden with dirt still clinging. Reminds me of the muddy lettuce I’ve been picking this winter in Oakland. The nose is just unbelievable. At times cinnamon stick, then smoked brisket, then rain on bricks. Palate is lovely with some brighter red apple skin, plum, cranberry. Still an underlying grilled veggie with a hint of meat. It is a great northern Rhône style wine from Sonoma. Is it the closest a CA wine has ever approximated a French Syrah? Tasted blind I’d 💯 guess this is a Rhône from Kermit lynch. Update day 2: nose is much more savory, but the palate has an interesting sweet dried cranberry flavor. Still predominantly herbal/vegetable but that was interesting. — 2 years ago
Ron Siegel
Rustic old school styled Bordeaux with black fruits, cedar, leather, earth, graphite & cigar box. A wine I have had many times that is just hitting its prime with many years ahead — 20 days ago