Paul K

9.5

2015 Merlot night with the boys! — 2 months ago

with James

Ron R

9.5

I beg to differ on my prior rating. With some airtime, this comes into its own. Places merlot on a different level. The cab franc gives this structure and presence. No rush to consume. Nice acidity and cherry compote on the mid palate. Finished luscious and moderately sweet. — 7 months ago

with Anne-marie

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Dollar for dollar, the best producer of CA Pinot Noir.

Dark cherries, plum, blackberries, black raspberries, mid berry cola/licorice, hint of eucalyptus, dark, rich soil, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, soft; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt me grilled meats,soft smokiness, mix of dark & red flowers with violets. Round acidity with balance, smartly polished elegance with a finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls evenly on earth & fruits. — 3 months ago

K L

9.4

So good! Really worth the treat. Perfect in every way. — 5 months ago

with Matt

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on May 2, 2025 at answer in Nashville with Jay]

Black cherry, mulberry and mandarin orange fruit, with black tea and violet notes. — 7 months ago

Carter White

8.9

Got better as it opened up, but some rough edges — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Poured into a decanter directly before service and enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2012 Estate Cuvée pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of mostly ripe, and some desiccated, red and black fruit: blackberry, black plum, crème de cassis, dried red and purple flowers, pipe tobacco, leather, varnish, a mix of organic and inorganic earth and some soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Drink now through 2032. — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Again decent and this was less extracted than I remember them.

WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025. — 7 months ago

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Complex with plum, tobacco, chocolate & lead pencil notes. Nice finish — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

If this isn’t the first commercially released vintage for Whitehall Lane, it’s gotta be close to it. With the help of Durand, I was able to extract the cork intact and decanted about an hour prior to service. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with some sediment. On the nose, the wine is surprisingly developing (still!) with a mix of ripe and desiccated fruit with brambles, tobacco, green bell peppers, leather, cocoa, earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry and the structure is still firm but well integrated. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and a touch savory. What a lovely, surprising bottle! Well-stored examples can be enjoyed now and over the next 5-7 years. — 2 years ago