Stanford
Domaine Pascal Aufranc
Chénas Vignes de 1939 Gamay 2019
A nice Bojo while I watch Stanford v. Texas. Love the nose on this. Just explosively granitic, but there’s some cherry/wild berry fruit and pungent spice too. Much more austere on the palate than the last bottle I had a year ago. Bone dry, pretty much all granite, and a tad astringent. It’s very enjoyable now, but extrapolating the two date points (now and a year ago) suggests to me that these should be drunk up.
UPDATE: Night 2, the fruit is more present and the wine is softer. Maybe it’s night 1 showing simply reflects a dumb phase. Upping from 9.0 to 9.1. — 2 years ago
Some Young Punks
Passion Has Red Lips Red Blend
At the Stanford Grill with Rich and Marsha. Also previously with Terry and Marie. — 6 years ago
Dutton Estate
Stanford University Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah 2021
Stanford University
Staglin Select Collector's Reserve California Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
1 hour decant. Opened up nicely, good pairing with lamb stew. — 3 years ago
Thomas Fogarty
Estate Grown Damiana Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
Wow what a nice surprise for a Santa Cruz Mtn Chardonnay. Ripe stone fruits and secondary tropical notes. Soft, limestone like texture but definitely not grown anywhere near limestone!
Soft-round acidity.
Hilltop estate vineyard looking over Stanford and Silcon Valley planted in 1978.
As much as I like it's trying to punch above it's weight at a $85 retail — a year ago
Ridge Vineyards
Stanford Collector's Reserve Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Good legs and tannins, a little smoky and fine accompaniment to a dry aged ribeye, — 4 years ago
Achával-Ferrer
Finca Bella Vista Mendoza Malbec 2009
Hard to be objective about this OG wine from a fellow Stanford alum. Really love this vineyard and this wine at 10 years young was probably still baby killing. Could easily go another 20+ years. Although it was perfect tonight with a handmade summer burger and tater tots! Really top shelf Malbec and a $100 wine from Argentina really does compare to a $200+ wine in Bordeaux or Napa. — 5 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
@Delectable this is Vida Valiente High Ranch in Coombsville.
Sam Kaplan was pouring Vida. Always good to speak with him.
This winery project helps fund students who would not necessarily be able to afford attending Stanford University.
The 2021 Vida Valiente High Ranch is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 24 months in 100% new French Oak. 94+ will 8-10 years of cellaring.
WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025. — a month ago