Eric Urbani

9.2

In Mag, bought in release (2018) and after six years lying down is peaking nicely — 6 days ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.4

Darkly floral and intense, the 2021 Casual Encounters blends black raspberries with cedar shavings, tobacco, and exotic spice. This is elegant in feel, with silken textures and decadently ripe red berry fruits. Cooling acidity maintains a fantastic balance as dark chocolate and balsamic spice firm up the finish, tapering off long and gently tannic. The 2021 is juicy yet expertly balanced. (Eric Guido, Vinous, July 2024)
— 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with mostly fresh, tart, vibrant red fruits: red brambles, red currants and tart cherries with some pyrazines, tobacco, some cool herbs, dry earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and bordering high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the body is perceptibly leaner than both the 1988 and the 2018. That being said, I love its transparency because it is clearly telling part of the story of the vintage. The frost was merciless in Dry Creek in the spring of 2008. So far, the evolution seems slow to me. Drink now with a decant but considering the structure, this has a long life ahead. If I had another bottle, I would open my next after 2028. — 8 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.4

My favorite domestic Syrah. Gorgeous. — 3 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.4

Needed about 3 hours of air to open a bit. Huge dark fruit, cocoa powder, pepper, baking spice, blackberry jam, a touch of herb jam, maybe jalapeño, but a lot of fruit and chocolate. Lovely. — 6 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

In magnum. Still one of my faves from Russ and always fun to tell the story (wine club gets to submit grade school photo and if you win, you get to be on every bottle for the vintage). lol. 100% Grenache from Paso. 15.8% ABV so drink responsibly. — 9 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.5

So freaking good, huuuugggee! It’s so amazingly different from tribute to Grace which I’ve been drinking lately, but I love them both in each way. But only want to drink this one a few times a year. So much fruit, cigar box, cherry, apple jam, herbs, lavender, a bit of flowers, meat, so rich. — 3 months ago

William Lamb

9.6

At Bacara w/Shana - mineraly / Shana like lots. — 6 months ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.2

Lush and full of flavour. I enjoy the full throttle style with such impressive balance and length. — 7 months ago

Shannon

9.3

We liked it with grilled meats especially lamb chops — 10 months ago