Taonga Peak

Terlato Vineyards

Cardinals' Peak Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

As a wine professional, there are few greater pleasures than a bottle that surprises. All too often, our prejudices influence the experience which is why it’s so important to taste wines in double-blind fashion, and often. This bottle of 2005 Terlato Family Vineyards, “Cardinal’s Peak” blew me away. I don’t know anything about the wine making or fruit source but what was in the glass was simply beautiful.

Poured into a decanter about 90 minutes prior to service and then enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2005 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some light signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of mostly ripe, but also some dried black and red fruits: blackberries, black cherry, black plum, raspberry, pipe tobacco, the purple Now and Laters®️, oiled leather, purple flowers, dark chocolate, coffee, dried forest floor, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and overwhelmingly satisfying. A somewhat, no scratch that, remarkable wine. End stop. Drinking so well right now and absolutely in its prime. Don’t think twice to drink now to enjoy at its very best, but this will continue to drink well through 2030 if you must. 13.8% ABV.
— 3 days ago

Douglas, Shay and 5 others liked this

Antica (Antinori)

Townsend Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Not as bold and full body as other Atlas Peak wines which is probably more in line with the Italian wine making influence. — 4 months ago

Tom and Ted liked this

Elan Vineyards

Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Ahh…hello again, old friend. Wonderful as always. — 7 months ago

Mount Peak Winery

Rattlesnake Zinfandel 2021

A tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, highest point of Monte Rosso Vineyard, famous for rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking sunshine by day and coiling around the vines at night. Dark Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, tangy herb, pepper and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and ripe cherry with black pepper spice, vanilla and earthy sweet herbs. Soft chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy oak. Nice! — a month ago

Tom, Douglas and 5 others liked this

Geyser Peak Winery

Walking Tree Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Light forward pepper flavors with flavorful dark berries and fun spices that carry through to the finish! — 4 months ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

2010 vintage. Classic Pauillac with ripe cassis, lead pencil, and cedar wood. Still very young, but a class act. Concentrated, profound, and impeccably balanced, with layers of black fruit, a serious structure of haute couture tannins and balancing acidity. Long, mineral finish. Impressive, but nowhere near its peak. — 6 months ago

Ira, Peter and 5 others liked this

Talley Vineyards

Bishop's Peak San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir 2022

Appropriate accompaniment to ham and rosemary white bean, onion, tomato dish. ($22) — 3 months ago

Bishop's Peak

Talley Vineyards Pinot Noir

Quite nice with pork tenderloin ($22) — 3 months ago

Au Sommet

Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

This high altitude cab is full flavored with a soft finish. Absolutely marvelous. — 7 months ago

Daniel CammarataMichael Cammarata
with Daniel and Michael