The Little Kentucky River Winery
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2019
Not ready for prime-time just yet, but that didn’t prevent us from committing the felony.
Pale straw color in the glass links up with lemon curd and a hint of gooseberries. Robust acidity frames this up nicely. Finishes taught and with urgency. Drinking the best wines in the world can be a little like fumbling around in the dark. But with this, I can see in the dark. — 9 months ago
Merry Edwards
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
On the nose red cherry, raspberry, herb, smoke - on the palate same but maybe a little plum - smooth tannins. Very good — 2 months ago
Kosta Browne
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Cherry, oak, and cola over plum. Good but a little tighter than the last one I had, maybe needed more time to open than it got. — 3 months ago
J. Rochioli
Little Hill Pinot Noir 2008
2008 vintage. Had never come across the "Little Hill" until today. Light-medium body. Decanted and was fairly musty for 2-3 minutes before it started to blossom. Some blue fruit/menthol/eucalyptus throughout the experience. Demonstrative spice component on the back end. Could really only ding this on being slightly "watery" on the front palate. Otherwise, this is kicking now and has plenty of life and love to give. 5.27.23 — a year ago
Ridge Vineyards
Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel Petite Sirah 2014
A few things; I still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge, not even a corked bottle & I’ve had a number of them. First time having this bottling. I don’t drink a lot of Zinfandel or Zinfandel blends but when I do, I prefer Ridge’s style.
96% Zinfandel & 4% Petite Sirah. Decanted 40 minutes.
Intense nose of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, boysenberries and hints of blueberries, incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty, dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice, some; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon. Liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers.
The palate shows; round, lush & juicy fruits of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, liqueured dark cherries. boysenberries, notes of poached strawberries and hints of blueberries. Incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice with some heat, a little; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, finely crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, used iron pan notes, powdered minerals, liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers, excellent round acidity, tall structure & fairly big tension, well balanced and nicely, layered, polished finish that lasts nearly 90 seconds.
Still a bit young to me. Better in 5-7 yrs and will drink well for another 5-7 after that. More new wood use here than I am used to in their Zin & Zin blends.
Paired nicely with my Allen Brothers burger.
Photos of; the drive up entry to Ridge’s tasting room hilltop above Cupertino, cellar barrel, Ponzo Vineyard fruit and their tasting terrace. — 3 months ago
Rochioli
Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018
Pop and pour. A superb light golden straw color. On the nose: lemon, tart green apple, crushed rocks, little pear, and a touch of honey. Taste: elegant, creamy medium body wine with nectarine, minerals, lemon rind, apple, cinnamon and a spiced white peach decent finish. Cheers! — 3 years ago
Bob McDonald
Strong red florals and fading (compared to the previous tasting) yet noticeable oak. Also whole bunch influence. Tastes a bit bunchy. A little coarse on the medium plus bodied palate. Dark fruits - plum and cherry. Finishes with silky tannins which redeems the wine somewhat. A Shiraz drinkers Pinot with a twist - not very Burgundian. Amazingly Bob Campbell MW gave this wine 99 points in January 2015. — 6 days ago