Andy Stabile

9.2

Best of the trip so far.
Big fruit. Touch of Tabacco. Crisp tannins. — 16 days ago

Alan Weinberg

9.4

Of the 3 grand cru Chablis chez Raveneau, Valmur is my favorite. I find Blanchots less minerally, Valmur the most minerally, Clos just behind Valmur. The best ever for me, shockingly, is 1994 Valmur, then 1996. We had a stunning wine of the trip 2010 Valmur in Champagne at Les Crayeres.

So I was eager to drink 2002. Fabulous from the get go. Pop and pour, first w a pâté de campagne, then with roast duck and herb risotto at Opal in Santa Barbara. Waiter foolishly declined the proffered pour.

Just super citrus zest bejeweled with minerals and hints of menthol, super acidity, all balanced and long, depth and weight with no heaviness. Simply great Chablis. Loved it. — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

Our trip ended with a tasting of Lewelling & Hayfork, courtesy of daughter Haley at their family home in the vineyard. Although I’m not posting pics of the Lewelling cabs (2017s and didn’t have labels yet), they are impressive, and the Wight vineyard cab is flat out delicious!

The fruit here is the same as Lewelling’s wines, but there is usually a splash of petit Verdot to give more color and structure compared to the 100% Cabernets that Lewelling bottles. Dense, ripe and chewy. Very dark in the glass showing sweet smoke, blackberry compote, baking spices, and espresso aromatics. Whereas the Lewellings have a beautiful red and black cherry liqueur type profile, this is decidedly darker, but every bit as tannic and age worthy. Added notes of graphite, currant, creme de cassis and mixed berry pie at the finish. — 6 years ago

Ryan Kenny

9.2

Strong tannins. Drank on work trip to Dallas Jan 2026 — a month ago

Susan LaGanke

9.0

In Kona, Hawaii at a fabulous dinner celebrating my husband during his recognition trip. Perfect wine — 3 years ago

Chris Sowick

9.2

Brought back from Bordeaux trip in 2013. Incredible full ripe tannins. Classic 2009. Avg price $40.00. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

The Fantesca property on Spring Mtn is gorgeous, and their tasting room at the winery is stunning. Really enjoyed getting to try more of their wines.

I’m really picky on chardonnay, but this was intoxicating. It’s crazy young, but this is going to vault up the scale for me. First comparison that comes to mind is Aubert’s Larry Hyde & Sons, but with a touch less acidity (still plenty). This is supremely balanced. Honeyed stone fruits, lemon cream, and a slate/mineral note on the nose. Rich without being too dense. Vibrant. Powdered sugar lemon bar, meringue, and honey roasted cashews. This was (or may still be), the only chardonnay Heidi Barrett makes. — 6 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.9

Should be a 10. But if it’s a 10 now how will it improve with age? Simply put the finest Nahe Riesling I have ever had. Wait for the offer for details. Wine of the trip so far and no way anything beats it. — 2 years ago

Amy Brackin

9.1

My favorite - what a perfect ending to a perfect trip. — 4 years ago

Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.0

A little reminiscing. Drank this wine in my first trip to Argentina around 15 years ago. After my@first mouthful I thought to myself “I gotta get to Salta.” It’s still on the list of wine regions to visit but I made short ribs tonight and thought, what the hell? Inky purple and smelling of iodine and blueberries and black cherry, this wine had fantastically bright acidity that carries the rich ripe black and blue fruits across the palate with wonderful freshness even after a few years in the bottle. Very fine grained tannins add a hint of structure and longer in the finish with blueberry and herbal notes. A big wine to be sure but quite balanced for its 15.2%. — 6 years ago