Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2016 “Tip Top Vineyard” pours, a deep ruby color with a near opaque core, medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe, black fruits: predominantly, blackberries, figs, black cherry, black pepper, pipe tobacco, some mushrooms, potting soil and gym sock. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, particularly the black pepper. The finish is medium+ with some noticeable heat, but not overly distracting. This is a wonderful Napa Valley Zinfandel that’s in a really good place right now, but should have many years of enjoyment down the road. Delicious with lamb/beef kofta. Drink now through 2031. — 3 days ago

AHF

9.7

Has the longevity of a 27 year old riesling BA, but missing that distinctive sweet/sour palate. Amber gold color, slightly musty nose, moderately sweet palate, tastes of old oak on the long finish. Balanced and firm. — 6 months ago

Big Wave Dave

9.4

Very shy nose, but the wine explodes on the palate with the generosity of a good Macon, but with real cut and complexity. Fresh, with a proper evolution across the palate. Citrus and complex minerality provide a long and crisp finish. — 9 months ago

with Racquel

Kelley Raymond

8.9

Reliable grocery store option — a month ago

Chris S.

9.0

Home, Nicole liked — 6 months ago

Gladys Xiques

9.3

A classic Pinot with bright red fruit supported by earthiness in the background. It was more than a warming note to our Santa Maria tri trip. — 8 months ago

Gladys Xiques

9.2

Exquisite. Ripened dark fruit with herbaceous notes. Paired with tri trip — 9 months ago

Turd Ferguson

9.0

Medium body, drinks fairly light for bdx. Well balanced by age. A little gravelly/dusty. Very tasty. Pair with marinated grilled sliced tri tip. Don’t forget to pound your meat. — 2 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Straight up my wheel house for Old World Syrah.

It is called Cote-Rotie or translation roasted slope for a reason.

The nose has beautifully, lightly floral fruits that are; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, black raspberries, poached strawberries and hues of blueberries. Some black pepper, steeped black tea, hues of roasted chestnuts, sandalwood, some dry tobacco, used leather, red cola, dark, rich earth, dark, red, blue withering florals framed in amazing violets.

The body is smooth as silk. The fruits are ripe & juicy; blackberries, dark cherries, plums for days, black raspberries, poached strawberries and hues of blueberries. Some black pepper, shades of lightly, grilled meats, steeped black tea, hues of roasted chestnuts, sandalwood, some dry tobacco, crushed rock powder, river stone, dry top soil, used leather, red cola, dark, rich earth, dark, red, blue withering florals framed in a. amazing field of violets. Rainfall acidity, soft structure & tension, well balanced and an elegant, beautiful, lush finish. Damn beautiful wine.

Sofia & I walked the La Landonne vineyard with Pierre and tasted in the cellar w/ Rene & Pierre.

Excellent with both Tri-tip’s…rubbed & marinated. — 5 months ago

Joe Estrada

9.7

Introduction of Saarloos to our new neighbors…..perfect pairing with Santa Maria Tri-Tip — 2 years ago