Rob van Kalmthout

9.4

Still very much potential. Very much a burgundy mise, Candied lemon, hints of subtle tropical fruit like pineapple. — 9 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Splash decanted; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2017 “Tip Top Vineyard” pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe black and red fruits: brambles, plums, cherry lozenges, black pepper, warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This worked really well with a variety of grilled fare though I suspect a few more years in the cellar would help add some complexity. Drink now with patience through 2032. — 2 years ago

Lisa Bilz

9.5

Luscious with a tri tip. — 5 years ago

Camille Kelly

9.0

Full bodied, deep purple, and refreshing! — 6 years ago

AHF

9.6

Amazing value. Sweet but mellow. Pillow soft palate. — 7 years ago

Martijn

9.0

Warm wine. Lush red fruit dominated but enough acidity to keep it fresh. — 7 years ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

9.1

This bottle maybe be crying one solitary tear, but I cheer for depth of berry body and the complex velvet mouthfeel. Tip tip, hooray! — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Ruby color with aromas of red fruit, herb spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of raspberry and cherry with dried herb notes, vanilla and toasty oak. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fresh fruit, spice and earthy tones. — 10 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. — 3 years ago

Joe Estrada

9.7

Introduction of Saarloos to our new neighbors…..perfect pairing with Santa Maria Tri-Tip — 4 years ago

Karie Kwiat

9.0

Full body! Really enjoyed — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Wow! Velvet, dark currants, mocha, caramel, dark chocolate, saddle-wood, underbrush, gravel, stones & elegance that only happens with this much time forward. Round acidity and beautiful balance and finish.

Stupidly good with our Tri-tip!!!

Photos of; my visits to Bodega La Rioja, their well backlit tasting bar, outside patio and large oak barrels that were assembled inside the Bodega more than 100 years ago...they’re that big and have required many repairs over the years. — 6 years ago

with James and Christina

Bo Conrad

8.9

This is a wonderful wine. Made to be paired with grilled meat or other hearty food. Not so much alone — 7 years ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.1

Very nice blend. Dry and mouth watering. Makes me want to have a steak right away. Rating upped to 91 after having the bottle with some burgundy tri tip. Just a really great smooth wine. Very delicious. I need to buy more. I think the rating will increase again. Amazing value too. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have wanted to do this producer side by side with Alban with well seasoned Tri-tip. Tonight is the night.

The crowd that leans California liked the French better.

I have always thought Alban in the new world mimicked Rostaing’s style.

Both phenomenal and I enjoyed both for slightly different climate & soil reasons.

These two producers do Syrah without the heavy smoked meats & bacon fat of say Cayuse. — 10 months ago

Gladys Xiques

9.2

Exquisite. Ripened dark fruit with herbaceous notes. Paired with tri trip — 3 years ago

Joseph LaPanna

9.0

Dark purple with gobs of fruit billowing from the glass. Blueberry, blackberry and currant with hints of coffee and leather. Full bodied with silky smooth tannins, the mouthfeel is soft and juicy. The mid palate is round and full of black cherry, currant, plum black olive and toast. The finish is long and lush with hints of smoke and nutmeg. Paired with grilled Tri-Tip! — 5 years ago

Kelly Carlin

9.3

Wowee zowee. Layers of strawberry, citrus, savory notes, mousse. Tip-top. — 5 years ago

Danielle Shea

9.0

A much bigger and bolder Claret from winemaker Matt Loso. Notes of stewed plum, chicory and currant jam. Full bodied and complex on the palate, mild to medium tannin with a velvet finish. Great addition to my Christmas table paired with coffee rubbed tri tip steaks. — 6 years ago

Natassia

9.8

First impression on the nose is of freshly installed carpet and peppercorn. Hits the tip of your tongue as a tingling glitter and down the back of throat with notes of peppercorn, blackberry, Cuban cigar ash, and slight smoke taint. — 7 years ago

with Nick, Sara and 1 other