Ming L

9.1

Tasted on Indy 500 race day—fitting, as this bottle delivers raw horsepower but not much excitement. The 2019 charges out with blackberries, cassis, and dark plum, backed by smoky oak and a streak of graphite. Tannins grip like performance tires—firm but not unruly—while hints of vanilla and dark chocolate round out the finish. More muscle car than precision instrument. And the ride feels more parade lap than photo finish.
I like the 2016 vintage better, a blend with 25% Saint Macaire and 25% Mourvèdre. — 11 days ago

Dean Bennett

9.0

2019. Second wine at unruly pig. Delicious — 3 years ago

Daniel McCullough

9.3

Decidedly less brioche than a recent 06, more lemon rind. Less unruly / youthfully exuberant vs. others in class of 08. Developed nicely over the duration of dinner. — 3 years ago

Turd Ferguson

8.9

High novelty factor. Tannins and acid still hanging around which leads me to believe it was fairly big and unruly in its youth. Smooth and earthy, evolved fruit. Maybe a bit pruney but I find this typical of Greek reds. Paired wonderfully with spicy pasta bolognese. — 8 months ago

Ethan Samuels

9.2

2010 vintage (half bottle). Upon opening, there was a split second hesitation as to whether the wine was skunked or not. Extremely earthy and funky nose though the taste and color assured that it was fine, though it surely needed a ton of time to come together. We enjoyed a Chenin Blanc while we waited for the Rioja. Revisiting the nose about 45 minutes later, it was clear the time alone improved it immensely. Alas, the classic notes of vanilla and oak and cherry that I so often associate with Rioja. Drinking it 20 minutes later over the next hour, the wine was showing incredibly well and so different from its previously unruly and spastic self. It was now much more tame and finessed, well integrated tannins yet still present, with nice acidity and a good amount of freshness. Incredibly enjoyable all on its own. A fun journey that had a rocky beginning but very rewarding end. — a year ago

ESF

8.9

Man I just love Norton - it is such a fun, expressive wine. It’s loud & boisterous and downright unruly, but it’s uniquely American. Inky and brimming with black fruit galore & then menthol, medicinal, licorice, forest floor, squirrely spice just pour out of the glass. So expressive. On the palate it is voluptuous w/plenty of acidity & tannins, it’s just a bit clumsy, but it means well. Black fruit compote with kitchen sink spices envelope the palate. Decent finish. Don’t know what the hell you’re supposed to eat with this stuff but it’s a lot of fun. — 4 years ago

ESF

8.9

This was 100% CF - no sign of age, inky, w/impressive aromas of cherry cough drop, herbaceous, white pepper, medicinal - old school vibes on nose. Bit unruly on palate, definitely felt the heat and finish had some astringency. Not a huge fan of Paso Robles fruit… Still a decent quaff and scratches itch for varietal CF. — 8 months ago

Gor

9.3

A little closed at the moment but the aromas are strong with musk, unripe raspberries, underbrush, pepper, cherries and a hint of Asian spice. The texture and body demand time with tannin that still feels a little unruly. Great stuff, needs time. — 2 years ago

T M

9.3

Really good, sweet but crisp, not syrupy — 3 years ago

Guillermo Gonzalez

9.3

Superb. Needed something to stand up to a bone in rib eye as well as an unruly 1 year old. Deep garnet color. Lot of berries on the nose with hints of smoke and bacon fat. Beautiful long tannic finish. — 4 years ago