S.S. Mandani

9.5

One of my oldest friends (17 years and counting) gifted me this rosé in 2021, bringing it back from his trip across Tuscany.

It’s survived through three apartments, spent a winter in a garage out in Long Island, and had a short-lived stint (which ended last night) across the river in Jersey.

It was opened and shared on a whim last night amongst friends.

Pretty, pale pink, this cuvée has a faint bouquet of sakura flowers and Rainier cherries. Also, there’s a slight salinity in its aromatics.

With age, some of its vibrant fruit flavors have faded, while its more savory qualities have cole into their own, showing a developed complexity of more herbal tones.

A strong note of dried and crushed roses as well as a light mushroomy/earthy quality.

I’m imagining the vistas of Tuscany’s more wild vineyards, which have embraced the forests.

An enjoyable wine to drink, I’m glad we opened it. Wine is meant to be opened. To be shared. To be drunk. It is sunlight and soil and time in a liquid state that honors land and friendship. — 7 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Just an outstanding Pinot Noir from Nigel. Everything I expect and more from an amazing region for Pinot Noir.

If you make it to Queenstown, drive out to Central Otago for the vistas & two or three tasting appointments. These photos are from our visit and what would be their early fall. It’s God’s country.

Central Otago has the warm days, cool nights, soil structure and the long growing season that is perfect for Pinot Noir grapes.

The nose shows ripe, candied, floral; black cherries, baked plum, blue fruits, raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries, poached strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate, mixed berry fruit cola, soft spices, mix of red & black licorice, limestone powder, cherry kirsch liqueur notes, smokiness, understated, fresh tobacco, crushed volcanic powder, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, light cinnamon, lightly grilled meats with bright florals of; red, dark, blue, purple flowers framed in a field of violets.

The palate is complex, lush, lively and light on its feet. It’s flat out stunningly gorgeous! Wine candy. Ripe, candied, floral; black cherries, baked plum, blue fruits, raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries, poached strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate, mixed berry fruit cola, soft, dark spices with just the right shade of palate heat, mix of red & black licorice, limestone powder, dry crushed rocks, stones, dry top soils, cherry kirsch liqueur notes, smokiness, understated, fresh pipe tobacco, crushed volcanic powder, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, light cinnamon, lightly grilled meats with bright florals of; red, dark, blue, purple flowers framed in a field of violets. If you are an acid head like me, the acidity is one of the reasons you love the wine. It’s like a cool, gentle river. The long finish last minutes. It is a tremendous, glorious balance of fruit and earth that slides into mid minerals & dark spice.

If you haven’t heard or only thought about this producer’s wines, you owe it to yourself to buy a bottle & see firsthand how incredible they are, both Chardonnay & Pinot. I’ve had other more expensive Pinot Noirs that were not as good as this 2014.

Photos of; my Q&A walk the property with owner and winemaker Nigel Greening, concrete tanks, open top fermenters and their beautiful early fall vistas from the property. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The Terrasse is a white blend that gets its name from Keermont’s terraced vineyards. It is a blend of Chenin Blanc from a 46 year old un-irrigated vineyard called 'Riverside' and is complimented by Chenin from two younger vineyards and varying fractions of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.

The nose is a little shy. Cut grass, understated; lemon, lime, pineapple, green melon and white peach. Soft chalkiness & minerality, light saline, white & yellow flowers.

The body is light and lively. Understated; lemon, lime, pineapple, green melon, white peach, honeysuckle a little cut grass, soft chalkiness & minerality, light saline, white & yellow flowers. Beautiful acidity and elegant, ripe, well balanced finish that persists softly in the mouth.

We also tasted his 2013 Cabernet Reserve & his 2016 Fluerfonein (sticky Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc wine) but, I didn’t have time to write notes as we had to get to another appointment. 🤷‍♂️ Both good and worth seeking out.

Photos of; the vistas on and around Keermont and Sofia and I with Alex touring the property. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Happy birthday to my wife Sofia! She wanted to go have a birthday lunch in Big Sur at Nepenthe. With these views, who wouldn’t want to go celebrate there? Great vistas, good food and an even better wine list. Krug by the glass and so much more! Good warm up for lunch.

It’s a combination of reductive and oxidized style on the nose. Bruised apple, bruised Bosc pear, well overripe pineapple, marmalade, touch of caramel, creamed cider, understated honey notes, chalkiness, seashells, some oysters, volcanic minerals w/ fruit blossoms & withering yellow lilies.

The palate shows more reductive style than oxidized. Less pronounced bruised apple, bruised Bosc pear, well overripe pineapple, white citrus, marmalade, touch caramel, creamed soda, apple cider, understated honey notes, chalkiness, seashells, some oysters, volcanic minerals with fruit blossoms & withering yellow lilies. The acidy is quite nice. Very good; structure, length & balance. The long, beautiful, rich, finish is just what you’d expect from Krug.

Photos of, the outdoor bar with that view, whew, Nepenthe pumpkin, with the cell tower signal so bad & no wi-fi, they need a antique phone booth and the outdoor lounge/waiting area, complete with a ping pong table.

@Nepenthe Big Sur — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

One of the first things our host Carolina showed us was their App you can download from the App Store. You open this App on your phone or iPad etc.. Hold it in front of the bottle and the label is turned into augmented reality with full motion animation telling the story behind the wine. It was very cool!

On the nose, ripe; ruby, lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, cherries & strawberries. Vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, warm, sweet, dark soil, soft leather, light spice and fresh & withering dark flowers. The body full.

The body is full. The tannins big, firm, tarry, meaty & sticky. The fruits are ripe, ruby, lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, cherries & strawberries. Vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, warm, sweet, dark soil, soft leather, light spice and fresh & weathering dark flowers. The acidity is round & beautiful. The finish gorgeous, polished and beautifully elegant.

Photos of, their terrace view. Vistas around Finca Decero. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Celebrating a 10 year anniversary only happens once. Tonight is all about trying to recreate as much of our wedding day as possible. I cooked two pasta dishes the restaurant in Cortona made for us family style. While good, there’s no substitution for truly well done Italian cooking from the old world. What the restaurant did for our reception was truly amazing and done with wonderful Italian hospitality. Those of you that know my wine habits, I’m the guy who brings Bordeaux to an Italian wedding reception and that’s what I did. After all, It was our/my wedding. I brought an 1986 Haut Bages Liberal magnum with me from the U.S.. So in remembrance of our wedding reception, we are enjoying another magnum on our 10th anniversary tonight. I was concerned about finding another magnum in good drinking condition. However, this bottle 10 years further removed is better than the one we enjoyed at our wedding. In magnum and larger formats, I think it has another 5-10 years left of good drinking ahead...properly stored of course. On the nose; dark cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, cherries, dry cranberries, a touch of pyrazine, black rich earth, stones, old tobacco leaf, cedar, saddle-wood, baking spices and dark fresh floral bouquet. The body is somewhere between medium to full. The tannins are nicely resolved. Fruits are ripe, fresh and juicy 31 years down the road. Blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, cherries, dry cranberries & pomegranate extract. Black licorice, a touch of pyrazine, black rich earth, wet stones, dry top soil, old tobacco leaf, light expresso roast, softly understated asian spice, mint, cedar, saddle-wood, baking spices (vanilla, cinnamon, light clove & a hint of nutmeg), violets and dark fresh floral bouquet. The acidity is round and like a waterfall over the palate. The finish is rich, ripe, balanced, well textured, elegant and lasts well over a minute. The quality of this magnum wildly exceeded our expectations. One would think this bottle was stored at a Chateau it’s entire life prior to my purchase. The alcohol comes in at 12.5%; which is one of the reasons I love the good years of 80’s Bordeaux and prior. Too bad alcohol levels are negatively impacted higher now and going forward due to climate change. Additionally in some cases, because of producer marketing decisions largely based on consumers who crave higher alcohol levels! Sofia, I am lucky to have found you to walk through life together. I love you now and forever. What a 10th celebration tonight and a celebration of our life together. All under a nearly full moon. Oooow, I ❤️ you! Photos from our 5th anniversary trip back to Cortona; the building we were married inside & out and one of the vistas surrounding (Cathedral) this beautiful hilltop town. — 9 years ago

Beth Newman

9.0

Blaufrankisch — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I’ll go back to drinking more CA Chardonnay when pigs fly like the top right photo.

This was under $40 and still better than any CA Chardonnay I’ve truly enjoyed. I may have given out slightly higher scores or similar scores in previous CA Chardonnay notes but, it was more for their technical achievement for the varietal within region(s).

The nose reveals; green & golden apple, lemon flesh, pineapple juice, lime zest to candy, kiwi, underripe green melon, cream, light, fresh herbs, candle wax, honeysuckle, white spice, refined chalkiness, gritty volcanic minerals, sea fossils, saline, yellow lilies, fruit blossoms, spring flowers & mix greens.

The body is; full, oily with nice viscosity. Green & golden apple, lemon flesh, pineapple juice, lime zest to candy, kiwi, underripe green melon, cream, vanillin, soft caramel notes, light, fresh herbs, candle wax, honeysuckle, white spice with pronounced palate heat, refined chalkiness, gritty volcanic & limestone minerals, sea fossils, saline, yellow lilies, white florals, fruit blossoms, spring flowers & mix greens. The acidity is beautifully round and phat. The finish is long, nicely knitted, polished, perfectly polished, elegant ending in persistent white spice.

Nice pairing for our white cheeses.

Photos of, our friends deck in progress and vistas. — 6 years ago

with James and Christina

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Bought this recently for $29.99. It’s a property I visited in 2015. So, when I saw this for under $30, I just smiled and plucked it from the shelf. I knew it would be good, just not quite this beautiful. A wine good enough to make you wonder why we spend more money on a bottle of wine. A bottling to acquire to keep you free from the temptation of drinking your expensive & far too young to open reds.

The nose reveals; dusty, dark cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, plum and juicy, baked strawberries on the high nose, dark tarry spice, cherry cola, dusty alluvial soils, dry crushed rocks, dry herbs, dark spice, tarry notes, black olive tapenade, dry brush, dry top soil & clay, dark, rich soil, vanilla, nutmeg, dark chocolate, mocha powder with candied, dark-red florals with lavender and violets.

The body is full, lush & ripe. The tannins are rounded yet still, firm, dusty & tarry. This 07 is nearing its peak form and will hold there another 4- 5 years before it starts its slow decent. The mouthfeel is gorgeous. The structure, tension, length and balance have really hit a nice groove. Dusty, dark cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, plum, fresh, ripe, rhubarb and juicy, baked strawberries, anise, dark tarriness & spice, cognac notes on the deep palate set, cherry cola, dusty alluvial soil, dry crushed rocks, dry herbs, dark spice, black olive tapenade, dry brush, dry top soil & clay, dark, rich soil, vanilla, nutmeg, dark chocolate, mocha powder with candied, dark-red florals with lavender and violets. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long, well balanced, juicy, ripe, elegant elegant finish persists several minutes. Just misses 93.

Perfect Tri-Tip steak wine.

Photos from my 2015 visit. Their tasting room, Estate vinesand surrounding vistas from the Bodega. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

With lunch, this amazing 08 Walter Hansel. Well deserving of a 93 on technical merits but, even a little higher on the pleasure scale.

On the nose, ruby older fruits of; blackberries, dry cranberries, dark cherries, stewed plums, blueberries hues, cooked rhubarb, pomegranate and black raspberries. Vanilla, cinnamon, clove, dark spice, steeped tea, limestone minerals, dry stems, underbrush, hints of black cherry licorice/cola, saddle-wood, touch herbaceous with bright withering red florals.

The drinking window is right around its peak. The body in medium, round and lush. Ruby older fruits of; blackberries, dry cranberries, dark cherries, stewed plums, poached strawberries, blueberries hues, cooked rhubarb, pomegranate and black raspberries. Vanilla, cinnamon, clove, dark spice, steeped tea, limestone minerals, dry crushed rock powder, dry stems, underbrush, hints of black cherry licorice/cola, saddle-wood, touch herbaceous with bright withering red florals. The acidity is round and like a rain shower. The finish is; beautiful, ripe, lush, elegant well balanced and polished.

Photos of, their amazing vistas and my wife blowing out her candle on their birthday gift from Nepenthe.

@Big Sur Nepenthe — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This is done by Michel Rolland. Perhaps, the most famous international consult out there.

On the nose; ripe, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black raspberries with some strawberries. Dark rich soil, black licorice, dusty top soil, and dark red florals & violets.

On the palate; the body is medium and the tannins dusty, tarry & sticky. The fruits are juicy; blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black raspberries with some strawberries. Dark rich soil, black licorice, light tarry notes, leather, dusty top soil, and dark red florals & violets. The acidity rains on the palate. The finish is well balanced and fruit driven landing on dry powdery tannins.

Photos of the Andes. It was the closest visit we had in proximity to them. Other vistas around the Properties. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The 2015 quality producer reds out of; Puente Alto, Maipo, Pirque and Aconcagua are strong considerations for your cellar or temp & humidity control cabinets. The fruit is sensational and the acidity is beautiful.

The nose is ripe, ruby floral and show slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, black raspberries. Some creamy raspberries, black cherry licorice/cola, dark semi-sweet soil, nice baking spices, cedar and fresh red & dark florals.

The body is gorgeous and full. The tannins are rounded, firm and gluey. The fruits are ripe, slightly candied and fresh. blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, some creamy raspberries, strawberries, black cherry licorice/cola, dark, nice herbal notes, semi-sweet dark soil, dry loamy top soils, dry stems, chewy leather, lighter baking spices than the nose, cedar and fresh red & dark florals.

Photos of; their tasting in the old Viña, two vistas from their property and the newer more modern Viña. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Fresh, ripe nose of; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum, mocha/milk chocolate, caramel, baking spices, sweet rich clay soils, very light presence of herbs and fresh red flowers with violets. The body is full, rich and nicely resolved with round M+ tannins. The fruits are big and ripe; huckleberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, plum with strawberries dancing in the background. Caramel, mocha/milk chocolate, chocolate pudding, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, hints of clove, sweet rich clay soils, darker spices, crumbled volcanic minerals, touch of dry herbs, suede/velvety leather, mouthwatering, fresh round acidity and a long, rich, elegant, smooth as silk, balanced finish that lasts over a minute. Photos of; the the tasting room/bar, the fresh vegetable honor stand in front of the winery, picnic area and the view onto the valley floor from their terrace. Producer notes and history...born near the Italian-Swiss border, Gaetano Regusci journeyed to the Napa Valley in 1891 working at a dairy along today's Silverado Trail. In 1932, Gaetano cashed in his entire life insurance policy and purchased a foreclosed property across the road, known today as Regusci Ranch. For the next 30 years, Gaetano lived off the land, farming; corn, hay, walnuts, plums and grapes. He ranched cattle, ran a dairy and opened a retail market. They survived prohibition and the great depression. Gaetano held onto the Ranch, passing along the historic Stags Leap District property to his son Angelo in the 1960s. Regusci long before making wine were excellent farmers...a nice resume for growing grapes. Through five generations, they were commited to agriculture. Gaetano Regusci purchased a 289-acre estate in the Stags Leap District; which included one of the preeminent wineries of its time, the Grigsby-Occidental Winery established in 1878. At that time, the wine industry was not what it is today. Aside, from growing and making homemade wine and selling grapes. When Gaetano's son Angelo took over the family Ranch in the 1960s, he began planting Bordeaux varieties on the estate. His decision would prove to be visionary within a few decades. As the wine industry flourished so did their vineyards. They planted a 160 acres of grapes that reside on the estate today. Angelo's (Angelo's Vineyard, is perhaps their best bottling) son Jim became a farmer as well, taking over Ranch duties in the 1990's. Having farmed for many of Napa Valley's most notable vineyards, Jim decided to establish Regusci in 1996. Their first crush amounted to 1,900 cases. Today, they produce 6,500 total cases spilt under several different wines designations. It's a fun place to visit and taste. Behind the tasting bar, they have a two foot piece of the cable that was used to make the Golden Gate Bridge. Ask them to see it. However, it's as heavy as a large dumbbell. When you make an appointment, see about reserving one of their picnic tables after the tasting. If you get a table purchase your lunch before you get to the winery as they do not sell prepared food. However, during the growing season, they have a honor system cart for the fruits and vegetables they still grow as shown in the photos. It's a must stop along the Silverado Trail...a beautiful setting with amazing vistas. — 9 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Been a awhile since I’ve had a Patz & Hall.

Nose reveals; baked & candied black plum, plum, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, poached strawberries, blueberries, dry cranberries, dark spice, smoked meats, core of black licorice, soft tarry notes, steeped black tea, mixed berry cola, fruit roll ups, sandy soils, moist clay, eucalyptus, dry twigs, tree sap, forest floor with dry leaves, touching mushrooms with candied, fresh & withering; red, purple, blue florals framed in violets.

The body full & round...well extracted. A little too much. Nice viscosity. Baked & candied black plum, plum, dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries, poached strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, dry cranberries, dark spice, smoked meats, core of black licorice, big dark fruit cola, soft tarry notes, steeped black tea, mixed berry cola, fruit roll ups, sandy soils, moist clay, eucalyptus, sage, nut skin, dry twigs, tree sap, dark spice with palate heat, forest floor with dry leaves, touching mushrooms with candied, fresh & withering; red, purple, blue florals framed in violets. The acidity round & rushes like a fresh water mountain river. The finish is extremely well balanced, polished, rich, lush, elegant persistent ending in dark spice & earthiness.

There is another point or two to be had from this bottling with three to five years of cellaring.

Photos of, our friends deck in progress and vistas. — 6 years ago

with James and Christina

Bill Caperton

9.0

loved it. Dark stewy fruits on the nose leading to uplift of strawberry and sunlight, with light tobacco chewy late notes. Tastes very much of its place; sunny and easy. Not overly serious, but winks with knowledge of its lineage...the one that escaped the chateau for western vistas and early morning fog pre-surf.  — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The nose shows, bright dark and mid red fruits. Blackberries, purple fruits, dark cherries, blue fruits, black raspberries & sour black plums. Dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, touch of V/A, herbaceous notes, tobacco, sweet tarry notes, soft wood notes, dark rich soil, expresso notes, limestone minerals and dark withering and fresh florals.

The body is full and thick. The tannins powdery, meaty and sticky. The structure, length, tension and balance are set for success. The fruits are ripe with candied notes. Blackberries, purple fruits, dark cherries, blue fruits, black raspberries & sour black plum. Dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, touch V/A on the palate as well, herbaceous notes, tobacco, sweet tarry notes, dark spice with just a touch of heat, soft wood notes, dark rich soil, expresso notes, limestone minerals and dark withering and fresh florals. The acidity runs like a fresh water river. The long finish is thick, round, ripe, well balanced and persist in the mouth for minutes.

Photos of; another shot of their hillside vines, Owner/Winemaker, Murray Barlow and I taking about his vineyards, Cellar Door grounds and another perspective of their vines and vistas. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Our second stop of the day was at Cape Point Vineyards. One of the very best vistas we had seen on any of our many trips. Absolutely, a great place to have lunch and stare at that view.

The nose reveals; lemon custard, lime, green melon, banana peel, green apple skin, pineapple, stone fruit, honeysuckle, steely minerality, wet stone, some cut grass & green bean with yellow lilies and white flowers.

The body is full, round and waxy. Texture is beautiful. Lemon custard, lime, green melon, banana peel, green apple skin, pineapple, stone fruit, cantaloupe, honeysuckle, steely minerality, wet stone, powdery, soft chalkiness, saline notes, some cut grass & green bean with yellow lilies, citrus blossoms and white flowers. The acidy is round and perfect. The finish is; elegant, lush, well balanced/polished and persists beautiful for minutes. 92 just missing 93. My favorite of the five we tasted.

Photos of, a panorama view from their terrace patio restaurant, my better half enjoying that view, her ceviche starter and the mountains that run from the right side of property all along the back of it. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

On the nose; the fruits are, ruby, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, baking spices, black licorice, dark soils and fresh red and violets.

On the palate; the body is full with dry thick, sticky tannins. ruby, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, baking spices, chewy , underbrush, dry stones, leather black licorice, dark soils and fresh red and violets.

Photos of the vistas around the properties. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

On the nose, ripe, ruby, fresh fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, blue fruits& dark cherries. Vanilla, caramel, sweet dark soils & sweet dry top soil, some black licorice, light medium spice and dark fresh and decayed flowers.

On the palate, the body is very full with dry sticky, meaty tannins. Ripe, ruby, fresh fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, blue fruits & dark cherries, Vanilla, caramel, clove, sweet dark soils & sweet dry top soil, some black licorice, more light medium spice than showed on the nose, dry crushed rocks, volcanic minerals and bright, dark and red fresh flowers.

Photos of, Finca Decero and the various vistas from the property.
— 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

On the nose; soft & really nice perfumed florals. Quiet ripe fruits of; dark cherries, blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, black & plum. Vanilla, light cinnamon, light sweet spice, light pepper, black licorice, sweet tarry notes, rich dark soils with bright red floral and beautiful violets.

The body is round and full. The tannins are soft, rounded and velvety. Ripe, ruby fruits of; dark cherries, blackberries, blueberries, black raspberries, black, strawberries as it opens & plum. Vanilla, light cinnamon, light sweet spice, light pepper, black licorice, loamy dry top soil, crushed rock powder, understated sweet tarry notes, rich dark soils with bright red floral and beautiful violets. Acidity is again round and waterfallish. The long finish is nicely polished, elegant, balanced and beautiful.

Photos of; their small cellar facilities. They sell much more fruit than they make into wine. More Estate vines from our walk of the property and another one of their beautiful Casablanca Valley vistas. — 8 years ago