Even though 18 was a dramatically wet vintage, Michael knows how to coax enough tannin and acid from the rain logged clusters. Sorting must’ve been the real key here as the blend retained quite a bit of structure associated with other quality vintages. While a bit mellow and buttery, it was still very pleasant with the floral component. — 10 months ago
Like this, pretty good for a Zin — 6 months ago
Purchased at release and like most WA Syrahs needs time to achieve its potential. This wine is now soft and fully integrated with black and red cherry graphite tar menthol spice cedar smoked meat all in balance with just enoigh acid to keep it bright. Color is still deep ruby with no rim variation. I've had every vintage ever made of the Wild Eyed and remain loyal. — 10 months ago
Opened and decanted about an hour prior to service. The 2016 San Valentino is a blend of mostly Sangiovese mixed with some local varieties. It pours a deep ruby purple with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the palate, the wine is developing with fascinating notes of ripe cherry, blackberry, exotic spices, wild underbrush, old leather and rich woody notes, some VA and dried rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ viscosity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and lovely and despite the concentration of flavors, surprisingly nimble and super versatile with the variety of fare on the table including sturgeon in a miso with noodles (it kinda blew my mind actually). Sublime. Drink now with patience and through 2036. — 4 months ago
Absolutely superb. Fresh, fruity, smooth. Delightful. — 5 months ago
Worth $13. Wonderful pinot, very enjoyable, not overly dry, not overly jammy or sweet. Jen got this bottle from CCSM womens event. — 6 months ago
Since Fass is offering the 2019 as a cellar release from the winery i went back to taste the vintage. 2018, 19, 20, 21 are all excellent and different. The 18‘ is more wild and rich, the 19‘ quite elegant and the 20‘big while the 21‘ is probably my favorite a combination of 19‘ & 20‘. The 19 is classic E&M i would drink the vintage and not keep it. Light and elegant, dark cherries, lime, chalk and this hard to define E&M signature best described as black forest meadow with thyme and other herbs. I could drink this by the bucket. — a year ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
What a pair w/ Crostini, Chervil Sheep Cheese & Duck Confit. 👌
Dark, juicy, lush to mid fruit core, dark cherries, strawberries, hues of blueberries, raspberries, limestone, softened granitic earth, deeper red cola, black & red licorice, baseball card bubble gum, understated fresh herbs, dark, rich, sweet earth, hints of maple syrup, tree bark w/ sap, dark & red florals for days, excellent, round acidity and a well made, balanced, relaxed tension, polished, lush finish that lasts 90 seconds. Delicious.
This is better than some premier cru red burgundies for far less $.
Absolutely one of the top three producers of Grand Cru Gamay. — a month ago