Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry and floral spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long finish, bold ending with sweet oak notes. Very Nice! A Fav! — 10 months ago

Shay A

9.6

After an epic lunch from @joe leatherwood , a few of us got together for a socially-distanced evening hosted by @Keith Fisher to keep the party going.

After the 2012 Harlan at lunch, Keith decided to continue with the theme with an ‘06. Unbelievably smooth and balanced while still retaining power. Aromatically it is very black fruit dominant...blackberries, cassis, sweet tar/pipe tobacco, graphite and channeling just a touch of bay leaf. Waves of flavor on the palate of smoked meat, creme de cassis, currant, mocha, baking spices and a supremely balanced finish. At this point in its evolution, it’s reminiscent of a high end bordeaux from a warm/ripe vintage. A total treat. — 4 years ago

with Jid, joe and 3 others

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from a family with farming and winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across, almost looks like a Cab). Rich berry flavors with cedar, spice and vanilla. Lingering ending with sweet oak notes. Consistent quality Nice! A Fav! — 4 years ago

Kevin Cahoon

9.3

Blackberry, plum fruit and aromas of spring flowers are supported by a subtle touch of road tar and graphite in the airy nose.
Palate is a great combo of red and black fruits with precise mineral tone, lithe tannins supported by vibrant acidity. Plum minerals and freshness lead the way on the finish. One of the freshest St Joe expressions I have had from the domaine. Shares a lot of vintage dna with their 2011 L’Ermitage Rouge. Drink now for its bright fruit but based on the wines balance I see upside over the next 3 to 5 years. — 3 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Virtual tasting with Texture Wines and winemaker Erich Bradley. Big thanks to @Joe Lucca for setting it up.

Anderson Valley fruit. A blend of Ferrington Vineyard and Deer Meadows. Somewhat surprising is that this is 100% destemmed. Based on how the Lucky Well chardonnay was so old world in style, I’d assume some whole cluster or stem inclusion, but based on vineyard location, they feel like the tannin can be easier to achieve and there is no need to increase.

I only gave this about a 30min bottle decant and while it was approachable, it was significantly better at the 3+hr mark. Initially, it was driven by a slightly syrupy/maple richness that seemed out of place. It dominated the other aspects (candied black cherries, potpourri, baking spices) but eventually yielded to a more lifted profile and added black pepper spice. Day two picked up where day one ended showing a more elegant and spice driven profile. I’d say this probably won’t get much better, but definitely give it some air. — 4 years ago

with Ron, Shawn and 6 others

Shay A

9.4

I was surprised when I realized I’d never had anything from Lewelling. I know of their quality and hear praise often about them, so I was very excited when @joe leatherwood brought this down to open.

Even in ‘06, this was sporting 15.3ABV! To their credit, it doesn’t come across hot at all. Blend of French and American oak, but I didn’t detect the American oak. Very aromatic, showing ripe and candied black cherry, sandalwood, baking spices and red licorice. Nicely integrated on the palate...juicy without being a fruit bomb. Chocolate dipped cherries, espresso and towards their finish there is a mint-like flavor. Very good. — 5 years ago

with joe and Jason

President Obama

9.6

$81 @ Domestique — 4 years ago

Kevin Ortzman

9.6

Today was a reason to celebrate, my good friend was promoted to MD at the Big 4. Well deserved, Joe! This bottle is amazing - loads of minerality with lemon zest, lemon curd and a hint of butterscotch (although, the butterscotch may be the influence of the subsequent rating/bottle; Meursault-Perrier’s 1997) — 4 years ago

with ADAM and Joe

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner is a 4th generation winemaker from a family with farming and winemaking roots in the Napa Valley since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby with red berry fruit aromas and sweet spice notes. On the palate flavors of raspberry and ripe blackberry with sweet oak, cacao and espresso notes. Soft fine tannins perfect acidity and balance long finish ending with mineral character. Nice! A Fav! — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.6

July 4th Friday was a total blowout! Killer bottles one after another. Here are just a few of the bottles we all enjoyed!

Such a treat to compare this against the ‘08 Schrader To Kalon and the ‘09 Chappellet Pritchard Hill. This was decidedly more dusty. Dark cocoa dusted dates, cassis, and black cherry compote over toasted graham crackers. This was decanted about an hour+ before we got to it and it was still powering through hours later. Thanks, @joe leatherwood . — 5 years ago

with joe, Dan and 2 others