Bob McDonald

9.4

See previous notes. An amazing 4 Trophies at Australian wine shows. I still have 4 bottles of the 2017 Reserve which should be excellent. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Aromatic notes of rose and violet. Great depth of delicious flavour on the medium bodied palate. Red fruits - savoury and rich. See previous note for the 2014 - always excellent but 8 years of cellaring has enhanced this wine. To have won the Jimmy Watson Trophy for the Best One Year Old Dry Red at Royal Melbourne and still starring now at 8 years of age shows this is a wine for all seasons and all years. Should be a regular purchase. A Winner. — 4 years ago

Zoran Korencan

9.2

At home 12.03.2022 — 4 years ago

Ian Staub

10

This bottle brings me right back to the beginning where I fell in love with Gideon’s work. Highly concentrated, intense, sappy texture that sticks to your gums.
Juicy ripe black summer plum, black cherry, blood orange, fresh fennel, pomegranate, purple flowers, tomato leaf, black pepper. Extremely complex and extremely delicious.

Still a strong backbone of acid and fruit persisting through the long finish. Tannins are fully resolved. Completely clean after a couple minutes to air out the bit of Brett and VA (which I expect and embrace with these wines).

I was ready to start popping all my remaining Clos Saron bottles thinking they were starting to decline, but a bottle like this could go forever. There is definite bottle variation at play, and the off bottles can be a bit muddy and dull. But when they hit (which they usually do) there’s really nothing like it. — 6 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.0

[Tasted on January 11, 2020 at Home]

Big, fruit forward expression of Pinot Noir. — 6 years ago

Ming L

9.3

The 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel from Tablas Creek was a tough act to follow, but this elegant Rhône blend from Sonoma just did that.

The nose was quite similar with aroma of blue fruits and earthy elements with hint of violet, it was the palate that set it apart: soft, complex and deep, with great texture and beautiful acidity that adds the tension. Elegant and seamless.

Kale Anderson was the long time wine maker at Pahlmeyer, and Kale wines are all vineyard-specific. Worth seeking out. — 7 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.0

[Tasted on July 15, 2025 at Home]

Cherry, plum and pomegranate fruit, with iron, graphite and herbal notes. Good QPR. — a year ago

Deborah M

9.0

Out to dinner with my parents last night and I was trying to find a wine that would make everyone happy. No it was not going to be the greatest pairing, but my objective was family happiness. I had previously opened a 2016 at home that they enjoyed, so I knew this would be a safe bet. The 2018 is drinking surprisingly well for being so young. While this was a nice bottle, it will be better with a few more years. If 2018 is your only option, I suggest a bit of time in the decanter.

Produttori del Barbaresco’s website offers a good bit of historical information on their wines — A cooperative founded in 1958, now has 51 members and controls more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of premium Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication. They produce a blend harvested from multiple vineyards, but in great years they will produce 9 single vineyard wines. I still need to try one of those single vineyard wines.

Facts: 2016 Produttori del Barbaresco. 100% Nebbiolo. Bottling date was April 2021. 15% ABV, but despite the number it does not come across that high.

Rule #4 Sometimes wine pairing importance comes second. I have to remind myself that not everyone I share a bottle with is as obsessed about wine as I am (i.e. my parents) — they just want to enjoy our time together with a nice glass of wine.
— 4 years ago

Scott E. Becker

8.9

[Tasted on March 13, 2021 at Home]

Candied cherry, red raspberry and pomegranate fruit, with notes of Earl Gray tea, spice and forest floor. Fruit forward wine with a saline note on the tannic finish. — 5 years ago

Mandy Tripp

10

An absolute delicious cab — 6 years ago

Eric Ford

9.2

Outstanding. Jill bought it at Blue Sushi and brought some home. Could tell it was going to taste good before even tasting it. — 7 years ago

with Jill

Brenda Terzich-Garland

9.1

An early evening HH at home with a fabulous Bordeaux wine. Color is a dark brown especially on the edges Red fruit and dark plum with a subtle barnyard lingering on the nose. Tastes of black fruit, currant and leather with earthy and smoky flavors and a sweet finish; tannins are mild and drinks smoothly. — 7 years ago

A D

9.0

Lovely Pomerol with the right flavours. Enjoy having it at home. — a year ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on December 24, 2022 at Home with Rachel and Jay]

Purchased library vintage when we visited the winery in 2017. Raspberry and cherry fruit, with espresso, spice and an effervescent note. — 4 years ago

Aaron Marsh

9.1

Had at home with pork tenderloin. Nice balance, slightly on tannic side. Subtle tobacco — 4 years ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

Had the 2011 and the 2013 tasted together at the visitor center - deciding which to buy...The 2011 is ready for drinking, smooth tannins. Full notes when we will open at home. — 5 years ago

Dennis Durkee

9.4

May 20, 2020 at home — 6 years ago

Will Rogers

9.3

Pasta dinner at home with Bowen’s — 7 years ago

Lauren Ruvolo

9.1

Steakhouse dinner at home. Was the star of the show. Held up nicely to some hefty meats and buttery potatoes. — 7 years ago

with John