Ming L

9.3

The winery is known for its Petite Sirah, and this bottling from the home estate in Calistoga shows why.

Aromas of blueberry, plum, violet, dark chocolate, black pepper and subtle fresh herbs. Rich and powerful palate, yet surprisingly lifted, with fresh acidity and firm but polished tannins. Finish is long, savory and gently candied.

Will benefit from further bottle aging and drink beautifully for the next 8-10 years. — 2 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The nose opens with classic violet perfume, joined by ripe plum, and red cherry and raspberry tones that lend unexpected freshness. The palate is refined and supple, showing more delicacy than the rustic power often associated with Douro reds. Fine tannins with subtle peppery spice and gentle dried herbs linger on a poised finish.

I think this is my first single varietal Touriga Nacional bottling. Lovely.

— 17 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Lovely aromatics mingle fresh berry fruits with peppery spices, complemented by a hint of violet and an undertone of bell pepper and herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with fresh acidity and a supple texture supported by fine-grained tannins.

A highly enjoyable Napa Cabernet Franc that will benefit from another 4–5 years in the bottle. — 21 days ago

Ming L

9.1

Aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, and lemon layered with hints of vanilla and wet stone. The palate is quite generous yet remain lively, with fresh acidity. Nice intensity and length. Expressive with both and structure.

From a small South-facing 40-year old plot overlooking the Corton hillside. Great QPR. — 5 days ago

Ming L

8.8

Ripe stone fruits, lemon zest, and honeysuckle underpinned by subtle petrol note. A bit too sweet for my palate, but should pair very well with spicy Asian dishes.
— 11 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The nose is a tapestry of ripe plum, cedar, and smoky graphite, with a vivid burst of crème de cassis and violets. The palate is plush and sleek, offering concentrated blackberry and earthy notes framed by suave tannins. Finish is long and savoury.

Purchased at around $40. What a value! — 19 days ago

Ming L

9.5

Crafted by Philippe Melka, aromas of dried herbs, forest floor, and tobacco leaf frame a core of cassis and black plum. The palate is savory yet refined, with fine tannins, graphite nuance, and integrated oak. The finish is long with earthy depth.

I love Napa 2011 vintage, which is very underestimated in my opinion for its cool, extended season with resulting bottlings from top producers leaning towards restraint and classicism. — a month ago

Ming L

9.2

A field blend of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante, Carignane, and even Chenin Blanc among others that spend 15 months in mostly French barrel, 20% new.

The complex nose shows dark plum, blackberry, dates along with subtle savory notes of leather and dried herbs. At nine years, this shows maturity with a smooth almost silky palate yet retains balanced acidity. Long lightly candied finish. — 7 days ago

Ming L

9.4

This is the last of three horizontal single-vineyard bottlings from the 2013 vintage, and undoubtedly the finest of the trio— the other two sourced from Anderson Valley.

Still remarkably fresh, it offers an alluring mix of red and black fruits, layered with subtle floral notes. The palate shows impressive depth and precision, carried by fine acidity and a silky, seamless texture. Expressive and elegant, it should have at least another 5 years of drinking window. — 12 days ago

Ming L

8.9

The nose shows classic BdM aromas of dried cherry, rose petal, steeped black tea, tobacco, and a whisper of balsamic. Yet on the palate its tart acidity overwhelmed, and the nimble structure is more inline with CC than a BdM.

Not bad, but I certainly expected much more.

— 22 days ago