Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2022 Merlot pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fantastic notes of black plum, black cherry, cocoa, purple flowers, leaf tobacco, green chilis, dry earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long with lovely texture. This is a phenomenal vintage of Merlot despite the challenges. Drink now through 2048. — 7 days ago

Mo

9.2

A superb Zinfandel blend that tastes great now and possesses the requisite structure to age. Ridge sets the standard in American winemaking. Their corpus of high quality wines is unmatched in America and challenges the entire industry worldwide. — a month ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I recently had a conversation with a few Joseph Phelps Ambassador’s at Pebble Beach Food & Wine in April. I said, I had every vintage of Insignia back to 2006 in storage. They said, “you should really drink up the 2006.” So, I coravined an 06 last weekend, a taste. I agreed then. But tonight not the case, it shows it still has a fair amount of life. Another 5-8 yrs and perhaps plus.

My Ribcap, a definition of Medium Rare Plus.

The nose reveals floral; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blue fruit notes. Melted dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, softly layered baking spices, very underrated graphite, steeped tea, mid berry cola, red licorice, limestone powder, dry top soil, dry twig, red, dark candied to slightly withering florals w/ liquid violet cola.

The palate shows well resolved, rounded, velvety M+ tannins. Nicely ripe fruits that are floral; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blue fruit notes. Melted dark chocolate, mocha, caramel river, softly layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanillin, warm caramel, dark Asian spices with palate burrowing heat, dry tobacco/ leather, cedar, grilled meats, very underrated graphite, sweet tarriness, black licorice, steeped tea, mid berry cola, red licorice, limestone powder, dry top soil, dry twig, red, dark candied to slightly withering florals w/ liquid violet cola, candied to withering; dark, red, blue florals wrapped in liquid violets, epic rainfall acidity, well balanced-structured-toned, elegant finish that lasts minutes and falls on earth & heated spice.

95-96 peaking. — 16 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

2017 Ravine White Springs Vineyard Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes). Nine years old and still seems youthful. Great nose of zesty Granny Smith and slightly unripe Cortland apples and lots of high-toned stony minerality. Palate is concentrated and intense, lots of crisp acid to balance the deep fruit and intense stones. Lipsmackingly delicious. 9.3 (This is a re-post because @Delectable Wine deep-sixed the original) — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

From magnum. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2012 pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with punchy notes of Morello cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, orange rind, red flowers, and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the texture is almost chewy. The 2012 is still an awesome value; really tasty stuff. Drink now through 2042. — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have written a few times regarding my tale of Caymus & Caymus Classic. Their vintages post 2011 and their vintages pre 2011.

I have at event tastings that Caymus was pouring, encouraged their staff to talk with Chuck to make both Caymus & Caymus Classic. Recently, I emailed them to pass on my thoughts to Chuck asking him to make both. If you liked Caymus the way it was, I encourage you to do the same. There is a dwelling amount of older, well preserved Caymus Classic vintages. info@wagnerfamilyofwine.com should you be so inclined.

Their post 2011 Caymus Cabernets are picked at higher brix and syrupy sweet. I get why Chuck changed. Many like sweeter Cabernets that drink easy young. That is not my wheelhouse.

In my intermediate wine days, I aged and enjoyed many pre 2012 vintages. This perfect bottle bought on the secondary market at around $70 is extremely well stored. The cork when I cut the foil looked slightly depressed, when I pulled it with an Ah-so was next to new.

I enjoyed this with a Ribcap, not the best wine for that steak but, ok. This 07 is more filet or NY Strip.

The nose shows; a very dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush-blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, mellow dark spices, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry tobacco, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender.

This bottle now nearly 18 years in bottle has not faded. It is at its precipice and will hold a few yrs. 2007 a grand Napa vintage. Decanted a little over an hour and enjoyed over the next 90-120 minutes. With this experience, another hour in the decanter is even better.

M-M+ velvety, rounded, tannins. The palate is round, ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush; blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, stewed plum, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries with notes of liqueur overtones, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, black licorice, dark berry cola, distinct dark, Caynus Classic spices w/ palate heat, herbaceous notes, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone/rock, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry river stone, charcoal, notes of menthol, dry tobacco, leather, dry oak barrel shavings, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender, perfect, round acidity with an incredibly; balanced, well knitted-toned-structured, elegantly/smartly polished finish that goes on and on and long sets on beautiful earth & spice.

94+ This experience is becoming rarer & rarer. — 5 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep purple color. Aromas of black cherry, plum, baking spices and oak. Nicely balanced, black fruit in the palate, anise and black tea.

🍇 7 % Merlot — 20 days ago

with Chad

WC Fields

9.1

This was a fun reveal double blind. — 11 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

My first of nine bottles. Good first look. 13 such an excellent & big vintage. This is still midway to the top of the bell curve. 15-20 yrs plus depending on storage & taste.

The 2013 fruit clusters had small berries that were nicely ripened by the season, which meant more skins vs berry that gave it tannins, structure & depth.

Epic vintage.

The nose reveals; a lift of sage & rosemary. Black currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to pudding, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, grey volcanics, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers.

The palate is round, lush & thick. M+ dry, velvety tannins that penetrate deeply w/ teeth. Black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to black plum pudding, caramel, dark spices w/ heat, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon to stick, vanillin, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, moist clay, grey volcanics, leather, graphite, moist tobacco, oak barrel shavings, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers, round, rainfall acidity with a rich/lush, nearly balanced, still strongly toned/structured, elegant finish with length & teeth that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earthiness.

It is still a baby. Plenty of life ahead. It has much more to offer. 15-20 yrs depending on storage and age taste. Add 1-2 points in 10 yrs. — 2 days ago

Tim O’Brien

9.3

Really good cab sav someone gave us for engagement, not bitter at all but still rich (in a good way) — 2 months ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.2

Just now getting a tiny bit tired. — 2 months ago

Michael Wehner

9.0

Apparently not a Tuesday wine — 4 months ago

with Margaret

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Château Lynch-Bages 2023 – Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A powerful, structurally driven Pauillac showing serious depth and long-term ambition, built on a 71% Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot support. The wine carries muscular architecture, dark fruit density, and firm tannic authority, currently showing some youthful rough edges but clearly positioned for future greatness with proper cellaring.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, cassis liqueur, blackberry skin, graphite, cedar plank, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf, dark cocoa and subtle savory spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, strong mid-palate grip, vibrant supporting acidity, dense core concentration, and a long, structured finish that signals serious aging capacity.

Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, rosemary-crusted venison, aged hard cheeses, slow-braised meats.

Verdict
A high-potential Pauillac still in its formative phase. The structure, depth, and terroir signature are undeniable, but integration will require time. A climber rather than a polished performer today, patience will be rewarded handsomely.

🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a future star in development, powerful, slightly raw, but absolutely loaded with upside. Not a wine for instant gratification, but one that will evolve into something truly special with time. I’d happily cellar this and revisit around 2029 when the polish finally matches the horsepower. — 7 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.4

Deep crimson color. Aromas of blackberry, cocoa, dried rose and pepper. Blackberry on the palate, black cherry and clove on the finish. Aged well! — 20 days ago

with Chad

Donald Williams

9.4

Mother clone is always a treat. — a month ago

with Bonnie

"Odedi"

9.1

Reddish in color with medium intensity.

Fruity nose with cherries, fresh raspberries, light oak, spices, chocolates, earth, herbs and tobacco leaf.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with strawberries, raspberries, fresh cherries, light oak, chocolates, herbs, earth, light tobacco and black pepper.

Good length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy pomegranates.

This 3 year old Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is starting to drink very nicely now.

Fruit forward and easy drinking, elegant and nicely balanced. Tangy and refreshing, complex and entertaining.

Will continue to age nicely in 5 years.

I gave it a light chill and had it all by itself.

100% Pinot Noir grapes were aged in (35% new) French Oak barrels for 9 months.

13.9% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$45. — 2 months ago

C Burwell

9.4

fruit party. Argentina beats Cape Verde in a nail biter — a month ago

Angelo Casagrande

9.1

Deep purple hue. Mouthfilling plum, blackberry and raspberry, with some spice/ pepper in there. Not a fruit bomb. There’s nuance here. Had this with grilled porterhouse. Excellent. Finishing it solo- equally good. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2023 pours a deep ruby/garnet with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose the wine is developing with heady notes of tart cherry, mixed brambles, spearmint, red and purple flowers, old school permanent marker, licorice, tomato, green herbs, clove and stony earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the body is, ooof…very nice. Another delicious vintage of Cuvée Réservée. Drink now through 2043. — 4 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I’ve had a number of PC 96’s over time, none quite this good. The fill line & cork perfect. Very little sediment. Some bottle neck tannin burn. For me, Pontet Canet didn’t really hit its consistent, quality stride until 2005. Doesn’t mean they didn’t make a few beauties before then. Pontet Canet is proof that the 1855 Bordeaux Classification needs to be redone. Unlikely it will in my lifetime.

This 96 maybe just short of its precipice. Stylistically a little better than 94.

The nose reminds me of everything I love about older Bordeaux. Dark core of currants/cassis. Ripe, floral; blackberries, dark, baked cherries, sweet, black plum, poached/strawberries, raspberries, hints of baked rhubarb & blueberries, mixed berry cola. Sweet forest floor w/ leaves, sweet mushrooms, sweet led pencil shavings, steeped tea w/ hints of fruit, charcoal, dry tobacco/leather, some dry herbs, withering dark, red flowers, red roses with violets.

The palate is also everything I love about older Bordeaux. Dark core of currants/cassis. Ripe, floral; blackberries, dark, baked cherries, sweet, black plum, poached/strawberries, raspberries, hints of baked rhubarb & blueberries, mixed berry cola/red vines. Everything I understood the first time standing in the estate vineyard of Pichon Baron. Tasting limestone, dry river stone, dark, rich soils with dry leaves, dry stems. In fact, I’ve tasted vineyards soils everywhere I have been in every world wine region. Basically, everywhere in the wine world that has reliance. Many multiple times. Sweet graphite, steeped tea w/ hints of dark fruit, understated, layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanillin, dark cocoa, dark exotic spices, some anise to black licorice, charcoal, dry tobacco with ash/leather, some dry herbs-safe/bay leaf, limestone, dry river stone, dry crushed rocks, dark, rich, earth with dry leaves, dry topsoils, dry stems, withering/dry dark, red flowers, red roses with violets, excellent, rainfall acidity with an extremely well balanced/structured/tensioned, great length and an elegant finish that lasts minutes and falls nicely on dry earth and dark spices.

A very, very slow roll with my Ribcap. Definitely better with the steak than on its own.

This bottle tells me this 96 has plenty of good drinking ahead, another 8-10 yrs+.

ABV is 13%. Disappointing it ever changed. — 7 months ago