Clay Shannon

Crystallum

Clay Shales Hemel en Aarde Ridge Chardonnay 2019

My first time trying a wine from the Finlayson brothers of Crystallum, one of the Cape’s pre-eminent producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from, principally, the Hemel-en-Arde. The Clay Shales is a world-class Chardonnay from one of the best sites in the region at an altitude of 300m and within sight of the ocean.

March 2025
— 4 months ago

Peter and Bob liked this

Clay Shannon

The Barkley Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Plum, blueberry nose. Medium to full body.
Cherry, blueberry, plum fruit flavors w/ Leather and smoke accents. Medium tannins.
Long finish. Nice overall.
$20
— 7 months ago

Clay Creek Vineyards

Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This is really good. Will buy again — a year ago

Shannon Ridge Vineyard

High Elevation Collection Lake County Chardonnay 2021

I really liked it. Great with steak. Easy to drink and a great price at Publix. — 2 months ago

Jones Family Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Somm David T
9.7

I am re-coravining this 07. The 2007 vintage is generally compared to 97. I would say 07 is slightly better than 97.

I am honest, sometimes to a fault. This is absolutely the most underrated Cabernet producer in Napa Valley, bar none. A TRB made wine since 97.

The nose reveals ripe & lush; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, dark cherries, just a whiff of boysenberries with strawberries & creamy raspberries on the edges of the glass. Melted dark chocolate to frosting, plum pudding, mocha powder, salted caramel notes, cinnamon, clove, some nutmeg & vanillin, touch of butterscotch, understated herb blend, some grey clay, dry top soil, light graphite, very used leather, light fresh tobacco, undertones of anise to black licorice, withering-candied; dark, red flowers-roses with candied violets.

The palate is heavily magical. The tannins round, velvety & still meaty. Ruby & lush nicely evolved fruits that are; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, dark cherries hints of boysenberries, cherries, strawberries, pomegranate extract & hovering, creamy raspberries. Melted dark chocolate to frosting, plum pudding, mocha powder, salted caramel notes, tarriness, dark roasted expresso, anise to black licorice, cinnamon stick, clove, some nutmeg & vanillin, dark spice w/ some palate heat, touch of toffee w/ nuts, understated fresh herb blend, lightly grilled meats, some grey clay/volcanics, dark, rich, sweet earth, dry top soil, nice graphite tones, very used leather, fresh tobacco, undertones of anise to black licorice, withering-candied; dark, red flowers-roses with candied violets, excellent round acidity with an incredibly; balanced, well knitted, structured, tensioned, elegant finish that glides from beautiful fruits to spice & gentle earth and last nearly two-minutes. Glorious & stunning the character & depth of this wine!

Jones Family wines only shine this bright with 15 years plus in bottle.

This one has another 3-5 yrs before it starts its slow decent.
— 4 months ago

Scott@Mister, Andrew and 12 others liked this
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

I guess I need a little more experience with Jones Family. I’ve always scratched my head when it came to Seavey and Paradigm because it think both those wines are hugely underrated.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Buy them all the time already properly aged on the secondary markets for far less than winery prices.

Elk Cove Vineyards

Clay Court Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023

2023 vintage. Super youthful but the best Clay Court I’ve had. Light-medium body with good length of finish and ample spice résumé. 05.21.25. — 3 months ago

Bob, Tom and 7 others liked this

Clay Hill

Pinot Noir 2022

Bright red cherries, baking spices, plum, black pepper, and hints of vanilla cola. This vintage drinks brighter and more effervescent than others. Some blackberry and earthy notes provide depth. — 4 months ago

Serge and Ron liked this

Shannon Ridge Vineyard

Buck Shack Small Batch Lake County Red Blend 2020

Garnet colored with long legs. Aromas of cherry and anise. Dry and a tad acidic, with a nice mouth puckering finish. This is my kind of red wine! — 9 months ago