Fly Rod Cellars

Rod Easthope

Reserve Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Possibly the best Sauvignon Blanc I’ve ever had. Very smooth, tasty. Not too tart. Well balanced. — 23 days ago

Jones Family Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Somm David T
9.8

I coravined some of the 97 early this week and as I sipped it, it was had not to think it was the best Jones Family I’ve had. A score of 98 and I have not given a wine 98 in a very long time. But no matter where you go, there you are.

Tonight I had the 01 at the “Tasting House” and it was amazing. Their Short Ribs are amongst the best I’ve had. A deliberate wine bring knowing the wine & how well it pairs w/ short ribs.

1997 was an outstanding vintage. I think we can all agree on that. Jones Family is a TRB wine that should not fly under the radar in any vintage and I have had nearly all those good vintages since 97.

The 1997 is ethereal. The nose is pure beauty. Perfectly ripe and resolved fruits. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums & juicy strawberries. Perfect baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, sandstone/limestone, fresh tobacco, cedar to sandalwood, dark, Indian/Asian spices, camphor, black licorice, berry cola, sun tea, volcanics, tree bark w/ hints of sap, dark & red fresh flowers.

The palate is incredibly, beautiful, balanced fruit & earth. Bright cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, hovering raspberries & juicy strawberries. Perfect baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, sandstone/limestone, beautiful Indian/Asian spices w/ some plate heat, fresh tobacco, sandalwood, volcanics & dry clay, camphor, dark chocolate baking bar, black licorice, some warm caramel, berry cola, sun tea, volcanics, dark rich soil with dry leaves, tree bark w/ hints of sap, fresh & dry herbs, dark & red fresh flowers framed in lavender & liquid violets, excellent acidity with perfect; elegance, tension, balance and structured finish that last minutes landing on fresh fruit, dark spices and earth tones.

I’ve posted other bottles of 97 Jones Family that were incredible, 95-96. This one perhaps had better storage, evolution & timing. Magic.
— 8 months ago

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Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Somm David T I recall having several bottles of the 97 Opus One which were all stunning.

Fly By

North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

Very nice cab from Costco — 3 years ago

Joseph Swan Vineyards

Russian River Valley Mourvèdre 1997

From an old Russian River vineyard planted in 1910, checking in at 12.5% ABV, this is a remarkable old-vine Mourvèdre that shows tree bark, redfruits, and amazing freshness and acidity given its 28 years old, great complexity and length, I can’t remember the production level, but guessing at most 100 or so cases, simply another great wine made by Rod Berglund at Swan!! — a month ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Dave, Jan and 9 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

I’d place bets this vineyard has since been grubbed up to plant Pinot Noir. But I’d like to be proven wrong!
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Tom Casagrande, I’m pretty sure you’re correct.

Fly By

Pinot Noir 2020

Light and easy to drink. Slightly sweet with hints of cherry! — 3 years ago

Rodney Strong Vineyards

Symmetry Meritage Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

Blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec, originally founded by Rod Strong in 1959. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep Ruby red with aromas of dark fruit, floral and herbs. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and sweet currants with cacao and espresso notes. Full-body, well balanced with fine tannins on a long finish. Very Nice! — 3 years ago

Alex, Daniel P. and 2 others liked this

Rod Easthope

Hawke's Bay Pinot Gris 2023

NW. Rich and buttery with good apples and pears coming through. Very drinkable and well balanced. — 4 months ago

Screaming Eagle

Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Tasted blind. This bottle was purchased directly from the winery on allocation and stored in a cold cellar since release. The ruby color is frightfully deep, almost black. Intense aromas with a laser-like precision of blackcurrant, crushed rocks, orange rind, chocolate, black cherry, mint, cloves and a dash of bourbon vanilla introduce the 2007 Screaming Eagle. The palate is a complete knockout: Full-bodied, extremely concentrated with pixelated, polished tannins, built like a skyscraper with an almost never ending finish. This is a massive Napa Cab, but despite all its power, it still retains freshness and elegance. The top of the cork reads "fly high and proud". Drink now until 2040. — 3 years ago

Ted, Romain and 20 others liked this

Sawtooth

Classic Fly Series Snake River Valley G.S.M 2016

Back to Idaho and ‘visited’ the GSM of Sawtooth Winery. The lighter body style wine actually paired quite well with our bbq chicken. The sauce amplified the spice and the dark red fruit notes in the wine. Very pleasant finish. — 3 years ago

Tammy de Weerd
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Edo and Jan liked this

Claude Dugat

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017

Maybe bought too many. It’s fine but doesn’t fly for me. Won’t reorder. — 3 years ago

Byron liked this