Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

What were you doing in 1970? It’s what I always think of when I have a very elderly wine. It also is the question I ask friends I share older wine.

Some 1970 highlights. The number one song was Simon & Garfunkel’s, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The President of the United States was Richard M Nixon and one of the kindest friends I have known was born. Last but not least, the Napa Valley was just beginning to rise. Louis Martini was one of those pioneers!

This bottle has survived & flourished over those 55 years and is a fine piece of history.

Many would say this is past its prime and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But I am one who appreciates wine on its still solid downslope. While on its decent, this bottling still shows nice fruit, complexity and elegance that just can’t be mistaken for good young wine w/ a long decant.

The nose shows a fig & date quality. Older, brambly; blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries, that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dry soil & crushed limestone, vanillin, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, reminisce of dark spices, tomato leaf, sun tea, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri.

The palate is still fresh & ripe; older, brambly, blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries, figs & dates. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dusty top soil & limestone gravel, dry river stone, crumbled, grey volcanics, cherry cola, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, clove, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, dark spices still w/ soft but impactful palate backbone, tomato leaf, sweetened sun tea w/ a spritz of lemon, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, round, balanced, well knitted, still tensioned, polished finish that falls on sandalwood, earth and spice that lasts 90 seconds.

12% ABV which I have said many times is my strong preference like w/ all amazing Clarets. I wish it had never changed. 92 on the wine, but a perfect 10 on the history scale. — a month ago

DAL 9000

9.5

This is the Lela reserve (25 cases) a little butter a little mineral. A good match ! Creamy apple citrus tartness. Another winner. — 8 years ago

DAL 9000

9.2

Seth finally made an unoaked Chardonnay! Pale yellow color. Initial taste of soft soft lemons and softer honey. Ever so slight oakiness on the back. Quick finish of minerals. — 2 years ago

DAL 9000

9.0

Meranda Nixon collaboration. Bouquet of dark dry cherries. Light dusty cherries with a hint of leather at the finish. Perfect on a summer day. — 5 years ago

Steven Carey

8.9

I swear I get Big Mac bun on the nose in the best way possible (short of an actual Big Mac). A fun region, a fun natural wine, a fun label that pays homage to the hairstyles of the Nixon era. — 7 years ago

with Olivia

DAL 9000

9.2

Big dry middle of dark cherries and dark plums. Ling soft tannins. At the vineyard with the winemaker Seth. — 8 years ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

Oldest wine I’ve ever had and an impressive showing at 50 years. Bit brown and leathery but the fruit, acid, and tannin are all still showing. Notes of Nixon and moon landing. — 4 years ago

DAL 9000

9.2

Big aroma of blackberries. mild ruby color. Smooth soft plums and dark fruit. Soft dusty dryness of dark cherries on the finish. — 6 years ago

Jennifer Porter

9.1

Favorite local winery. Norton is great — 7 years ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

10

This was the wine served at the “toast to peace” when Richard Nixon opened trade relations with China in 1972. — 8 years ago